Unveiling a new strategy for South Asia, President Donald Trump said the US troops would stay in Afghanistan for an open-ended period of time and America would no longer tolerate Pakistan’s policy of harbouring terrorists. According to report, Trump said America’s strategic partnership with India will deepen in South Asia and the Indo-Pacfic and demanded that India make more financial contribution for the stabilisation of Afghanistan. In agreeing to continue with American engagement in Afghanistan, Trump deferred to the advise of conventional military planners in his administration. He did not announce any increase in troops, but said the military will have more operational autonomy to pursue terrorists, and commanders have been given authority to attack whenever they chose to. He blamed his predecessor Barack Obama, without naming him, for the mess in Afghanistan and Iraq, and said the policy “will change dramatically.” He said American would open to a negotiated political settlement with Taliban, if the situation moves in that direction. Coming down heavily on Pakistan, Trump said twenty US designated foreign terrorist organizations were active in Afghanistan and Pakistan: “the highest concentration in any region of the world. For its part, Pakistan often gives safe haven to agents of chaos, violence and terror,” Trump said, adding that the current practice of Pakistan receiving American aid and giving shelter to terrorists that target American soldiers cannot go on any longer. “We can no longer be silent about Pakistan’s safe havens for terrorist organizations, the Taliban, and other groups that pose a threat to the region and beyond.
Pakistan has much to gain from partnering with our effort in Afghanistan. It has much to lose by continuing to harbor terrorists,” he said. Trump acknowledges India’s importance and its significant role in stabilizing Afghanistan, but wants it to do more. Pakistan has rendered great sacrifices in war against terrorism and suffered immense physical and financial loss. Pakistan remained front line ally of United States in its war against terrorism and extended full cooperation. Pakistan also conducted operations against terrorist indiscriminately and dismantled their infrastructure inside the country. Pakistan has been requesting from United States and Afghanistan to cooperate it against terrorists but they did not bother to take any tangible step. On the other hand Indian influence in Afghanistan has increased and it is now playing spoiler role and utilizing Afghan soil for its evil designs against Pakistan. The new American policy shows that it is not ready to acknowledge Pakistan’s contributions against terrorism and want to shift the baggage of failure to Pakistan. United States is not happy about increasing Chinese influence in the region and it wanted to block china with the help of India. Situation has become very critical for Pakistan and it should evolve well thought out and comprehensive policy to handle this challenge. Parliament of Pakistan should also take a lead in these circumstances and guide government in policy making.
