The United States’ decision to withdraw its half of troops from Afghanistan was a diplomatic victory for Pakistan and Kabul, as the government has been since struggling to get a strong hold against the increase of Taliban insurgents.
Islamabad and Kabul believes the withdrawal of the US troops followed by the discussion between the Taliban and the US, recommended by Pakistan, has elevated the risk of terror standing in the regions.
According to news reported by The Wire, an analyst said: “This was Islamabad’s position from the very beginning but Washington and Kabul were reluctant in the past. Pakistan would be more than happy about the developments that have taken place this week.”
According to observes in Islamabad and Kabul, any direct talks had been a crucial priority for Pakistan and by arranging the talks in UAE (United Arab Emirates), Islamabad has secured a seat for itself. Accordingly, it will have a severe impact on Pakistan.
A Peshawar-based analyst said: “The Taliban involvement in political process means greater say for Pakistan in Afghan affairs. Secondly, the US commitment to the process of reconciliation could pave the way for improvement of ties between Islamabad and Washington. Direct US involvement in talks would also neutralize Washington from accusing Islamabad of helping the Taliban and the Haqqani Network.”
The US withdrawal comes after Taliban had reiterated to withdraw US and NATO troops from Afghanistan, during a talk session in UAE with Washington.
Although, Pakistan was included into the nation’s talks in UAE, Kabul was already much concerned about the hasty agreements between the Taliban and US officials that it would undermine security of the country.
Spokesperson for Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, Harun Chakhansuri said the US withdrawal has not much impacted Afghan’s ability to defend itself. Harun said most of its withdrawal “are engaged in a training and advising mission for Afghan forces, and Afghan forces are capable of defending the country”.
However, the observers have warned the US withdrawal could be a “devastating” impact on Kabul’s stability. Following the US President Donald Trump’s withdrawal, a Taliban official said: “Frankly speaking, we weren’t expecting that immediate US response … we are more than happy.”