Congressional Research Report is an American institute in which congress committees and its members collectively present their research services. This institute has been publishing its research reports for a long time. A research opinion regarding many basic international issues has been brought to light along with solutions through this channel. The direct beneficiary of this institute is American Congress which avails an ease in legislation. Reports on Afghanistan and Kashmir have been published by CRS so far. Last month published report titled "Afghanistan: Background and American Policy" is a paramount article on Afghanistan and Pakistan. This opinion includes American presence, debacles and successes in Afghanistan. It also carries ample data for new American administration in cognizance of constructive American policy for Afghanistan.
The paper under discussion consists of a chapter, ‘Regional Dynamics: Pakistan and Other neighbors’. This division of the article is replete with Pakistan’s role and influence in Afghan region, peaceful conclusion of Afghan issue and vital assistance of Pakistan and part of other neighboring countries in the eye of American research perspective. The factors of foreign powers impinge strategic location of Afghanistan as a crow flies. Pakistan’s decades long participation as a neighbor is highly decisive for Afghanistan. Ascendency of Pakistan for Afghan region as well as most powerful stakeholder, Afghan Talibans is very influential. Just like international narrative, this very research manifesto draws attention towards negative relationship of Pakistani security establishment with Afghan rebel groups. Haqqani Network is on the top of list in this concern. Pakistan has been directly or indirectly involved in Intra-Afghan Dialogues. It is a crystal clear illustration of Pakistan’s inevitable character in American presence and withdrawal from Afghan soil. So Pakistan can never be ignored.
Through the medium of this report, America is grateful to Pakistan on her achievements Afghan region. Quite different and opposite narratives of Pakistani leadership and establishment are outlined in this paper. Pakistan’s governments and leadership aspire peace in Afghanistan and acknowledge Intra-Afghan Talks held consecutively. But Islamabad aggrandizers feeble and unstable Afghanistan as compared to strong and united. Millions of Afghan refugees and complex Durand line add fuel to fire. These two elements increase complexities between Pak-Afghan affairs.
Indo-Pak proxy wars and regional supremacy have also been mentioned in this phase of the paper. Indian diplomatic presence and active investments in development projects in Afghanistan is a type of encirclement for Pakistan. The security establishment in Pakistan views this scenario of Indian role with a doubts. This particle is a hindrance in the way of Pakistan’s foreign diplomacy. In the past decade, Indian handling of Afghan soil against Pakistan in the guise of mismanagement and insurgency on Pak-Afghan border, interference in tribal areas of Pakistan, terrorism and backing of terrorists, undue support and logistic aid to separatists in Pakistan, creating a gap and atmosphere of distrust in international community regarding Pakistan, painting Pakistan as a terrorist state, blacklisting Pakistan via FATF and other such anti-state and destabilizing activities are not in dark. Living example of the aforementioned activities is Kulbhushan Yadav who himself confessed the charges. European Union Dis-Info Lab has also exposed Indian hypocritical face to the world.
Not only India and Pakistan are active participants in Afghanistan, Iran, Russia and other Central Asian states are encompassed. Iran and Russia back anti-American opponents and this is not favourable and digestible for America at any cost. American commanders on duty have dawned this proxy war in the published report of CRS. They admit that both the countries facilitate and logisticate Afghan Taliban and North Alliance against US Military. Both countries kept opposing Taliban government end of 1990 decade but at the same time they take advantage of Talibans to use against US and NATO forces. The appearance of Central Asian states is limited but expansion is expected.
China is also discussed in this research article. The expanding Chinese priorities can include Afghan representation. CPEC is a blessing in disguise for Pakistan but Chine aims to admit Afghanistan in its One Belt One Road Initiative. Pakistan’s stance over the peaceful outcome of Intra-Afghan Dialogues is seconded and emphasized by China. It is better to remind here that India has been expelled from not only Afghanistan but Iran also despite her cooperation in developmental advancements. Now China has filled up the gap and announced mega projects in Iran including ChaBahar Coast.
The report ends with suggestions for new US Administration and policy making forces to review their progress and victories in Afghan-US agreement. It is also suggested that American needs to check and balance for American interests and how Afghanistan is fit for American strategy.
