The more interest bits in the latest report of the DoD IG's quarterly report are on Pakistan, its role in the Afghan peace process. Things which struck out: 1/n media.defense.gov/2020/May/19/20…
"...Pakistan has encouraged the Afghan Taliban to participate in peace talks, but refrained from applying coercive pressure that would seriously threaten its relationship with the Afghan Taliban to dissuade the group from conducting further violence."
"...Pakistan continues to harbor the Taliban and associated militant groups in Pakistan, such as the Haqqani Network,
which maintains the ability to conduct attacks against Afghan interests."
which maintains the ability to conduct attacks against Afghan interests."
"Pakistan’s strategic objectives in Afghanistan continue to be countering Indian influence and mitigating spillover of instability into its territory."
"Pakistan likely views increased Taliban influence in Afghanistan as supporting its overall objectives and will seek to influence intra-Afghan peace talks in a direction
favorable to Pakistan."
favorable to Pakistan."
"Pakistan’s internal operations continue to be focused on Pakistani militant groups, but may periodically focus on reducing Afghan militant groups’ operational capabilities."
"...prolonged closure of [Af-Pak] border [due to COVID-19] stressed Afghanistan’s fragile economy...[2000 stopped trucks resulted] in an estimated
$225 million in losses to direct trade and another $200 million to ancillary and transport businesses..." n/n
$225 million in losses to direct trade and another $200 million to ancillary and transport businesses..." n/n
