Global preoccupation with Lebanon, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan and Somalia seems to take the attention away from Afghanistan. Under Taliban's influence, anarchy is strengthening in the Southern region. Increasing resentment to Western presence in Afghanistan is being subtly exploited by Taliban. It is now using the media to propagate its fundamentalist, anti-west preaching contrary to its earlier approach of shunning the press as a liberal, un-Islamic tool of western propaganda.

The lack of a nuanced approach towards militancy in Afghanistan is likely to cost the US and NATO forces dearly in the years ahead. Excessive emphasis on violence by the security forces is likely to increase Taliban supporters. An approach based on an understanding of local customs, social, cultural and religious ethos, and respect for local institutions, such as the tribal jirgas, maulvis and the mosque is imperative. Such a strategy has to be supported by a security cover, provided by military or para military forces, operating on the principle of credible violence. This would imply operations undertaken solely for self defense, intelligence collection and targeted elimination of terrorists, with limited collateral casualties. Acting under this shield, development activities are to be undertaken; some by the military, but the bulk by aid agencies, non-government organizations and civil society initiatives. This will gradually lead to social, educational and economic empowerment of the populace at the grass roots. Also this would build an egalitarian political dispensation, breaking the stranglehold of the tribal chieftains.

NATO forces are operating through Provincial Reconstruction Teams, spread across the country. They have restricted themselves to perimeter protection and other sundry defensive duties, with limited interaction with the local population. Apart from security considerations, cultural inhibitions are also acting as a hindrance for greater community relations. This is increasing the divide, particularly in the South, where Taliban has always been a dominant force. Thus, the present security dispensation in Afghanistan is evidently unsuited to bring about a change in the country, at least in the near future. What then is the solution? One way is to await progressive decimation of the Taliban. Given the asymmetry in power and support of coalition forces, this may eventually come about. But the time frame and loss of human lives remain incalculable.

An alternative is a greater role for countries such as India, which have increasing political, economic and military stakes. By institutional participation in Afghan nation building, India could improve its goodwill with the Afghan people, immortalized in Tagore's eternal tale, "Kabuliwallah". A change could be ushered in through people friendly activities under a security umbrella provided by its military or para military forces. The Indian forces' experience in conducting such operations can be capitalized to its advantage. It will establish a new paradigm internationally like the one India has been practicing in Jammu & Kashmir. Development activities would disable the militants to disrupt day to day activities such as running of schools, functioning of government offices, bazaars and trade, gradually strengthening the core of functional institutions and orderly governance.

Adopting such a course would be difficult for India; though it would be welcomed by the US and European countries. However, security needs of the approximately 3000 Indians, working in Afghanistan, can be coalesced to create a political consensus. Stiff resistance is likely from Pakistan; however, humanitarian considerations should be able to veer international opinion in India's favor. On the other hand, it will provide an ideal opportunity for strategic outflanking of Pakistan. The operational and logistical problem of supporting a force in a landlocked country with hostile access will have to be overcome, which is well within the capabilities of India's diplomatic and military staff. A national resolve to help restore peace and development in Afghanistan, a nation wrecked by centuries of conflict, would create the necessary commitment for a long haul ahead, with very succulent strategic fruits from an essentially humanitarian mission.