Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Thursday, March 28th, 2024

Can Taliban Transform if Peace Talks Succeed?

Afghans have been longing for eternal peace for decades. After years of infighting that have claimed awful toll, most Afghans appear to be supportive of a peace process. Formerly, a poll conducted by State Department confirmed this stance. The poll found that 66 percent of Afghans would be acquiescent to amnesty for insurgents if it paved the way for a peace deal. The newly installed government in Kabul affirms security the top most precedence. Nonetheless, the peace dream of Afghans can’t materialize as multiple factors hinder the way to this triumph. The in-depth trust deficit found between disgruntled factions, served a dominant factor restraining this settlement. Taliban never relied on Kabul government to be the sole authority that should be talked, to chalk out the future course of action.  

Purposeful negotiations render the sole political solution to put an end to this predicament, pleading a trustworthy guarantor serve the purpose. Pakistan can play a significant role, narrowing down the understanding gap by mediating talks between the two factions; government and Taliban. Reportedly, Pakistan enjoys good ties with Afghan Taliban, who disbanded their ties with Pakistani faction of Taliban.

It is said that China is taking interests in Afghan peace drive, offering to facilitate talks between the insurgent group and the Afghan government. Reportedly, Taliban representatives had presented negotiating positions, given the constitution is amended; some desired ministries are spared and the most prior being their names gotten removed from international sanctions list and amnesty to prosecution.

Undoubtedly China, the emerging power in the world in general and Asia in particular is striving hard to play its part in ending the conflicts in Asia that likely serves its own interest as well. The development to achieve the former goal is hastened, with China coming forth to mediate the peace talks. Previously newly-elected Afghan President Ashraf Ghani paid a visit to China transferring great deal of confidence to his Chinese counterpart. Since then China demonstrates in-depth interest in pushing forth the Afghan peace development preceding US’s president announcement of ending the war in Afghanistan. Apparently China seems to be eager to fill up the security vacuum subsequent to US’s partial or complete draw down. Significantly, what drew China close to Afghanistan are its deep lying relations and interests in the aforesaid country. China, the most developed country in Asia with heavy investments in Afghanistan wants its investments secured from the disgruntled elements. In order to reach this motive, Pakistan’s imperative role can’t be ruled out. Pakistan’s vital interests are buried deep in the heart of this piece of land. Pakistan can’t withstand troubled western border. Consequently, Pakistan plays foundational part in making all the development shape up.

There are vital developments witnessed echoing even in constitutional avenues of US and elsewhere. It should be to no one’s surprise that US tempts not to call Taliban terrorists from now onwards, given, formerly the White House issued statement, reiterating that the Taliban were not a terrorist outfit while Al-Qaeda is. The distinction carved underlines the US’s deep rooted global interests that are endangered by later than former. Broadly speaking it seems to be a sub plan of another master plan where Taliban are given space to join back the political domain and disband militancy.

This development is confirmed by relevant ministries; affirming Afghan government and Taliban negotiating to arrive at a common strategy to end the conflict. The government stance seems clear exercising willingness to sit across negotiating table with the Taliban given they pledge to abide for the country’s constitution and preservation of the achievements made since 2001, disband militancy and simply turn into law abiding citizens.

Following the successive developments, Afghan Taliban and the government are about to devise a roadmap to finalize peace talk. The Pakistani army and diplomatic officials in their former visit to Afghanistan had declared that Afghan Taliban have signaled their willingness to initiate peace talks. According to report that surfaced the venue is still undecided. It’s a good omen that broad based reconciliation between Afghan government and Taliban could bring true the “peace” dream of ordinary masses of this piece of land.

Reconciliation leading to installment of peace is the ultimate necessity every Afghan longs for over decades. In order to look at the feasibility of restoration of the stalled peace process, and its durability we have to consider some ground realities in consideration. Taliban and Afghan government has been in state of war for over decade that have resulted in devastative causalities and irreparable harms to war torn country.

Even if talks were to be used as a last resort to install peace then some serious breakthrough must have worked out that could soothe the insurgents to an agreeable demand prior to sitting. The most significant are the demonstration of shift instilled in Taliban’s resolve to disband militancy, dissociate Al-Qaida and surrender to constitution of the country. This move practically seems achievable but difficult given that Taliban deem to having upper hand in the fight, never surrender to government’s demands instead dreams of ousting Kabul government.

 

In spite of differences, let’s put our hands together for the success and fruitful finalization of negotiations. But, there are some hard born queries to be sought out prior to making any deal. Should Taliban be given amnesty after they executed mass massacre of innocent people? Can Taliban get themselves adjusted with democracy as they are inculcated dictatorial setup? Will Taliban surrender to equal rights for women?