The struggle of the High Peace Council, led by Prof Burhanuddin Rabbani, for the restoration peace, solidarity and prosperity not only in Afghanistan but in the entire region are commendable. But they may become a distant dream as the US has kept Rabbani uninformed about the secret talks with Taliban (held twice so far) as this could hamper the peace efforts of the Council.
The High Peace Council, which has been operational for the last two years, was formed by President Hamid Karzai to hold talks with Taliban and others insurgent groups and to mediate between the Taliban and the US. But the recent statement of Burhanuddin Rabbani categorically expressed that they had failed in their mission as the US never trusted Rabbani; otherwise, he would have been taken onboard for these talks.
The Taliban have no trust on the Afghan High Peace Council either as it was formed by President Hamid Karzai and is being led by Rabbani. The Taliban consider Hamid Karzai to be ‘an agent of America.’ The Taliban hold that this Council is US-made and is working under their directives.
The Taliban and Rabbani have a long history. He formed a political alliance against the ‘jihad’ against the USSR and he also fought with Taliban Mujahideen for getting the chair of the country. Thus, the Taliban animosity against him.
According to the Arab Media, Tayyab Agha, who is the right hand of the Taliban commander Mullah Omar and has participated in secret talks with US, has amazing that Rabbani was ignorant of the talks since the Council had US support and patronage.
First of all, for the peace talks, it is necessary for the Afghan government, the Taliban and the Peace Council to develop consensus and trust each others. Because stability will come to Afghanistan and the talks will be successful only if all the stakeholders within the country are taken onboard. Then, the talks between the Taliban and US can define a clear goal and work towards achieving that.
– Translated from the original Pashto by Sajjad Ali
