The 'Great Game' for Dominating Asia via Afghanistan

London, 17th

A dangerous game has been going on for almost two centuries (200 years) for control of Afghanistan and the surrounding Central and South Asian regions. This 'Great Game', which started with two players at a time, has now grown to 10 players and yet Afghanistan is at a standstill. Despite being more than two centuries old, there is nothing but a 'game' in the name of development in Afghanistan.

It all started 40 years ago when Rudyard Kipling wrote about The Great Game in 1901. Britain and Russia have been facing each other politically and diplomatically since the 1990s. Both intended to gain control of Afghanistan and the surrounding Asian regions. This 'game' is still being played in the area today. The only difference is that in this 'game' which started between two players, today there are 10 players and each player has his own interests and his own plan. However, in the midst of all this, the situation in Afghanistan, on which this 'game' is being played, is like a 'therna ther' in the name of development.

Britain and Russia are two players in the 'Great Game'

It was once said that the sun never sets in the 'British rule'. However, after the British lost control of Afghanistan, its importance in the present times is no longer that of a former superpower. However, Britain is keen to strengthen trade with Asia via Afghanistan. On the other hand, almost 200 years have passed and Russia is still in this 'game'. Russia's interest is to prevent instability and fundamentalism in Afghanistan so that it can pursue its economic interests. That is why Russia has kept its embassy in Kabul open despite the Taliban government.

The retreat from Afghanistan shows that America is no longer a world leader

The United States entered Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks and held an "indirect" occupation of Afghanistan for almost two decades. In the last two decades, terrorists have not been able to use Afghan soil for attacks against the United States, given the pros and cons of the US war in Afghanistan. Osama bin Laden, the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, has also been killed, but the way the US has rolled up its sleeves from Afghanistan has tarnished its image as a superpower or world warlord and America's old enemy al-Qaeda is re-emerging in Afghanistan.

The return of the Taliban home in Afghanistan is a blow to India

The Taliban rule in Kabul is a blow to India. But the rift between Afghanistan and Pakistan will not take long. India can make a place in Central Asian countries afraid of the Taliban. The US and India could be an alternative to Pakistan-China factionalism. However, as Russia and China come closer, India will be weakened in Asia if Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, China and Iran join forces.

Pakistan can make Afghanistan a terror ground again

Pakistan has always been troubled by India's influence in Afghanistan. However, with the return of the Taliban to power, Pakistan has received overwhelming support. Pakistan can move terrorists from its soil to Afghanistan and use the land of Afghanistan as a training ground for terrorists. The United States has previously expressed concern about al-Qaeda's re-emergence under Taliban rule.

Neighboring countries, including Iran and China, want a peaceful Afghanistan

China has taken the initiative to recognize the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and provide financial assistance. He does not want to rule 'indirectly' here, but his focus is on mineral resources. That requires peace in Afghanistan. Similarly, Iran also wants peace in Afghanistan, as Afghanistan could become a major source of cash trade after the US freezes Iran's foreign reserves. The situation is similar for Afghanistan under Taliban rule. Neighboring countries like Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan also want peace in Afghanistan. Because the arrival of the Taliban could be a problem for Afghan refugees fleeing to their countries in fear of unrest.