Endgame in Afghanistan: Challenges and Opportunities for Pakistan

Abstract

After the end of Cold War the geopolitics of the Asia Pacific witnessed a great momentum and change. Right after the 9/11 incident, the Bush administration while addressing the State of Union speech unequivocally expressed that he would send US troops into Afghanistan in order to root out Taliban and Al-Qaeda. However, his policies have borne no fruit so far. Since Nine Eleven, it has taken USA at least 11 years, to have a complete sway in Afghanistan. Given the agonizing panorama of incidents, like: desecration of the Holy Koran and killing of 16 civilians in three villages in Afghanistan, speaks volumes about Americans mishandling of the war. The of-late policy of Obama administration is focused on troops to pull out. American drawdown policy in Afghanistan has rendered the researchers and analysts to think that Endgame in Afghanistan is not going to be an easy ride. It is widely held that Iraq-like withdrawal will leave many questions unanswered. This paper will examine the painful process of Endgame in Afghanistan. It will also attempt and address a few questions regarding political and economic stability of Afghanistan before American withdrawal. Moreover, this study will analyze critically the entire process of pull out in Pakistan‘s perspective besides highlighting, challenges and opportunities for Pakistan in the Post-withdrawal Afghanistan.