link to article: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/87509446.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
The Chaman Crossing, a major transit point between Pakistan and Afghanistan, just reopened for the first time since the Taliban closed its borders October 5, 2021. The Taliban have removed all barricades, such as large cement blocks, that were placed by Chaman Crossing in order to prevent people from using it. A senior security border official stated, “The border is open to all kinds of traffic and the people.” This is good news for Pakistani and Afghan citizens who were not being allowed to go home due Chaman Crossing being closed. The Taliban now are allowing people to cross over who have an official Afghan national identity card. The big change is due to talks happening from both the Taliban and Pakistan. This opening also marks the restart of trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan using Chaman Crossing.
I think that this is a really good thing for both countries. The fact that the Taliban are starting to open more and more up since they took over Afghanistan. This is potentially a really good thing for Pakistan. The relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been rocky, so with the Taliban now in control this may be a good opportunity to strengthen that relationship. The Taliban have shown a desire to be on the world stage as a leader and power. To do so, they must establish themselves as a trustworthy and peaceful government. Additionally, they must treat their own population in a manner that is completely opposite of their regime prior to the U.S. occupancy. This is a good indication that they will do exactly that.
This can be tied back to class by using a level of analysis to figure out why the Taliban may have made the decision to open the border back up, and why Pakistan may use this to strengthen relations between the two countries. On a Regional level, the Taliban’s decision to open the border back up may have to do with the fact that they want to strengthen relations with the bordering countries. With Afghanistan and Pakistan already having a rocky relationship Pakistan may also see this as a way to have better relations with a country that they have to share a border with especially when it comes to trade. On a Domestic level, with just taking over Afghanistan, the Taliban may find it beneficial to have a good trading relationship with Pakistan. Pakistan has more than one benefit with the Taliban take over, one being that with the Taliban taking over India loses influence over Afghanistan which is a big benefit for Pakistan. Having a stronger relationship with Afghanistan will have a very positive effect for them, especially the aspect of having unrestricted trade routes through Asia that will become an option if they have stronger relationships with the Afghans.