(Afghanistan and Federalism)
(Part 19)
The subject of disintegration Afghanistan in the world of politics and media was considered as an option to solve Afghanistan’s problems. The idea was based on dividing Afghanistan in Northern and Southern parts. The re-enforcement of the Mujahedeen of the Islamic Emirate, the constant and increasing casualties of foreign military forces, as well as the weakness of the central government had turned this hope into despair and disappointment for many politicians.
In 2005, when the issue of negotiating and giving concessions to the Islamic Emirate was raised, the first proposal was to put ten southern provinces under Mujahidin authority; But the heroic performance of the Mujahidin of the Islamic Emirate eliminated this possibility.
As it was mentioned, the former US ambassador to India mentioned the issue of disintegration for Afghanistan. Blackville raised the question of; how long can the war continue in such a way that it requires casualties and tens of billions dollars per year for the United States? Due to the inefficient and infamous government of the republic and the failure of plans and program to negotiate with the Islamic Emirate, he stated that, the Southern areas where Pashtuns are based, can be handed over to the Emirate. Referring to the culture, language, and customs of the tribal and Eastern parts of Afghanistan, he suggested that the United States would transform Northern Afghanistan and Kabul to another country; Therefore, on the borders of those new countries, fewer troops could be required to fight against the forces of the Islamic Emirate. In other words, with the division of Afghanistan, the number of troops required by the United States could be reduced about forty or fifty thousand, and it was also possible to receive help from Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks and Pashtuns who did not support the Emirate in case of emerging a challenge. In that case, part of the US military would leave the country and some others would remain to combat against al-Qaeda if it appeared. That strategy would reduce the US expenditure, decrease the domestic pressure for a hasty American-exit from Afghanistan, and it may enable the United States to focus more on China, Iran's nuclear program and the future of Iraq.