The start
of an Afghan-led peace deal with the Taliban is needed to secure the future of
Afghanistan after British troops leave, a group of MPs has said.
The defence select committee said a
failure to initiate such a move could lead to civil war in Afghanistan.
The UK had a responsibility to use its influence to "make
Afghanistan work" after 2014, the MPs added.
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said the UK would help Afghans to reach
"a sustainable political settlement".
The more months that go by, the nearer to the date we get when the last
of the troops will leave Afghanistan, and the more nervous the government
appear to be getting about what will happen after 2014.
There are already major concerns about whether the Afghan National
Security Force is capable of keeping the Taliban at bay, and judging by the recommendation
of the defence select committee, negotiating with terrorists, it’s a big thumbs
down.
The government are in an awkward position here, if the troops pull out
and six months later the Taliban are running riot again then they will be in
for some hefty criticism.
David Cameron said to judge him mainly on his handling of the economy at
the next election, but don’t rule out the situation in Afghanistan playing a
major role in deciding who will be PM in 2015.
No comments:
Post a Comment