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Attacks in Afghanistan

The Taleban, it seems, are now out of the woods as they believe that this is the time to make their presence felt, as the coalition troops officially sign out of combat operations. The latest attacks, which killed more than 20 people, including Afghan soldiers and members of a landmine-clearing team, will have serious security ramifications. The morale of the people will be directly impacted, and that is perhaps what the disgruntled desire want to achieve.

The twin objectives of the militants could be to snub the foreign forces as they move out, conveying an impression that they failed to deliver, and at the same time demoralise the newly raised Afghan army. The best way to counter this trend is to open a new vista of dialogue with the Taleban, who in other words, are desperate to reconcile provided the Pakhtoons of the southern provinces are taken on board. Taking into account the generalisation of ideas on the international front, wherein the United States and the Western allies along with many of the Arab states, having endorsed a process of rapprochement with the Pakhtoon militia, it is never too late to extend an olive branch. President Ashraf Ghani had already vowed to bring the political-minded Taleban back at the helm of affairs and solicit their input in rebuilding the war-torn country. Not much time should be wasted in taking that initiative, as recourse to terror will derail the spirit and writ of the government.