Our Afghan obsession

This refers to the article, ‘Is our Afghan obsession finally over?’ (June 17). It is hard to disagree with the analysis about our obsession and misconceptions about Afghanistan. The recent skirmishes at the Torkham border make it clear that the Afghans are still not reconciled to the Durand Line border and that is why they resist clearly marked and gated boundaries between the two countries. The writer has correctly assessed that despite our unprecedented hospitality to millions of Afghan refugees the Afghan government is not very cordial towards us. Similarly, despite our sacrifices, the Americans too show a selfish and arrogant attitude towards us. However, all our miseries stem from the bad policies of our tunnel-visioned leadership.

That said it is high time we learnt our lessons and showed some national pride with a rational and dignified foreign policy. We must negotiate a peaceful and friendly border agreement with Afghanistan which allows us to safeguard our borders. We must also agree to a very amicable settlement regarding our Afghan guests with the Afghan government instead of following an aggressive and arrogant policy. As regards our difficulties with the US, they will continue as long as we do not solve our economic problems and become self-reliant and corruption free. In the meanwhile we should keep our fingers crossed that Donald Trump does not make it.

Zaheer Ahmed

Islamabad