Jul 06, 2010
Saifullah Ahmadzai

When the U.S. and it is allies dismantled the Taliban regime in 2001, it gave the people of Afghanistan hope for peace, stability and prosperity. However, eight years into the conflict their aspirations for stability have begun to diminish. Afghanistan is in need of cooperation from the international community, particularly its neighbors Pakistan and India to accelerate the political development process and promote peace and stability in the region. Nonetheless, rivalry between Afghanistan’s two strategic allies, India and Pakistan, has added to the declining security climate. The two historic rivals view each other’s role in Afghanistan with suspicion and interest assuming that each is using Afghanistan as a launching pad against the other. Such regional rivalries have further strengthened after the announcement of NATO forces withdrawing in 2012. Now the question arises, how can Afghanistan pursue peace and stability when its interests are jeopardized by regional contention and competition? (Full Artical, file type (Pdf) 130 KB)