Talks on Afghanistan end inconclusively in Istanbul

A two-day meeting of Afghan political figures, branded the "National Dialogue Process," concluded in Istanbul on Friday, drawing together several prominent figures from Afghanistan's past government and individuals linked to the Taliban.

Despite the high-profile attendance, the gathering ended without any formal statement or resolution.

The discussions, reportedly backed by Turkey, were led by former Afghan officials including Hikmat Khalil Karzai, a former deputy foreign minister; Mustafa Mastoor, a former economy minister; and Idris Zaman, another former deputy foreign minister. Held behind closed doors with no media access, the meeting focused on assessing Afghanistan’s political landscape and examining possible paths toward stability. 

The dialogue saw nearly 50 attendees, including political representatives from Afghanistan's previous administration as well as notable women’s rights advocates like Shukria Barakzai, Fawzia Koofi, and Shahgul Rezai. However, participants refrained from sharing details of their discussions with the public.

Jafar Mahdawi, leader of Afghanistan’s National Party, joined the talks from Kabul, urging the Taliban to support efforts for more inclusive discussions on the country’s future. "I hope Taliban officials, with an understanding of this valuable Islamic and national approach, will take effective steps to create an environment for inclusive dialogue," Mahdawi stated.

Reactions to the meeting were mixed among Afghan citizens. A Kabul resident expressed skepticism, saying, “These gatherings have had no positive impact on the situation of women, human rights, or Afghanistan’s political future. We want the real demands of the Afghan people to be addressed in all these meetings.”

The Istanbul dialogue reflects the complexities surrounding Afghanistan’s future as various factions continue to seek a unified approach—yet achieving a clear consensus remains elusive.