The recent revelation that President Karzai was trying to secretly negotiate with Taliban militants indeed explained part of the unpredictable steps he held during last few months. Reportedly, the endeavor to contact with Taliban representative commenced last November when his relation started heading downward over his refusal of signing Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA). His spokesman Aimal Faizi confirmed the report while talking to Reuter on Feb. 4.  He said: “Taliban are willing more than ever to join the peace process”.  It is also said that there were already talks between Afghan government and Taliban delegation in Dubai and Saudi Arabia but the result has remained unknown.

Definitely, peace efforts itself is not a strange move. President Karzai from the very start has had a very friendly policy toward those who defect from Taliban and other militants groups and join Afghan government. Based on some source, he even met some Taliban leaders in Kandahar right after the collapse of Taliban regime and asked them to join hands his government and get key position within his administration and also do not fear about persecution. The offer was rejected on account that they were not indeed in pursuit of political power rather wanted to establish a Shariah-based government. Definitely, the collapse of the regime and flee of its ground force to neighboring country dealt serious blow to the entire establishment. Back then, no one, including Taliban leaders, thought they could once again regroup and change into a challenging force for US and Afghan government. Despite that they rejected the offer to lay down arms and pursue their goals through peaceful means.

Accept it or not, Taliban have developed enough to become a real challenge. And maintaining peace and stability would be a Herculean task for the current government, if the international forces withdraw completely. The leadership team also understands that time is on their side. With continuance of instability and exasperation of foreign countries of weird ally and un-recognition of their sacrifices, Taliban demand for larger than what was previously offered. Presently, there are key individuals who openly support Taliban and talk about Jihad against US without fear of persecution by government. There are also sporadic efforts within and out of the administration trying to dictate that Taliban have changed. They will not bring the same government as they had previously.

It should be noticed that such statements whether belong to those who have no idea what they are talking about or those whose mentality is completely in line with Taliban’s. Looking at the profile of Islamist group even those who have accepted democratic norms and want to get the power through very accepted international norms are trying to establish government which contradicts the very basic principles of pluralism. After grasping power, they try to restrict people and waive people’s rights for abstract collective good which they assume lies in the bed of particular interpretation they have from Shariah. It looks much like a mockery if someone claims that Taliban will accept the constitution of Afghanistan which is designed on the principles of democracy and human rights. For groups like the Taliban, human rights are part of the bigger propaganda of West trying to spoil the moral values of Muslims. In the legal books of these groups, Human Rights is meaningless. What bears high respect is the interpretation from Shariah which unfortunately is made generally through the angle of tribal system and traditional values.

Thus, which such mentality is there any hope for secret negotiation going on?

Additionally, similar steps held under the leadership of Germany and United States to push a peace deal with Taliban militants. After two years of secret meetings and lobby with Taliban leaders of different ranks, finally the movement agreed to negotiate with Afghan delegations in Doha. Instead of recognition and respect by Afghan government, the political office sparked harsh criticism inside the country. Afghans unanimously opposed the office on account of its name and hoist of Emarat-e-Islami flag. Many branded as a government in exile or parallel government to administration of Mr. President.

Considering his authority unrecognized, Mr. President pointed finger towards those who were behind peace negotiation. He thought his allies were playing double game and ignoring his government decisions that otherwise should be led by him.

So, this time he has made similar steps with difference that he made clear that the political office would not bear any sign of a “government in exile”. Presently, signs show no good result though his supporters may try to dictate the light at the end of the tunnel but that light is a mere illusion. Officials only have confirmed that they were in contact but who they had met is something vague. At the present situation when Taliban deem themselves as the winner of the war, it is unlikely that Afghan government could even meet their key representatives.

Additionally, if Mr. President thinks that through refusal to sign BSA, he can indeed win the hearts of Taliban leaders, is really controversial. He had problems with Taliban from the very start even before their political reengagement within Afghan politics. Moreover, Taliban have never given the indication that they are ready to negotiate with President Karzai and neither with the High Peace Council that has been specifically established for the purpose of establishing peace with Taliban.