U.S National Intelligence Director, James R. Clapper, in an address to his country’s Senate warned that Afghanistan is faced with the risk of a political breakdown in this year.
“Afghanistan is at serious risk of a political breakdown during 2016, occasioned by mounting political, economic and security challenges. Waning political cohesion, increasingly assertive local powerbrokers, financial shortfalls, and sustained countrywide Taliban attacks are eroding stability,” he said.
He added: “Al-Qaeda’s affiliates also have proven resilient. Despite counter terrorism pressure that has largely decimated the ‘core’ leadership in Afghanistan and Pakistan, al-Qaeda affiliates are positioned to make gains in 2016.”
Spokesman for the Chief Executive of Afghanistan Mujib Rahman Rahimi rejected the claims and said the political and military challenges in Afghanistan are not at the level of a military and political breakdown.
“There are problems in military and political aspects in Afghanistan but the problems are not at the level to lead to a political and military breakdown,” he said.
According to reports, delays in bringing electoral reforms, holding of the parliamentary and district council elections and the Loya Jirga (Grand Assembly) are among the challenges faced by the National Unity Government (NUG).
He added: “A delay in implementing the political agreement [singed between the NUG leaders – President Ashraf Ghani and CEO Abdullah Abdullah] will create some concerns and challenges but the government leaders have reiterated that the agreement will be implemented.”
Analysts meanwhile said the assessment by the U.S National Intelligence Director is based on the realities on the ground in Afghanistan.
“The assessment by U.S National Defense Intelligence Agency is based on ground realities in Afghanistan,” said Jawid Kohistani, an analyst in political and military affairs.
“No doubt, the crisis will increase in the next year and that it will take the opportunities made for Afghans,” he added.
Afghan analysts have often warned of a political breakdown in the country since the establishment of the National Unity Government in 2014, but it is the first time that a senior U.S official has brought up the subject.http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/23720-afghanistan-at-risk-of-political-breakdown-us-official
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