THE Trump administration has disclosed another plan — another anti-Taliban offensive, this time from both sides of the Afghan border. This ‘new plan’ aims at inflicting a military defeat upon the Taliban and forcing them to join the Afghan reconciliation process on Kabul’s ‘conditions’.

Although a big flaw is clearly visible, the Americans intend to pursue it to force a political solution through the barrel of the gun. Does it mean that Americans are serious enough to think that the defeat will change the Taliban’s mind permanently and the Afghan reconciliation process will be permanent and reliable?

It is again disappointing to note that American is behaving and thinking naively. It seems to have no knowledge of the Afghans, particularly Taliban psyche, even after 16 long years.

Pakistan understands Afghans very well. It has wisely advised Washington that the failure of this plan will have negative consequences for the entire region. One may add that in any such eventuality, the history of the USSR’s retreat will be repeated, where Pakistan will be the ultimate sufferer.

Before embarking upon this new adventure, the Trump administration should re-read Afghan history.

A. Mahmud
Islamabad

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DONALD Trump has announced the suspension of $255 million military aid to Pakistan. I would like to thank Trump for this generous gesture for it might help Pakistan break the shackles of dependence on US aid.

Pakistan survived after the economic sanctions following the nuclear explosion in 1999. It can certainly survive again without US aid.

Pakistan should cut all food and military supply lines to US troops in Afghanistan.

Islamabad should make it clear to Trump that Pakistan will not take threats and humiliating statements from the US anymore.

Naseem Khan
Karachi

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2018