By Zabih Ullah Khattak (Pakistan)
Afghanistan remained a conflict zone for several decades and still has uncertainty being lurching across the country where basic needs are away from the reach of a common man. Decades ago, king Aman Ullah tilted to the USSR by adopting the communist ideology as a tapping point in the unfavorable situation being faced by Afghanistan for several years. The communist ideology was obstructed by the ordinary Afghans claiming it against the norms and tradition of Afghanistan.
Three eminent figures boost up the movement against the communist back government. Aprofessor at Kabul university engineer Burhandin and his two pupils Gulbaden Hekmatyar and Ahmad Shah Masud embarked on resistance to the communist government of Afghanistan. Facing uncertainty the then government led by Babrak karmal called upon the USSR for assistance to face the resistance force.
Furthermore, the war had continued for almost ten years and the USSR was facing three internal forces_ Gulbadeen targeting from South, engineer Burhanudeen resisted from center [Kabul while Ahmad shah Masud from northern side_ as well the external ones like Gulf states were rupturing enormous material and physical support to Mujahideen while the US had amplified its support to Pakistani mujahideen and government to subdue the Communism.
Moreover, the world trade center along with 3 other attacks on the USA was a big blow for the US, the then US president George W. Bush accused Osama Bin Laden and called upon Mullah Umar to hand over osama. Consulting Shura (consulting unit of an islamic government) Mullah Umar was convinced to hand over Usama but he refused by using his veto.
Responding to this, Bush called on Pakistan” whether you with us or against us”? The then president Musharaf had ensured his support against the Taliban government. By that time America embarked on a war on terror operation against terrorism. Flow of funds was billowing to Pakistan.
Following the American attack, Kabul fell into the hands of the US within the early few months. The Mujahedeen’s new destination for dwelling was Turabura Mountains located at the boundary of Pakistan.
Nevertheless, America invented a new bomb that had the quality for digging up to 3 feet and then exploding. Following this invention mujahedeen was compelled to leave the large cave and take protection in Pakistan (North and South Waziristan).
The predecessor followed an even harshest approach and announced war against the state of Pakistan. During that time the situation was even grimmer than before due to the inhuman acts being done by TTP.
High officials of the Pakistan government including retired generals, voice chancellors and principles were beheading and making their video clips. The situation was exacerbated and horror was strewed. The story does not end here as the TTP moved its operation towards urban areas and destabilized the situation.
Along with routine attacks, suicide bombs and targeting civilians they have challenged the state writ by launching a widespread onslaught over the state institutions. Meanwhile, the final straw that awakened the state machinery to launch a comprehensive operation against the terrorism was the attack on Army Public School where more than hundreds of students were brutally killed. The then TTP chief Hakeem Ullah Mehsud was killed in a drone attack that led to the fragmentation of TTP in several groups and spread to the northern area of Pakistan.
Fast forward to 2021, the Taliban government signed a covenant in Qatar with the USA ensuring that Afghanistan soil would not be used against any state but up to now they seem to fail despite their two years in power.
It is imperative for Pakistan, Afghanistan and most importantly the unsuccessful USA to devise an efficient strategy to face the challenges which engulfed the region.
Zabih Ullah is from KPK, Pakistan. He is a visiting lecturer of Political Science at Government Postgraduate College Karak and writes about current affairs.
