New Delhi: The Afghanistan situation is getting grimmer as several world leaders reach out to discuss ways to deal with the unpredictable Taliban who could wreak havoc anytime.
Deepening Tumult
Several Heads of States had detailed talks on the Taliban insurgency – Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to German Chancellor Angela Merkel while US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson shared views on the Afghan turbulence.
“PM Modi & German Chancellor Merkel discussed the unfolding security situation in Afghanistan & its implications on the region & the world. They emphasised the importance of maintaining peace & security, with the most urgent priority being repatriation of stranded people,” tweeted the Prime Minister’s Office.
Modi also wrote on Twitter, “Spoke to (German) Chancellor Angela Merkel this evening & discussed bilateral, multilateral & regional issues, including recent developments in Afghanistan. Reiterated our commitment to strengthening the India-Germany Strategic Partnership.”
G-7 Meet Today
Meanwhile Biden and Johnson delved into the ongoing efforts by diplomatic and military personnel to evacuate their citizens, local staff and other vulnerable Afghans, a White House statement read.
The two leaders also “discussed plans for the G7 virtual leaders’ meeting on August 24, underscoring the importance of close coordination with allies and partners in managing the current situation and forging a common approach to Afghanistan policy,” the statement elaborated.
Taliban Firmly In Saddle, Pak Happy
As the evacuation process gains pace, Taliban leaders continue to portray a moderate picture though incidents of suppression of commoners emerge. The hardliners have warned against extending the date of withdrawal of foreign troops. The United States is in a hurry to complete the pull out within the August 31 deadline.
And Pakistan’s ecstasy at the Taliban triumph knows no bounds. Die-hard Taliban loyalists in Pak-Occupied-Kashmir celebrated the former’s return to power with gun shots. Need we say more?
Isn’t it time we took punitive actions against a rogue state whose relentless effort to mollycoddle terrorists could be ominous, if not nipped in the bud?
