On NPR “On Point” – Michael raises Afghan perspective on the role of Pakistan

Michael Sheridan called in to NPR’s On Point this morning, the subject: “What to do about Pakistan.”

Listen to Michael’s comment:  Call to NPR On Point.

Hear the full program here: WBUR-On Point

Having lived through a number of attacks instigated by the Pakistani’s, there is no question that until the international community forces the regional players, Pakistan, India, Iran, China, to the table, Afghanistan will continue to be the battle ground of their neighbor’s conflicts.  As I have written here before:  No outsider can fix Afghanistan. However, outsiders can, and I think must, help Afghanistan extricate itself from being a pawn in the regional geopolitical conflict between countries such as Pakistan, India, [read analysis] Iran, Russia and China [read report]. Until this is accomplished, outsiders must – on humanitarian grounds – protect Afghans from a regional war that is being fought in their country and that fuels and plays off of internal tensions. To this end the international community, and the war protesters, should have a plan beyond getting troops out and bringing the money home. Leaving the mess behind is not a humane solution.

Support an end of war for Afghans –  as well as for the international forces in Afghanistan. This requires reducing American led offensive military action, increasing pressure for resolution of regional conflicts and a quieter long-term (30-50 year) commitment to economic, social, political and security development in Afghanistan [For further insight read USIP’s: The Future of Afghanistan].