The decision of the US and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) to withdraw troops from Afghanistan is a definite incentive for Islamic terrorists and extremists to continue their offensive around the world. By withdrawing their forces, the US and other NATO countries have virtually conceded defeat against acts of terrorism. It would be naive on the part of the US and other NATO partners to think that they would not be affected by Taliban terrorists taking over Afghanistan.

It is well documented that the real target of Islamic terrorists is the US and West European countries. Now that these countries have boosted the terrorists' confidence by running away from the battle in Afghanistan, the determination of the Islamic terrorists to weaken the western nations and spread their influence around the world will become stronger. They would further increase the intensity of terrorist acts and seriously disrupt the peaceful conditions in several countries.

On the other hand, US President Joe Biden and other West European leaders have concluded that the war in Afghanistan has become too costly and it would be prudent to withdraw, despite the setback to the global fight against terrorism.

Some sections of people in the US and Western Europe have been asking why they should take responsibility for checking the spread of terrorism across the world. They would realize their flawed thought process once it dawns on them that they would be the victims of the acts of terrorism in the coming years if global terrorism is left unchecked.

Already the demographic balance in several West European nations and Canada and even in countries like Australia has been seriously disrupted due to the massive entry of the Muslim population as migrants and refugees, of whom some could be members of terrorist outfits.

Islamic extremists believe they can “take over” Europe and North America by rapidly increasing the Muslim population in these countries. Past US Presidents realized this and tried to stop the flow of immigrants but the incumbent Joe Biden seems to have other ideas. A lot of people in European countries realize their folly of allowing the unchecked flow of Muslims as migrants and refugees but it is too late now and the damage has already been done.

China's gains

Apart from the Islamic extremists, the immediate gainer from the US and NATO forces’ withdrawal from Afghanistan would be China, which is always ready to fish in troubled waters. China would be least bothered about the spread of terrorism in one part of the world or the other if it can convert the situation to its advantage through self-centered clever strategies.

Certainly, the image of the US and West European countries as strong nations with an uncompromising commitment to the cause of democracy and freedom has been weakened. Against this backdrop, China’s ambition to emerge as a world superpower would be strengthened in the coming years. China may even succeed in attaining this status before long if US President Biden gives up or dilutes the fight against terrorist outfits.

With Pakistan now being reduced to the level of an extended territory of China for all practical purposes, the Communist nation would cleverly use the Pakistan government to enter Afghanistan by negotiating with the Taliban terrorists in an attempt to bring Afghanistan under its control.

Threat to India

India would be a major sufferer due to the weakening stance of the US and West European countries against terrorism since it is also an important target for Islamic terrorists.
India could face a serious threat following a likely unholy axis between China, Pakistan and Taliban-led Afghanistan, as they all have the common aim of weakening India and disrupting the peace in the country.

In short, President Biden seems to have reacted without adequate planning and with a sense of panic by withdrawing from Afghanistan and giving a free hand to the Taliban terrorists there.

In the past, the US had bitter experiences in Vietnam and Korea when it sent its troops to fight against the local forces, in the name of fighting for peace and democracy. The US virtually gained nothing in the process.

While Vietnam somehow rehabilitated itself by becoming a democratic country, North Korea has come under China’s influence and is now a bitter opponent of the US. Afghanistan too may shape up like North Korea and come under China’s control and become a similar US adversary.

(The writer is a Trustee, NGO Nandini Voice for the Deprived, Chennai. The views expressed are personal)