On Thursday July 12, 2012, in a press conference in Kabul, President Hamid Karzai once again appealed Taliban and like-minded groups to lay down arms and join peace process. He clearly put a step ahead this time and asked Taliban supreme leader Mullah Mohammad Omar to abandon violence to be able to have the chance of contesting the presidential vote. "I renew my offer of talks to all Afghans, those who aren't the puppets of others and have (only) issues with us at home. Mullah Omar can come to Afghanistan anywhere he wants to. He can open a political office but he should leave the gun," President said.

Indeed, it is so difficult to brand President's statement as "renewed call" because since last couple of years he constantly emphasized on peace initiative stance. Almost in his every speech regarding peace talks with militants, President Karzai directly or indirectly has appreciated militants to join his government without fear of possible persecution.

Mullah Omar, who is certainly responsible for butchering of tens of thousands of civilians since the appearance of the group in 90's in the country, is now asked to open a political office. It was acceptable that if Mullah Omar accepted to lay down arms and stopped targeting civilians anymore which could have been the sign of his repentance for all crimes he committed. Instead, Taliban leadership indeed make mockery of the government, it has consistently rejected what Afghan officials claim.

The obvious example is the recent meeting in Doshisha University in Japan. After the completion of the meeting where Qari Din Mohammad Hanif, the Taliban former planning Minister, participated on behalf of Taliban leadership, President Karzai announced with much enthusiasm that Taliban militants announced willingness for peace talks.

Right after the announcement, Zabihullah Mujaheed, Taliban spokesman, vividly rejected the claim and said Qari Din Mohammad said nothing to denote on willingness of the group for peace talks. It should be noticed that those who closely followed the conference indeed confirmed the statement of Zabihullah Mujaheed.

So, what is wrong with Afghan officials? Are they tricking themselves by paraphrasing the otherwise straight forward remarks of Taliban leaders? Can really peace be achieved through appeal, request and petition? President Karzai labels them as brothers while they label him and his government illegal and accomplice of "infidels".

Certainly, with such a diplomatic standing and literature, the only thing Kabul may end to receive is "pettiness", not peace. Presently, it has the chance to hold talk from a strong position and impose its conditions. Otherwise, ultimately it would be Taliban who would challenge the democratic values by their Shariah whether by force or through negotiation.