KABUL (SW): Taking the U.S.’s reluctance to pay future Coalition Support Fund (CSF) to Pakistan as a sign of annoyance towards Pakistan, a number of analysts believe Afghanistan should capitalize on the moment.
Ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been murky following spate of deadly attacks in Afghanistan. President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and his power sharing Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah have publically blamed Pakistan for harboring militants that were involved in these and previous attacks.
Three weeks ago, the US indicated to Pakistan that further extension in the Coalition Support Fund (CSF) beyond 2015 may not be possible. Under the CSF arrangement, the US reimbursed Pakistan for operations and maintenance costs incurred in direct support of its operations in Afghanistan. Since 2001, the US has reimbursed $13 billion to Pakistan, which is the largest recipient of the fund.
The issue about the future of CSF, according to a defense source, was discussed at the 23rd Defence Consultative Group Meeting (DCG)-Interim Progress Review (IPR) held at the defense ministry on Tuesday (August 11).
Latif Nazari, an international relations expert, told SW the Afghan government should first clean the house by removing infiltrators from various ministries and departments that protect Pakistan’s interests in Afghanistan.
Nazari suggested that Afghanistan should exert pressure on Pakistan via China and the United States.
Faiz Mohammad Zaland, a Kabul University professor and political analyst said that Afghanistan could only benefit from the current opportunity if there is a consensus towards a policy about dealing with Pakistan.
Zaland said Afghan diplomats should take up the issue of Pakistan’s interference in Afghanistan at the forthcoming United Nation’s meeting.
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