Two years after the abrupt departure of US forces from Kabul, Afghanistan finds itself hurtling towards a dire future, marred by factionalism, potential civil conflict, and the ominous return of foreign terrorists. In a candid interview, Lt. Gen. Haibatullah Alizai, who served as the chief of staff for the Afghan army when Kabul fell to the Taliban in August 2021, expressed deep concerns about the perilous state of his homeland.
The Perilous Path Ahead
Alizai, currently residing in the United States, paints a grim picture of Afghanistan’s current trajectory. He fears that the nation is on the brink of either another devastating civil war or fragmentation, with terrorists firmly in control. The last two years have seen Afghanistan fall into the hands of terrorists, and the number of terrorist organizations operating within its borders has multiplied.
A Chilling Infiltration
Even African terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab, Alizai alleges, have established a presence in Afghanistan, using the country as a training ground for their militants. This unsettling development has unfolded under the Taliban’s rule, raising questions about the group’s control and the threat it poses.
A Safe Haven for Terrorists
Alizai’s assessment is stark: Afghanistan, under the Taliban’s rule, is heading towards becoming a haven for terrorists. He places a significant portion of the blame on the hasty withdrawal of US forces and the Biden administration’s decisions. Alizai points out that many within Afghanistan and even intelligence and military organizations warned against the chaotic consequences of a rushed withdrawal. Despite these warnings, the administration proceeded with its plan, resulting in the current dire situation.
Alizai, a native of Helmand province, is no stranger to the complexities of Afghanistan’s landscape. His experiences, from serving as a police officer to holding key positions in Afghan security forces, give weight to his words. He warns that if the international community fails to act and the current trajectory persists, Afghanistan could become even more unstable than it was prior to 2001.
Alizai highlights a divided Taliban as a significant factor in the nation’s turmoil. The group comprises four factions, each vying for power and influence. Intra-Taliban conflicts have created opportunities for Daish (ISIS) to expand its foothold in Afghanistan, further complicating the security situation.
In the midst of these grave concerns, Afghanistan stands at a crossroads, and the world watches with bated breath. The future of this war-torn nation, once again thrust into turmoil, remains uncertain, and its fate hangs in the balance.
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