Don't turn your back on Afghanistan, world

The situation in Afghanistan is dire. Several towns and regional capitals have fallen to the Taliban. Should the world sit back and watch as armed jihadists blow up not just Afghan towns but also their own peace promises made in their deal with a war-weary US, as well as burgeoning modernity that had replaced the medieval code the Taliban had imposed on the country before their ouster in 2001? India should use its presidency of the UN Security Council to bring together all those that have a stake in peace and stability in the region, such as the US, Russia, China, Iran, France, Germany and the EU, and craft a plan that gives Afghanistan the security cover its people need to determine their own destiny without fear of the gun.

The US, having spent so much blood and treasure to change Afghanistan from a nursery for terrorists, must step up with a plan B to squarely confront its options when it has been let down so badly by the party with which it struck a deal on troop withdrawal. The UN Special Representative dealing with Afghanistan described the situation as reminiscent of Syria and Sarajevo. This is the time to step in when peace might still be a possibility. To leave the fate of the country, that has for all practical purposes been a war zone for the last 20 years, to the Taliban is not a recipe for success. Security experts have warned that terrorist groups such as the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda will use Afghanistan as a base to regroup and plot attacks in the region and beyond.

With Pakistan and its benefactors providing weapons, funds and diplomatic support, the Taliban have a sweet deal. The repercussions of a Taliban takeover will be felt in Afghanistan’s neighbourhood, Europe, North Africa and America.