President Biden’s decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan may push Afghanistan into a civil war as a result of the ongoing situation, Ex-CIA chief David Petraeus warned during the online conference organized by the Middle East Institute.
Petraeus fears that US troops’ withdrawal from Afghanistan in a manner in which it has been done will potentially entice very violent civil war that will result in millions of refugees and bloodshed, opening space for Al-Qaeda and perhaps Islamic State to reestablish themselves on ground.
He underlined that US presence in Afghanistan also provided a platform for regional counterterrorism efforts, such as operations in Pakistan, where the Taliban have shelters, mentioning them as a major factor in the increased risk of larger conflict, apart the poor governance, large-scale corruption and political disunity in Afghanistan enhanced by the inconsistency of US policy.
Meanwhile, Pakistan reopened the Chaman-Spin Boldak crossing in southwestern part of Kandahar province that is currently held by the Taliban, allowing over 100 trucks carrying goods to cross into Afghanistan
The crossing was closed by Pakistan earlier this month in the midst of fierce fighting for control between Afghan government and the Taliban.
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