While world attention is focused on the war in Syria, a new / old point of confrontation between the United States and Russia is heating up - Afghanistan. Moscow and Washington now and again exchange a hail of serious accusations. The White House believes that Russia supports the Taliban, the Kremlin rebukes the administration of Donald Trump in "an uncoordinated demonstration of force, like an explosion of a super-powerful bomb". Against this background, the military-political situation in Afghanistan is only aggravating, and the country is plunged into chaos, somewhat comparable to the Syrian catastrophe.

What can spill the next round of Afghan escalation - the "Observer".

Accusations without equivocation The government of Afghanistan now controls less than half the country's territory, while in some areas the power of Kabul is nominal. On the domestic political front, the war between President Ashraf Ghani and Prime Minister Abdullah Abdullah. In general, the country's top leadership in the eyes of the West is increasingly associated with total corruption and absolute helplessness in front of a military threat.

In mid-April, a few days after the missile strike on Syria, the US dropped the "mother of all bombs" in the position of IGIL in Afghanistan. In addition to the destruction of 90 militants, a $ 15 million bomb showed Russia and Iran that the States did not withdraw themselves from the conflict. Judging by the rhetorical questions of official Moscow, it is well understood there. "In reality, all that we are witnessing is the fact of an uncoordinated demonstration of force, like an explosion of a super-powerful bomb in Afghanistan. If it is a signal for IGIL, then it obviously does not have the proper effect, if not, then a reasonable question arises, to whom and why is it sent? "- said the director of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service Sergei Naryshkin.

At the end of April, there was another landmark incident: a small group of Taliban attacked the barracks of the government army, destroying about 200 soldiers. The head of the Pentagon, James Mattis immediately flew to Afghanistan, where, without equivocation, he voiced his claims to Russia. Among other things, the US accuses Russia of delivering weapons to Taliban militants,.

"We will continue to deal with Russia at the diplomatic level. We will do everything possible in this direction. However, we will have to enter into a confrontation with Russia, because its actions are contrary to international law or violate the sovereignty of foreign states, "- said Mattis.

In recent weeks, several other high-ranking US military officials have made similar statements, for example, the commander of the US contingent in Afghanistan, General John Nicholson, and the NATO commander in Europe, Curtis Scaparotti.

The Russian leadership at different levels refuses accusations. "These statements are fabrications designed to justify the failure of US military and politicians in the Afghan campaign. We can not find any other explanation, "said the representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry in Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov.

The main intrigue Not left out of the Afghan escalation and NATO. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed his concern and spoke about plans to expand the alliance mission in Afghanistan. Now the contingent of the alliance, together with the service staff, is 13 thousand people.

And in the week, US armed forces spokesman Bill Salvin made a sensational statement: Washington is aiming to liberate Afghanistan from IGIL this year. "We have a good chance to destroy them in 2017 and make it clear that when the Igil fighters are liquidated in other parts of the world, Afghanistan will cease to be the place where it is possible to come and organize an attack," said Salvin.

Strengthening the US in Afghanistan is in conflict with the plans of Russia and Iran. Moscow views the country as part of its sphere of influence in Central Asia. Tehran also aims to strengthen its position in the region.

Although Russia and Iran refute allegations of assistance to the Taliban, they are in favor of cooperation with militants. "Interests of the Taliban" objectively coincide with ours when it comes to fighting against the supporters of IGIL in Afghanistan, "acknowledged Kabulov. He also confirmed that Moscow and the Taliban have "had channels for the exchange of information".

The long-term and strong alliance of Sunni terrorists with Shiite Iran and Russia seems unlikely. However, it is impossible to exclude situational cooperation with the aim of preventing the strengthening of the US: here their positions coincide. In addition, unlike IGIL, the Taliban does not aim to expand the caliphate beyond Afghanistan, that is, they do not threaten the destabilization of other Central Asian countries bordering the Russian Federation.

Now the main intrigue is what degree of involvement in the Afghan conflict are willing parties. It is instructive to drop the bomb, albeit very expensive, for Washington is not a problem. But significantly increase the military contingent, especially if President Donald Trump has repeatedly promised to lead the US out of world conflicts - a more serious step. However, the other day the head of the White House allowed Mattis to place more troops in Syria and Iraq, and this is an interesting bell.

As for Moscow, the Western press periodically writes that Afghanistan may become the next after Syria object of "fraternal assistance" to Russia. But while the Kremlin is aimed at pulling the blanket of the "parliamentarian", offering itself as a mediator for negotiations, in order to strengthen its own influence and limit the American.

As reported by the "Observer", a video appeared from the place of attack of the "Taliban".

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