SHAFAQNA PAKISTAN (Shia News Agency)
Afghan president Ashraf Ghani is on visit to US. This visit is of key importance as there are widespread reports that the scheduled withdrawal of a majority of remaining U.S. forces in Afghanistan may be delayed given concerns about Afghan forces’ capabilities. Ashraf Ghani’s first priority must be to look after Afghan interests – not placate US interests. Ghani, who recently marked sixth months in office after coming to power in a troubled national election, will be eager to discuss Afghanistan’s post-war development and reconciliation process, and prospects for private U.S. investment in his country.
Now, although the US administration expects Ghani to deliver the message that “He is not Hamid Karzai”, he had better make it clear to Washington that he is first and foremost an Afghan and his priority is to fulfill the interests of his people.
Afghans want bilateral relations with the US on the basis of mutual respect as two sovereign countries in its practical terms. But it would be of no benefit to them if the US partnership with Afghanistan does not translate into peace and stability in their country.
It is quite clear that focus of this visit will be on sequencing the troop withdrawal. There, too, Ghani brings a pleasant change from Karzai’s days. President Obama seems to want Afghanistan back to “normal embassy level security” by the time he leaves his office; to put the shine on his anti-war legacy. But he clearly wants larger numbers for longer, which means slowing down the drawdown. Kabul considers it necessary, not just in face of another Spring Offensive, but also so the Afghan army can be trained better and faster. The latter will be crucial for long term peace and security. The Taliban made US withdrawal key to talking – something that sat well with Karzai – whereas Ghani’s administration seems to want talks and more foreign troops at the same time. At least towards the end of Afghanistan’s last administration, the two positions contradicted each other. How the Taliban react now remains to be seen. However if Taliban agree upon joining the political mainstream, US should withdraw from this region. If peace prevails in Afghanistan, both Pakistan and Afghan national force can jointly crush the militants with the help of Taliban. Thus Ghani needs to play his card carefully.
pakistan.shafaqna.com
