A strategic shift in Afghanistan

A strategic shift in Afghanistan

Dr. Jassim Taqui

It is all happening in Afghanistan following the US escalation of the military operations there.

First, the Trump administration refused to attend the Moscow moot on 14 April 2017 that was held to find a negotiated settlement to the Afghan civil war. It was a clear indication that the Pentagon was favoring a military option to defeat Taliban. The CIA revived the drone war. In addition, the US forces in Afghanistan used the Mother of All Bombs to give a clear indication that the new strategy is now in action. The strategy clearly relies on using destructive weapons, drones and a new military technology. Furthermore, the Trump administration asked the Congress for approval of sending 5000 additional US troops to defeat Taliban.

The result is alarming. Taliban fighters hit where it hurts. They conducted one of the largest attacks on a military base in Mazar Sharif, killing at last 140 soldiers and wounding 160 others. Significantly, the targeted base is responsible for the security in nine of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces.

It was Taliban’s answer to the use of the Mother of All Bombs and challenging the military professionalism and effectiveness of the entire force. It was The Mother of All Attacks, signaling a strategy of confronting the US and NATO superior military force by suicide bombers and “ inside support” deep inside the military bases in Afghanistan.

The new strategy is aimed at demoralizing the Afghan National Army and Police, creating power erosion and extending control on more Afghan provinces. Already, the group controls more than half of the country.

In recent years, Taliban carried out multiple of attacks on government buildings, including the parliament, sending a clear message to government and its international backers that there is no place in Afghanistan that lies outside Taliban’s reach.