Experts divided on the reportedly proposed missile defense system

KABUL (SW): Analysts are divided over the reportedly proposed US missile defense system in Afghanistan.

A number of media outlets have reported that the US forces in Afghanistan want to erect a missile defense system. Some analysts fear this move would fuel regional rivalries and would undermine Afghanistan’s longstanding neutral stance in the region. Another school of thought argue that, if true, this move would strategically lift the status of Afghanistan in the region.

Mohammad Haydari, an expert on strategic affairs told Salam Watandar that the system is proposed to be established at the Koh-e-Safi Mountain in the northern Parwan province. He feared that this move would fuel the proxy war in Afghanistan. He noted that the American forces have started clearing mines from the area for this project. Haydari particularly marked Russia, China and Iran as countries that would resist this move by the US in Afghanistan.

Kabul Khan Tadbir, another expert however, noted that the proposed project has two dimensions. He added that this would enrich the country’s defense capabilities but might also invite resistance from a number of countries. Tadbir feared that the move might prolong the war and fighting in the country.

Praising the move, Mohammad Ishaq Atmar, an expert on military affairs said that Afghanistan’s neighboring countries are nuclear powers and have a number of long-range missiles. “This proposed missile–defense system for Afghanistan would make the country at par with them and serve as a safety shield”, he said.

We wished to have the views of the Ministry of Defense on this subject but to no avail. A number of media outlets have quoted the MoD spokesman Gen. Dawlat Waziri promising investigation about the merit of the news regarding installation of the system.

ENDS