http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/decoding-hamid-karzai/article5761465.ece
Karzai is a politician at heart and one needs to understand
his apprehensions and opportunistic nature before we raise our brows on his
decision to not sign the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA). Karzai can’t run
for next presidential elections due to limited terms provision. Next elections
are on 5th April and there are 11 eligible contenders with Abdullah
Abdullah and Dr. Ashraf Ghani as the front-runners.
Both Abdullah Abdullah and Dr. Ashraf Ghani have agreed to
sign the BSA. Under BSA some American forces will stay back after US forces
withdrawal by end of 2014 and guess who won’t like it – Taliban. Karzai has
nothing to gain by signing the BSA or by supporting the US action, but he has a
lot to gain in denying them. Taliban has already applauded Karzai’s decision to
not sign the BSA. Karzai can be picturing himself as playing a lead role in
bridging the communication gap between the upcoming government in Afghanistan
and Taliban. So, gaining the appreciation from Taliban for his efforts can
increase his political mileage. So, is Karzai crazy?
No, he is a shrewd politician trying to secure his and his
country’s future and decrease the dependence of Afghanistan on US and western
aids and military. But his recent move to release 65 detainees may have been
more than required efforts to please Taliban. According to reports, he has been
negotiating with Taliban without informing the western counterparts. If things
go well for Karzai, he may be remembered in Afghan history for bringing the Taliban
and Kabul Government together.
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