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Passage 2
The USA officially ended its 3 year old surge in Afghanistan. The surge was the tactical employment of 30000 additional troops with the purpose of giving the government of Hamid Karzai enough security to build an Afghan National Army and bring the Taliban to the negotiating table.
The end of the surge marks the end of the USA willingness to militarily support a liberal and progressive Kabul regime. Nation building, as it were, is no longer part of the international agenda regarding Afghanistan.
It is important not to assume that Afghanistan will inevitably become a Taliban playground as the USA withdrawal continues. The USA is likely to keep several thousand Special Forces soldiers and a fleet of drones in Afghanistan for years to come. The Karzai government will receive several billion dollars a year in foreign assistance.
The sense is a stalemate. Neither Mr Karzai nor the Taliban can win. But there is also no evidence that Kabul is in a position to constructively bring the insurgents to the negotiating table- one of the unfulfilled goals of the surge. This means that the USA withdrawal is likely to be accompanied by more violence.
As the USA disengages, the main external player will increasingly become Pakistan, but Afghanistan today will be a lot harder to control for Rawalpindi than it was in the 1980s- this is the centre of the Afghan dilemma when it comes to India. Pakistan wants security guarantees regarding Afghanistan that would convert Kabul into a vassal State. India's desire is for a Kabul that is not dominated by Islamists.
Bridging the gap between Pakistani paranoia and Indian interests will be crucial to place Afghanistan on an even keel. This will be determined on the battlefield partially vacated by the USA. India is unwilling to be involved through boots on the ground. But there are several ways it should seek to ensure that a USA withdrawal does not mean an Afghan terrain that tilts in the direction of the Taliban closest to Pakistan.
 
Q.What is the difference between the interests of India and Pakistan with reference to Afghanistan?
  • a)
    Pakistan has a higherstake in the affairs ofAfghanistan than India has.
  • b)
    Pakistan has a more favorable stake in Afghanistan than India does
  • c)
    Pakistan is looking for a change in regime whereas India wants the removal of militancy.
  • d)
    India is not in favor of an Islamist dominated Kabul
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Passage 2The USA officially ended its 3 year old surge in Afghanistan....
Options a and b can not be inferred from the passage. Option c is incorrect as there is no indication that
Pakistan is looking for a change in regime. However, it is clearly mentioned that "India's desire................. Islamist."
This indicates that India is not in favour of an Islamist dominated Kabul. Thus option d is correct.
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Passage 2The USA officially ended its 3 year old surge in Afghanistan. The surge was the tactical employment of 30000 additional troops with the purpose of giving the government of Hamid Karzai enough security to build an Afghan National Army and bring the Taliban to the negotiating table.The end of the surge marks the end of the USA willingness to militarily support a liberal and progressive Kabul regime. Nation building, as it were, is no longer part of the international agenda regarding Afghanistan.It is important not to assume that Afghanistan will inevitably become a Taliban playground as the USA withdrawal continues. The USA is likely to keep several thousand Special Forces soldiers and a fleet of drones in Afghanistan for years to come. The Karzai government will receive several billion dollars a year in foreign assistance.The sense is a stalemate. Neither Mr Karzai nor the Taliban can win. But there is also no evidence that Kabul is in a position to constructively bring the insurgents to the negotiating table- one of the unfulfilled goals of the surge. This means that the USA withdrawal is likely to be accompanied by more violence.As the USA disengages, the main external player will increasingly become Pakistan, but Afghanistan today will be a lot harder to control for Rawalpindi than it was in the 1980s- this is the centre of the Afghan dilemma when it comes to India. Pakistan wants security guarantees regarding Afghanistan that would convert Kabul into a vassal State. Indias desire is for a Kabul that is not dominated by Islamists.Bridging the gap between Pakistani paranoia and Indian interests will be crucial to place Afghanistan on an even keel. This will be determined on the battlefield partially vacated by the USA. India is unwilling to be involved through boots on the ground. But there are several ways it should seek to ensure that a USA withdrawal doesnot mean an Afghan terrain that tilts in the direction of the Taliban closest to Pakistan.Q.It can be inferred that the likely outcome of the USA withdrawal will be

Passage 2The USA officially ended its 3 year old surge in Afghanistan. The surge was the tactical employment of 30000 additional troops with the purpose of giving the government of Hamid Karzai enough security to build an Afghan National Army and bring the Taliban to the negotiating table.The end of the surge marks the end of the USA willingness to militarily support a liberal and progressive Kabul regime. Nation building, as it were, is no longer part of the international agenda regarding Afghanistan.It is important not to assume that Afghanistan will inevitably become a Taliban playground as the USA withdrawal continues. The USA is likely to keep several thousand Special Forces soldiers and a fleet of drones in Afghanistan for years to come. The Karzai government will receive several billion dollars a year in foreign assistance.The sense is a stalemate. Neither Mr Karzai nor the Taliban can win. But there is also no evidence that Kabul is in a position to constructively bring the insurgents to the negotiating table- one of the unfulfilled goals of the surge. This means that the USA withdrawal is likely to be accompanied by more violence.As the USA disengages, the main external player will increasingly become Pakistan, but Afghanistan today will be a lot harder to control for Rawalpindi than it was in the 1980s- this is the centre of the Afghan dilemma when it comes to India. Pakistan wants security guarantees regarding Afghanistan that would convert Kabul into a vassal State. Indias desire is for a Kabul that is not dominated by Islamists.Bridging the gap between Pakistani paranoia and Indian interests will be crucial to place Afghanistan on an even keel. This will be determined on the battlefield partially vacated by the USA. India is unwilling to be involved through boots on the ground. But there are several ways it should seek to ensure that a USA withdrawal doesnot mean an Afghan terrain that tilts in the direction of the Taliban closest to Pakistan.Q.Consider the following statements:1. The strengthening of the Afghan nation was an objective of the USA.2. Afghanistan is doomed to fight a lone battle with the Taliban.With reference to the above passage, which ofthe following assumptions is/are valid?

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Passage 2The USA officially ended its 3 year old surge in Afghanistan. The surge was the tactical employment of 30000 additional troops with the purpose of giving the government of Hamid Karzai enough security to build an Afghan National Army and bring the Taliban to the negotiating table.The end of the surge marks the end of the USA willingness to militarily support a liberal and progressive Kabul regime. Nation building, as it were, is no longer part of the international agenda regarding Afghanistan.It is important not to assume that Afghanistan will inevitably become a Taliban playground as the USA withdrawal continues. The USA is likely to keep several thousand Special Forces soldiers and a fleet of drones in Afghanistan for years to come. The Karzai government will receive several billion dollars a year in foreign assistance.The sense is a stalemate. Neither Mr Karzai nor the Taliban can win. But there is also no evidence that Kabul is in a position to constructively bring the insurgents to the negotiating table- one of the unfulfilled goals of the surge. This means that the USA withdrawal is likely to be accompanied by more violence.As the USA disengages, the main external player will increasingly become Pakistan, but Afghanistan today will be a lot harder to control for Rawalpindi than it was in the 1980s- this is the centre of the Afghan dilemma when it comes to India. Pakistan wants security guarantees regarding Afghanistan that would convert Kabul into a vassal State. India's desire is for a Kabul that is not dominated by Islamists.Bridging the gap between Pakistani paranoia and Indian interests will be crucial to place Afghanistan on an even keel. This will be determined on the battlefield partially vacated by the USA. India is unwilling to be involved through boots on the ground. But there are several ways it should seek to ensure that a USA withdrawal doesnot mean an Afghan terrain that tilts in the direction of the Taliban closest to Pakistan.Q.What is the difference between the interests of India and Pakistan with reference to Afghanistan?a)Pakistan has a higherstake in the affairs ofAfghanistan than India has.b)Pakistan has a more favorable stake in Afghanistan than India doesc)Pakistan is looking for a change in regime whereas India wants the removal of militancy.d)India is not in favor of an Islamist dominated KabulCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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Passage 2The USA officially ended its 3 year old surge in Afghanistan. The surge was the tactical employment of 30000 additional troops with the purpose of giving the government of Hamid Karzai enough security to build an Afghan National Army and bring the Taliban to the negotiating table.The end of the surge marks the end of the USA willingness to militarily support a liberal and progressive Kabul regime. Nation building, as it were, is no longer part of the international agenda regarding Afghanistan.It is important not to assume that Afghanistan will inevitably become a Taliban playground as the USA withdrawal continues. The USA is likely to keep several thousand Special Forces soldiers and a fleet of drones in Afghanistan for years to come. The Karzai government will receive several billion dollars a year in foreign assistance.The sense is a stalemate. Neither Mr Karzai nor the Taliban can win. But there is also no evidence that Kabul is in a position to constructively bring the insurgents to the negotiating table- one of the unfulfilled goals of the surge. This means that the USA withdrawal is likely to be accompanied by more violence.As the USA disengages, the main external player will increasingly become Pakistan, but Afghanistan today will be a lot harder to control for Rawalpindi than it was in the 1980s- this is the centre of the Afghan dilemma when it comes to India. Pakistan wants security guarantees regarding Afghanistan that would convert Kabul into a vassal State. India's desire is for a Kabul that is not dominated by Islamists.Bridging the gap between Pakistani paranoia and Indian interests will be crucial to place Afghanistan on an even keel. This will be determined on the battlefield partially vacated by the USA. India is unwilling to be involved through boots on the ground. But there are several ways it should seek to ensure that a USA withdrawal doesnot mean an Afghan terrain that tilts in the direction of the Taliban closest to Pakistan.Q.What is the difference between the interests of India and Pakistan with reference to Afghanistan?a)Pakistan has a higherstake in the affairs ofAfghanistan than India has.b)Pakistan has a more favorable stake in Afghanistan than India doesc)Pakistan is looking for a change in regime whereas India wants the removal of militancy.d)India is not in favor of an Islamist dominated KabulCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Passage 2The USA officially ended its 3 year old surge in Afghanistan. The surge was the tactical employment of 30000 additional troops with the purpose of giving the government of Hamid Karzai enough security to build an Afghan National Army and bring the Taliban to the negotiating table.The end of the surge marks the end of the USA willingness to militarily support a liberal and progressive Kabul regime. Nation building, as it were, is no longer part of the international agenda regarding Afghanistan.It is important not to assume that Afghanistan will inevitably become a Taliban playground as the USA withdrawal continues. The USA is likely to keep several thousand Special Forces soldiers and a fleet of drones in Afghanistan for years to come. The Karzai government will receive several billion dollars a year in foreign assistance.The sense is a stalemate. Neither Mr Karzai nor the Taliban can win. But there is also no evidence that Kabul is in a position to constructively bring the insurgents to the negotiating table- one of the unfulfilled goals of the surge. This means that the USA withdrawal is likely to be accompanied by more violence.As the USA disengages, the main external player will increasingly become Pakistan, but Afghanistan today will be a lot harder to control for Rawalpindi than it was in the 1980s- this is the centre of the Afghan dilemma when it comes to India. Pakistan wants security guarantees regarding Afghanistan that would convert Kabul into a vassal State. India's desire is for a Kabul that is not dominated by Islamists.Bridging the gap between Pakistani paranoia and Indian interests will be crucial to place Afghanistan on an even keel. This will be determined on the battlefield partially vacated by the USA. India is unwilling to be involved through boots on the ground. But there are several ways it should seek to ensure that a USA withdrawal doesnot mean an Afghan terrain that tilts in the direction of the Taliban closest to Pakistan.Q.What is the difference between the interests of India and Pakistan with reference to Afghanistan?a)Pakistan has a higherstake in the affairs ofAfghanistan than India has.b)Pakistan has a more favorable stake in Afghanistan than India doesc)Pakistan is looking for a change in regime whereas India wants the removal of militancy.d)India is not in favor of an Islamist dominated KabulCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Passage 2The USA officially ended its 3 year old surge in Afghanistan. The surge was the tactical employment of 30000 additional troops with the purpose of giving the government of Hamid Karzai enough security to build an Afghan National Army and bring the Taliban to the negotiating table.The end of the surge marks the end of the USA willingness to militarily support a liberal and progressive Kabul regime. Nation building, as it were, is no longer part of the international agenda regarding Afghanistan.It is important not to assume that Afghanistan will inevitably become a Taliban playground as the USA withdrawal continues. The USA is likely to keep several thousand Special Forces soldiers and a fleet of drones in Afghanistan for years to come. The Karzai government will receive several billion dollars a year in foreign assistance.The sense is a stalemate. Neither Mr Karzai nor the Taliban can win. But there is also no evidence that Kabul is in a position to constructively bring the insurgents to the negotiating table- one of the unfulfilled goals of the surge. This means that the USA withdrawal is likely to be accompanied by more violence.As the USA disengages, the main external player will increasingly become Pakistan, but Afghanistan today will be a lot harder to control for Rawalpindi than it was in the 1980s- this is the centre of the Afghan dilemma when it comes to India. Pakistan wants security guarantees regarding Afghanistan that would convert Kabul into a vassal State. India's desire is for a Kabul that is not dominated by Islamists.Bridging the gap between Pakistani paranoia and Indian interests will be crucial to place Afghanistan on an even keel. This will be determined on the battlefield partially vacated by the USA. India is unwilling to be involved through boots on the ground. But there are several ways it should seek to ensure that a USA withdrawal doesnot mean an Afghan terrain that tilts in the direction of the Taliban closest to Pakistan.Q.What is the difference between the interests of India and Pakistan with reference to Afghanistan?a)Pakistan has a higherstake in the affairs ofAfghanistan than India has.b)Pakistan has a more favorable stake in Afghanistan than India doesc)Pakistan is looking for a change in regime whereas India wants the removal of militancy.d)India is not in favor of an Islamist dominated KabulCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Passage 2The USA officially ended its 3 year old surge in Afghanistan. The surge was the tactical employment of 30000 additional troops with the purpose of giving the government of Hamid Karzai enough security to build an Afghan National Army and bring the Taliban to the negotiating table.The end of the surge marks the end of the USA willingness to militarily support a liberal and progressive Kabul regime. Nation building, as it were, is no longer part of the international agenda regarding Afghanistan.It is important not to assume that Afghanistan will inevitably become a Taliban playground as the USA withdrawal continues. The USA is likely to keep several thousand Special Forces soldiers and a fleet of drones in Afghanistan for years to come. The Karzai government will receive several billion dollars a year in foreign assistance.The sense is a stalemate. Neither Mr Karzai nor the Taliban can win. But there is also no evidence that Kabul is in a position to constructively bring the insurgents to the negotiating table- one of the unfulfilled goals of the surge. This means that the USA withdrawal is likely to be accompanied by more violence.As the USA disengages, the main external player will increasingly become Pakistan, but Afghanistan today will be a lot harder to control for Rawalpindi than it was in the 1980s- this is the centre of the Afghan dilemma when it comes to India. Pakistan wants security guarantees regarding Afghanistan that would convert Kabul into a vassal State. India's desire is for a Kabul that is not dominated by Islamists.Bridging the gap between Pakistani paranoia and Indian interests will be crucial to place Afghanistan on an even keel. This will be determined on the battlefield partially vacated by the USA. India is unwilling to be involved through boots on the ground. But there are several ways it should seek to ensure that a USA withdrawal doesnot mean an Afghan terrain that tilts in the direction of the Taliban closest to Pakistan.Q.What is the difference between the interests of India and Pakistan with reference to Afghanistan?a)Pakistan has a higherstake in the affairs ofAfghanistan than India has.b)Pakistan has a more favorable stake in Afghanistan than India doesc)Pakistan is looking for a change in regime whereas India wants the removal of militancy.d)India is not in favor of an Islamist dominated KabulCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for UPSC. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Passage 2The USA officially ended its 3 year old surge in Afghanistan. The surge was the tactical employment of 30000 additional troops with the purpose of giving the government of Hamid Karzai enough security to build an Afghan National Army and bring the Taliban to the negotiating table.The end of the surge marks the end of the USA willingness to militarily support a liberal and progressive Kabul regime. Nation building, as it were, is no longer part of the international agenda regarding Afghanistan.It is important not to assume that Afghanistan will inevitably become a Taliban playground as the USA withdrawal continues. The USA is likely to keep several thousand Special Forces soldiers and a fleet of drones in Afghanistan for years to come. The Karzai government will receive several billion dollars a year in foreign assistance.The sense is a stalemate. Neither Mr Karzai nor the Taliban can win. But there is also no evidence that Kabul is in a position to constructively bring the insurgents to the negotiating table- one of the unfulfilled goals of the surge. This means that the USA withdrawal is likely to be accompanied by more violence.As the USA disengages, the main external player will increasingly become Pakistan, but Afghanistan today will be a lot harder to control for Rawalpindi than it was in the 1980s- this is the centre of the Afghan dilemma when it comes to India. Pakistan wants security guarantees regarding Afghanistan that would convert Kabul into a vassal State. India's desire is for a Kabul that is not dominated by Islamists.Bridging the gap between Pakistani paranoia and Indian interests will be crucial to place Afghanistan on an even keel. This will be determined on the battlefield partially vacated by the USA. India is unwilling to be involved through boots on the ground. But there are several ways it should seek to ensure that a USA withdrawal doesnot mean an Afghan terrain that tilts in the direction of the Taliban closest to Pakistan.Q.What is the difference between the interests of India and Pakistan with reference to Afghanistan?a)Pakistan has a higherstake in the affairs ofAfghanistan than India has.b)Pakistan has a more favorable stake in Afghanistan than India doesc)Pakistan is looking for a change in regime whereas India wants the removal of militancy.d)India is not in favor of an Islamist dominated KabulCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Passage 2The USA officially ended its 3 year old surge in Afghanistan. The surge was the tactical employment of 30000 additional troops with the purpose of giving the government of Hamid Karzai enough security to build an Afghan National Army and bring the Taliban to the negotiating table.The end of the surge marks the end of the USA willingness to militarily support a liberal and progressive Kabul regime. Nation building, as it were, is no longer part of the international agenda regarding Afghanistan.It is important not to assume that Afghanistan will inevitably become a Taliban playground as the USA withdrawal continues. The USA is likely to keep several thousand Special Forces soldiers and a fleet of drones in Afghanistan for years to come. The Karzai government will receive several billion dollars a year in foreign assistance.The sense is a stalemate. Neither Mr Karzai nor the Taliban can win. But there is also no evidence that Kabul is in a position to constructively bring the insurgents to the negotiating table- one of the unfulfilled goals of the surge. This means that the USA withdrawal is likely to be accompanied by more violence.As the USA disengages, the main external player will increasingly become Pakistan, but Afghanistan today will be a lot harder to control for Rawalpindi than it was in the 1980s- this is the centre of the Afghan dilemma when it comes to India. Pakistan wants security guarantees regarding Afghanistan that would convert Kabul into a vassal State. India's desire is for a Kabul that is not dominated by Islamists.Bridging the gap between Pakistani paranoia and Indian interests will be crucial to place Afghanistan on an even keel. This will be determined on the battlefield partially vacated by the USA. India is unwilling to be involved through boots on the ground. But there are several ways it should seek to ensure that a USA withdrawal doesnot mean an Afghan terrain that tilts in the direction of the Taliban closest to Pakistan.Q.What is the difference between the interests of India and Pakistan with reference to Afghanistan?a)Pakistan has a higherstake in the affairs ofAfghanistan than India has.b)Pakistan has a more favorable stake in Afghanistan than India doesc)Pakistan is looking for a change in regime whereas India wants the removal of militancy.d)India is not in favor of an Islamist dominated KabulCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Passage 2The USA officially ended its 3 year old surge in Afghanistan. The surge was the tactical employment of 30000 additional troops with the purpose of giving the government of Hamid Karzai enough security to build an Afghan National Army and bring the Taliban to the negotiating table.The end of the surge marks the end of the USA willingness to militarily support a liberal and progressive Kabul regime. Nation building, as it were, is no longer part of the international agenda regarding Afghanistan.It is important not to assume that Afghanistan will inevitably become a Taliban playground as the USA withdrawal continues. The USA is likely to keep several thousand Special Forces soldiers and a fleet of drones in Afghanistan for years to come. The Karzai government will receive several billion dollars a year in foreign assistance.The sense is a stalemate. Neither Mr Karzai nor the Taliban can win. But there is also no evidence that Kabul is in a position to constructively bring the insurgents to the negotiating table- one of the unfulfilled goals of the surge. This means that the USA withdrawal is likely to be accompanied by more violence.As the USA disengages, the main external player will increasingly become Pakistan, but Afghanistan today will be a lot harder to control for Rawalpindi than it was in the 1980s- this is the centre of the Afghan dilemma when it comes to India. Pakistan wants security guarantees regarding Afghanistan that would convert Kabul into a vassal State. India's desire is for a Kabul that is not dominated by Islamists.Bridging the gap between Pakistani paranoia and Indian interests will be crucial to place Afghanistan on an even keel. This will be determined on the battlefield partially vacated by the USA. India is unwilling to be involved through boots on the ground. But there are several ways it should seek to ensure that a USA withdrawal doesnot mean an Afghan terrain that tilts in the direction of the Taliban closest to Pakistan.Q.What is the difference between the interests of India and Pakistan with reference to Afghanistan?a)Pakistan has a higherstake in the affairs ofAfghanistan than India has.b)Pakistan has a more favorable stake in Afghanistan than India doesc)Pakistan is looking for a change in regime whereas India wants the removal of militancy.d)India is not in favor of an Islamist dominated KabulCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Passage 2The USA officially ended its 3 year old surge in Afghanistan. The surge was the tactical employment of 30000 additional troops with the purpose of giving the government of Hamid Karzai enough security to build an Afghan National Army and bring the Taliban to the negotiating table.The end of the surge marks the end of the USA willingness to militarily support a liberal and progressive Kabul regime. Nation building, as it were, is no longer part of the international agenda regarding Afghanistan.It is important not to assume that Afghanistan will inevitably become a Taliban playground as the USA withdrawal continues. The USA is likely to keep several thousand Special Forces soldiers and a fleet of drones in Afghanistan for years to come. The Karzai government will receive several billion dollars a year in foreign assistance.The sense is a stalemate. Neither Mr Karzai nor the Taliban can win. But there is also no evidence that Kabul is in a position to constructively bring the insurgents to the negotiating table- one of the unfulfilled goals of the surge. This means that the USA withdrawal is likely to be accompanied by more violence.As the USA disengages, the main external player will increasingly become Pakistan, but Afghanistan today will be a lot harder to control for Rawalpindi than it was in the 1980s- this is the centre of the Afghan dilemma when it comes to India. Pakistan wants security guarantees regarding Afghanistan that would convert Kabul into a vassal State. India's desire is for a Kabul that is not dominated by Islamists.Bridging the gap between Pakistani paranoia and Indian interests will be crucial to place Afghanistan on an even keel. This will be determined on the battlefield partially vacated by the USA. India is unwilling to be involved through boots on the ground. But there are several ways it should seek to ensure that a USA withdrawal doesnot mean an Afghan terrain that tilts in the direction of the Taliban closest to Pakistan.Q.What is the difference between the interests of India and Pakistan with reference to Afghanistan?a)Pakistan has a higherstake in the affairs ofAfghanistan than India has.b)Pakistan has a more favorable stake in Afghanistan than India doesc)Pakistan is looking for a change in regime whereas India wants the removal of militancy.d)India is not in favor of an Islamist dominated KabulCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Passage 2The USA officially ended its 3 year old surge in Afghanistan. The surge was the tactical employment of 30000 additional troops with the purpose of giving the government of Hamid Karzai enough security to build an Afghan National Army and bring the Taliban to the negotiating table.The end of the surge marks the end of the USA willingness to militarily support a liberal and progressive Kabul regime. Nation building, as it were, is no longer part of the international agenda regarding Afghanistan.It is important not to assume that Afghanistan will inevitably become a Taliban playground as the USA withdrawal continues. The USA is likely to keep several thousand Special Forces soldiers and a fleet of drones in Afghanistan for years to come. The Karzai government will receive several billion dollars a year in foreign assistance.The sense is a stalemate. Neither Mr Karzai nor the Taliban can win. But there is also no evidence that Kabul is in a position to constructively bring the insurgents to the negotiating table- one of the unfulfilled goals of the surge. This means that the USA withdrawal is likely to be accompanied by more violence.As the USA disengages, the main external player will increasingly become Pakistan, but Afghanistan today will be a lot harder to control for Rawalpindi than it was in the 1980s- this is the centre of the Afghan dilemma when it comes to India. Pakistan wants security guarantees regarding Afghanistan that would convert Kabul into a vassal State. India's desire is for a Kabul that is not dominated by Islamists.Bridging the gap between Pakistani paranoia and Indian interests will be crucial to place Afghanistan on an even keel. This will be determined on the battlefield partially vacated by the USA. India is unwilling to be involved through boots on the ground. But there are several ways it should seek to ensure that a USA withdrawal doesnot mean an Afghan terrain that tilts in the direction of the Taliban closest to Pakistan.Q.What is the difference between the interests of India and Pakistan with reference to Afghanistan?a)Pakistan has a higherstake in the affairs ofAfghanistan than India has.b)Pakistan has a more favorable stake in Afghanistan than India doesc)Pakistan is looking for a change in regime whereas India wants the removal of militancy.d)India is not in favor of an Islamist dominated KabulCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
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