A LOYA JIRGA — a grand assembly of Afghanistan’s tribal, political and religious leaders — has just concluded in Kabul with the demand by the delegates for a ceasefire in the country. The jirga was convened for a discussion on how to forge a peace deal with the Afghan Taliban. While the Afghan elites were putting their heads together in Kabul, the Taliban are continuing a parallel process with the Americans in Doha. The jirga’s demand that the Taliban put down their guns is indeed justified. But the fact of the matter is that the insurgents are unlikely to do so, especially when they consider themselves to be negotiating with the Americans from a position of strength. Moreover, the Afghan government needs to offer clear terms to persuade the militants to become part of the political process; at the moment, the Taliban are dismissive of the set-up in Kabul, terming it as America’s ‘puppet’. It is also unfortunate that some major opposition figures and opponents of President Ashraf Ghani were absent from the Loya Jirga, including Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah. This sends the message that the Kabul elite is divided and unable to present a united front. Before the Afghan government can attempt to engage with the Taliban, it would need to set its own house in order and bring together all political forces in order to exert the pressure needed to negotiate with the group.

At their end, the Taliban would do well to show flexibility and open channels with Kabul, while negotiations between the Americans and the Afghan militia should not be allowed to stall. If the current negotiations turn out to be talks for the sake of talks, an early end to the bloodshed in Afghanistan is unlikely. There has been some progress, and a pessimistic view may not be necessary. However, all sides in the conflict — the Afghan government, the Taliban and the Americans — must be willing to give, take and compromise for the peaceful and prosperous future of Afghanistan.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2019