Can Afghanistan Be Saved?
What The Recent Happenings In Afghanistan Could Mean
As someone who is an ardent follower of global events, I must say that what’s currently unravelling in Afghanistan is very disturbing and nerve-wracking.
And I think that because of the way that the world is now connected, everyone should be concerned about what goes on in any country because it has a spiralling effect — that’s why the world is now a global village after all. We are now more connected than ever before.
The imminent mayhem in Afghanistan is something that I’ve thought about and I must confess that it doesn’t get easier. I’m finding it hard to believe that a U.S. government whose mantra since 9/11 has always been “We don’t negotiate with terrorists”, would acquiesce to the demands of the Taliban who have been known to aid terrorists.
The questions on the minds of many international observers are:
- Will Afghanistan ever be safe?
- Will Afghanistan collapse when the US withdraws?
- Can the Afghanistan military defend itself against the Taliban?
- Can the U.S. get everyone out before the deadline?
- What happens to those left behind?
Now let’s address these questions one after the other.
Will Afghanistan Ever Be Safe?
What we now have in Afghanistan, is a fluid and very chaotic situation. No one knows if the country will become a haven for terrorist activities. But one thing that we now know is that the terrorists (ISIS-K as they call themselves), have built capabilities since the U.S. announced that it was leaving.
Afghanistan is at a breaking point in terms of its security which will be met with so many uncertainties post-U.S. military presence. It is already becoming a hotspot for terrorism.
Will Afghanistan Collapse When The US Withdraws?
America cannot be blamed for wanting to put a stop to the “never-ending war” in Afghanistan. America has lost good men and women. It has also taken a toll on the American economy because in the end, sustaining a war that has spanned for decades isn’t a cheap venture.
The American economy will no doubt have some respite if they were to completely wash their hands off Afghanistan’s affair, but at what cost? As at the time I’m writing to you, there have been two explosions in Kabul. One was at the Hamid Karzai Airport and the other was at the Baron hotel near the earlier attacked Airport.
In a report credited to Reuters.com on the 24th of August, 2021, David Beasley, the Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), said that millions of Afghans could suffer from starvation due to a combination of conflict, drought and the covid-19 pandemic.
According to David Beasley, “There’s a perfect storm coming because of several years of drought, conflict, economic deterioration, compounded by COVID,” David Beasley told Reuters in Doha. “The number of people marching towards starvation has spiked to now 14 million.”
Yikes, it’s looking gloomy for the people of Afghanistan and as such, the international community should as a matter of urgency, come to their aid because clearly, they can’t do it alone.
Can The Afghan Military Defend Itself Against The Taliban?
From what we can see so far, it’s looking very unlikely that the Afghan military can repel these terrorists on their own. They need the support of the U.S. and its allies.
The formation of ISIS-K calls for concerted efforts amongst world leaders. We can’t afford to have another Iraq or Syria in Afghanistan because “defeating” ISIS in these countries wasn’t an easy feat. Hence the head of the snake must be cut off immediately.
Yesterday’s attack was gruesomely planned and executed by ISIS-K. So far, 72 Afghani people have been confirmed dead. Also among the dead, are 13 U.S. personnel, bringing the number of recorded deaths to 85 and so many others injured. This terrorist organisation is showing the world that they have the capability of carrying out such audacious attacks and there’s nothing anyone can do about it.
The Afghan military is not inspiring confidence right now following the way they have relinquished their grip over to the Taliban. They have been described as a military lacking the will to fight. It took just five (5) days for them to surrender to the Taliban. The irony of it is that the terrorists will now have access to some of the sophisticated weapons that America left behind unless they are stopped.
Can The US Get Everyone Out Before The Deadline?
So far, a record-breaking 95k+ people have been successfully evacuated from Afghanistan and that is a testament to the capability of the U.S. The evacuation effort is still underway.
There could still be between 500–1000+ Americans in Afghanistan who would do anything to get out right now. It’s now four (4) days to the deadline and I can only imagine if that’ll be ample time for everyone willing to get out.
The Taliban are turning down some American citizens with American Passport who are trying to access the Airport. The temerity of these Taliban is unprecedented. This leads me to my final question.
What Happens To Those Who Might Be Left Behind?
There’s a huge possibility that a lot of people might not get out before the deadline. The Taliban have set up roadblocks that have hindered the free mobility of people. They don’t want those of Afghan origin to leave the country. No doubt, some Americans are also affected by these roadblocks.
If they are not able to get out, they’ll be stuck in a country currently roaming with terrorists who are looking for opportunities to blow people up. This group will go after citizens who aided the US operation in Afghanistan over the years. What will be their fate? The last thing anyone wants is to be stranded in a war zone.
Will there be blood on the hands of President Joe Biden? As the President of The United States (POTUS), the world is watching to see what Biden’s next move will be. To his credit, he has said that they will “hunt down the terrorists” following the loss of American lives in this terrorist attack. But I’m eager to know how he will back up his tough talk with actions from afar without a presence in Afghanistan.
Today’s attack has been the deadliest for U.S. troops in Afghanistan in over a decade. The world must come together to prevent another al-Qaeda in this country. Together, we are stronger but divided, we fall.
I am in no way a Journalist but these have been my thoughts about what is going on in Afghanistan. Special mention to CNN which has done a nice job in covering the story in real-time. Feel free to share your opinion and also remember to follow.
