Tashkent Summit on Afghanistan.

Byline: Muhammad Asif Noor

Right as the first anniversary of the fall of Kabul and tumultuous end of US military operation in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan a regional leader hosted two days high level summit on Afghanistan. The event was meant to deliberate on the humanitarian crisis and socio-economic development in Afghanistan. Delegates from nearly thirty countries participated in a conference titled "Afghanistan: Security and Economic Development." The summit was attended by delegates of the European Union, Russia, United Kingdom, Japan, Iran, Pakistan, Central Asian Republics and other stakeholders. Tashkent summit is not a stand-alone conference but makes a place in series of dialogue on Afghan issue since Taliban takeover and withdrawal of the US from Afghan soil. Tashkent, has played a role of an elder brother to take the lead in building consensus amongst the stakeholders to resolve the humanitarian crisis and support for Afghanistan for its development. Uzbekistan, like other immediate Afghan neighbors, feel a range of non-traditional threats due to border proximity and expected to inclusively raise the issue with major stakeholders in a successful attempt.

As the winter is approaching and so does the ISIS threat, the crisis is looming large with growing food insecurity and rise of severe humanitarian crisis. The meeting was the first after such a high level where Afghan Taliban participated with other European members, US and allies. The meeting was a point where the new dimensions were approached and there was a greater chance that the sides may have met and discussed. Another important aspect is that earlier such consultation with Taliban was used to take place in Qatar whereas this was the first time that Tashkent Summit such sidelines meeting were expected.

This conference is also another timely initiative by Uzbekistan following the 4th high-level Consultative Meeting of Central Asian leaders in Kyrgyzstan where parties took due time to discuss managing and support Afghanistan and rising insecurities in the region. This meeting was an important one where the role of outside powers and their influence was demonized. Afghan neighbours are realizing that the only just and lasting solution lies in the giving Afghan led and Afghan owned solution.

The focus of international delegates including the European Union, US and other allies was to find ways to reduce the impact of a 20 years old war on future Afghan generations. It is also an...