Hasty withdrawal risky
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The relationship of trust built up steadily by the United States and Europe with Afghanistan could break down at a moment's notice through thoughtless actions or unexpected incidents.
Many lives have been lost in retaliatory actions in Afghanistan, making the country’s security situation more uncertain. This is the reality of Afghanistan as a battlefield.
The Afghan situation has deteriorated since the turn of the year. In January, a video clip of four US Marines urinating on the bodies of dead Taleban fighters was posted on a website.
An angry Afghan soldier killed four French soldiers belonging to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Immediately after this, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said French troops would complete their withdrawal from Afghanistan at the end of 2013, one year earlier than scheduled.
In February, it was revealed that Korans were among trash burned by ISAF members at a US base. A furious Afghan killed two US officers who served as advisers to the Afghan Interior Ministry. All advisers to Afghan ministries were withdrawn from the ministries immediately.
The series of incidents has increased distrust between Afghanistan and the United States and Europe. The schism yawned even wider on March 11 when civilians were massacred in the southern province of Kandahar.
There is no excuse for a US staff sergeant to indiscriminately kill 16 civilians, including nine children. The US government must investigate the case thoroughly in the hope of regaining Afghanistan’s trust.
Following the massacre, the Taleban called off behind-the-scenes peace talks with Washington. This development is a cause for concern.
US President Barack Obama has pledged to withdraw US combat forces from Afghanistan by the end of 2014. To realise a “responsible withdrawal”, the Obama administration wants to promote peace and political reconciliation talks with the Taleban, which has its roots in the south of the country, while fostering and strengthening Afghanistan’s security forces so the country can deal with its own public security.
New ideas are needed to bring the Taleban back to the negotiating table.
A US public opinion survey shows a majority of Americans want the troop withdrawal advanced because of the intensification of anti-US sentiment and the increase in the number of US soldiers killed and injured in Afghanistan.
But if the United States impulsively pulls out its troops, it will only lead to the Taleban stepping up its military offensive to regain power. The international community must unite to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a hotbed for terrorism once again.
Due to the series of incidents by US troops, the Afghan situation is on the brink of a serious crisis. To stop the Afghan security situation from deteriorating, Washington must redouble its military and diplomatic efforts.
In July, Japan will host an international conference on assistance to Afghanistan, at which Afghan President Hamid Karzai will be invited to attend as a guest. Tokyo must step up its indirect and non-military support to help stabilise the Afghan situation.
