AT this point, the situation where peace talks between the US government and the Afghan Taliban are concerned remains fluid.
After a series of marathon parleys lasting several days between Zalmay Khalilzad, America’s point man on Afghanistan, and representatives of the Taliban in Qatar’s capital Doha, the outlines of a possible peace deal between the US and the Afghan militia are emerging, though the details are not known.
While the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo termed the development “encouraging news”, the Taliban were more circumspect, saying nothing was final. Of course, in international diplomacy such posturing is natural, as stakeholders often release statements for public consumption, yet take a different line behind closed doors at the negotiating table until a final deal is reached.
Mr Khalilzad has also briefed Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on the developments. The Taliban, on their part, have dismissed calls for talking directly to Kabul, terming Mr Ghani’s setup as ‘powerless’, and, instead, choosing to talk directly to the Americans.
While genuine peace in Afghanistan may still be far off, the developments are encouraging considering the country’s troubled modern history, especially the last 40 years of near-constant war and political upheaval.
Related: How Pakistan can help with the Afghan peace process
Indeed, the Soviet invasion, the subsequent Afghan ‘jihad’, the era of the warlords and, thereafter, the US invasion and Taliban response have all played a part in destabilising Afghanistan and preventing the formation of a functional modern state.
However, after sustained US failure at nation-building post-2001, it appears that the Trump administration is in a hurry to bring its troops back, while evidently the Taliban would also like to conclude the nearly two decades of constant fighting and bloodshed.
Take a look: Endgame in Afghanistan
The peace efforts need to be encouraged by the international community as well as regional states; all must play their part to ensure a peaceful and democratic future for Afghanistan.
Where the Taliban are concerned, their key demand is a timetable detailing when American troops will leave their country. On the American side, Washington wants assurances that Afghan soil will not be used for international terrorism by Al Qaeda and similar outfits.
In between these two major demands, the finer details need to be worked out — specifically the role of the Afghan government in the whole process. While the Taliban may have dismissed any role for Kabul, they need to shed this rigid stance and work with the Ghani government to reach a negotiated settlement.
The way to lasting Afghan peace is long and winding. However, all three sides — the Afghan government, the Taliban and the US — must agree to a roadmap while some basic guarantees are needed, especially from the Taliban, regarding the protection of fundamental rights and basic freedoms in a post-war Afghanistan, as well as a pledge to prevent transnational terror groups, such as the militant Islamic State group, from using Afghanistan as a base for their activities.
Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2019
Comments (17) Closed
Taliban wants to go back to dark ages, that what it wants. No western culture.
Once US and its allies leaves, one can imagine, Afghanistan will go back to stone age, and spill definitely into neighboring country.
Once again destruction is in awaiting, when foreign troops leave, may be all foreign civilians, including India.
US should not come back to Afghanistan, when reports starts coming of Taliban monstrosity towards its own people, specially women.
Well it is high time to understand that war is not panacea to sort out the issue. In contemporary world countries are competing to achieve more and more economic stability, that can only be achieved through prevention of war. As Afghanistan is the hub of proxy wars so peace in Afghanistan would have positive impact not only on Pakistan, India, China and for Afghanistan but also it could be beneficial for big powers like America and Russia.
If the problems solves with words why waste bullets.
Well said.
If Taliban come to power , No peace in Afghanistan
@Joseph, well said
Superb!
If Taliban is given control of Afghanistan, even partially, one can imagine how the country will become. Americans tried their best to bring change but could not. I think peace is still far away.
The U.S. may have to come back again. Going to a war hurriedly or leaving the war hurriedly, has the same consequences, Disaster for the countries involved.
not including Kabul in peace talks could provoke civil war once the American leave..
As long as Afghanistan does not become safe haven for international terrorism after the Americans leave, all concerned should stop interfering into its internal affairs, and let Afghan settle their issues themselves.
@Amjad Durrani Engineer USA. , This should apply to Pakistan.
@chetan,
There would be peace for Afghanistan, but no 'piece' for India.
@kabuli, "The U.S. may have to come back again." Sure they will, if someone is ready to pay. But they will ask for more next time.