EDITORIAL : THE KHALEEJ TIMES, UAE

The mess in Afghanistan

The training and operational capability of the Afghan forces has been held in doubt by many independent observers and organisations.

Sceptical and critical of their readiness to assume security control, reports from these quarters have expressed concern over the transfer of responsibility to the Afghan forces in 2014.  The latest such report issued by the British charitable organisation Oxfam is on the same lines.
Highly critical of the Afghan police’s professionalism and accountability, it also notes deficiencies in the training (or lack of in some cases) provided. More significant is the listing of human right abuses at the hands of these security forces that are meant to ensure civilians’ security. The report also notes civilians abuse and intimidation including that of children. Lack of sufficient trainers is a reason for the state of affairs as is corruption, nepotism, lack of accountability and monitoring of the officers. The overall trend denotes emphasis on recruiting and swelling the numbers of the security personnel rather than providing quality training and bolstering capability. This does offer a bleak glimpse into an area that was regarded a top priority both for Kabul and Washington.

With the start of withdrawal of US forces scheduled in mid July, the pressure is on especially after the successful US covert operation that killed Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. The voices demanding the wrapping up of the war in Afghanistan,  post Osama are getting louder by the day. While this does give the US an opportunity to expedite withdrawal, a more sizeable exit may not be on the cards. The war against the Taleban-led insurgency is far from over even if Bin Laden is no more. However, in case the  hunt for Taleban leader Mullah Omer is successful, it will deal a blow to the insurgency and give the International Security Assistance Forces a big boost.

In any case the war has now entered a decisive phase and the goal for Kabul should be to have its national security forces ready to start assuming more responsibility. While outsiders can only help with the training and equipping of these forces, it is the responsibility of the Afghan government to keep a strict eye on the monitoring of the behaviour and activities of these personnel and strictly rule out any illegal behaviour. Not only will this impact the war efforts adversely it will turn the people away from the government whose security custodians cannot be trusted. This is highly important and deserves immediate attention.

Pakistan’s tough hour

Islamabad has finally commented on Osama bin Laden’s termination. Shrugging off charges of compliance with Al Qaeda, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani believes that it was no more than a mere intelligence failure.

Promising an inquiry into the Abbottabad mess, he once again vowed allegiance to the United States war on terrorism, and tried to put up a brave face amid mounting criticism at home and abroad. Gilani didn’t answer any of the critical questions on the count of Osama’s hiding on its soil and the transgression of its sovereignty at the hands of Americans. This might lead to severe revulsion among the people who are appalled at the failure of, what many say, writ of the state and the inability of the government to reply to the United States’ hot pursuit in a befitting manner.

Getting down to the bottom of how, when and why about Osama’s presence in Pakistan could lead to opening of a new Pandora’s box. It will inevitably pose many questions on the armed forces, as to why they chose to remain indifferent as the operation to hunt down the dreaded terrorist was underway on its soil. Similarly, if the raid had taken place without taking them in confidence, what lies ahead for the cooperation between both the intelligence services? It is feared that the surge of demands on the part of Washington might lead to a war of words between the intelligence sleuths of both the countries, inevitably resulting in scaling down of ties. Moreover, the jingoism being exhibited by sections of US military and intelligence agencies that they could once again opt for such unilateral commando action inside Pakistani territory is more than enough to paint a catastrophe in the making.
US President Barack Obama’s tongue-in-cheek remarks that Al Qaeda chief may have enjoyed the patronage of elements inside Pakistani establishment are quite disturbing. It is bound to breed discontent and impact adversely on expeditions against terrorists hiding in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The US bravado would not have been possible without the assistance and support of Islamabad and its prime intelligence organ, the Inter-Services Intelligence. Irrespective of how and when Osama made Abbottabad his abode, which of course merits a thorough investigation and serious disciplinary action, the fact that he has been taken out should come as a point of solace. The need of the hour is to beef up the cooperation in detecting and destroying the enemy, which now apparently survives in the shadows. Bickering over operational tactics is of no use.