The strategically important city of Kunduz in northern Afghanistan has become a battleground as fierce fighting is going on between the Taliban and the Afghan forces as the former have captured the central parts of Kunduz. The surprise pre-dawn attack on Kunduz resulted in total capitulation and retreat of the Afghan government forces to the airport on the outskirts of the city while clashes are still going on in the city. Kunduz, if the Taliban maintain their hold, would be a key acquisition for the group’s foreign allies as it would be a stepping stone for them into the wider theatre of Central Asia, Russia and China. The fact that the Taliban can actually get control of a strategically important city sends a signal to the government and the international community that the Taliban are capable of striking back. The situation has not improved despite the presence of the US-led NATO forces in Afghanistan for more than 14 years. These are the usual negative effects of foreign invasion and occupation. Unless the government in Afghanistan becomes stronger, such chaos will not end. After the Kunduz attack, the government of Afghanistan is facing severe criticism from its critics. The weak government set-up is causing negative effects on military policies and strategies. The reputation of the government has been tarnished due to this attack. If the government is not stabilised, it will lead to more chaos in the country. In this regard, neighbouring countries can play an effective role. More importantly, India needs to come forward and support the Afghan army in tackling insurgents through military and financial aid. In these circumstances, Pakistan does not enjoy an ideal relationship with the Afghan government. Despite the fact that it was Pakistan that paid a heavy price in terms of financial and human loss in the war against terror, the bigwigs in Afghanistan always raise fingers at Islamabad for present chaos. Pakistan has hosted a record number of Afghan refugees, yet the Kabul government blames Islamabad for all ills. It is the result of mistrust and a lack of communication on part of the top hierarchy of Afghanistan that consider Pakistan as an enemy. In the present scenario, the Afghan government has to stand up on its feet in order to improve the country’s security, including getting the military organised. Afghan soldiers are able to fight, but they need good leadership. It has become obvious that the US is not ready to send its troops to Afghanistan again, and if that is the case, at least, the US should equip the existing Afghan forces with all the necessary military capability so that they could resist militant attacks. It needs to extend all kinds of financial, military and advisory aid to the Afghan government. It is also the responsibility of the Afghan government to review its weaknesses and plan how to remove them. All the countries of the region should find a common strategy to eliminate the Taliban or convince them for negotiations. *