The Fall of Afghanistan : Decoded

Afghanistan is under the control of the Taliban. History repeated again on August 15 when the Taliban seized Afghanistan almost 20 years after the United States launched its global war on terror. This is a matter of concern among the people living and earning their bread and butter in Afghanistan. It's likely that the Taliban might strengthen the Islamist movement elsewhere in Central Asia more than two decades after Osama Bin Laden first sought refuge under their security.

How did they take over Afghanistan so quickly?

Over the past two decades, the US spent trillions of dollars in Afghanistan. It trained Afghan soldiers and police and provided them with modern tools and various types of equipment. 

It is considered that the US had secured a ‘word’ from the Taliban that they would not restrict their entry into Kabul until the safety of Ghani-led government officials and American nationals were secured. The latest round of Doha talks had begun on Friday. Taliban seized Kabul soon after President Ashraf Ghani and Vice President Amrulah Saleh escaped the Afghan capital.

Ultimately, though, the Afghan forces proved to be no match for the Taliban. Their determination further eroded when it became clear the United States was on its way out. The soldiers did not fight. Police abandoned their stations. And the government broke like everything was pre-planned.

What could be the Taliban's impact on India?

For many years, India had been a partner with Afghanistan in developing its infrastructure, Medical, Agriculture, and many other projects. The partnership is strategic in nature too with over $ 3 billion investment from the Indian side in Afghanistan. There are many Indians working on these projects including the building of the Shahtoot Dam on the Kabul River, the work for which has just begun. After the control of the Taliban over Afghanistan, all these projects are likely to be discontinued abruptly, and not only Indian investments will be suffered but the pace India took to provide help to war-ridden countries will go in vain.

Moreover, there's a possibility that the Taliban may embolden the terrorist groups working from Pakistan. Taliban got active support from beloved countries like Pakistan, Saudi Arabian groups, the UAE, and Qatar, where the so-called peace discussions were held. 

Writer             - Sahil Madaan

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