THE REGIONAL SECURITY COMPLEX AND AFGHANISTAN AFTER THE US WITHDRAWAL: IMPLICATIONS FOR PAKISTAN

Abstract

Afghanistan's history has consistently made it a focal point in global politics, attracting the attention of key international players. Pakistan, as a frontline non-NATO ally in the extended War on Terror, has faced severe repercussions from this conflict. As such, it became crucial to anticipate the multifaceted implications of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. After several rounds of negotiations, the 'Afghan Quagmire' saw a glimmer of hope with the signing of the U.S.-Taliban Peace Agreement on February 29^th, 2020. However, the world watched in shock on August 15, 2021, as Kabul fell to the Taliban, marking their dramatic return to power. The swift collapse of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, along with the disintegration of the Afghan government, paved the way for the Taliban's rapid reconquest of Kabul. This turn of events has had significant implications for Pakistan, which can be categorized into four key areas: security, political, economic, and strategic concerns. Pakistan has consistently emphasized the need for a balanced, reciprocal approach in dealing with the Taliban government. It advocates for a comprehensive and justifiable regional strategy to address the challenges posed by the new Afghan administration. This paper examines the implications of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, with a particular focus on its impact on regional security and the evolving U.S. policies toward the region in the aftermath.