“WAR is peace, freedom is slavery and ignorance is strength.” The preceding three slogans are from George Orwell’s novel, 1984. Lo and behold! In the second decade of the 21st century, they aptly describe America’s foreign policy in Afghanistan.

The first; ‘war is peace’ describes the new US Afghanistan policy of deploying more troops to confront the Afghan Taliban is the only solution to achieve peace in Afghanistan. The second,‘freedom is slavery’ — the induction of more American and NATO troops in Afghanistan — will make the Afghan government a slave of US wishes and interests.

The third one, ‘ignorance is strength’ is most interesting. This one pertains to our country. Blame Pakistan — which will happen sooner rather than later — ignoring all their sacrifices (70,000 lives) and contributions in war on terror (a whopping $118billion!) for Washington’s failed strategies in Afghanistan.

America’s new Afghan policywill have dangerous implications for Pakistan and the rest of the world.

Pakistan needs to rethink the paradigm shift not only for regional peace but for securing its national interests. Washington needs to understand that war in Afghanistan is not an option at all.

After 16 years of a failed approach, their war on terror needs a negotiable solution rather than a military approach.

Jalil Raza

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, November 20th, 2017