The hostage crisis is finally heading to its climax, but leaving scores of questions behind it. What will be the repercussions of South Korea bowing to Taliban?
The South Korean hostage drama is near its end, with 12 of the 19 hostages released, the remaining 7 hope to be freed soon. However, the entire unfolded when the Taliban militants, who demanded release of their militant brothers from jail in return, abducted a team of 23 South Korean aid workers. Negotiations were held, without any outcome that was feasible. Nonetheless, two ill hostages were released by their abductors on a goodwill note and 12 out of remaining 19 have been freed now. But, this has come with a price.
South Korea has set a dangerous precedent in directly negotiating with the Taliban and paying heed to their demands, as Seoul has agreed to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan and not let any of its citizen be it engineers or aid workers enter the war-marred land. But, the government of South Korea was under immense pressure from its pubic and kith and kin of the hostages because the number was 23 of which two were killed earlier.
However, the story of the crisis doesn’t end here. It is the beginning of a new war that Taliban will bestow on nations like South Korea that can be easily held hostage to its demands. But, only time is going to tell who becomes victim and who victimizes.
Via: Reuters
