Expert: What is the way forward in Afghanistan?

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16 years ago, the US began its war on terror in Afghanistan, starting an eventually the longest war in America's history.

After nearly two decades, the long-lasting effects of the military operation continue to trouble the country and the region. The security situation remains turbulent, and even intensified, while other problems remain.

He Wenping, a research fellow with the Institute of West Asian and African Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Science, told CGTN that it is a war without any winners from her perspective.

US soldiers take part in a helicopter Medevac exercise in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on July 6, 2017. /Reuters Photo

No winners

"This war cost a lots of soldiers' lives, I think more than 2,000. Not mentioned [are] those casualties [that are] coming from Afghanistan side, so this is no winner’s war," He commented.

According to the United Nations, the first six months of the year have seen a record of 1,662 civilians killed, and 3,581 others wounded. The death toll is the highest in 16 years since the US stepped foot in the country. And so far, millions remain displaced.

The gap between the wealthy and poor has been growing in recent years. Kabul's population has exploded, accompanied with high unemployment. Living conditions for citizens have not improved, though more buildings and greater infrastructure has been built.

Positive side

According to He, however, when it comes to the detail of the war, there are certain positive aspects too.

He says the status of women in Afghanistan has risen significantly compared to the time when the country was under Taliban rule.

"Now you see women’s participation in political stage - we have seen four female ministers in the current government, one female governor and also four female ambassadors to other countries. Plus there are 69 women parliament members," she said, backing her opinion with statistics.

In addition, Afghanistan has also seen a marked improvement in the education field in recent times. "There were only one million students before, most of them were just studying religious courses, but now ten times more students are involved in different levels of education," said He.

Political solution needed

US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis announced in September that the US will send more than 3,000 troops to Afghanistan in an effort to win America’s 16-year war there.

It's a reversal of former President Barack Obama's policy and President Donald Trump's own views on the war. Trump had originally promised to minimize America’s involvement abroad.

A screenshot of US President Donald Trump's tweet from 2011.

Based on the U-turn in Trump's policy toward Afghanistan, He points out it is time to recognize the importance and contribution of Pakistan.

"Because Trump fully realizes the capability and strength of Taliban, so they want Taliban at the negotiation table, which is a very good thing. Right now China and Pakistan are involved in this peace process. Pakistan’s role is really foundation as it shares its border with Afghanistan, which means they are also very close to the Taliban,” He added.