The longest war in American history has come to a “responsible conclusion” with the withdrawal US and NATO combat forces from Afghanistan but still the country remains “a dangerous place”. NATO’s war in Afghanistan, fought for 13 years, came to a formal end with a flag-lowering ceremony in Kabul that marked the transition of the fighting from US-led combat troops to the country’s own security forces on Monday. In the 13 years since US forces landed in Kabul post 9/11 to throw Taliban out of power, some 2,200 US troops lost their lives. Under a bilateral agreement with Kabul, about 12,500 foreign troops will remain in Afghanistan. They will not be involved in direct fighting, but will assist the Afghan Army and police in their battle against the Taliban, who ruled from 1996 until 2001. From 1st January, the US-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) combat mission will be replaced by a NATO “training and support” mission. With Americans withdrawing from Afghanistan the region will have security vacuum which can raise questions on the regional balance. US will pursue two missions with the support of the Afghan Government and the Afghan people. India too had to rejigg its regional security policy with energy remaining the main issue and should be working in getting the Iran-India gas pipe line through. India’s approach towards Afghanistan has largely been a function of the desire to prevent Pakistan from dominating that country, something Islamabad views as a vital counterweight to India’s preponderance in South Asia. The two countries have been stuck in a classic security dilemma in so far as their Afghan policies are concerned, in that any measure by either side to increase its security is liable to trigger a reaction thus causing deterioration in the overall regional balance. Broadly speaking, New Delhi has pursued a “soft power” strategy toward Afghanistan, sticking to civilian rather than military matters. In consonance with the priorities laid down by the Karzai government, Indian assistance has focused on building human capital and physical infrastructure, improving security, and helping the agricultural and other important sectors of the country’s economy.
