Afghan Taliban’s limitations

They aren’t that powerful

Pakistan was never as serious as today to mend ties with the Afghan government and join hands with it to restore peace in the neighbouring country. For the first time, Pakistan is willing to sacrifice what it had long preserved as its assets in Afghanistan. The change in the attitude is based on enlightened self-interest. The civil and military leadership has concluded that peace inside Pakistan is predicated on peace and stability in Afghanistan. Making use of antagonism between the neighbouring countries, the Afghan militants and the TTP have managed to carve out safe havens in remote borders areas from where they continue to launch murderous attacks on both sides. It is also being realised that the Afghan government, which is itself under attack from the Taliban, is not in a position to destroy or expel the well-armed and highly motivated TTP groups operating from its territory.

What Sartaj Aziz told Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) in Washington earlier this month is indicative of the new realisation. In a candid admission never made before, he said Pakistan was hosting top Afghan leaders and their families for years but had now given them two options: either to enter into talks with the Afghan government or face consequences, that being their expulsion from the country. This was yet another signal that Pakistan is serious in bringing peace in Afghanistan.

Pakistan’s stand leaves Taliban little room to manoeuver. It was easier for the religious militia to ignore suggestions or even demands from Pakistan in 1980s when they enjoyed the enthusiastic support of the US and its allies or in 1990s when they ruled over Afghanistan. Devoid of external support and under attack from the IS, their best bet is to reach an accommodation with the Afghan government. It is for the Afghan government to formulate a policy of talks with the Taliban. A realistic approach on both sides would ensure an end to the ongoing bloodshed at the earliest.