The Role of Great Powers in Resolving Afghanistan Conflict

Abstract

For more than 16 years, Afghanistan remains embroiled in turmoil which has no end in sight. Despite suffering from huge human and economic losses, the US-led coalition has no framework in place to end the conflict. The US-led coalition and Tehreek-e-Taliban Afghanistan (TTA), the main parties of the conflict, remain engaged militarily without showing the willingness to accept defeat on the battleground. Thus, political settlement is the only way forward to end the conflict. The paper provides a detailed account of various peace initiatives that were taken in the past 17-year period and identifies the obstacles which contributed in failing to materialize the peace efforts. An overview of the interests of the Great Powers – China, Russia and the United States – in Afghanistan has been provided which helps in understanding that cooperation between these powers is necessary for the resolution of the conflict. The paper concludes by arguing that TTA should be brought to the negotiating table by dealing with the problems upon which the insurgent group thrives. With the support of regional countries, the great powers should formulate a political settlement that should be binding and deal with obstacles obstructing the settlement.