Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Saturday, July 6th, 2024

The Sensitive Remarks of Mr. President

The sensitive remarks of President Karzai made the prospective of bilateral relation with the US more controversial. He said that he will never sign the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) under pressure. He resembled his condition with that of Amir Abdur Rahman Khan, saying that he signed the border between Afghanistan and British Emperor contract which is known as Durand Line. He said that he will not sign the BSA under pressure.

Meanwhile he persisted that US should encourage Taliban militants to continue peace negotiation with Taliban, challenging the sincerity of both Islamabad and Washington. “The peace process is at the hands of Pakistan and United States. Do not forget Pakistan. If Taliban operate from inside Pakistan then Pakistan is involved. If Taliban are activate from Afghanistan, than it is our domestic affairs. Washington must support, not interfere”.

Indeed the tone of his voice and contents of his remarks are ponderable. US is of the opinion that it is not pressing anyone to sign BSA as it did not in the case of Iraq. When Iraqi officials voted against military extension, it pulled out without any visible irritation. Same would be the case in Afghanistan. US says that it recognizes the independence of the country and never acted like imperialist.

After severe opposition of President Karzai against night air raids, NATO just stopped it without hesitation. The US handed over the Bagram prison in order to show its sincerity that it respects the independence and sovereignty of the country. However, President Karzai reached to a conclusion that US acts more for its own interests.

Secondly, the US military presence is entirely based on international laws. It does not want to divide the country as the Duran line did; however, it should be noticed that Abdur Rahman Khan was not forced to sign the agreement but rather he did in order to benefit and get military and financial support from British India. US official are of the opinion that they just want to protect the democratic achievements made during last 12 years and US wants to stay here to prevent the reemergence of Taliban militants. It is important for President Karzai to establish strong relations with the US and European countries and remove ambiguities and controversies in order to be able to gain their support for peace and tranquility in the country.