Abstract :
Over the years, the Taliban have overwhelmingly grown in influence and their stature is being
well recognized; exerting more pressure on Washington’s future orientation in Afghanistan.
Amidst the backdrop of transitions taking place in Afghanistan’s political landscape, the
foreseeable future has, ostensibly, rekindled the prospects of peace. Although peace process is
gradually moving further, yet both sides are reluctant to compromise on each others’ terms. Since
the assumption of power, President Trump’s approach to Afghanistan has been oscillating in
consulting varying options to bring the Taliban to their terms rather to indulge, in true spirits, in a
widely acknowledged political framework for peace. These chosen policy actions posit more
challenges and less opportunities for peace in war-ridden Afghanistan. The emergent scenario
requires a comprehensive, well-crafted and compromising structure to be devised, featured with
inclusiveness of all stakes and issues involved in this prolonged conflict. Evaluating and
analyzing President Trump’s strategic policy toward Afghanistan, this paper aims to explore the
manifesting failures and grey areas of Trump’s Afghan strategy and also attempts to provide strategic foresight while considering the framework of endgame in Afghanistan.
Keyword :
Afghanistan, Taliban, Trump, Exit Strategy, Negotiated Settlement.