>From my latest Substack newsletter: Afghanistan becoming a fertile ground for terrorism? (Anish Esteves)
Even as Thousands of people were preparing to leave conflict-ridden Afghanistan, last Thursday was a dark day when two bombs exploded outside Hamid Karzai Airport. At least 103 people were feared to be killed, while 143 people were injured, including children. These blasts threw evacuation plans of not only the U.S. but also of other countries in jeopardy. Governments around the world gave warnings to their citizens about threats in the country. Moreover, the attacks underscore the fact that the Taliban is facing a tough time as it seeks to form a government there in Afghanistan. Experts fear Afghanistan will become a breeding ground for terrorism once again. Says Seema Sirohi, Economic Times columnist in an email to me, “The Kabul Airport attack was a fair warning of what may come in the future as various terrorists regroup and use Afghanistan once again as a launching pad. The Taliban have to prove they can govern and exercise control because the international community is watching. There is a serious concern in Washington whether the Taliban can be effective. No one is letting their guard down.” She adds, “For India, the situation is extremely dangerous because of the role of Pakistan's ISI in supporting various terrorist groups over the years. India is in direct line of fire”. Clearly, the Taliban has a tough task ahead. The Taliban must confront violence efficiently and keep the people of the country safe.