On 6th September 2021, a Panel Discussion was organized by Research Center for Cooperation and Peace Building(RCCP), Beirut, Lebanon with Speakers from Center for Global and Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad on ‘’American Withdrawlfrom Afghanistan & its Repercussions on the Regional Stability’’.
Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Center for Global and Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad stated that Afghanistan has been engulfed with complexities for many decades. However, the fall of Kabul taking over Afghanistan have created many Questions. While talking about U.S. involvement in Afghanistan, he stated that American flawed policies have led to a misadventure in Afghanistan.
He mentioned that Taliban in Afghanistan are divided into different ethnic groups amid, Tajik, Uzbeks, Pashtuns and Hazaras. While sharing his expert opinion, Mr. Khalid Taimur stated that the role of Shanghai Cooperation Organziation is pivotal in resolving issues and integrating all regionl countries.He suggested that regional powers must make decisions that they would stand firm. All regional countries must formulate a holistic framework for regional peace and development.
Prof. Dr. Shabir Ahmad Khan, Director, Area Study Center(Russia, China & Central Asia), University of Peshawar, Pakistan discussed that taking over territory and running successfully a state are two fundamentally different matters particularly in the case of politically, religiously, and ethnically divided Afghanistan. He stated that internal and external support to Taliban will depend on their behavior, i.e., tolerance, accommodation of various ethnic and political groups internally while demonstrating that they are a source of stability in the region by addressing neighbors’ concerns. He suggested that theTaliban have to create an environment of no fear or civil war, and offer no place for terrorist groups. Afghan soil will not be used against any other country. Prof. Dr. Shabbir Ahmed Khanalso mentioned that Pakistan’s role will remain central to avoid food crises, medicine shortages, and provision of other necessities during the transition period.
Mr. Syed Muhammad Ali, Director, Nuclear and Strategic Affairs, Center for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS) & Regional Security Expert, Pakistan mentioned reasons behind withdrawal of U.S. from Afghanistan. While mentioning the reasons, Mr. Syed Ali mentioned that U.S. was unable to spend further money on the incompetent government as it was politically difficult for U.S. He discussed the transformation in the world order and geostrategic realization. He appreciated the role of Pakistan in helping Afghanistan in peace process. He also discussed the medical and food facilities that Pakistan is giving to Afghanistan.
Ms. Maryam Raza, Research Associate, Center for Global and Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad, talked about the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan and stated that socio-political dynamics have been changed. While talking about regional security, she stated that there will be security implications for the region. However, Pakistan has made its stance clear that it will work with regional stakholders and there will be no refugee influx again in the country. Ms. Maryam Raza also suggested that all regional stakeholders like Central Asian Republics (CARs), Iran, China, Russia, Turkey, and Pakistan must make a holistic framework for future plan to deal with this situation and Taliban government. Furthermore, Allregional players must join hands and make a coherent plan of action. She concluded by suggesting that multilateral institutions like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) can play an important role to provide a platform for regional peace and negotiations.
The panel discussion was followed by an interactive session and was moderated by Dr. Dania Koleilat Khatib, President,Research Center for Cooperation and Peace Building(RCCP), Beirut, Lebanon. The session was attended by 35 experts from Lebanon and Pakistan.