In less than one week, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has visited Qatar twice. Why? The route for an Afghanistan Peace Deal goes through Doha, and India could be trying to get a word in. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas | Two visits in less than a week: What is Jaishankar doing in Qatar?

The&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;will send a 10-person delegation to an Afghanistan peace meeting hosted by Russia this week, the insurgent group's spokesman said on Monday.

The delegation will be led by Mullah Baradar, the&nbsp;Taliban's deputy leader and chief negotiator in US-brokered talks in Qatar, spokesman Mohammad Naeem said in a statement.

The Russian-backed conference is scheduled for March 18, one of a number of diplomatic initiatives to attempt to jumpstart the stalling Afghan peace process. The Afghan government confirmed on Saturday it would participate in the conference.

The U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, has this month been travelling around the region trying to shake up the peace process and spark progress as a troop withdrawal deadline nears and Washington reviews its policy for Afghanistan.

A spokesman for Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said Khalilzad had met with Ghani in Kabul on Monday and updated him on his recent trips. Khalilzad had previously been in Doha, where negotiations are taking place, and also visited Pakistan.

Khalilzad has also proposed a meeting among main players to be held in Turkey with heavy United Nations involvement next month. The Afghan government has said they would take part in that conference, but the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;has not yet confirmed whether they would attend.

It comes at a crunch time for the peace process as a May 1 deadline for foreign troops to withdraw from Afghanistan looms. U.S. President Joe Biden's administration, which is reviewing arrangements including a deal with the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;made under his predecessor, Donald Trump, has said all options remain on the table.

Peace talks have failed to gain momentum since starting in September with both sides yet to agree on an agenda, while violence has risen.

On Monday, a blast tore through a minivan in Kabul, according to police who said 15 civilians were injured. It was not clear who was behind the blast.

The Taliban will send a 10-person delegation to an Afghanistan peace meeting hosted by Russia this week, the insurgent group's spokesman said on Monday. The delegation will be led by Mullah Baradar, the Taliban's deputy leader and chief negotiator in US-brokered talks in Qatar, spokesman Mohammad Naeem said in a statement.

The Taliban will send a 10-person delegation to an Afghanistan peace meeting hosted by Russia this week, the insurgent group's spokesman said on Monday. The delegation will be led by Mullah Baradar, the Taliban's deputy leader and chief negotiator in US-brokered talks in Qatar, spokesman Mohammad Naeem said in a statement. The Russian-backed conference is scheduled for March 18, one of a number of diplomatic initiatives to attempt to jumpstart the stalling Afghan peace process. The Afghan government confirmed on Saturday it would participate in the conference. The U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, has this month been travelling around the region trying to shake up the peace process and spark progress as a troop withdrawal deadline nears and Washington reviews its policy for Afghanistan. A spokesman for Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said Khalilzad had met with Ghani in Kabul on Monday and updated him on his recent trips. Khalilzad had previously been in Doha, where negotiations are taking place, and also visited Pakistan. Khalilzad has also proposed a meeting among main players to be held in Turkey with heavy United Nations involvement next month. The Afghan government has said they would take part in that conference, but the Taliban has not yet confirmed whether they would attend. It comes at a crunch time for the peace process as a May 1 deadline for foreign troops to withdraw from Afghanistan looms. U.S. President Joe Biden's administration, which is reviewing arrangements including a deal with the Taliban made under his predecessor, Donald Trump, has said all options remain on the table. Peace talks have failed to gain momentum since starting in September with both sides yet to agree on an agenda, while violence has risen. On Monday, a blast tore through a minivan in Kabul, according to police who said 15 civilians were injured. It was not clear who was behind the blast.

Taliban to send delegation to Afghanistan peace meeting hosted by Russia

The United States has presented an eight-page draft peace agreement to Afghanistan's warring sides for their review.

US puts forth plan to jumpsuit Afghanistan peace

Peace talks in Doha and war at home, that defines Afghanistan in a nutshell.

Afghanistan's defence minister flew to the southern province of Helmand&nbsp;a day after government forces launched a counter-offensive against Taliban terrorists&nbsp;who have battled their way towards the provincial capital in recent days.

The fighting in the province, where US&nbsp;and British troops for years fought to clear Taliban from a string of poppy-growing districts, comes as Afghan government negotiators and the Taliban try to push forward power-sharing talks in Qatar.

In another blow for the embattled government, two defence force helicopters setting off for a military mission in Helmand crashed into each other early on Wednesday killing nine people on board, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

The crash happened as the helicopters were taking off in restive Helmand province, where clashes have erupted between Afghan forces and the Taliban, said provincial governor's spokesman Omar Zawak.&nbsp;

Acting Defence Minister Assadullah Khalid arrived in Helmand's capital, Lashkar Gah, to assess the situation and support the forces facing the major insurgent offensive that has overshadowed the peace talks and brought US&nbsp;airstrikes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-forces-attack-taliban-in-helmand-province-deputy-governor-captured-334648">Afghan forces attack Taliban in Helmand province, deputy governor captured</a>

Belligerence

The Taliban is trying to check how committed the Afghan government is towards the peace deal and how far it can push the government, without jeopardising the talks.

The Taliban have seized several checkpoints and closed in on Lashkar Gah but officials said the security forces had repelled overnight Taliban attacks in the districts of Nawa and Nad Ali, with casualties on both sides.

The Taliban assault in Helmand is testing the resolve of the government and casting doubt over the talks to end the 19 years of war since the Taliban were ousted.

The violence could also throw into question President Donald Trump's pledge last week to bring home the remaining US&nbsp;troops by Christmas.

Thousands of civilians have been caught up in the fighting, with more than 5,000 families displaced.

However, the Afghan Air Force has successfully carried out an attack on a group of Taliban terrorists&nbsp;in the southern Helmand Province, capturing the Taliban`s local deputy governor

Peace talks in Doha and war at home, that defines Afghanistan in a nutshell. Afghanistan's defence minister flew to the southern province of Helmand a day after government forces launched a counter-offensive against Taliban terrorists who have battled their way towards the provincial capital in recent days.

Peace talks in Doha and war at home, that defines Afghanistan in a nutshell. Afghanistan's defence minister flew to the southern province of Helmand a day after government forces launched a counter-offensive against Taliban terrorists who have battled their way towards the provincial capital in recent days. The fighting in the province, where US and British troops for years fought to clear Taliban from a string of poppy-growing districts, comes as Afghan government negotiators and the Taliban try to push forward power-sharing talks in Qatar. In another blow for the embattled government, two defence force helicopters setting off for a military mission in Helmand crashed into each other early on Wednesday killing nine people on board, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement. The crash happened as the helicopters were taking off in restive Helmand province, where clashes have erupted between Afghan forces and the Taliban, said provincial governor's spokesman Omar Zawak. Acting Defence Minister Assadullah Khalid arrived in Helmand's capital, Lashkar Gah, to assess the situation and support the forces facing the major insurgent offensive that has overshadowed the peace talks and brought US airstrikes. Also read: Afghan forces attack Taliban in Helmand province, deputy governor captured Belligerence The Taliban is trying to check how committed the Afghan government is towards the peace deal and how far it can push the government, without jeopardising the talks. The Taliban have seized several checkpoints and closed in on Lashkar Gah but officials said the security forces had repelled overnight Taliban attacks in the districts of Nawa and Nad Ali, with casualties on both sides. The Taliban assault in Helmand is testing the resolve of the government and casting doubt over the talks to end the 19 years of war since the Taliban were ousted. The violence could also throw into question President Donald Trump's pledge last week to bring home the remaining US troops by Christmas. Thousands of civilians have been caught up in the fighting, with more than 5,000 families displaced. However, the Afghan Air Force has successfully carried out an attack on a group of Taliban terrorists in the southern Helmand Province, capturing the Taliban`s local deputy governor

Afghanistan in a nutshell: Peace talks in Doha and war at home

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi over phone and the two leaders discussed the Afghan peace process and regional stability, his spokesperson said on Friday.

"Secretary Pompeo and Minister Qureshi discussed a range of issues, including the importance of US-Pakistan cooperation on the Afghan peace process and the importance of efforts to support regional stability," said Cale Brown, State Department's Principal Deputy Spokesperson.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-forced-to-pay-back-saudi-usd-1-billion-319037">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan forced to pay back Saudi USD 1 billion</a>

Pompeo's telephonic talks with Qureshi came a day after the Secretary of State spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and discussed a range of issues.

The two leaders spoke over phone on Thursday and reiterated the strength of the India-US relationship to advance peace, prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific region and around the globe, Brown said on Thursday.

During the phone call, Jaishankar and Pompeo discussed the ongoing bilateral and multilateral cooperation on the issues of international concern, including efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, support the peace process in Afghanistan, and address the recent destabilising actions in the region, Brown said in a readout of the telephonic conversation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-failed-judicial-system-fails-14-year-old-christian-girl-318946">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan's failed judicial system fails 14-year-old Christian girl</a>

In Islamabad, the Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement that Qureshi and Pompeo discussed bilateral relations, and developments in the region with a view to promoting peace, prosperity and stability. 
Qureshi said he discussed the Kashmir issue with Pompeo.

Reviewing the recent developments in Afghanistan, Qureshi reiterated Pakistan's steadfast commitment to supporting all efforts for an inclusive and comprehensive political settlement.

He stressed that the Afghan peace process should be pursued in all earnest. Noting the holding of Loya Jirga, he expressed the hope that a conducive environment would be created for the earliest convening of the intra-Afghan negotiations.

Stressing the importance of the Pakistan-US Relationship, the Foreign Minister stated that the leadership of both countries was committed to further strengthen it. He added that Pakistan would be a partner for peace with the US. 
Exchanging notes on the COVID-19 pandemic, Foreign Minister thanked Secretary Pompeo for the US support and assistance.

The talks between Pompeo and Qureshi also come after Special US Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad travelled to Qatar, Pakistan and Uzbekistan in June as part of his sustained effort to bring peace in the war-torn country.

The Taliban has kept up violence against Afghan government forces.

An agreement signed between the US and the Taliban in February in Doha drew up plans for withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan in exchange for security guarantees from the insurgent group.

As part of the Doha deal, the US has committed to withdraw its 12,000 troops within 14 months. Troops have since been reduced by over a quarter, according to a recent report on Afghanistan published by the Congressional Research Service.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi over phone and the two leaders discussed the Afghan peace process and regional stability, his spokesperson said on Friday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi over phone and the two leaders discussed the Afghan peace process and regional stability, his spokesperson said on Friday. "Secretary Pompeo and Minister Qureshi discussed a range of issues, including the importance of US-Pakistan cooperation on the Afghan peace process and the importance of efforts to support regional stability," said Cale Brown, State Department's Principal Deputy Spokesperson. Also read: Pakistan forced to pay back Saudi USD 1 billion Pompeo's telephonic talks with Qureshi came a day after the Secretary of State spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and discussed a range of issues. The two leaders spoke over phone on Thursday and reiterated the strength of the India-US relationship to advance peace, prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific region and around the globe, Brown said on Thursday. During the phone call, Jaishankar and Pompeo discussed the ongoing bilateral and multilateral cooperation on the issues of international concern, including efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, support the peace process in Afghanistan, and address the recent destabilising actions in the region, Brown said in a readout of the telephonic conversation. Also read: Pakistan's failed judicial system fails 14-year-old Christian girl In Islamabad, the Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement that Qureshi and Pompeo discussed bilateral relations, and developments in the region with a view to promoting peace, prosperity and stability. Qureshi said he discussed the Kashmir issue with Pompeo. Reviewing the recent developments in Afghanistan, Qureshi reiterated Pakistan's steadfast commitment to supporting all efforts for an inclusive and comprehensive political settlement. He stressed that the Afghan peace process should be pursued in all earnest. Noting the holding of Loya Jirga, he expressed the hope that a conducive environment would be created for the earliest convening of the intra-Afghan negotiations. Stressing the importance of the Pakistan-US Relationship, the Foreign Minister stated that the leadership of both countries was committed to further strengthen it. He added that Pakistan would be a partner for peace with the US. Exchanging notes on the COVID-19 pandemic, Foreign Minister thanked Secretary Pompeo for the US support and assistance. The talks between Pompeo and Qureshi also come after Special US Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad travelled to Qatar, Pakistan and Uzbekistan in June as part of his sustained effort to bring peace in the war-torn country. The Taliban has kept up violence against Afghan government forces. An agreement signed between the US and the Taliban in February in Doha drew up plans for withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan in exchange for security guarantees from the insurgent group. As part of the Doha deal, the US has committed to withdraw its 12,000 troops within 14 months. Troops have since been reduced by over a quarter, according to a recent report on Afghanistan published by the Congressional Research Service.

Pompeo speaks with Pak foreign minister on Afghanistan and regional stability

The United States of America is understandably keen to accelerate the intra- Afghan peace talks, envisaged under the historic, albeit unique agreement of February 29, 2020, which it concluded with Taliban, an Islamic fundamentalist terror organisation and the self-styled Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The talks were to commence on&nbsp;March 10, 2010, but are yet to take-off in real earnest. &nbsp;

What is holding up the commencement of the intra-Afghan talks? Multiple factors include: &nbsp;

Reluctant Afghan Government 
 
The US-Taliban pact was imposed on the democratically elected Government in Afghanistan which was not a party to the deal, which was concluded with the primary objective of paving the path for an &nbsp;“honourable” exit for the USA from Afghanistan, after nearly two decades of military intervention during which the US and allies failed to neutralise or tame Taliban. Realising its limitations, the Afghan government had nevertheless endorsed the deal and confirmed (in the Afghanistan-USA Joint Declaration of February 29, 2020) its readiness to participate in intra-Afghanistan negotiations, at which all stake-holders in Afghanistan are expected to meet and negotiate a cease-fire agreement with Taliban and determine the future political structure for the governance of the country. Logically, the elected government should have no urgency as it stands only to dilute its position if the intra-Afghan talks ultimately lead to the formation of a large coalition of diverse ethnic groups as well as the Taliban. Conversely, it has every reason to delay the process. The flip side is that the Afghan government would have to continue to face the terror attacks from the Taliban if it dilly-dallies the intra-Afghan talks. &nbsp;

Swap of Prisoners 
 
One of the important prerequisites for the commencement of intra-Afghan talks is the swap of prisoners between the Afghan government and Taliban, a commitment made by the USA on behalf of the Afghan government in the US-Taliban agreement. After initial hesitation, the Afghan President eventually agreed to a staggered but conditional release of 5000 Taliban prisoners in exchange for 1000 Afghan security forces personnel held in Taliban custody. The process of swap of prisoners has been painfully slow, often suspended. The Afghan Government has alleged that the Taliban is not adhering to the understanding that it would release one Afghan security person in exchange for 5 Taliban prisoners released by the Government. The situation is now likely to get even more complicated after the Afghan allegation (May 11) that out of the list of 1000 personnel handed over to the Taliban, at least 610 are missing. In an interaction with media, the Afghanistan National Security Spokesperson warned that the government would not be obliged to go ahead with the agreement if the Taliban “conducted illegal behaviour with prisoners and the prisoners are lost”&nbsp;

Acts of Violence 
 
The statements emanating from the USA, including by the Defence secretary suggest that the Taliban attacks against the Afghan government have increased considerably. Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman was reported to have said that the "unacceptably high" number of attacks by the Taliban was "not conducive to a diplomatic solution."&nbsp;

Political Rivalries

A long-standing political rivalry between President Ashraf Ghani and his former Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah is yet another factor in the given context. &nbsp;In fact, the US State Secretary was reported to have announced (23rd March) a cut in US aid to Afghanistan in a bid to force the two rivals to end the feud which in the US assessment was only helping stall the US-led peace-making efforts in Afghanistan. &nbsp;

The US bid to accelerate the talks and enlist India’s support &nbsp;

In order to push the implementation of the US-Taliban deal, The US Special Representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, Ambassador Zalmy Khalilzad travelled to Doha, New Delhi and Islamabad in the first week of May. He, accompanied by Senior Director in the US National Security Council, and the US Ambassador to India, met &nbsp;(May 7) with India’s External Affairs Minister and National Security Advisor. According to official pronouncements, Ambassador&nbsp;Zalmy Khalilzad conveyed the US recognition of India’s “constructive contribution” in economic development and reconstruction and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and “laid importance to India's crucial and continuing role in sustainable peace, security and stability in Afghanistan”. In response, the Indian side inter-alia expressed its concern at the upsurge of violence in Afghanistan and emphasised that “putting an end to terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries is necessary for enduring and sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan”. At this stage of the meeting, in all probability, the US Representative may have recommended that India should also enter into a direct dialogue with the Taliban as was done by the USA. The official statements from India are silent on this aspect, reported in a segment of the media.&nbsp;

A couple of days after the visit of the US Special Representative, the Taliban’s Doha-based &nbsp;political office spokesperson, Suhail Shaheen &nbsp;was reported to have said ( to an Indian TV news channel correspondent on May 9) that the Taliban “would like to have positive relations with neighbouring countries including India and welcome their contribution and cooperation in the reconstruction of future Afghanistan."&nbsp;

It is thus apparent that both the USA and the Taliban realise the limitations of cash-strapped Pakistan in providing any material assistance to Afghanistan. The USA may also gradually reduce its economic assistance to Afghanistan. In contrast, the importance of India in the economic development of Afghanistan is well established and well appreciated in Afghanistan and elsewhere. Hence an attempt to nudge India towards a commitment of continued engagement with Afghanistan irrespective of Taliban sharing power in the post-intra-Afghanistan dialogue scenario.&nbsp;

India’s Position &nbsp;&nbsp;

So far India has indeed played an important role in Afghanistan but its role has remained confined largely to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Afghanistan; it has invested about $3 billion in civilian infrastructure projects, besides capacity building including the training programmes for Afghan defence personnel. India’s contribution to economic development has earned it enormous goodwill in Afghanistan but its ability to influence the future political road map of Afghanistan or to secure assurances for its security interests within and outside Afghanistan remains limited. One of the several reasons is the reluctance on the part of India to engage Taliban or share a platform with the fundamentalist terror organization. &nbsp;

India, by and large, have remained excluded from the multi-party deliberations aimed at securing peace, security, stability and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Most recently, India wasn’t invited to the UN-coordinated 6+2+1 meeting on Afghanistan (16th April) attended by Afghanistan, its neighbours -China, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan- and the USA and Russia. The flimsy explanation for non-inclusion of India was that it did not share borders with Afghanistan, ignoring the fact that India’s territory bordering Afghanistan is currently under Pakistan’s illegal occupation.&nbsp;

In its official response to US-Taliban agreement (29th February), India stopped short of “welcoming” it in so many words, though it did “ note that the entire political spectrum in Afghanistan, including the Government, the democratic polity and civil society, has welcomed the opportunity and hope for peace and stability generated by these agreements”. The official statement in this regard reiterated what it said was India’s “consistent policy to support all opportunities that can bring peace, security and stability in Afghanistan; end violence; cut ties with international terrorism; and lead to a lasting political settlement through an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan controlled process”&nbsp;

India Dilemma &nbsp;

Should India reconsider its current policy that a lasting political settlement in Afghanistan must come through an “Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan controlled process”, considering that the elected Afghan Government is hardly in control of the peace process which at the moment is being dominated by the USA and Taliban with the active participation of Pakistan? &nbsp;

Should India settle down for a limited role of being only a facilitator of the economic prosperity of Afghanistan without any defined role in the processes determining the future political road map of Afghanistan and particularly without any firm commitments that the Taliban would not act against the security interests of India, nor will it allow any terror outfit to use the Afghan soil to do so?. The USA has secured an assurance to this effect through direct negotiations with the Taliban for itself and its allies. Should India, therefore,&nbsp;follow the US model and consider the option of entering into direct talks with a terror organisation? If India does so, it would constitute a major departure from its consistent policy of dealing only with recognised governments.&nbsp;

Or should India wait and see whether its role is expanded by its inclusion in expanded 6+2+1 group and also how the intra-Afghan talks develop over a period of time, and then make an assessment on the desirability or otherwise of opening a direct channel of communication with Taliban?&nbsp;

Should India in the meanwhile stop quietly insisting on peace process being Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan controlled and open a Track II Channel with Taliban with or without the US participation? &nbsp;

These are the key issues which should be engaging the attention of India’s Afghanistan policy-makers. It remains to be seen as to what strategy India would eventually adopt to ensure its strong foothold in Afghanistan as well as to secure its security interests.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The United States of America is understandably keen to accelerate the intra- Afghan peace talks, envisaged under the historic, albeit unique agreement of February 29, 2020, which it concluded with Taliban, an Islamic fundamentalist terror organisation and the self-styled Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

The United States of America is understandably keen to accelerate the intra- Afghan peace talks, envisaged under the historic, albeit unique agreement of February 29, 2020, which it concluded with Taliban, an Islamic fundamentalist terror organisation and the self-styled Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The talks were to commence on March 10, 2010, but are yet to take-off in real earnest. What is holding up the commencement of the intra-Afghan talks? Multiple factors include: Reluctant Afghan Government The US-Taliban pact was imposed on the democratically elected Government in Afghanistan which was not a party to the deal, which was concluded with the primary objective of paving the path for an “honourable” exit for the USA from Afghanistan, after nearly two decades of military intervention during which the US and allies failed to neutralise or tame Taliban. Realising its limitations, the Afghan government had nevertheless endorsed the deal and confirmed (in the Afghanistan-USA Joint Declaration of February 29, 2020) its readiness to participate in intra-Afghanistan negotiations, at which all stake-holders in Afghanistan are expected to meet and negotiate a cease-fire agreement with Taliban and determine the future political structure for the governance of the country. Logically, the elected government should have no urgency as it stands only to dilute its position if the intra-Afghan talks ultimately lead to the formation of a large coalition of diverse ethnic groups as well as the Taliban. Conversely, it has every reason to delay the process. The flip side is that the Afghan government would have to continue to face the terror attacks from the Taliban if it dilly-dallies the intra-Afghan talks. Swap of Prisoners One of the important prerequisites for the commencement of intra-Afghan talks is the swap of prisoners between the Afghan government and Taliban, a commitment made by the USA on behalf of the Afghan government in the US-Taliban agreement. After initial hesitation, the Afghan President eventually agreed to a staggered but conditional release of 5000 Taliban prisoners in exchange for 1000 Afghan security forces personnel held in Taliban custody. The process of swap of prisoners has been painfully slow, often suspended. The Afghan Government has alleged that the Taliban is not adhering to the understanding that it would release one Afghan security person in exchange for 5 Taliban prisoners released by the Government. The situation is now likely to get even more complicated after the Afghan allegation (May 11) that out of the list of 1000 personnel handed over to the Taliban, at least 610 are missing. In an interaction with media, the Afghanistan National Security Spokesperson warned that the government would not be obliged to go ahead with the agreement if the Taliban “conducted illegal behaviour with prisoners and the prisoners are lost” Acts of Violence The statements emanating from the USA, including by the Defence secretary suggest that the Taliban attacks against the Afghan government have increased considerably. Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman was reported to have said that the "unacceptably high" number of attacks by the Taliban was "not conducive to a diplomatic solution." Political Rivalries A long-standing political rivalry between President Ashraf Ghani and his former Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah is yet another factor in the given context. In fact, the US State Secretary was reported to have announced (23rd March) a cut in US aid to Afghanistan in a bid to force the two rivals to end the feud which in the US assessment was only helping stall the US-led peace-making efforts in Afghanistan. The US bid to accelerate the talks and enlist India’s support In order to push the implementation of the US-Taliban deal, The US Special Representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, Ambassador Zalmy Khalilzad travelled to Doha, New Delhi and Islamabad in the first week of May. He, accompanied by Senior Director in the US National Security Council, and the US Ambassador to India, met (May 7) with India’s External Affairs Minister and National Security Advisor. According to official pronouncements, Ambassador Zalmy Khalilzad conveyed the US recognition of India’s “constructive contribution” in economic development and reconstruction and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and “laid importance to India's crucial and continuing role in sustainable peace, security and stability in Afghanistan”. In response, the Indian side inter-alia expressed its concern at the upsurge of violence in Afghanistan and emphasised that “putting an end to terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries is necessary for enduring and sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan”. At this stage of the meeting, in all probability, the US Representative may have recommended that India should also enter into a direct dialogue with the Taliban as was done by the USA. The official statements from India are silent on this aspect, reported in a segment of the media. A couple of days after the visit of the US Special Representative, the Taliban’s Doha-based political office spokesperson, Suhail Shaheen was reported to have said ( to an Indian TV news channel correspondent on May 9) that the Taliban “would like to have positive relations with neighbouring countries including India and welcome their contribution and cooperation in the reconstruction of future Afghanistan." It is thus apparent that both the USA and the Taliban realise the limitations of cash-strapped Pakistan in providing any material assistance to Afghanistan. The USA may also gradually reduce its economic assistance to Afghanistan. In contrast, the importance of India in the economic development of Afghanistan is well established and well appreciated in Afghanistan and elsewhere. Hence an attempt to nudge India towards a commitment of continued engagement with Afghanistan irrespective of Taliban sharing power in the post-intra-Afghanistan dialogue scenario. India’s Position So far India has indeed played an important role in Afghanistan but its role has remained confined largely to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Afghanistan; it has invested about $3 billion in civilian infrastructure projects, besides capacity building including the training programmes for Afghan defence personnel. India’s contribution to economic development has earned it enormous goodwill in Afghanistan but its ability to influence the future political road map of Afghanistan or to secure assurances for its security interests within and outside Afghanistan remains limited. One of the several reasons is the reluctance on the part of India to engage Taliban or share a platform with the fundamentalist terror organization. India, by and large, have remained excluded from the multi-party deliberations aimed at securing peace, security, stability and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Most recently, India wasn’t invited to the UN-coordinated 6+2+1 meeting on Afghanistan (16th April) attended by Afghanistan, its neighbours -China, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan- and the USA and Russia. The flimsy explanation for non-inclusion of India was that it did not share borders with Afghanistan, ignoring the fact that India’s territory bordering Afghanistan is currently under Pakistan’s illegal occupation. In its official response to US-Taliban agreement (29th February), India stopped short of “welcoming” it in so many words, though it did “ note that the entire political spectrum in Afghanistan, including the Government, the democratic polity and civil society, has welcomed the opportunity and hope for peace and stability generated by these agreements”. The official statement in this regard reiterated what it said was India’s “consistent policy to support all opportunities that can bring peace, security and stability in Afghanistan; end violence; cut ties with international terrorism; and lead to a lasting political settlement through an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan controlled process” India Dilemma Should India reconsider its current policy that a lasting political settlement in Afghanistan must come through an “Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan controlled process”, considering that the elected Afghan Government is hardly in control of the peace process which at the moment is being dominated by the USA and Taliban with the active participation of Pakistan? Should India settle down for a limited role of being only a facilitator of the economic prosperity of Afghanistan without any defined role in the processes determining the future political road map of Afghanistan and particularly without any firm commitments that the Taliban would not act against the security interests of India, nor will it allow any terror outfit to use the Afghan soil to do so?. The USA has secured an assurance to this effect through direct negotiations with the Taliban for itself and its allies. Should India, therefore, follow the US model and consider the option of entering into direct talks with a terror organisation? If India does so, it would constitute a major departure from its consistent policy of dealing only with recognised governments. Or should India wait and see whether its role is expanded by its inclusion in expanded 6+2+1 group and also how the intra-Afghan talks develop over a period of time, and then make an assessment on the desirability or otherwise of opening a direct channel of communication with Taliban? Should India in the meanwhile stop quietly insisting on peace process being Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan controlled and open a Track II Channel with Taliban with or without the US participation? These are the key issues which should be engaging the attention of India’s Afghanistan policy-makers. It remains to be seen as to what strategy India would eventually adopt to ensure its strong foothold in Afghanistan as well as to secure its security interests. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Afghanistan's peace process: India’s position and dilemma  

The United States on Wednesday (March 4) conducted an airstrike against Taliban. It is the first such attack since the troop withdrawal agreement was signed.

WION Dispatch: How long peace will last in Afghanistan?

First US airstrike against Taliban since peace deal

A proposed peace deal would see the United States withdraw thousands of troops from Afghanistan in exchange for promises from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-hopeful-of-reaching-agreement-with-us-in-upcoming-talks-239829">Taliban that it would renounce Al-Qaeda</a>, US media reported on Thursday.

The US and the Taliban are soon expected to begin their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-peace-envoy-for-afghanistan-set-to-resume-talks-with-taliban-sources-239765">eighth round of talks in Doha</a> to reach a deal that would end America's nearly 18-year involvement in Afghanistan.

The Washington Post reported that an initial deal to end the war would see US troop numbers in the country fall to as low as 8,000 from their current level of around 14,000.

In exchange, the Taliban would abide by a ceasefire and renounce Al-Qaeda, whose 9/11 attacks on the US spurred the invasion that ousted the Taliban from power in Afghanistan in 2001, the Post reported, citing US officials.

"I would say that they are 80 or 90 per cent of the way there," one official told the paper. "But there is still a long way to go on that last 10 or 20 per cent."

The proposed agreement would also require the Taliban to broker a separate peace deal with the Afghan government, with which it has refused to speak, Fox News reported.

However, an Afghan official last week hinted that the government of President Ashraf Ghani was preparing for direct talks with the Taliban, the details of which have yet to be announced.

Without confirming the reports, US Senator Lindsey Graham tweeted a link to the Post article and later wrote: "I hope any agreement will be a good deal for America that protects our homeland, our allies, and our interests."

Washington has said it wants to see a deal inked by September 1, but any deal requires the Taliban to talk to Kabul.

A proposed peace deal would see the United States withdraw thousands of troops from Afghanistan in exchange for promises from the Taliban that it would renounce Al-Qaeda, US media reported on Thursday.

A proposed peace deal would see the United States withdraw thousands of troops from Afghanistan in exchange for promises from the Taliban that it would renounce Al-Qaeda, US media reported on Thursday. The US and the Taliban are soon expected to begin their eighth round of talks in Doha to reach a deal that would end America's nearly 18-year involvement in Afghanistan. The Washington Post reported that an initial deal to end the war would see US troop numbers in the country fall to as low as 8,000 from their current level of around 14,000. In exchange, the Taliban would abide by a ceasefire and renounce Al-Qaeda, whose 9/11 attacks on the US spurred the invasion that ousted the Taliban from power in Afghanistan in 2001, the Post reported, citing US officials. "I would say that they are 80 or 90 per cent of the way there," one official told the paper. "But there is still a long way to go on that last 10 or 20 per cent." The proposed agreement would also require the Taliban to broker a separate peace deal with the Afghan government, with which it has refused to speak, Fox News reported. However, an Afghan official last week hinted that the government of President Ashraf Ghani was preparing for direct talks with the Taliban, the details of which have yet to be announced. Without confirming the reports, US Senator Lindsey Graham tweeted a link to the Post article and later wrote: "I hope any agreement will be a good deal for America that protects our homeland, our allies, and our interests." Washington has said it wants to see a deal inked by September 1, but any deal requires the Taliban to talk to Kabul.

Afghanistan peace deal would see US troop numbers slashed: Reports

Australian authorities are investigating several suspicious packages sent to some foreign embassies in Melbourne, including the US, British, Swiss and German diplomatic missions, domestic media reported on Wednesday.

Images taken by 9News showed firefighters and paramedics attending the Indian and US missions in Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city. There were no immediate reports of any harm to staff.

Police in the southern state of Victoria, of which Melbourne is the capital, did not comment immediately when contacted.

A spokeswoman for the British High Commission confirmed its office in Melbourne had received a suspicious package.

"We are liaising closely with the AFP (Australian Federal Police) and the local authorities regarding the situation," she said.

"All our staff are safe and accounted for," she said.

'The Foreign Minister assured that Pakistan would do all to help the people of Afghanistan to see the earliest possible end to bloodshed...,' the Foreign Office stated.

Australian authorities are investigating several suspicious packages sent to some foreign embassies in Melbourne, including the US, British, Swiss and German diplomatic missions, domestic media reported on Wednesday. Images taken by 9News showed firefighters and paramedics attending the Indian and US missions in Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city. There were no immediate reports of any harm to staff. Police in the southern state of Victoria, of which Melbourne is the capital, did not comment immediately when contacted. A spokeswoman for the British High Commission confirmed its office in Melbourne had received a suspicious package. "We are liaising closely with the AFP (Australian Federal Police) and the local authorities regarding the situation," she said. "All our staff are safe and accounted for," she said.

Peace in Afghanistan in Pakistan's own national interest: Foreign minister Qureshi

In case India wants to use Iran's channels of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-call-off-peace-talks-with-us-officials-189044">communication with the Taliban</a>, then Tehran will be open to such a proposition, Iranian diplomatic sources have said, at a time when there was a renewed focus on peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

They said though Iran's influence over the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-uae-to-closely-work-on-afghanistan-peace-reconciliation-188783">Taliban was not comparable to that of Pakistan's</a>, still, it would try to use the clout over the terror outfit for bringing peace and stability in the war-torn country.

Major powers like the US and Russia have been reaching out to the&nbsp;Taliban as part of efforts to push the stalled Afghan peace process.&nbsp;

The issue of peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan is likely to figure during talks between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif on Wednesday.

In a significant move, India had sent two former diplomats in "non-official" capacity to a conference on the Afghan peace process in Moscow in November which was attended by a high-level Taliban delegation.&nbsp;

The conference organised by Russia was attended by representatives of Afghanistan as well as from several other countries including the US, Pakistan, and China.&nbsp;

The Iranian sources said Tehran was ready to use its influence over Taliban on behalf of the Afghan government. If India wants Tehran's channels of communication with the militant outfit, we are always open to do that, they said.

India has been maintaining a policy of not engaging with Taliban and pressing for an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace initiative to bring peace and stability in the war-ravaged country.

The Iranian sources said a Taliban-dominated Afghanistan will be security challenge to Iran, India, but it will be an existential threat to Pakistan.

Iran is learned to have conveyed its view to Islamabad about how Taliban can be a real threat to its existence.&nbsp;

The sources said Tehran believes that there is a need for a situation where Taliban is not exploited by the US to create instability in the region, it is not exploited by UAE and Saudi Arabia to "create havoc".

Iran had contacts with Taliban as they control some areas adjacent Iran's border, the sources said adding Iran had the first round dialogue with Taliban.

"We had a short dialogue with them in Moscow and then we had the first round of that talk in Tehran," said a source.

On the Chabahar port, the sources said anybody who is interested to join in the project including China, can come on board.&nbsp;

On the long-pending proposal of Iran-Pak-India gas pipeline project, the sources said Tehran was of the opinion that it continues to be economically feasible.

Major powers like the US and Russia have been reaching out to the Taliban as part of efforts to push the stalled Afghan peace process.

In case India wants to use Iran's channels of communication with the Taliban, then Tehran will be open to such a proposition, Iranian diplomatic sources have said, at a time when there was a renewed focus on peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. They said though Iran's influence over the Taliban was not comparable to that of Pakistan's, still, it would try to use the clout over the terror outfit for bringing peace and stability in the war-torn country. Major powers like the US and Russia have been reaching out to the Taliban as part of efforts to push the stalled Afghan peace process. The issue of peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan is likely to figure during talks between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif on Wednesday. In a significant move, India had sent two former diplomats in "non-official" capacity to a conference on the Afghan peace process in Moscow in November which was attended by a high-level Taliban delegation. The conference organised by Russia was attended by representatives of Afghanistan as well as from several other countries including the US, Pakistan, and China. The Iranian sources said Tehran was ready to use its influence over Taliban on behalf of the Afghan government. If India wants Tehran's channels of communication with the militant outfit, we are always open to do that, they said. India has been maintaining a policy of not engaging with Taliban and pressing for an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace initiative to bring peace and stability in the war-ravaged country. The Iranian sources said a Taliban-dominated Afghanistan will be security challenge to Iran, India, but it will be an existential threat to Pakistan. Iran is learned to have conveyed its view to Islamabad about how Taliban can be a real threat to its existence. The sources said Tehran believes that there is a need for a situation where Taliban is not exploited by the US to create instability in the region, it is not exploited by UAE and Saudi Arabia to "create havoc". Iran had contacts with Taliban as they control some areas adjacent Iran's border, the sources said adding Iran had the first round dialogue with Taliban. "We had a short dialogue with them in Moscow and then we had the first round of that talk in Tehran," said a source. On the Chabahar port, the sources said anybody who is interested to join in the project including China, can come on board. On the long-pending proposal of Iran-Pak-India gas pipeline project, the sources said Tehran was of the opinion that it continues to be economically feasible.

Iran ready to use influence over Taliban to bring peace to Afghanistan: Diplomatic sources

The Afghan Taliban said on Tuesday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-call-off-peace-talks-with-us-officials-189044">they had called off peace talks with US officials in Qatar</a> this week due to an "agenda disagreement", especially over the involvement of Afghan officials as well as a possible ceasefire and prisoner exchange.

Two days of peace talks had been set to start on Wednesday, Taliban officials told Reuters earlier, but the hardline Islamic militant group had refused to allow "puppet" Afghan officials to join.

The US ambassador to Kabul, John Bass, tweeted that reports of US-Taliban talks on Wednesday were "inaccurate" and added: "Taliban should talk to fellow Afghans as much as they talk to media."

A separate tweet from the US embassy in the Afghan capital stressed that intra-Afghan talks were "essential" to settling the conflict.&nbsp;

The State Department later announced that US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad would lead an interagency delegation to India, China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan from January 8–21 that would meet senior government officials in each country "to facilitate an intra-Afghan political settlement".&nbsp;

It said Khalilzad continued to coordinate his efforts with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, and other Afghan stakeholders.

"The US goal is to promote dialogue among Afghans about how to end the conflict, and to encourage the parties to come together at the negotiating table to reach a political settlement," the statement said.

The war in Afghanistan is America's longest overseas military intervention. It has cost Washington nearly $1 trillion and killed tens of thousands of people.

Reports last month about US President Donald Trump's plans to withdraw thousands of troops from Afghanistan triggered uncertainty in Kabul, which depends on the United States and other foreign powers for military support and training.&nbsp;

A Taliban source told Reuters that US officials had insisted that the Taliban should meet Afghan officials in Qatar and said: "both sides were in disagreement over declaring a ceasefire in 2019."&nbsp;

"Both sides have agreed to not meet in Qatar," he added.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said earlier that the two sides were still working on the technical details and were not clear on the agenda for the talks.

A Taliban leader had told Reuters that the talks, which would have been the fourth round with Khalilzad, would have involved a US withdrawal, prisoner exchange and the lifting of a ban on movement of Taliban leaders.

Taliban sources said that they had demanded that US authorities release 25,000 prisoners and they would free 3,000, but that US officials were not keen to discuss the exchange at this stage.

"We would never announce any ceasefire until and unless we achieve major gains on the ground. We have the feeling that Zalmay Khalilzad doesn`t have enough power to make important decisions," another Taliban official said.

The Taliban have rejected repeated requests from regional powers to allow Afghan officials to take part in the talks, insisting that the United States is their main adversary.

The insurgents, seeking to reimpose strict Islamic law after their 2001 ouster by US-led troops, called off a meeting with US officials in Saudi Arabia this week because of Riyadh`s insistence involving the Afghan government.

The United States sent troops to Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington. At its peak, the US deployment involved more than 100,000 troops, but Washington withdrew most in 2014 and now has around 14,000 troops in the country as part of a NATO-led mission aiding Afghan security forces and hunting militants.

As peace talks gained momentum a draft agreement drawn up by the influential US think tank RAND Corporation outlining the clauses for a potential peace deal was circulated among Afghan officials and diplomats in Kabul.&nbsp;

The document, reviewed by Reuters, suggests that the United States and NATO withdraw their military missions in phases over an expected period of 18 months. It adds that the United States may continue providing civilian assistance.

The U.S. embassy tweet said RAND’s work was independent of the US government and did not represent US policy.

A separate tweet from the US embassy in the Afghan capital stressed that intra-Afghan talks were 'essential' to settling the conflict.

The Afghan Taliban said on Tuesday they had called off peace talks with US officials in Qatar this week due to an "agenda disagreement", especially over the involvement of Afghan officials as well as a possible ceasefire and prisoner exchange. Two days of peace talks had been set to start on Wednesday, Taliban officials told Reuters earlier, but the hardline Islamic militant group had refused to allow "puppet" Afghan officials to join. The US ambassador to Kabul, John Bass, tweeted that reports of US-Taliban talks on Wednesday were "inaccurate" and added: "Taliban should talk to fellow Afghans as much as they talk to media." A separate tweet from the US embassy in the Afghan capital stressed that intra-Afghan talks were "essential" to settling the conflict. The State Department later announced that US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad would lead an interagency delegation to India, China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan from January 8–21 that would meet senior government officials in each country "to facilitate an intra-Afghan political settlement". It said Khalilzad continued to coordinate his efforts with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, and other Afghan stakeholders. "The US goal is to promote dialogue among Afghans about how to end the conflict, and to encourage the parties to come together at the negotiating table to reach a political settlement," the statement said. The war in Afghanistan is America's longest overseas military intervention. It has cost Washington nearly $1 trillion and killed tens of thousands of people. Reports last month about US President Donald Trump's plans to withdraw thousands of troops from Afghanistan triggered uncertainty in Kabul, which depends on the United States and other foreign powers for military support and training. A Taliban source told Reuters that US officials had insisted that the Taliban should meet Afghan officials in Qatar and said: "both sides were in disagreement over declaring a ceasefire in 2019." "Both sides have agreed to not meet in Qatar," he added. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said earlier that the two sides were still working on the technical details and were not clear on the agenda for the talks. A Taliban leader had told Reuters that the talks, which would have been the fourth round with Khalilzad, would have involved a US withdrawal, prisoner exchange and the lifting of a ban on movement of Taliban leaders. Taliban sources said that they had demanded that US authorities release 25,000 prisoners and they would free 3,000, but that US officials were not keen to discuss the exchange at this stage. "We would never announce any ceasefire until and unless we achieve major gains on the ground. We have the feeling that Zalmay Khalilzad doesn`t have enough power to make important decisions," another Taliban official said. The Taliban have rejected repeated requests from regional powers to allow Afghan officials to take part in the talks, insisting that the United States is their main adversary. The insurgents, seeking to reimpose strict Islamic law after their 2001 ouster by US-led troops, called off a meeting with US officials in Saudi Arabia this week because of Riyadh`s insistence involving the Afghan government. The United States sent troops to Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington. At its peak, the US deployment involved more than 100,000 troops, but Washington withdrew most in 2014 and now has around 14,000 troops in the country as part of a NATO-led mission aiding Afghan security forces and hunting militants. As peace talks gained momentum a draft agreement drawn up by the influential US think tank RAND Corporation outlining the clauses for a potential peace deal was circulated among Afghan officials and diplomats in Kabul. The document, reviewed by Reuters, suggests that the United States and NATO withdraw their military missions in phases over an expected period of 18 months. It adds that the United States may continue providing civilian assistance. The U.S. embassy tweet said RAND’s work was independent of the US government and did not represent US policy.

Afghan Taliban cancel peace talks with US citing 'agenda disagreement'

Afghan president Ashraf Ghani formalised a controversial accord with one of Afghanistan&#39;s most notorious warlords on Wednesday, a deal the government hopes will lead to more peace agreements.

Surrounded by hundreds of Afghan officials, many former warlords and rivals themselves, Ghani signed a pact that opens the door to the militant faction of Hezb-i-Islami, led by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, playing an active role in politics.

Despite the rhetoric of unity, Hekmatyar was not present and addressed a gathering in Kabul in a recorded video message, appearing by himself to sign the document in a small room.

&quot;With this agreement, I hope to put an end to the current crisis in the country,&quot; Hekmatyar said in his message.

&quot;I call on all sides to support this peace deal and I call on the opposition parties of the government to join the peace process and pursue their goals through peaceful means.&quot;

A controversial figure from the insurgency against the Soviets in the 1980s and the civil wars of the 1990s, Hekmatyar has been designated a &quot;global terrorist&quot; by the United States, which has been leading an international military mission in Afghanistan for the past 15 years.

&quot;We hope that the day comes when foreign interference has ended, foreign troops have departed fully from Afghanistan, and peace has been achieved,&quot; Hekmatyar said.

Hekmatyar, who served as prime minister in the 1990s, before the rise to power of the Taliban, has long been known as close to neighbouring Pakistan.

His faction of Hezb-i-Islami has played a relatively small role in the current conflict, in which the Taliban have a leading role in battling the Western-backed government in Kabul.

But government officials hope the accord will be a first step toward eventually making similar peace deals with the Taliban and other groups.

&quot;This is a chance for the Taliban and other militant groups to show what their decision is: To be with people and join the respected caravan of peace, like Hezb-i-Islami, or confront the people and continue the bloodshed,&quot; Ghani said.

Peace talks with the Taliban, the largest insurgent group, have yet to get off the ground, but both sides have said they are open to the idea.

Human rights groups as well as many Afghans expressed dismay that Hekmatyar is unlikely to face any punishment for his alleged role in past abuses, including firing rockets into civilian areas during a civil war in an attack that killed and injured thousands of residents.

Hekmatyar&#39;s return &quot;will compound the culture of impunity&quot;, said Human Rights Watch researcher Patricia Gossman, who called it an &quot;affront&quot; to victims of abuses when the initial deal was struck last week. 
 
(Reuters)

The pact opens the door to Gulbuddin Hekmatyar's Hezb-i-Islami playing an active role in politics.

Afghan president Ashraf Ghani formalised a controversial accord with one of Afghanistan's most notorious warlords on Wednesday, a deal the government hopes will lead to more peace agreements. Surrounded by hundreds of Afghan officials, many former warlords and rivals themselves, Ghani signed a pact that opens the door to the militant faction of Hezb-i-Islami, led by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, playing an active role in politics. Despite the rhetoric of unity, Hekmatyar was not present and addressed a gathering in Kabul in a recorded video message, appearing by himself to sign the document in a small room. "With this agreement, I hope to put an end to the current crisis in the country," Hekmatyar said in his message. "I call on all sides to support this peace deal and I call on the opposition parties of the government to join the peace process and pursue their goals through peaceful means." A controversial figure from the insurgency against the Soviets in the 1980s and the civil wars of the 1990s, Hekmatyar has been designated a "global terrorist" by the United States, which has been leading an international military mission in Afghanistan for the past 15 years. "We hope that the day comes when foreign interference has ended, foreign troops have departed fully from Afghanistan, and peace has been achieved," Hekmatyar said. Hekmatyar, who served as prime minister in the 1990s, before the rise to power of the Taliban, has long been known as close to neighbouring Pakistan. His faction of Hezb-i-Islami has played a relatively small role in the current conflict, in which the Taliban have a leading role in battling the Western-backed government in Kabul. But government officials hope the accord will be a first step toward eventually making similar peace deals with the Taliban and other groups. "This is a chance for the Taliban and other militant groups to show what their decision is: To be with people and join the respected caravan of peace, like Hezb-i-Islami, or confront the people and continue the bloodshed," Ghani said. Peace talks with the Taliban, the largest insurgent group, have yet to get off the ground, but both sides have said they are open to the idea. Human rights groups as well as many Afghans expressed dismay that Hekmatyar is unlikely to face any punishment for his alleged role in past abuses, including firing rockets into civilian areas during a civil war in an attack that killed and injured thousands of residents. Hekmatyar's return "will compound the culture of impunity", said Human Rights Watch researcher Patricia Gossman, who called it an "affront" to victims of abuses when the initial deal was struck last week. (Reuters)

Afghan warlord signs peace deal with government, calls for an 'end to current crisis'

afghanistan-peace-deal

Afghanistan Peace Deal, News on Afghanistan Peace Deal, stories on Afghanistan Peace Deal, articles on Afghanistan Peace Deal, Afghanistan Peace Deal stories at Wion, Afghanistan Peace Deal news, Afghanistan Peace Deal latest news

afghanistan peace-deal