Last year in August, Burhanuddin Rabbani, Head of High Peace Council (HPC) was assassinated by Taliban's peace envoy, who turned out to be suicide bomber. His assassination was conceived an immense blow to President Karzia's strategy of engaging Taliban in peace talks. The incident shocked the activities of HPC up to an extent that it took Mr. Karzai about three quarters to introduce a new chief for the council.

Last week Burhanuddin's son, Salahuddin Rabbani - Western educated and has served as Afghan ambassador to Turkey 2010-11 – was appointed as the new head of HPC. The appointment comes amid objections over HPC for having insignificant achievements against its objectives since its establishment. Reportedly, certain number HPC have opposed the appointment of Salahuddin as their chief, although HPC officially welcomed its new chief and rebuffed any disagreement among its members.

The process of involving Taliban into a meaningful process of negotiation has been tricky. Taliban had initially agreed with the US upon establishment of an office in Qatar. Nevertheless, they have halted the negotiation process blaming the US for not keeping its promises.

At the same time, Taliban have intensified their spring operations across the country. Seemingly, they lack intention of any kind to resolve the Afghan conflict through table talks. It will be definitely a great challenge for HPC's new head to deal with stubborn Taliban.

The vital task for Salahuddin Rabbani is to work on the incomplete work of his father: turn HPC from a symbolic body into a functional organization, make sure that negotiation with Taliban is an Afghan-led and inclusive process, address the risks that a deal with Taliban will pose to democratic gains in Afghanistan.

The ultimate solution of the war in Afghanistan is negotiation. It is yet to be seen that how HPC will move Afghanistan towards a meaningful negotiation process under its current head.