U.S Military Intervention in Afghanistan: Implications for Regional Peace
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Date
2011-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study examines the implications of U.S military intervention in Afghanistan for regional
peace, and the obstacles for bringing peace and stability in the country as well as in the region
by analyzing and reviewing different secondary sources. The study found the U.S military
intervention in Afghanistan since 2001 is unable to bring (win) the peace in the region. The
current problem of Afghanistan is not only confined in it, rather caused serious dangers for the
neighboring countries. The intervention in Afghanistan conducted with the aim of eliminating Al-
Qaeda and Taliban has brought enormous economic, social and political implications or
changes in the region. Due to its geographical proximity and ethnic similarity Central and
Southern Asian states were affected by threats of terrorism, religious extremism, smuggling and
drug trafficking. The conflict has become a regional one, including the continuing challenges in
Tajikistan, the growing conflict led by the Islamic Movements of Uzbekistan involving several
states, process of political decay in Pakistan, and insurgency in Kashmir.
The main factors for the U.S-led coalition’s failure in promoting peace and stability in
Afghanistan and the region are also examined in this study. The failure of coherent strategy
among the coalition forces that integrates counter insurgency and reconstruction operations,
lack of resource as a result of parallel conflict in Iraq that captured the attention of U.S
administration and lack of regional cooperation(regional states inability to combat Taliban and
Al-Qaeda in its own border) are some of the reasons. In addition, the legitimacy of the Karzai
government affected by incompetence and corruption; perceived marginalization of certain
groups; slow progress in reconstruction and development; disregard of Afghans’ cultural and
religious values and atrocities committed by U.S and NATO forces are the other important
factors. Finally, the study concludes that the collective memory of the Afghans about outside
intervention and the ignorance of the local people from government positions are the most
important factors for the resurgence of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda insurgency, which is
responsible for regional instability. Based on this the study concludes military action alone couldn’t bring a real solution for the current problems in Afghanistan and the region.
Diplomatic commitments; like power sharing and negotiation among the national government and insurgents should be given priority
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