Western politicians should better understand what India is apparently beginning to understand: secular leaders in Pakistan and Afghanistan simply do not have the authority or influence to realize their goals (whatever those may be) vis-a-vis other more influential “power centres” — a euphemism for jihadists, such as the Taliban.
“Karzai must be pressed over Taliban, say Dutch,” by Mark Dodd for The Australian, January 21:
THE NATO-led mission in Afghanistan, in which Australia is a key player, should pressure the Karzai Government to perform better or face a worsening Taliban insurgency, visiting Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen has warned.
Speaking to the Sydney Institute yesterday, Mr Verhagen said the most effective weapon against the Taliban was not helicopters and missiles but more motivated government officials prepared to work for the wider Afghan community and not narrow tribal interests.