Afghans cautiously optimistic over peace talks’ buzz

Pakistan said to have ‘key role’ in bringing Taliban, Kabul to the negotiating table.

ISLAMABAD: The much-awaited dialogue between the Afghan government and the Taliban has evoked optimism among the war-weary public which believes the peace process may finally end the 14-year conflict.

Peace talks with the Taliban have been the main focus of the Afghan media since Pakistan Army Chief General Raheel Sharif met President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul on February 17. A statement from the Afghan Presidential Palace which appreciated “Pakistan’s efforts in paving the ground for peace and reconciliation” has opened a debate about the peace process.

Afghanistan Chief Executive Dr Abdullah Abdullah confirmed this week that the talks will be held in the “coming days” and pointed out that Afghanistan, Pakistan and the US should not miss this opportunity. Abdullah’s remarks are important as Taliban leaders have always had suspicions over intentions of the Northern Alliance leaders.

Ghani has been busy trying to reach a consensus for the peace talks, involving politicians, former mujahideen leaders, tribal elders, lawmakers, journalists and members of the civil society. No one is opposed to the peace talks outright, but political analysts and a section of the media are urging the National Unity Government to keep the nation informed about any development as secrecy could lead to doubts.

Former president Hamid Karzai, who has publicly admitted his failure vis-à-vis the peace process, has also thrown his support behind Ghani.

“I welcome this peace move and totally support it. We will fully cooperate with the Afghan government as well but we want a totally independent Afghanistan which has its honour intact,” Tolo TV quoted Karzai as saying at a seminar in Kabul this week.

The Taliban have never officially confirmed this but some Taliban leaders acknowledge that their senior leadership is engaged in consultations.

Both sides are in the process of forming negotiation teams and a debate is also under way about a possible venue; Pakistan, UAE, Qatar or China may be among them. Afghan officials say the government is flexible on the venue issue but the Afghan government desires that Taliban negotiation teams represent all militant groups and involve leaders of the Haqqani Network as well.

Pakistan’s ‘important’ role

As the peace process gains momentum, international players are also mobilising. UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Nicholas Haysom is in Islamabad to discuss the issue.

In his meeting with Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Sartaj Aziz, Haysom acknowledged Islamabad’s pivotal role for peace and stability in Afghanistan, the Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

Senior member of the High Peace Council, Qazi Amin Waqad, told The Express Tribune, “Pakistan is playing an important role in the peace process and we want that the two should not lose trust.”

He added the Taliban could get representation in the cabinet, parliament and other government bodies if they join the peace talks.

Public support

A vast section of the Afghan media has also backed the peace process but is advising the government not to sacrifice the country’s recent achievements and compromise on the constitution.

The Afghanistan Times reports that the breakthrough was possible owing to the foreign policy revamp by the new government and improvement in relations between Kabul and Islamabad.

“Now that the peace process has been resumed, it should remain intact till its success,” the paper said in a recent editorial.

The media has also underscored the need for transparency over the talks.

“It is also a matter of concern that Afghans do not have enough information and are unaware of peace dialogue,” the private Sarnawesht daily said.

Another independent newspaper ‘Hasht-e Subh’ warned that the constitution should not be violated during talks with the Taliban.

Political analysts are also hopeful about peace prospects. Wahid Mozhda, a security analyst, says the Taliban have not put forth any conditions. “I would say there is a lot of hope now as this is the first time the Taliban have not set any preconditions for talks,” Mozhda told Noor television during a debate on the peace process. He recalled the Taliban’s earlier insistence on withdrawal of foreign forces before any negotiations. “But now it seems that this has changed,” he added.

With Afghans hopeful of reconciliation, the onus is now on the Taliban and government to make the process a success and finally put an end to years of bloodshed.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 28^th, 2015.