Politically, Afghanistan is at low point. Insecurity and terrorism loom large and our people are suffering in many ways. Taliban militants have multiplied their acts of murder even as the next presidential and provincial elections are approaching. The militants aim to put pressure on foreign forces to withdraw from the country. The temptation of power is still a major aim for them.

While referring to civilians’ casualties taking place in the clashes between the Taliban insurgents and foreign forces, President Karzai always points the finger at US military. Regarding the Friday’s attack on Lebanese restaurant in Kabul leading to the death of 21 people, including 13 foreigners, President Karzai mentioned that US must do more to control terrorism. He added that it was a backlash of the earlier civilian lives lost in a clash between foreign forces and Taliban militants in Siah Gird District of Parwan province. Moreover, he refuses to sign the security pact, which, according to popular political thinking, should lead to a better security situation.

The government has already released 650 Taliban prisoners from Bagram prison, in spite of knowing that they are considered dangerous by US officials. Their release causes more insecurity. As a result, in the armed conflict between Taliban militants and foreign force in Parwan province, the death of Molavi Abdul Rahman, who was recently released from Bagram prison, is also reported. Hence, showing mercy to Taliban will cause further avoidable insecurity.

There spreads a strong sense of ambiguity among the people regarding political issues. We have two milestones ahead, namely signing of the security pact and the oncoming presidential election. Afghan people are fluctuating between fear and hope. But currently the feeling of fear is compounded with the rise of insecurity due to the President’s refusal of singing the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA).

The increase in the country’s destabilization shows that Afghanistan is not ripe for a security transition. Afghan police still needs the support of foreign forces regarding security. Therefore, it is hoped that foreign forces will not leave Afghanistan in the lurch.

President Karzai’s refusal to the signing of the security pact puts him in collision course with Afghan people. It was not only Loya Jirga who voted in favor of the BSA but also the majority of Afghan people support the issue. Hence on Monday, the Bamyan people launched a peaceful demonstration in support of signing the security pact. Their manifesto pointed out the disadvantages of the withdrawal of foreign forces: civil unrest, sectarian violence, increase in terrorism, uncertainty is bound to follow.