It is the Afghan nation’s business to decide how to run their affairs as well as the state, like any other sovereign state. And even though as of now the country is under foreign occupation, the political government has the liberty to exercise it's rights. No one would find fault with that.
The problem comes when a regime allows itself to be a proxy vulnerable to self-destructive agendas that also endangers its neighbours. Karzai dispensation has been conducting itself in a way that is far from the conduct of an independent state, at least where Pakistan is concerned. For instance, the blame game is never ending. The vilification of Pakistan is a national past time. Accusations are hurled so often that any day that goes by without them, one starts to marvel at as abnormal. But flaring up ill-will over petty excuses ultimately leads to the atmosphere of suspicion, recrimination and rancour. It is a sad reflection on the state of the relationship that despite being allies in the war against militancy both seem to constantly be at each other’s throats. Often photo-ops of leaders standing side by side are seen in the press, the smiles, and handshakes display a veneer of cordial behaviour, cloaking the deepest animosity. The latest news is that President Karzai is now planning to count on India for his country’s security once the international troops pull out. An extreme measure, in that since the Afghans are fiercely independent, they will not tolerate presence or involvement of any foreigners, including Indians, in their security matters. Besides, the game here appears to be strategic encirclement of Pakistan. Mr Karzai ought to think in advance of the traditional welcome given to foreigners with guns and also of the impact on Indo-Pak rivalry. He should at least not provide his own people another reason to take up arms, or for that matter fan Indo-Pak suspicions. At the end of the day, there will be a risk of further deterioration in Afghanistan’s own security. India would be watching its own geo-strategic aims, rather than decreasing violence among the various warring Afghan tribes.
There are plenty of safer options for post-withdrawal stability. One had wished such an extreme step had been avoided. Our role in the reconciliation process is of significance and will help quell militancy in the region. There is no reason why together Kabul and Islamabad cannot paper over their differences without involving a third party that will only spoil things further. The long porous border is a reality that cannot be wished away, neither the centuries long ties that even go beyond the epithet of cultural or bilateral relationship, aspects that need direction and a sense of purpose. One hopes that better sense will prevail. Kabul would do best to avoid raking up yet another controversy.