The Turkish opposition and many ordinary citizens do not like the idea of staying in Afghanistan, ostensibly to protect the airport in Kabul, while NATO forces are withdrawing their contingent from the country. While the Taliban are threatening to expel the Turkish military by force, a columnist of a pro-government newspaper decided to explain to readers why it is extremely important for Turkey to stay in this region.
The columnist of the pro-government newspaper "Star" Resul Tosun (Resul Tosun) responds to criticism, which is heard mainly from the opposition circles of Turkey regarding the preservation of the Turkish military presence in Afghanistan.
It is emphasized that diplomatic relations between Turkey and Afghanistan were established in 1921, the Turkish Embassy is the first diplomatic mission opened in Kabul, Turkey has played an important role in the development of the main government institutions of Afghanistan, the largest program of foreign aid to Turkey ($1.1 billion) had been sent to Afghanistan, the Turkish military in Afghanistan since 2001 in the framework of the NATO mission, even the Taliban (a terrorist organization banned in Russia - approx. ed.) refrains from attacking Turkish military, Turkey is in a supportive relationship with the Afghan Central government enjoys the confidence and respect of the Afghan people.
The presence in Afghanistan is important from the point of view of having a voice in the geopolitics of the Middle East, the journalist sums up.