As the much-anticipated intra-Afghan dialogue resume in the presence of major countries who have crucial stakes in the Afghan peace process, several facts start to unravel. It is irrefutable that the initiation of the intra-Afghan dialogue is a historic development in itself given the fact that the Taliban have refused to engage with what they call the puppet government of Ashraf Ghani. Therefore, the intra-Afghan dialogue had naturally renewed hopes for peace in a country that had been in the throes of war since 1979. After complex delays and rising differences over the exchange of prisoners that highlighted the reluctance of the Ghani administration to share the power stage with the Taliban, this breakthrough will, without a doubt, be for the greater good of the people of Afghanistan and the region.
Furthermore, it is undeniable that the Taliban are clearly dictating the terms and have an upper hand at the negotiating table. The fact that they have been given many concessions by the US and the Afghan government highlights the fact that they are far too powerful than they were in 2001 when ousted by the US after the 9/11 invasion. As the group controls 60% of the Afghan territory, it is apparent that the US has lost its longest and most expensive war which had cost its taxpayer $1.2 trillion, according to media reports. Ironically, it is now in the interest of the US to leave the territory with a face-saving dignity given the fact that it was the cornerstone of Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.
Most importantly, the most crucial aspect of the intra-Afghan dialogue is the need for greater flexibility and accommodation for any semblance of peace. As the Taliban pressure for a more Islamic system, while Kabul pitches for a democratic system where fundamental liberties are restored, convergence of interest, common ground and a peaceful settlement under the US leadership is mandatory.
Hadia Mukhtar
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, September 16th, 2020.
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