The news about the engagement of the Taliban in peace talks with the Afghan government can only be termed a positive development. Reportedly, representatives from both sides held two rounds of secret meetings during September and early October in Qatar. Afghan intelligence chief Mohammad Masoom Stanekzai reportedly led the discussions with Mullah Abdul Manan Akhund, brother of the deceased Taliban founder and long-time leader, Mullah Omar.
It has been reported that during these discussions, Afghan and US officials have demanded that the Taliban declare a ceasefire, lay down arms and start formal peace talks. In response, Taliban officials have demanded that the group be officially recognised as a political movement, its leaders’ names be removed from the UN blacklist and all prisoners be released. Earlier this year, the Quadrilateral Coordination Group, comprising representatives of Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the US, had held a number of meetings to help pave a path towards the Afghan peace process with the Taliban. However, no breakthrough has been achieved so far. Still, there are limited expectations for any immediate peace plan.
However, it is good to see that once again ground is being paved for Taliban leaders to sit face-to-face with the Afghan government and find a political solution to the problem. It is too early to predict the outcome of these meetings as complicated issues cannot be resolved in a few days. However, all stakeholders should constantly pursue the peace process as there is no alternative to talks. There are precedents that show how hostile states have been able to resolve their issues on the negotiating table after years and years of rivalry. The US and Iran’s example can be cited as both states finally found a solution to their longstanding dispute over the use of nuclear technology through talks.
The ongoing war in Afghanistan is already leaving disastrous effects. It continues to destroy lives due to direct consequences of violence and war-induced breakdown of public health, security, and infrastructure. Civilians are being killed by crossfire, improvised explosive devices, assassinations, bombings and kidnappings by militants. The continued violence and bloodshed have inflicted heavy casualties upon the Afghan nation. Victimisation of the Afghan people due to persistent insecurity in different parts of the country is really a serious matter and must be dealt as the top priority.
In these chaotic developments, peace may look like a real option to all sides, which is why the efforts to revive peace talks are now underway with militant groups. This must be supported by Pakistan, India, US and the UN. It is hoped that positive developments would emerge from the recent talks. A political settlement in Afghanistan is in the interests of all stakeholder states and it will also make a positive impact on the whole world. The process, no matter how fraught or uncertain, must be persisted with for the sake of Afghanistan, Pakistan and the entire region. The only alternative is continuing war, which should never be the option. http://dailytimes.com.pk/editorial/20-Oct-16/taliban-and-afghan-government-no-alternative-but-talks
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