Blow to US prestige

The United States has suffered a greater loss than even Afghanistan itself. The US did not maintain its commitment of friendship, and protection from enemies to that country. On the one hand, it claimed to be a friend of Afghanistan, and on the other, it kept holding secret parleys with the Taliban and Pakistan — the number one enemies. Ultimately, when Afghanistan was in deep crisis, the US deserted it, leaving it defenceless to the invaders. The plight of Afghanistan has today clearly highlighted how fake is the friendship/alliance of this country which claims itself to be the first world power. Now, countries would have a second thought before entering into any friendship or alliance with it. This loss of prestige has come to the US at a time when it is struggling to keep its number one position when other powers are breathing down its neck to claim supremacy.

SS Chahal, by mail

Strategic mistake

Withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan has proved to be a strategic mistake. The Taliban have never had such a control over the country. This will have long-term repercussions, with China coming closer to it, in its own interest, and thus making the situation more complicated for America and its allies. The situation might be saved from further deterioration if America strengthens non-Taliban elements to stem further expansion. No time should be lost.

Mohinder Behl, Canada

Support to Taliban

The Taliban have replaced a democratic government. The main reason for this is the corrupt government of former Afghanistan President Abdul Ghani. Only a fraction of the population of over four crore had participated in the elections. This shows that when a democratic government becomes corrupt and unethical, it loses the trust of the people. It is bound to be taken over by extremist groups. The Taliban are only a face supported by China and Pakistan. They have their commercial interests. Without their support, the Taliban could not have been successful. Afghanistan will become another Vietnam. India has invested enough there without realising the ground realities. The immediate responsibility of the government is to evacuate each and every Indian citizen from there. Aided by China, the Taliban will be a big threat to Ladakh and Siachen.

Capt Amar Jeet (retd), Mohali

Shameful surrender

The Taliban have captured almost the whole of Afghanistan only in 20 weeks and without any resistance. In history, perhaps this would be the only instance when a 3.5-lakh-strong army surrendered in such a way. The American forces remained in Afghanistan for 20 years. Did they not train the Afghan army? An army knows only to do and die, but this army ran away. History shows that the Indian Army fights till the last moment. And if their weapons and ammunition is finished, they fight physically.

Narender K Sharma, Joginder Nagar

Let bygones be bygones

Apropos of the Union government declaring August 14 as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day; the Partition was one of the most traumatic episodes in Indian history. However, it has been 75 years and much water has flown under the bridge. By their sheer grit, determination and hard work, people who experienced the horrors of the Partition have almost forgotten it. The only reason behind forcing people to remember the dark days seems to be vote bank politics. Obviously, this decision is not for remembering those who lost their lives and homes, but to open old wounds and create a communal wedge between communities.

Balbir Singh Kakkar, Jalandhar

State of Parliament

Refer to ‘Sorry state of affairs: CJI’, the Chief Justice of India rightly bemoans the decline in the quality of debates in Parliament. Parliament represents our nation and highlights our issues and concerns and symbolises our aspirations. The nation faces many issues that need to be discussed. If Bills are passed in minutes, where is the time for debate? Over the years, the number of days that Parliament meets is declining. As a senior citizen, I look back to the days when parliamentarians like Rajaji, Piloo Mody, Ram Manohar Lohia or the former PM, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, would use quotes, meaningful poetry and witty political remarks. The ruling party with its absolute majority does not seem keen to have extended sessions or give sufficient time to discuss matters of public and national significance. This will set a bad precedent for our democracy.

HN Ramakrishna, Bengaluru

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