Will The War In Afghanistan and Pakistan Last Forever?

On October 15th 2013, L/cpl James “Jay” Brynin of the Intelligence Corps became the 445th member of the British Armed forces to be killed in Afghanistan, since 2001. With the British Government telling the public through the media that the UK's role is nearly over in Afghanistan; we wonder if there will ever be peace in a country that has suffered from violence throughout its development.

President Obama had stated that all combat operations in Afghanistan would cease by the end of 2014. Although many troops still remain in the midst of the conflict. After claiming the lives of thousands, the majority being civilians, there have been a numerous number of calls to end this violence.

A released copy of intelligence suggests that the Taliban are 'playing a waiting game', in order to re-take control of the current government. This will be possible, when the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) leaves Afghanistan. Through ISAF's initiatives, they have managed to capture Osama Bin Laden and have been destroying his Al Qaeda network. Currently, the main focus has been ridding Afghanistan of the Taliban.

To get this far, the route of violence, war and conflict has been taken. However, the route of peace is now being pushed forward from many people, particularly 16-year-old Malala Yousafzai. She is a teenager from Pakistan's Swot Valley. This is where the TTP (a segment of the Pakistani Taliban) are based. Over the last couple of years, Malala has been reporting blogs for the BBC regarding women's education in Pakistan. In 2012 she was shot in the head by the Taliban as she was travelling to school. After miraculously surviving and recovering, this determined young girl has inspired many and was subsequently nominated for the UN peace prize in 2013. After pushing hard to get people to talk to the Taliban instead of fighting them, the UK and US have started to consider taking the peaceful approach by talking to them. Unfortunately, Taliban officials claim they are willing to negotiate terms of peace, but in fact are using this as an opportunity to reel us in and take advantage.

The war in Afghanistan will be long lasting and if it ever gets resolved, the effect will be dramatic for years after. Seen as, after all; the people who are truly suffering are the civilians trying to live their everyday life without getting caught up by all the violence.

Link to part 2:
http://am50430-4jasmineshearsmith.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/will-war-in-afghanistan-and-pakistan.html

References:
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/20/afghan-insurgents-peace-taliban-minister http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2094755/Afghanistan-Secret-files-reveal-Taliban-retake-control-NATO-troops-withdraw.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23282662 http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/06/29/uk-afghanistan-britain-idUKBRE95S05Y20130629

CATEGORY: POLITICS and SOCIETY