Afghan Taliban’s spring offensive

The Afghan Taliban are planning their annual spring operation against those who seek to spread so-called corruption and invasion on Afghanistan’s land. As of the last several weeks, most of the mention about the Afghan Taliban had centered on peace talks with the United States delegation in Doha. A few very recent developments, however, have signalled a double standard on the part of the Taliban. A few weeks ago, the Afghan government launched ‘Operation Khalid’ against extremist forces. On April 8, the Taliban attacked the Bagram Air Base killing three US Marines. After that the Afghan Taliban openly announced ‘Operation Faith’, or victory, against those it considers enemies of its faith. Instability with regard to security seems to be imminent.

Trusting the Taliban to adhere to their words has been a foolish act these past years. Time and again, murmurs of talks arise and are followed by headlines of attacks. For the reason of mitigating further loss to human life and for the sake of peace, the US and other countries have sought to bring Afghan Taliban leaders to the negotiating table. However, this is as much a war on terror as it is an ideological war with the Taliban who are relentless against eliminating those who seek to defy religious principles as interpreted by the Taliban. Extremist groups have no qualms about posing permanent dangers to human beings and snuffing out human life. Later this month, talks are expected to take place again but with President Ashraf Ghani’s administration unable to win the trust of the Afghan Taliban, talks between the Afghan government and the latter might fall through.

Afghanistan is in dire straits. While the various parties may have sat together at the negotiating table, there are too many ideological differences to be worked out. Delving into intricate details might be detrimental and the focus should remain on the protection of human life. Time is of essence as analysts predict more bloodshed in 2019. Whether the US stays in Afghanistan or not, the country will not find peace until those at the helm in Kabul and the Taliban are in agreement on certain mutual terms.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 14^th, 2019.

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