NEWSLINK: Dialogue with the Taliban unavoidable: New approaches are needed to regulate Afghanistan post-2014.

[Dialogue with the Taliban unavoidable: New approaches are needed to regulate Afghanistan post-2014 –
Russia Beyond the Headlines/VPK Daily – Anatoly Kulikov – Anatoly Kulikov is an army general and chairman of the Military Chiefs Club of the Russian Federation. – Dec. 10, 2012 – http://rbth.ru/articles/2012/12/10/dialogue_with_the_taliban_unavoidable_20987.html]

Russia Behind the Headlines features commentary by Gen. Anatoly Kulikov discussing the situation on the ground in Afghanistan:

Following the withdrawal of U.S. troops in 2014, the general believes the struggles between Afghan factions could be exacerbated if an international presence is not maintained there. However, if relations between Russia and the West can overcome certain obstacles, Kulikov believes that Russia could help the West stabilize the situation in Afghanistan.

From a Russian perspective, the situation in and around Afghanistan is not entirely auspicious. This is because, over many years, the U.S. has not only failed to achieve its goals but has also created a situation in the country that could implode following the scheduled withdrawal of troops in 2014.

The Taliban has not been defeated, while indignation among the civilian population at the continued presence of a foreign military contingent is on the rise; the ad-hoc local authorities are unable to manage their own regions. In recent years, the situation has continued to worsen, as the fundamental socio-economic, ideological and military issues remain unresolved.

The country is essentially a dual power: as a result of the efforts of the international community, the attributes of government are in place, and elections have been held, including at the local level. But it must be recognized, however unpleasant it may be, that real power lies in the hands of the Taliban (through its influence on religious and ethnic matters) and the authority of local warlords.

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