Taliban-Pakistan alliance dangerous for India : Ex-CIA Chief Douglas London

Washington (US) – The Taliban-Pakistan alliance is a threat to India, says Douglas London, former head of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). It is clear to the world now that the Taliban is getting help from Pakistan. In addition, a drone strike by Pakistan to help the Taliban seize the Panjshir province in Afghanistan endorsed their alliance. Douglas London was speaking regarding the recent events in Afghanistan.

Douglas London said,

1. Pakistan’s support to the Taliban and the Pakistani military’s connection with the Haqqani network is a matter of concern for India. Pakistan supports terrorist organisations, including the Taliban. This policy of Pakistan depends on India-Pakistan’s political relations. Pakistan feels threatened by India and looks at any point or challenge from this angle.

2. There is also tension between India and China. China is a close ally of Pakistan. China is also trying to establish good relations with Afghanistan, but if the Taliban supports Uyghur Muslim separatists, China’s troubles could escalate. China will pressurise the Taliban to prevent this from happening.

3. The Taliban may consider supporting other terrorist organisations. The Taliban is unlikely to sever ties with organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. So it could be a matter of concern for India and Central Asia.

4. Pakistan-backed extremist groups are likely to spiral out of control. Not only that, but it is also a threat to Pakistan’s military dominance.

In his book ‘The Recruiter: Spying and the Lost Art of American Intelligence’, Douglas describes the 2020 US-Taliban peace deal as the most damaging deal of US history.