Afghanistan is well-known as ‘graveyard of empires.’ The greatest massacre of British soldiers in the history of the British Empire happened in Afghanistan. No one could win power in Afghanistan although the British tried, the Russians tried. What fate is awaiting the US-led forces in Afghanistan? They might not face what British and Russians suffered. The nature, goals and objectives of the current war varies from wars fought by British and USSR. There should be a difference between a war fought to occupy a country and a war fought to free the people of country from terrorist groups such as Taliban and al-Qaida.

After almost 12 years of counter-terrorism war, insurgency in Afghanistan remains a headache for its own people and the world. But the international allies are withdrawing their forces from Afghanistan and now Afghan security forces are to defend their country and protect its gains. Withdrawal from Afghanistan would not be possible, if the security sector of Afghanistan had not been bolstered.

Although the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) has a long way to go, it can be counted as one of the major achievements of the international community in Afghanistan. The greatest merit of the presence of international troops in Afghanistan is that it has made creation and growth of ANSF possible. It in fact speaks of the growing capabilities of ANSF that this year security responsibilities of Afghanistan was transferred to it.

Meanwhile, there are serious concerns among Afghans over the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan. Amidst that, ANSF serves as the ultimate hope of the people and government of Afghanistan. It expected that considerable number of foreign troops would remain in Afghanistan to continue supporting and training the ANSF and keeping eye over the activities of terrorist networks such as al Qaida.

The international forces will withdraw from Afghanistan by the end of the next year. The greatest challenge for Afghan government will be preventing the 12-year gains of Afghanistan in various fields made possible by consistent support from the international community. If there is a comprehensive plan for dealing the post-2014 threats to stability and gains of Afghanistan, there is no doubt that victory would be gained against the insurgents who are threatening security not only in Afghanistan but also pose serious threats to regional and global security. However, if the Afghan government and its international backers failed to make appropriate use of the time, Afghanistan might fall into a more chaotic situation and might reverse to its 90’s.