Afghanistan: The London Conference – Article by Karim Imamdad Hunzai

The British Government was the host and main protagonist to organize the International Conference on Afghanistan in London on 28/29 January,2010.The foreign ministers from 70 countries,including USA secretary of state Hillary Clinton and the Secretary General of UNO, Ban-ki Moon and the H.H Karim Aga Khan with other philanthropists attended this conference.

The London conference on Afghanistan was a crucial effort of the International Community to shape the future of Afghanistan by obtaining peace and security through political reconciliation with Afghan’s Taliban insurgents. President Ahmed Karzai presented his strong views in the conference, that the “reconciliation” is an important pillar to end the 8 years long war and bring a durable peace and stability in Afghanistan. He also appealed to Government of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to play a key role for the reconciliation with Taliban to end the longstanding conflict and political turmoil in Afghanistan.

The International Community has also announced 140 millions USD as financial aid for the reconciliation efforts, those insurgents who wants to renounce the violence and willing to integrate in the present democratic process of Afghanistan.The USA secretary of state Hillary Clinton has focused on the issue of reconciliation and integration of insurgents, enticing to come back in a normal life of Afghan society, by also offering jobs, money and protection from the extremists reprisal.This will bring stability and security in Afghanistan.

The participants of the conference also expressed their deep concern about the women’s right and identity in Afghanistan, in-case of massive return of Taliban and impacts of their influence on Afghanistan Government. President Ahmed Karzai also presented an ambitious agenda for the future development of Afghanistan and also assured the International Community and the distinguished philanthropists to take the serious measures to curb the corruption and spend the foreign aid for the right purpose,also controlling other irregularities in his Government.

The International Community will also help to build up 1,75,000 of military force and will raise up 300,000 trained police force to maintain peace and security in Afghanistan, on withdrawal of the American Military from Afghanistan in July 2011 as pledged by President Obama during his presidential election campaign.

Historically the Afghanistan has been always a bastion of the strong resistance, for the army of the Alexander the Great in 330 BC and later on,for the legendary conqueror Genghish Khan in the 13th century.The great warriors Tammur Lane and Babar had also faced a sever resistance in Afghanistan. In 19th century the Afghanistan was again flash-point in the Great Game of British and Russian Empire.The British Empire fought three brutal wars in Afghanistan, yet unable to rule Afghan people although, the main objective of the British Empire was to counter Russian influence in the region.

During the last several decades of 20th century, the struggle between the world two supper powers, Russia and USA had created turbulent and political limbo in Afghanistan.The massive support and assistance of USA to Afghan Mujahideen resistance through Pakistan by providing the modern war weapons, which enabled the Mujahideen to win over the Russian military in Afghanistan.

The Russian Military had definitely quited Afghanistan on Feb. 1989 leaving behind their puppet president in a political tumultuous. His political power and clout evaporated soon after the departure of the Russians from Afghanistan.Than the struggle for power among the war lords became intensive. Despite the winning war against the common enemy, having a common religious back-ground the leaders of Afghanistan were not able for long time to rule Afghanistan peacefully. The ethnic diversity remained conspicuous among the Pushtoons and Tajek, Uzbek, Hazara in Afghanistan.

Karim Imamdad Hunzai
Paris,30/01/10