The anti-government forces in Afghanistan include the Taleban, Al-Qaeda, criminal gangs linked to the drugs trade and restless tribal groups. Like the security forces, they have their ups and downs, as the increasingly bitter struggle for the future of this mountainous strategic country stretches before us — perhaps for decades.
On Jan. 14, the Taleban had what they will regard as a considerable success. Kabul has only one major luxury hotel, the Serena, which cost $35 million to construct. It is doing well these days looking after the growing army of foreigners linked to the construction work in the capital, and diplomats, military officers, journalists and aid workers. It is also popular with the burgeoning Afghan business community. Rooms cost between $250 and $1,200 a night.
It was attacked by a Taleban suicide squad, perhaps supported by Al-Qaeda. Some of the squad escaped. Eight guests and hotel workers were killed and others wounded. Three men armed with AK-47 automatic weapons rushed the hotel; one man blew himself up at its entrance destroying the security gate. It is believed some of the attackers, as happens in Baghdad, were wearing stolen police uniforms. A rocket-propelled grenade was fired and grenades thrown. The hotel lobby was riddled with bullets. As the fighting continued, frightened guests took shelter in the basement. American Special Forces were driven frantically to the scene.
By chance, that very evening, the Norwegian foreign minister was due to host a dinner in the hotel, which was regarded as well-protected. It is not known if the Taleban were aware of that fact. The foreign minister was unharmed, but a Norwegian journalist was killed and a Norwegian diplomat injured. Norway has 500 troops in Afghanistan as part of the NATO International Security Assistance Force.
Since 2005 when a Taleban resurgence began, Kabul has experienced numerous attacks by suicide bombers, and military convoys are regularly ambushed in this way. Up to now foreigners have not normally been caught up in such attacks. This incident, one of indiscriminate slaughter and maiming, marks a new escalation of the Taleban campaign. The Taleban will be anxious to drive away the foreign workers and bring the reconstruction program to a halt. It is essential they do not succeed.
But all is not going well for the insurgents. Toward the end of last year, British and Afghan troops, in a determined and skilful operation, recaptured Musa Qala. ISAF spokesmen claim that hundreds of Taleban fighters, including many of their junior leaders, have been killed in Helmand Province, after months of fierce fighting in which ISAF troops have had the advantage of air support.
The authorities have suggested that 5,000 Taleban members — such figures should be taken with a pinch of salt — have agreed to lay down their arms. Some of those are thought to be local farmers, who have been helping the insurgents for the princely sum of £5 a day.
On Dec. 12, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown made a statement on Afghanistan in the House of Commons, following his meeting with President Hamid Karzai in Kabul. The prime minister’s advisers suggested it represented “a shift in emphasis”. The prime minister publicly backed the president’s efforts for reconciliation with some moderate and more reasonable members of the Taleban. He told MPs, “If they are prepared to renounce violence and abide by the constitution and respect basic human rights, then there is a place for them in the legitimate society and economy of Afghanistan.”
He was against direct negotiations with the Taleban, but thought a degree of realism was needed in dealing with these insurgents, some of whom had been fighting for nearly six years against the Western-backed government of Afghanistan. He said, “Our objective is to root out those preaching and practicing violence and murder, in support of men and women of peace.”
Mainly behind the scenes, there have been differences with the Americans over talking to the Taleban at any level. It is obviously a sensitive subject in terms of public opinion.
The House of Commons Defense Committee produced a good report on Afghanistan in July. Correctly, the Committee emphasized the need to accelerate the pace of construction projects. “The consensus of the people living in Helmand Province will not be gained through the deployment of superior military force alone. Once security has been established, it is vital that development projects follow swiftly.”
The British government has been trying to prepare public opinion for the long haul against the insurgents in Afghanistan. Today, 7,800 British troops, highly trained and well- led, are there and no time limit is in place. The government is now convinced that should the West fail, after all the problems of Iraq, there would be massive and negative global consequences.
