Apparently, the Afghan government has true intention to negotiate with Taliban leadership. That is something not being seen in action and words of Taliban. They rather have true intention to fight. From releasing hundreds of insurgents from prisons to calling them his brother, the current government is taking every possible step to receive a green signal from Taliban.

Names of certain Taliban leaders have been removed from the so-called UN blacklist and Pakistan has also released dozens of Taliban figures from its captivity, all on the request of the Afghan government. There is doubt that such measure would help the peace and negotiation process. However, there is no doubt at all that Taliban are benefiting from the current scenario.

The US commanders in Afghanistan claim that the 33,000 American deployed in Afghanistan on 2009 order of President Barack Obama broke the momentum of Taliban and they were pushed back in their strongholds in provinces like Kandahar and Helmand.

In hundreds of operation conducted by US Special Forces in 2010, certain high profile members of Taliban and other insurgents groups were either killed or captured. The extra US troops were withdrawn from Afghanistan – 10,000 in 2011 and 23,000 in 2012 – because, according to Obama administration, the purpose they were sent for had been achieved.

Now, hundreds of insurgents who were detained by US forces are being set free by Karzai government. If such a step brings Taliban to table of negotiation, then it has benefited peace and stability in Afghanistan. If not, released insurgents might add to the power of insurgents by rejoining them. Previous experience has shown this. The gains NATO has had against Taliban would reverse.

Any major or even minor growth in the power of Taliban is harmful for the future of Afghanistan, especially at times when the US-led foreign forces are set to withdraw from the country by the end of 2014. The Taliban should not be underestimated as they once ruled Afghanistan. Time has taught them how to play political games. Release of Taliban fighters and leaders and offering them attractive incentives might give inverse outcomes. Such important measures should not be taken so blindly.