Though reconciliation is the right way forward, the Afghans seem to have no interest in Pakistan.
AUSTRALIA: This is with reference to Ejaz Haider’s article “Finally, the review” published December 15, which describes reconsidering of Pakistan’s policy towards the US and Afghanistan; making it one of reconciliation in Afghanistan, regardless of what Washington has to say. Though practical, the extent of influence which Pakistan has in Afghanistan, keeping in mind the last decade, is highly questionable, thus making reconciliation difficult. There are reports in the Afghan media that the US is helping the Taliban to open an office in Qatar while Afghan president, Hamid Karzai has restarted peace talks with the Taliban. These developments are taking place rather quickly, given the uncertain political environment. And though reconciliation is the right way forward, the Afghans seem to have no interest in Pakistan. Why else would the Taliban feel the need to have an office in Qatar instead of Rawalpindi?
Khattak Hushal
Published in The Express Tribune, December 16th, 2011.
