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Pakistan has been accused of playing a “active, disruptive, and destabilising” role in Afghan affairs, notably through Pakistan’s support for the Taliban, according to a report released by the US Congress on the country. “”Many observers see the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan as a substantiative victory for Pakistan, bolstering its influence in Afghanistan and advancing its decades-long efforts to limit India’s influence there,” the bipartisan Congressional Research Service (CRS) report continued, adding that despite some “favourable” remarks from top Pakistani officials, the regime’s power grab in the neighbouring war-torn nation may presuppose the regime’s power grab in the neighbouring war-
The CRS report, which does not represent the official position of the US Congress and is intended to assist lawmakers in making informed decisions on issues of interest, also warned that the US could become ‘isolated’ if countries such as Pakistan, Russia, China, or Washington’s allies such as Qatar move toward greater acceptance of the Taliban.”This would weaken America’s position,” the report added, “giving the Taliban more opportunity to dodge or defy US pressure.”
If the current Afghan dispensation is approved, US lawmakers will face a “tough but familiar” dilemma, according to the letter. “A less adversarial approach could provide us with access to the group and events in Afghanistan, as well as the possibility for effect.” Engaging with a Taliban government that supports some US aims while opposing others, according to the study, might force policymakers to evaluate and prioritise those goals, offering a difficult issue given the Taliban’s lack of democratic governance and protection of human rights.
Any ‘punitive’ approach by the Obama administration might exacerbate Afghanistan’s already poor humanitarian situation, as well as have ‘uncertain’ consequences for the Taliban, according to the report.
On August 15, the Taliban took control of Afghanistan for the second time, against the backdrop of American troop withdrawals that began on May 1. The withdrawal, which was completed on August 30, one day ahead of a self-imposed deadline, putting an end to America’s nearly 20-year military presence in the country.
