AS the much-awaited and much anticipated intra-Afghan dialogue resumed in the presence of major countries several facts start to unravel.

It is undeniable that the Taliban are clearly dictating the terms and have the upper hand at the negotiating table. They have been given many concessions by the US and the Afghan government highlights the fact that they are far too powerful that than they were way back in 2001 when they were ousted after the US invasion post-Sept 11.

As the group controls 60 per cent of Afghan territory, it is apparent that the US has lost its longest and most expensive war which has cost US taxpayer $1.2 trillion.

The current peace process has only produced some important positive takeaway because President Donald Trump has made it clear that he would withdraw the US troops with or without a peace deal before his re-election bid. There is a need for greater flexibility on the part of the negotiator.

A Pakistani
Karachi

Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2020