A ray of hope has emerged regarding the long-awaited peace in the war-ravaged Afghanistan. Over the weekend the news of a possible peace deal between the Afghan Taliban and the US special envoy for Afghan peace Zalmy Khalilzad was welcomed with great hope and excitement by all the regional and international stakeholders. Experts have suggested that this is the best bit for a lasting peace in Afghanistan since the US’s war-on-terror began seventeen years ago. According to reports both sides have reached an agreement on a draft peace deal; the clauses of the deal include the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan in eighteen months, formation of an interim government and inter alia the implementation of a cease-fire. Notwithstanding the desire of the stakeholders for peace, many obstacles remain and ought to be tackled wisely.
Firstly, confusion persists in Washington regarding Afghanistan as the US president Donald Trump and the American security establishment have differed over the future course of action in Afghanistan. The former wants complete withdrawal of US military from Afghanistan while the latter favors an indefinite military presence in Afghanistan for securing long-term American interests in the region and to prevent recurrence of another 9/11. Team Trump needs to stop giving conflicting signals as policy confusion creates mistrust and hesitation among the regional stakeholders.
Secondly, the Afghan Taliban has refused to talk to the Afghan government and Washington, too, has apparently bypassed the President Ghani government. Though the incumbent government in Afghanistan is considerably weak, it has the potential to become a spoiler if it is completely left out of the process.
Thirdly, the relationship between Islamabad and Kabul is central to the whole process. The role Pakistan has played in bringing the Afghan Taliban to the negotiating table ought to be recognized by the regional states and the international comity at large. During his recent visit to Pakistan Republican Senator Lindsey Graham acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war against terrorism and commented that he has observed a completely different Pakistan. India’s presence in Afghanistan and the possibility of a “Two-front” war has been Pakistan’s biggest security concern. Afghanistan, on the other hand, too has legitimate concerns regarding the alleged sanctuaries of the Afghan Taliban on Pakistan’s soil. Perhaps it is the best chance for both countries to have a candid conversation with each other and alter the policy mistakes of the past.
India’s presence in Afghanistan and the possibility of a “two-front” war has been Pakistan’s biggest security concern. Afghanistan, on the other hand, too has legitimate concerns regarding the alleged sanctuaries of the Afghan Taliban on Pakistan’s soil. Perhaps it is the best chance for both countries to have a candid conversation with each other and alter the policy mistakes of the past
Moreover, regional states such as Iran, China, India and Russia have established relations with the Afghan Taliban. These states can play a role in Afghanistan political and economic stability.
To conclude the ongoing negotiations between the United Sates and Afghan Taliban have the potential to bring to an end to the longest war in modern American history. However, as acknowledged by Zalmy Khalilzad, significant hurdles remain. Moving forward they need to be tackled wisely so that lasting peace in Afghanistan can be secured to the benefit of the region and the international community.
The writer has done BS Political Science from the University of Peshawar with distinction (gold medalist). Currently, he is working as an Assistant (BS-16) in Elementary & Secondary Education Department KP. His areas of interest include foreign policy of Pakistan and international political economy
Published in Daily Times, February 1st 2019.