Afghanistan is located in a highly strategic region that holds both geo-economic and geo-political significance for global and regional powers. Often referred to as the “Heart of Asia,” it is seen by many as a bridge between Central and South Asia. For countries like Pakistan and India, Afghanistan represents a crucial gateway to Central Asia’s rich resources in South Asia.
From a U.S. perspective, particularly during President Trump’s administration, Afghanistan holds geo-strategic importance for monitoring China. However, despite its central location, the Afghan people—situated between four nuclear powers—have not benefited from this strategic positioning.
In the region, several countries have interests in Afghanistan’s instability. Some view it as an opportunity to control vital water resources, assuming that Afghanistan, embroiled in conflict, won’t be able to secure them. Others look to history, fearing that if Afghanistan stabilizes, it could revive its former power and reclaim lost territories, potentially threatening their own interests.
Political leaders, however, often emphasize that Afghanistan’s stability is key to the stability of the wider region, linking regional instability to Afghanistan’s turmoil.
This raises important questions: Why is regional stability critical to Afghanistan’s own stability?
Is Afghanistan’s stability truly important for the region?
Do regional powers actually desire stability in Afghanistan?
From Afghanistan’s perspective, what kind of region does it need for its national interests: one that is unstable, peaceful, advanced, or one that remains embroiled in crises and dependent on global powers?
Today’s program delves into these issues with Dr. Sardar Mohammad Rahimi, a university professor and analyst. We invite you to watch this insightful discussion.
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