Figures released earlier this week show a 31% increase in civilian deaths in Afghanistan in the first half of this year. These numbers equate to over 1250 deaths in a mere 6 months. With civilian deaths increasing year on year, is it perhaps time to rethink the timetable for withdrawal of foreign troops scheduled to begin next summer?
I do not support this war. Intervention upon a sovereign state should always be seen as the last resort. We are only there as a retaliation for 9/11. However, the fact is, American, British and other UN troops are in Afghanistan and have been there for the past 9 years.
The public perception of the war will continue to falter with the continued publication of civilian deaths, as well as those of British and American troops. Pressure on politicians to withdraw from Afghanistan will only increase. Appeasing voters in the US before mid-term elections, should not be an excuse for departure.
Withdrawal is obviously the long term aim, yet with civilian deaths occurring more frequently it is obvious that there is still a job to be done. Next summer is far too soon for a mass withdrawal.
Some will argue that the Afghan army is now in a position whereby it can take up the majority of the work. But recent figures from an American government agency suggest that only 23% of Afghan troops were capable of working unsupervised, a figure that does indicate long term success. It is apparent the Afghan army is in a better working state than it has been in recent years, nonetheless, this report would indicate it is not ready to fight the continued insurgency.
So perhaps the time has come for the Americans and the UN to talk to the Taliban. As of yet, only the Afghan government has made any attempt at communication. However, trust for the Afghan government is limited, especially by those that do not share the same ethnic background as President Karzai. American or UN involvement would give any mediation legitimacy.
American policy thus far has been one of offence. Reintegration of former Taliban insurgents is seen as key. This position does appear to be softening, and in recent weeks it has been made clear that the US now supports the Afghan government’s negotiations.
General Sir Dave Richards, British commander of international forces between 2006 and 2007, has long been an advocate of communication. Consultation with the IRA in Northern Ireland was ultimately a success, leading to the Good Friday agreement and a lasting peace. The same approach should be applied here, for the sake of innocent lives.
While these prospective negotiations take place there must be a continued troop presence. Any timetable for withdrawal must recognise the need to protect the innocent Afghan people. A security void that could lead to increased civilian casualties, and perhaps civil war, must not be the legacy that allied forces leave behind.
