The Taliban is preparing for a second round of direct talks with the Americans to secure the Afghan quagmire. This alone is reason to be hopeful; however tentatively. There are murmurings that the Taliban are looking to appoint a new head of the so-called Qatar team; which may include those released as part of previous prisoner swaps. Some reports have suggested that a member of the Haqqani Network may participate in negotiations. Though the US response to this remains unpredictable. And while local peace activists contend that the Taliban recognise around 80 percent of the country’s constitution — concerns remain over girls not attending school after the age of puberty in militant-controlled area. Similarly, women are not permitted to venture outside the home without a male chaperone. Yet, almost inevitably, the question women’s rights and that of the girl child do not appear to represent a red line of any sort for either side. It has already been seemingly swept under the proverbial carpet. Rather, the only sticking point at this stage comes in the form of permanent US military bases. Washington reportedly wants to maintain two. And the Taliban are refusing to play ball. This will naturally raise concerns about long-term American geo-strategic interests in this region. Pakistan has already outlined how all international stakeholders should be involved in the consultative process towards negotiated peace. Nevertheless, the military base issue remains a purely bilateral matter; in the short-term at least. Which is good news for Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi as he prepares to jet into jet into Kabul in the next couple of days. This should give the new government in Islamabad a little breathing space instead of running the outdated risk of being scapegoated once more. It is also good news for the Taliban as it underscores the extent to which their hard work is beginning to pay off. To the point whereby some American pundits are now describing the the militant group as a legitimate political movement. Or else, a government-in-waiting. Even as it continues to wage war on Kabul and international forces alike. Thereby suggesting that Washington’s longest war has benefitted the Taliban in terms of recognising that to claim victory means winning over hearts-and-mind. This is something that the Americans have seemingly given up on. Last year, the Trump administration had just 14,000 boots on the ground. Yet it dropped more bombs on the war-ravaged nation than it did in 2012; when it had a 100,000-strong troop presence. Thus the Taliban have stepped into the void in certain areas; taking charge of public services delivery. From ensuring that hospitals do not run out of precious medicine to keeping track of teacher attendance at local schools. The upshot being they are preparing for the role of legitimate stakeholder. In many instances, there are areas of informal cooperation with the Ghani regime. With the latter paying wages while the Taliban organise the day-to-day running of certain projects. It is critical that this momentum of honest dialogue and pragmatic action is maintained. After all, it has taken much blooded to get here. And Afghanistan has no more left to spill. * Published in Daily Times, September 14th 2018.