US seeks Pakistan’s help for coaxing Taliban back into talks
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ISLAMABAD: Senior US official Lisa Curtis on Tuesday opened her visit to Pakistan with meetings amidst reports that the process of engagement with the Taliban for restarting the Afghan peace process had stalled.
US Special Envoy for Afghan Peace and Reconciliation Amb Zalmay Khalilzad, who too was due in Islamabad, could not reach here because of changes in his itinerary. Amb Khalilzad in his latest trip to the region has faced several unexpected changes. He is currently in Afghanistan.
“His schedule has been fluid all week,” a diplomatic source said, adding that the special envoy was likely to visit Islamabad in the next few days.
No details about Ms Curtis’ meetings were publicly available. She is believed to be here to push for resumption of engagement with the Taliban in addition to certain bilateral issues.
Senior US official Lisa Curtis arrives in Islamabad for meetings
Pakistan last month facilitated a meeting between the US special envoy and Taliban representatives in Abu Dhabi. UAE and Saudi officials attended the meeting as observers. It was agreed at the Abu Dhabi meeting that the process would continue and another meeting would be convened, but no date and venue for the next interaction has been set so far.
A diplomatic source said: “The Taliban are refusing to talk to the Afghan government. The US wants Pakistan to pressure Pakistan-based Taliban leadership to accept direct negotiations with the Afghan government.” The Pakistani government, he further said, was insisting that it had little control over the Taliban.
Prime Minister Imran Khan, meanwhile, talking to president of the East-West Institute and former US ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter said: “Pakistan fully supports a political settlement in Afghanistan which is the only viable option to end this conflict.”
Mr Khan emphasised the need for ensuring regional security so that economic progress could take place.
Mr Munter said he continued to advocate strong relationship between Islamabad and Washington as Pakistan was an important country of the region and critical to US national security objectives.
Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2019
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Comments (97) Closed
Jan 16, 2019 07:36am
Seems like USA is now really pushing pakistan against the wall.
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Jan 16, 2019 07:39am
First they destroy trust and then come back to help ... typical.
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Jan 16, 2019 07:41am
Pakistan just need be to careful and learn from history. Specially behind the scene games.
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Jan 16, 2019 07:47am
"The US wants Pakistan to pressure Pakistan-based Taliban leadership to accept direct negotiations with the Afghan government."
Now you know where are Afghan killers. This is open and public.
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Jan 16, 2019 07:53am
The Taliban have been so busy killing people, perhaps the concept of peace is slipping
their minds. Good luck to the dynamic Lisa Curtis! Stop the slaughter...
Gordon D. Walker
Canada
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Jan 16, 2019 07:53am
USA is stirring troubles again in this region and Middle East.
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Jan 16, 2019 08:07am
US will not leave us alone till we don't say in clear terms that we are not for sale
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Jan 16, 2019 08:10am
@ART KP , Again? When did they stop?
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Jan 16, 2019 08:17am
All rival actors i.e. USA,India,Afghan govt. and to some extent Iran are playing a dirty game here. They are zeroing in on Pakistan. Pakistan should act very very carefully here and keep its interest supreme no matter what. If you lose so called goodwill of Taliban then the game is over for Pakistan. USA and its allies won't lose anything. Don't come under sweet words and gestures extended by USA
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Jan 16, 2019 08:26am
Peace will persist only if ordinary Afghans unite against Taliban and say "no more violence". US, Pakistan and all parties involved should cooperate. Peace will give this region a chance to develop and save millions from plight of war.
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Jan 16, 2019 08:27am
So after 17 years, countless deaths, immeasurable destruction and its own arrogance the US has realized Pakistan’s importance in the region. A result of change in our leadership ??
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Jan 16, 2019 08:30am
Imran Khan will end out problems !!
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Jan 16, 2019 08:36am
Why does US think Taliban will listen to Pakistan ?? do we control Taliban ?
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Jan 16, 2019 08:38am
We help fight against USSR at a heavy cost to our security. We loose 6000 soldiers fighting the taliban coming from Afghanistan under US watch, we help US in talks with Taliban leaders, we loose 100bn dollars plus due to US war in Afghanistan....and the US allows india to take over Afghanistan and use the soil to train terrorists and send them to Pakistan.......who is the real back stabber here......
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Jan 16, 2019 08:45am
The reality is that USA can’t really do much without Pakistan’s support!
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Jan 16, 2019 08:46am
Cant find the light at the end of the tunnel. Peace will remain elusive, when it comes to Afghanistan.
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Jan 16, 2019 08:59am
This is an unfortunate relationship in that the US show lack of respect for Pakistan yet make requests when it suits. I guess all those billions spent on dropping bombs did not work.
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Jan 16, 2019 09:00am
Incurable polarization on the ethnic basis in Afghanistan, best way is to divide it among its neighbors for the peace of the region and for the whole world. World needs Versailles type treaty in this regard.
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Jan 16, 2019 09:01am
@Mr.Afghani, we capture Afghan terrorists with indian money and bomb making equip every second day from different cities of pakistan who have killed and maimed countless0 pakistanis lives any way ask india to send their forces to Afghanistan to fight taliban if they are serious about helping Afghan people
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Jan 16, 2019 09:03am
Lisa Curtis looks extremely happy in the picture on arrival in Pakistan.
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Jan 16, 2019 09:10am
@Mr.Afghani, yeah but could you identify them amongst 4 million Afghan refugees enjoying Pakistan's hospility for the last 40 years?
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Jan 16, 2019 09:13am
Notice the change in tone, asking for help rather than the words "do more".
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Jan 16, 2019 09:15am
@Hello, Even with Pakistan support, where is the peace my dear!!!
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Jan 16, 2019 09:15am
@Gordon D. Walker, Talaban or US lead occupiers?
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Jan 16, 2019 09:18am
On the expense of US financial and human loss, US presence in Afghanistan only benefits India to carry out cross-border terrorism into Pakistan.
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Jan 16, 2019 09:21am
Blatant double standard at its peek on the part of USA . Carrots and stick policy of USA. Hope that Pakistan would learn from its mistakes in her relations with USA.
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Jan 16, 2019 09:25am
Pakistan needs to be very involved in further conversations because they are impacted and are very familiar with the protocols on how to deal with the Talibans. I am not saying US needs to take a back seat but any talks and negotiations need to be in the best interest of all parties involved. Imran Khan has been very consistent that the only solution to this huge predicament is dialogue and he has been absolutely on point.
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Jan 16, 2019 09:26am
USA badly needs support of Pakistan for withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan which is going to be an other Vietnam for USA within two years. Pakistan should adopt a pragmatic approach and learn from its historical mistakes in its relations with USA.
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Jan 16, 2019 09:35am
@Gordon D. Walker, the US-NATO have definitely killed-destroyed more people. By far.
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Jan 16, 2019 09:35am
@Mr.Afghani,
Let me break it to you. We can always tell when an Indian poses as an Afghan. Next time do not overdo please.
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Jan 16, 2019 09:50am
Now that US’s strategy has failed in the Afghan war, they are seeking Pakistan’s help. Pakistan better make sure that our security and financial interests are safe guarded as we help them save billions of dollars they are wasting in their unwinnable war.
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Jan 16, 2019 09:53am
@GA, They have no interest in Pakistan. They have joint defense agreement with India Curtis is an architect of it.
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Jan 16, 2019 09:59am
It is an eyewash!!
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Jan 16, 2019 10:00am
@Gordon D. Walker, Does not look like you know Afghan mindset, their culture Taliban are an integral part of. Warfare is their lifestyle as there is no schedule, no deadline stopping the war and against this background when they see an occupier such as America and Russia before, it gives them extra energy and drives to fight back. Taliban look at the Afghan government under Ghani or Karzai before as puppets installed by the US so nothing can work to achieve peace. In Zalmay Khalilzad, they see even less credibility as them (and Pakistan) think him a US mouthpiece. So the war the US imposed on Afghanistan Pakistan also suffered tremendously and if it had a beginning, has no end... and achieving peace is like a mirage: the more feverishly you chase it the faster it runs away from you. The only scenario (after US exit) is that Taliban and Afghan regular army will fight it out to their last bullet and no matter how long it takes Taliban will be the victors...and it is very sad!
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Jan 16, 2019 10:04am
No more do more miss Lisa Curtis. Take your talibans to USA. Let us Pakistanis live in peace. Fight your own war yourself. Thanks
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Jan 16, 2019 10:04am
Pakistan just say ‘NO’. Their problem they deal with it.
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Jan 16, 2019 10:07am
@Gordon D. Walker, true but USA has been equally busy killing/bombing people.
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Jan 16, 2019 10:11am
@Farookh, and peace will stay elusive when it comes to USA. After all taliban were their shield against their ‘competition’.
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Jan 16, 2019 10:14am
@Joe, it's open secret except ordinary Pakistani citizens whole world knows
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Jan 16, 2019 10:29am
Why cant a super power just eliminate these rag tag Taliban? Why negotiate?
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Jan 16, 2019 10:29am
@Jamil Soomro, New York City, She looks inanely happy. Totally clueless of the task at hand. And Coaxing, Pakistan must not be complicity in any Coaxing of the Afghan Taliban
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Jan 16, 2019 10:31am
Seems like the Taliban doesn't want to negotiate with the current government in Kabul...Saudis have failed to act as honest peace brokers as it want the current government in Kabul take lead role.... Qataris will now step in to mediate between two parties. Pakistan can help bring the Taliban to the table but can't negotiate on their behalf.
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Jan 16, 2019 10:39am
When our help is not appreciated and is viewed as inadequate, then why are you seeking more help from us. What are we getting out of this favour? If Trump is such a wise man why can't he figure out and fix the problem?
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Jan 16, 2019 10:42am
Americans, who gave access to anti-Pakistani people in the Kabul-government and to Indians in Afghanistan despite Pakistan’s protests, should go to Delhi instead and ask them to influence Afghan-Taliban.
We should stay 1000 miles away from American wars and stop overestimating our importance to Americans.
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Jan 16, 2019 10:47am
@Gordon D. Walker, Americans and their NATO allies (incl. Canada) have no regard for human lives and human rights. Millions of people have died directly or by deliberate policies since 9/11 by Western forces. Especially women and children have suffered in these wars.
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Jan 16, 2019 10:47am
Its just another way of saying that since Pakistan is hand in glove with the Taliban and other similar outfits, it makes sense to seek their help to get things moving.
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Jan 16, 2019 10:50am
This is bound to not move far or progress for a long time
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Jan 16, 2019 10:56am
At least US has climbed down to a saner reality asking to talk to Taliban instead of fighting them on behalf of US
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Jan 16, 2019 11:02am
She is here to read the riot act.
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Jan 16, 2019 11:09am
At least print her title!
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Jan 16, 2019 11:13am
Dont fall for this again. Its a trap. Learn from your mistakes. They will eventually blame it on us that we were playing double side
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Jan 16, 2019 11:19am
only solution is that you go your home. you have already killed millions of innocent people.
see pakistan help to stay here. afghan talban will not allow you to stay here after killing
millions of their people.
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Jan 16, 2019 11:31am
@Sandeep, Afghanistan and India are using Talibans to destroy peace in Pakistan.
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Jan 16, 2019 12:01pm
@Sweets, You talk of peace and in the same breath talk of "uniting against the Taliban" (for what, exchanging garlands) well uniting against the Taliban is what has has gone on for the past decade and a half and hasn't worked. The Americans need to get out and the sooner, the better.
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Jan 16, 2019 12:08pm
@Gordon D. Walker, The US killed more people in Afghanistan than the Taliban, and the US killing score in Iraq will remain unbreakable for a millennium.
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Jan 16, 2019 12:13pm
Pakistan must demand 2 things in return:
1. The termination of Indian presence and termination of anti-Pakistan government in Kabul
2. Americans must stop resisting Pakistan´s entry intro the NGS
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Jan 16, 2019 12:22pm
@Sandeep, This is your twisted Indian way of looking at it.!!
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Jan 16, 2019 12:22pm
Well, United States push Pakistan to help her get out of Afghanistan. Whereas, United States should push India to come to the table to end long occupation of Kashmir.
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Jan 16, 2019 12:37pm
Pakistan already detained a senior Taliban member of Peshawar Shura, sending a strong message to Pakistan based Taliban leaders to negotiate with Afghan government or face detention.
Pakistan realizes that the exclusion of NUG of Afghanistan from the peace process will lead to another civil war and the flow of new refugees into Pakistan, which Pakistan cannot afford. All Afghan powerbrokers need a seat at the negotiating table for an enduring peace to work.
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Jan 16, 2019 12:38pm
@Joe, Of course, yes.
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Jan 16, 2019 12:39pm
@GA, What is the point saying something that everyone knows to be false?
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Jan 16, 2019 12:39pm
The US should be reminded about their President's recent outbursts against Pakistan and told to go their dirty business themselves!
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Jan 16, 2019 12:41pm
@Saeed, You are right. Be careful
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Jan 16, 2019 12:49pm
@Leena ,
You realize that Afghanistan has been around since 1747, long before India and Pakistan were granted freedom from the British Raj. Afghanistan is going to survive and thrive, despite the evil machinations of all and sundry. I don’t think you know much about Afghanistan.
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Jan 16, 2019 12:58pm
@Umair, Pakistan has to out their internal affairs in order too.
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Jan 16, 2019 01:00pm
Don't go on their smiles,
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Jan 16, 2019 01:05pm
@H, "Why cant a super power just eliminate these rag tag Taliban? Why negotiate?" Either because there is no superpower, or the Taliban are not rag tag, or both. Secondly, in order to eliminate something, you first need to find it. Till now, no one is able to identify what exactly Taliban look like compared to other Afghans. So in order to "just eliminate" Taliban at this moment, they will have to eliminate Afghans altogether. When they start doing it, Taliban will win the war without shooting a bullet. Taliban are much better strategists than you think, and you always negotiate with strategists.
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Jan 16, 2019 01:09pm
@Gordon D. Walker, "The Taliban have been so busy killing people," And Americans are there to distribute sweets and balloons!!!
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Jan 16, 2019 01:13pm
@Bilal Vaseer, What would they do with Indian money in Pakistan?
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Jan 16, 2019 01:23pm
@Sher, "All rival actors i.e. USA,India,Afghan govt. and to some extent Iran are playing a dirty game here. They are zeroing in on Pakistan. " If Pakistan is actually "zeroed in", they all will be in a much bigger mess, a completely irreversible mess, especially for India and Iran. You don't have to be Nostradamus to figure out what will happen if Pakistan disappears. Will that eliminate Taliban, or transform them into an entity not yet known? This is why they need Pakistan at all cost even though they can't stand its existence.
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Jan 16, 2019 01:51pm
No more do more.
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Jan 16, 2019 01:53pm
What else can the U.S. do in this case? In fact, they are helpless and have got no other choice but to seek Islamabad's help to move forward.
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Jan 16, 2019 02:20pm
World's largest economy is too much interested in Pakistan and that too in political things. It is cery dangerous for small nation like Pak as they may be used and get exhausted.
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Jan 16, 2019 04:01pm
Here they come again..
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Jan 16, 2019 04:23pm
@Asad mandaviwalla, which has nothign to do with you!
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Jan 16, 2019 04:23pm
@adnan, who is they?
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Jan 16, 2019 04:32pm
@Akashwani, no kidding!!
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Jan 16, 2019 04:35pm
@BAXAR, and that actually has meaning??
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Jan 17, 2019 09:10am
@Asad mandaviwalla, Pak has seen the real push from President Trump yet.
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Jan 17, 2019 12:32pm
@Abdul Shakoor , yes , they genuinely need to
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Jan 17, 2019 06:43pm
All the comments here indicate that Pakistanis really lack any analytical power. They are unduly feeling happy by one small request by the US which is more of prodding and as such Pakistan will have no choice but to follow if it does not want further difficult times ahead.
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Jan 17, 2019 08:05pm
Lina curtis is an anti pakistan pro India member of white house staff. None of them have uttered a word of appreciation for pakistans sacrifices or its efforts. Low level foreign office staff should be deputed to deal with them, until they realise the truth and change their biased attitude.
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Jan 17, 2019 08:06pm
@Asad mandaviwalla, Pakistan is way ahead of the game. In the end Pakistan holds the aces and they come for help to us.
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Jan 17, 2019 08:31pm
I think that Pakistan should not forget that US has helped Pakistan a lot since it's creation.
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Jan 17, 2019 08:32pm
US wants pakistan to help it in Afghanistan but itself does not help in helping kashmiris in IOK.
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Jan 17, 2019 10:47pm
This time make sure we get what we want out of the "help". Last time we leaped into Afghan war without thinking.
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Jan 17, 2019 11:29pm
Do not trust the US.
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Jan 18, 2019 02:18am
Afghanistan was in civil war when USA invaded it by supporting the anti-Taliban minority and now find themselves unable to extricate themselves without abandoning their allies. The only solution seems to be for NATO to leave and UN to take over security. Then hold free elections in which the Taliban are allowed to take part.
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Jan 18, 2019 05:41am
@Mr.Afghani, If 70% of Afghanistan is under taliban control, then why do they need to come all the way to Pakistan. Maybe for the good food.
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Jan 18, 2019 05:45am
@Shyam, Since Pakistan is not taking aid from US or loan from IMF, US has no leverage to prod. It is US which is grovelling for help. India is totally ignored ,left to complete their library, with no books.
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Jan 18, 2019 05:48am
@Shah, Absolutely agree and they should add, 3- stopkilling kashmiris in IOK and 4- assist in resolving kashmir as per UN.
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Jan 18, 2019 06:55am
You can take a horse to drink, but you cannot make him. Only Afghans themselves can decide what to do? Asking Pakistan to meddle is not fair.
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Jan 18, 2019 09:09am
Indeed a very dangerous smile. Be careful Pak diplomats who are mostly incompetent and gullible.
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Jan 18, 2019 09:14am
During a discussion about south asia between Chinese and US diplomats US brought a topic which was not in agenda but very important. The topic was Relevance Pak against anti US and anti China forces in South and South east Asia. One of the Chinese diplomat was surprised that how easily both side agreed on the different ideas and plans.
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Jan 18, 2019 10:31am
Pakistan has done enough, no more. Now you assist in resolving kashmir and prevent murder of kashmiris in IOK.
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Jan 18, 2019 10:32am
@Sweets, The source of peace is the resolution of kashmir.
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Jan 18, 2019 10:35am
Afghan government is mouth piece of US. So Taliban will negotiate with US not Afghan government.
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