US. foreign policy - Essay Example

COMPLICATIONS IN BALANCING US DIPLOMACY AND MILITARY ACTION IN AFGHANISTAN: THE POSITION OF THE TALIBAN President Obama has proposed the withdrawal of 33,000 US troops from Afghanistan in summer 2012. This brings major concerns about the future of Afghanistan under its democratic government, which is likely to be threatened by armed Taliban groups. The obvious option available to the US is to use dialog to draw some kind of compromise with the Taliban. However, with the recent successes American troops have enjoyed through military efforts, it appears that President Obama will continue to purse a military solution to the Taliban question.

Also, Afghanistan expert, Gilles Dorronsoro states that the Afghan government is now operating independently and there is a good chance that it can withstand threats from the Taliban after the pullout of American troops. In spite of this optimistic position, it is doubtful that the US can destroy the military power of the Taliban in less than a year. Ex-Taliban leader, Abdul Salam Zaeef states that the Taliban machinery is strong in recruiting more militants and it will not be possible that the US can use military force to exterminate the power of the Taliban in the short run.

Observers like Zaeef and NATO have urged the United States to negotiate with the Taliban. This option also comes with issues. It is widely feared that the Taliban might want a compromise that will cause problems for the Afghan government after a US pullout. This possibility is confirmed by Zaeef who goes further to opine that Afghanistan after a US withdrawal will fare better under a strong dictator who will wield enough power to disarm and punish the troublemakers amongst the Taliban. In any negotiation, the Taliban are likely to demand for more control and a more Islamized country.

This is dangerous because it can potentially lead them to stir up further power struggles that might destabilize the country. This makes negotiation a less desirable option for the US. Obama however states that America might be prepared to negotiate with the Taliban if they break away from Al Qaeda, renounce violence and prepare to abide by the Afghan constitution. American officials state that some central authorities like the Taliban leadership of Quetta, Pakistan are prepared to abide by these conditions.

However, it is doubtful that the radical and younger groups will accept such demands prior to negotiations. The US might need a strong compromise to protect its interest and this entails the elimination of the Al Qaeda threat and the prevention of a possible civil war. For these two ends, America is prepared to compromise a high degree of the social progress it has achieved in Afghanistan over the past eight years. However, the counter-insurgency drive it launched in 2009 has caused the Taliban to lose trust in them as a credible party to negotiate with.

Also, the Al Qaeda threat still exist in the region in spite of the killing of Osama Bin Laden. In conclusion, the use of diplomacy is a potentially problematic option for the attainment of peace after the withdrawal of US troops. It is not really clear whether the Taliban will be willing to abide by the demands of the US for renouncing violence and abstaining from anti-American sentiments. Moreover, the resilient nature of the Taliban in mobilizing militant force and the possibility of the Taliban demanding more power and rights that can cause them to begin a war make them a dangerous group to negotiate with.

This leaves the situation open to several possibilities other than diplomacy.ReferenceTraub, James (2011) Lets Make a Deal Foreign Policy Available online at: http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/06/24/lets_make_a_deal Accessed: 27th June, 2011.