- All’s well that ends well
The success of the last round of Doha talks generated hopes that the ongoing parleys that started on Monday would lead to major steps towards Afghan peace. The two sides had agreed last month on a basic framework comprising two points. Taliban were to prevent international terrorist groups from basing themselves in Afghanistan and the US was to withdraw its forces from the country. What has further given boost to optimism is that this time senior Afghan Taliban leaders including Mullah Bradar, who are authorised take important decisions, are a part of the delegation.
Three issues dominate the ongoing talks. First, an agreement by Taliban to hold talks with the Afghan government. Second, an accord on a timetable for a US withdrawal. Third, an agreement on a ceasefire.
The Taliban have continued to refuse to hold talks with the Afghan government as they consider it a dysfunctional Western puppet. A way out suggested by former Afghan President Karzai is to invite the Talban to discuss the agenda for peace with a larger delegation comprising Afghan opposition leaders and government representatives. Khalilzad too has taken note of the indications that Taliban could sit down with government representatives in a multiparty format. The somewhat reluctant Afghan government is under pressure. Important leaders like Abdullah Abdullah favour giving concessions in return for peace. With the end of winter and the melting of snows the Afghan Taliban will start the yearly spring offensive leading to casualties and a further loss of territory to the militants. What is more all the neigbouring countries want peace.
In case an agreement is reached on the issue it would be easier to concur in principle on the need for a timetable for the foreign troops’ withdrawal and on a ceasefire by both sides. The issues related to the actual implementation of the withdrawal and the ceasefire would however take further time. So would complicated matters like an agreed constitution, the interim set up, the mode of elections, and maintenance of peace after the foreign troops’ withdrawal. Anything going wrong could jeopardise the whole exercise for peace. One will have to wait meanwhile for the outcome with bated breath.