...Arabic for
students...
. While the Afghan elites were putting their heads together in Kabul, the Taliban are continuing a parallel process with the Americans in Doha. The jirga’s demand that the Taliban put down their guns is indeed justified. But the fact of the matter is that the Lions of Islam are unlikely to do so, especially when they consider themselves to be negotiating with the Americans from a position of strength. Moreover, the Afghan government needs to offer clear terms to persuade the Death Eaters to become part of the political process; at the moment, the Taliban are dismissive of the set-up in Kabul, terming it as America’s ’puppet’. It is also unfortunate that some major opposition figures and opponents of President Ashraf Ghani
...former chancellor of Kabul University, now president of Afghanistan. Before returning to Afghanistan in 2002 he was a scholar of political science and anthropology. He worked at the World Bank working on international development assistance. As Finance Minister of Afghanistan between July 2002 and December 2004, he led Afghanistan's attempted economic recovery until the Karzais stole all the money. ..were absent from the Loya Jirga, including Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah
... the former foreign minister of the Northern Alliance government, advisor to Masood, and candidate for president against Karzai. Dr. Abdullah was born in Kabul and is half Tadjik and half Pashtun.... This sends the message that the Kabul elite is divided and unable to present a united front. Before the Afghan government can attempt to engage with the Taliban, it would need to set its own house in order and bring together all political forces in order to exert the pressure needed to negotiate with the group.
At their end, the Taliban would do well to show flexibility and open channels with Kabul, while negotiations between the Americans and the Afghan militia should not be allowed to stall. If the current negotiations turn out to be talks for the sake of talks, an early end to the bloodshed in Afghanistan is unlikely. There has been some progress, and a pessimistic view may not be necessary. However,
some people cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go...
all sides in the conflict ‐ the Afghan government, the Taliban and the Americans ‐ must be willing to give, take and compromise for the peaceful and prosperous future of Afghanistan.