The US and NATO forces are trying out a new strategy to fight the Taliban. It is arming the innumerable tribes that exist in Afghanistan. It is likely to be quite successful as tribal feelings run deep in the country. The idea is similar to the village defence forces in Jammu and Kashmir, armed by the Indian government and the Anbar Sunnis in Iraq.
The concept is not as fraught with danger in India as the villages have no strong tribal affinities. It is just a case of villagers getting together to defend themselves against foreign terror fighters.
But perils exist of such tactics in Afghanistan. Parallels can be drawn with Iraq. The arming of Sunni tribes in Anbar has been criticized. It is like creating a new monster to fight the old one. Arming the Sunnis is only strengthening them and adding to the number of armed outfits in Iraq and increasing possibilities of future conflicts.
In Afghanistan, the tribes might prove now to be an effective bulwark against Taliban. But it is not going to solve the basic problem of creating an Afghan identity, of the feeling of Afghan nationalism which is stronger than tribal allegiances. This is essential for forging a united Afghan nation.
Arming tribals is just a temporary solution which will only add to future problems. As such Karzai is finding it hard to gain allegiance of the different tribes and their warlords. Even as a temporary measure it is not such a good idea. Most of the tribal fighters are like lose cannons, with little discipline and even less sense of responsibility. They are likely to misbehave (that is putting it mildly) with the local populous and will lose all popular support. That is the last thing desired by those attempting a stable state in Afghanistan.
Via: Washington Post
