War in Afghanistan: Arrest of Mullah Baradar

A first major success for the NATO troops in Afghanistan led by the United States of America was achieved around the first week of February 2010 with the arrest of Mullah Baradar.

Though information on the arrest is still shrouded in secrecy, but as the New York Times which first broke the news, reported that, the arrest was carried out by Pakistan's intelligence agency the ISI based on information provided by the United States CIA. Since the news of the arrest first broke out, the media is evaluating the consequences of the arrest on the US-lead NATO war on terror in Afghanistan.

Expected Impact on the War in Afghanistan

The arrest of Mullah Baradar, who is the Afghan Taliban's number 2, will without doubt have far-reaching implications on the Afghanistan war front. Though, on the ground implications will take time its immediate consequence will be felt on the anti-terror diplomacy and geo-politics of the reaching which will be more far-reaching.

The arrest implies that the US strategy of carrot and stick in handling Pakistan is finally paying dividends. This would come as a morale booster for the US President who has been pursuing the war on terror in Afghanistan with a renewed focus on bringing about a speedy end. It goes to his credit, that unlike his predecessor, President Obama has demonstrated a clear sense of purpose not shying away from listening to ground forces and responding to war commanders request for more troops.

Terrorists were in Pakistan

Pakistan and the whole world knew that the Afghan Taliban top brass were living in Pakistan. Given, Pakistan's history of harboring terror elements, it would be naïve to believe that they were living there without the knowledge of state actors. Though, the arrest itself is surprising, what is noticeable is the fact that Pakistan's intelligence has evidently buckled under pressure from the US and agreed to haul-up Mullah Baradar.

Pakistan's Gain from the Arrest of Mullah Baradar

In taking action against Mullah Baradar, Pakistan does not have much to lose. Rather, as the war on terror progresses in Afghanistan, with the renewed push from President Obama, Pakistan would better off maintaining its identity as a conduit of the US in the region. This will ensure, that Pakistan continues to get a larger say in the rapidly evolving geo-political environment of the region. For Pakistan it means that it will succeed in keep Indian influence in the region at bay and secondly it will ensure that the US continues its engagement policy towards it, which means a constant supply of arms and money.