By Mursal Qaisari
Afghanistan is a country that has experienced war for a long period of time . A country which has always been a ground of competition for super powers of the world. During the cold war the Soviet Union invaded on Afghanistan, and America supported Mujahidin to defeat against Soviet Union. Then the US itself came to Afghanistan in 2001 to fight against Taliban and Al Qaeda. This war continued until 2021. At the same time, two neighbor countries, Pakistan and India were also competing in Afghanistan. Pakistan was mostly supporting Taliban and India was supporting the government of Afghanistan.
After Coming of Taliban and exit of the American army from Afghanistan, other countries like China, Russia, Iran, and even Turkey are trying to take the place of America in Afghanistan. This is not just a political competition but it is also about economy, security, and even ideological competition. It seems like the world has forgotten Afghanistan, and no country is paying attention to it but in reality super powers are secretly trying to find more influence in Afghanistan. I think this is like COLD war but this time it is happening in the heart of Asia. The question is that why Afghanistan has always been a focal point for the super powers of the world?? ?
Afghanistan has a very important geographical position. This country is located among South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. That is why it has always been a focal point for the world powers. Afghanistan has experienced being a battleground for competing super powers since long time ago. Today it is happening again, but this time, new countries are trying to gain influence in Afghanistan by using different new ways and plans. When the US left Afghanistan in 2021, most of the people were thinking that Afghanistan got out of world politics. But it was not right. In reality the exit of the US provided a free space for other powerful country to come and own the space in Afghanistan. China has began to increase its influence through economic projects. Russia with security aims, Iran with cultural and religious relationships, and Turkey with soft influences. These countries are trying to own more space in Afghanistan and use from this situation in their own interest.
America still has an eye on Afghanistan for example, America does not want the terrorist groups like Al Qaeda, and ISIS to use from Afghanistan as their shelter. Because if this happens again, Afghanistan will become a serious threat to America and its allies. America has still influence in Afghanistan indirectly through media, non-governmental organizations, humanitarian aid, and political pressures. But the main point is that America does not want its rivals to find influence in Afghanistan. After exit of America from Afghanistan, a secret competition between America and China had been started. Both countries have interest in Afghanistan but with different reasons and aims. America does not want Afghanistan to be a place used by terrorist or by rivals of America like China.
But now China is one of the most important countries which has found great influence in today’s Afghanistan. China is so much interested in Afghanistan and the main reason behind this interest is the biggest project of (one Belt, one road). This project is a big plan of China for connecting this country to European countries. In this project Afghanistan has a very important role because of its location. China can connect to Iran and Central Asia through Afghanistan, of course if Afghanistan will be secure and safe. By this way, China will be able to export its goods in short period of time. That is why China is so interested to improve its relationship with Taliban and invest in economic projects of Afghanistan. Especially in Mines. Because Afghanistan is so much rich in mines like Lithium, Copper, Iron, and Gold. These material are very essential for making, mobiles, batteries, electrical machines, and future technological goods.
China wants to extract these mines and use them in its own benefit. That why it started many projects, and investments in Afghanistan. China is mostly thinking about protecting its own borders and making more money. For example China is so worried about terrorist groups in Afghanistan which can influence on the Xinjiang regions in China. China is getting more influence in Afghanistan after coming of Taliban and this makes America worried because these two countries are the biggest rivals in today’s politics.. America does not want China to get more influence because it will help China to strengthen its strategic, economic, and security position. The US is trying to stop this influence so its rival will not become more powerful especially in the hearth of Asia.
But who really cares about Afghanistan and its innocent people? The people who have always seen other countries deciding and making their destiny. Powerful countries have always searched their interests in Afghanistan, but none of them cared about its innocent people who have always been the victims. When super powers like the US, China, and Russia make plans for Afghanistan, I as an Afghan feel that our life and future is in the hands of those who have never felt our pain. The exit of the US from my country did not solve anything. It did not make the situation better. Instead, it provided free space for other powers to use from my country and gain influence in it. These political and economic competitions often brought just insecurity and war for us, and our people are so tired of these situations. Afghan people just want to live, study, work and grow in a peaceful environment. But when our country is a ground for competition among superpowers, these things remain dreams for us. I hope for a day when my country will be free, peaceful, and secure. A day when there will be no superpower deciding for us.
Author is social activist and she can be reached at mursalqaisari11@gmail.com
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