U.S. -Taliban Peace Deal: Challenges and Spoilers for Afghanistan, Pakistan, and United States

Abstract

The U.S.-Taliban peace deal carries a lot of loopholes and vague dimensions that need to be addressed in the context of the key players on the regional chessboard, that is, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and China. This paper investigates post-deal challenges for Afghanistan and Pakistan, and provides an analysis of the roles of spoilers, including war-fed local insurgents, Indian interests, and the rest. The current political scenario of a nascent peace process is also critically analyzed along with the U.S. decision of the withdrawal of troops and the signing of the peace deal with the Taliban. The paper contemplates whether the peace process is a desperate move with grim consequences for Afghanistan or a comprehensive peace plan. Further, it highlights the need to develop a proper strategy to address the concerns of Afghan people and to address their interests while taking action against the insurgent groups. The paper concludes that peace negotiations that give due representation to the insurgent groups along with a comprehensive humanitarian plan will hopefully result in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.