It is important to see how the relations between Afghanistan and US move ahead, as Afghanistan is going through a very crucial phase of its history. The early years of post-withdrawal era will of utmost importance and will decide whether Afghanistan would be able to move ahead as a sovereign and war and terrorism free country or not. However, before the withdrawal of international troops take place, it is important for Afghanistan to chalk out a strategy to deal with any sort of situation that may arise. The strategic agreements with major countries of the world will definitely play a key role and in particular the strategic agreement with US is going to be vital.
It is unfortunate to note that the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) which is going to support the strategic agreement between Afghanistan and US is still facing a stalemate. This stalemate is because of certain disagreements, which are regarding certain conditions, mainly related to the role of US in post-withdrawal scenario and the immunity for US soldiers. Earlier, the Afghan presidential spokesperson had said that the agreement could not be reached on whether US soldiers should interfere in case the insurgents from across the border attack Afghanistan. The ongoing month of October is decided as a deadline but it is difficult to foresee the BSA being agreed upon till the end of the month as President Karzai a few days earlier announced to hold a session of Loya Jirga in a month’s time to decide about the fate of the agreement. Either the deadline should be revised or the Loya Jirga should be held quickly so as to finalize the BSA.
On Friday, October 11, John Kerry – US Secretary of State arrived Kabul on an unannounced visit to have talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai. The talks focused the BSA, which would allow US troops to be in Afghanistan in the post NATO-led military mission. It is important that this meeting must play some role in deciding about the fate of the BSA before it is too late.
It is very important for Afghanistan that the strategic cooperation must continue with US and at the same time the Afghan officials must be able to gain US confidence, keeping Afghanistan’s national interests intact, so as to have comprehensive support regarding security and training of their forces. Therefore, it is important to reach to a conclusion regarding BSA and finalize it in due time.