Time to cooperate

There is widespread criticism of President Biden on the hasty departure from Afghanistan. However, there is no point in crying over spilt milk. Now, the priority should be to “damage control” and preserve the lives and livelihoods of the common citizens of Afghanistan, who cannot exit the country. The world must unite to ensure the safety of the Afghans.

The dialogue with the Taliban should continue. The Taliban should be encouraged to respect the lives of the locals and not indulge in any vengeance against former government employees. The key priority should be to supply food, water and medical aid to those who need them. The United Nations can play a major role in ensuring that aid reaches the needy. 

The Taliban should facilitate the exit of foreigners and staff of various embassies. Kabul airport resembled a swarming, anarchic bus terminus on 16 August. Flights were suspended.  Thousands of foreign staff, waited to be evacuated. The 6,000 American soldiers will not be able to manage the airport, without knowing the local language and understanding the local anger and anguish.

About 350 Indian Sikhs and Hindus are marooned in a “Gurdwara” (Sikh temple) in Kabul, awaiting evacuation. Who can bring them home? So, the involvement and cooperation of the Taliban will be essential for the smooth functioning of Kabul airport and managing the departures of foreigners. The world will have to be pragmatic in managing the Taliban.

The Taliban leaders should also introspect and evolve a government, in keeping with the times. It is not great publicity that people are ready to hang on to the body of an aircraft, fall from the skies and die, rather live in the new regime. Women from Afghanistan have been voicing serious concerns about being able to study and work. The Taliban too, needs to refresh their thinking.

Rajendra Aneja — Mumbai, India