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Going Dutch in Afghanistan

Many of the European governments, and of Australia, are in a fix over their prolonged military presence in the war-weary country. The unending war in Afghanistan, coupled with lack of strategic coordination between the United States and the ISAF forces, is proving to be a stark liability. Though Holland’s contribution is symbolic, with not more than 2,000 service personnel in the restive Oruzgan province, their walking out of the coalition would nevertheless come as a blow to the so-called war on terrorism. The situation demands recasting of priorities on behalf of the combatant forces. The mission objectives, if it has any, should be achieved at the earliest.

The collapse of Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende’s government has come at a time when the Dutch forces were zeroing in on the Taleban stronghold of Marja. On the other hand, an intense offensive by the ISAF is underway in the Helmand province in an attempt to nail down the Taleban. The change of heart in Amsterdam is not on account of casualties suffered by the Dutch forces, but in not keeping an election promise of bringing the curtain down on the overseas adventure by yearend. Now as the Dutch departure seems inevitable, it is likely to open floodgates for other Europeans as well. The war in Afghanistan is already unpopular in Europe and America, and this new turn of events can come as a leadership test for US President Barack Obama, who has already committed an additional 30,000 troops. To add to the misery is the incapability of President Karzai’s government whose writ is hardly visible outside Kabul. The Dutch exit, however, will come as a military and political challenge for commanders in Pentagon and Brussels, thereby underscoring the need for chalking out a decisive strategy.

Meanwhile, mounting civilian casualties at the hands of trigger-happy NATO and US forces are quite disturbing. At least 27 innocent people died and scores were injured on Sunday in yet another misguided attack in the Oruzgan province. To compound the situation are continuing drone attacks that are fuelling the resentment in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and an embarrassment to NATO member states. Though Pentagon vows to stay focused on Afghanistan in months and years to come, only a political solution will end this conflict. Talking to the Taleban and other stakeholders in Afghanistan, and elsewhere in the region, may be the only way out. Otherwise the Dutch wouldn’t be the last to walk out of the coalition of willing in Afghanistan.