US War on Terror Reaches Decisive Turn

The wait for long awaited policy of US President Barack Obama on Afghanistan related terrorism has now come to an end. The United States seems to have given a deep deliberation before announcing the policy. Whatever he has said in this regard is also not deceiving. Instead, his statement is made in no uncertain terms. He said that the war on terror would continue until all terrorist organizations are eliminated and the US administration has set a deadline for it.

Process of Withdrawal of Troops
The President announced that 30,000 additional troops are being sent to Afghanistan and simultaneously the process of withdrawal of troops will also be initiated. The message is clear that it can be expected that the war can further flare up. Its reason is that the Taliban and Al-Qa'ida have been persisting with their activities in Pakistan for a long time now.
Reports of explosions are pouring in from various parts of Pakistan. It has become amply evident to a large extent that these terrorist organizations have established their strongholds at various places in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Obama also made it clear that these strongholds are located along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

Action in Border Areas
Under the US pressure, Pakistan has initiated strict action in several border areas. During this operation, a large number of terrorists have been killed and many of their strongholds have been demolished. Yet, this action by the Pakistani Army has not been termed enough or effective. Nor has it demoralized terrorist organizations. Which is why, the US administration continues to grant more and more financial support to Pakistan. In simultaneous with this, the US pressure on Pakistan has also been stepped up, of late.
But, the United States has further hardened its stance against Pakistan for want of desired results. In his latest policy statement, Obama has repeatedly observed that the US security is at stake. However, he has clarified that it is not a US war only. Instead it is a global war. For, after the 9/11, 2001 attack on New York, Al-Qa'ida has launched more attacks on various countries from their secure havens. These include the United Kingdom, Jordan, and Bali.

Impact of Economic Recession
The ongoing economic recession is also considered to be the outcome of this global war on terror to a certain extent. Former US President George W. Bush is also held responsible for the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, while the US war in Afghanistan is understandable in the context of the 9/11 terrorists attack on New York. For, Al-Qa'ida chief Osama Bin Laden was in Afghanistan on that occasion and the then Taliban government in Afghanistan refused to act against him or expel him from that country. But, in so far as the Iraq war is concerned, it can be termed Bush's vindictive act.
Somehow or the other, elections could be held in Afghanistan. Many countries, including India, are engaged in the work of reconstruction and rehabilitation in Afghanistan. That way, they seem to be linked to the global war on terror. Doubtless, the impact of the war in Afghanistan is relatively greater on India because terrorist groups are waging a fight under the name of Jihad (crusade) against India also along with Afghanistan. The Pakistani Government is instrumental for it. It appears that the war on terror has now reached a decisive phase and it can be fought with farsightedness, determination and strictness.