MOSCOW: The Russian state-funded television network RT has carried a sensational interview with the former Afghan President Hamid Karzai on the secret agenda of the United States in Afghanistan.
In his trademark style Karzai danced around the subject, while making it clear that in his assessment the Islamic State (IS), which is reportedly making its appearance in Afghanistan, is an American proxy that serves as Washington’s geopolitical tool to destabilize Central Asia as part of the containment strategy against Russia andChina.
Karzai was very critical of the U.S.’ war in Afghanistan and he accused Washingtonof pursuing a diabolical “policy of duality” – neither siding with the Kabul government nor with the Taliban.
Karzai supported the idea of peace talks with the Taliban as such but lamented that the Pakistani military and intelligence had held back the insurgents from reconciliation.
Significantly, RT interviewed Karzai in the context of his forthcoming visit toMoscow where he is expected to have “a series of meetings, including with President Vladimir Putin.”
The Russian commentators have been warning about the IS’ ascendancy inAfghanistan and strongly hinting at a U.S. agenda here to foment instability inCentral Asia. Karzai confirms the Russian suspicions.
Karzai paid a visit to New Delhi last month and was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi (May 23).
Significantly, Karzai floated the idea of Russia, China and India acting as “balancers” vis-à-vis the Western presence so as to strengthen Afghan sovereignty. He strongly pleaded for a regional peace initiative by Russia, China and India, stressing that Afghan security is best guaranteed by the regional powers, not the West. He demanded that the western powers should cooperate with a regional initiative, The Asia Times commenting on the interview said.
As the host country of the SCO summit in July, Russia is in a good position to evolve a common regional platform on Afghanistan. India and Pakistan are going to be inducted into the SCO as full members at the forthcoming summit. For the first time, India and Pakistan will be sharing views and discussing a consensus stance with regard to Afghanistan. For sure, a defining moment could be coming up in Ufaand Karzai to Moscow just before the SCO summit would presage it.
INP