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Doha Negotiations are bound to fail
Doha Negotiations are bound to fail |
Recently, a number of former members of the Taliban regime have expressed their concerns regarding the way the negotiations are being organized. In inner circles, doubts and worries are expressed, because they do not see any commitment from the opposing sides.
While the media is speculating about the situation of imprisoned leaders of Taliban like Mullah Baradar, a number of issues are not mentioned nor discussed. One of the most urgent matters is the fact that the Pakistani ISI has taken family members of prominent members of Taliban as hostages. The threat posed to innocent family members of the Taliban leaders prevents them from engaging in negotiations with the international community and the Afghan government.
Aside from this, the former members of the Taliban regime doubt that their former colleagues have any coherent plan for the future of Afghanistan. They blame this on the lack of competence because the Taliban is predominantly a young organization with a young leadership lacking experience as politicians.
On the other hand, the High Peace Council and the opposition of the Afghan government deliberately obstruct a peaceful settlement because of the fear they have of losing their power and perks. Power sharing means that they will have to disband the factions they have organized within the armed forces in Afghanistan based on ethnicity and tribal/regional loyalties. The northern Alliance has threatened the Afghan government by suggesting that they will organize a revolt, if their demands are not met.
Meanwhile, former finance minister Mutasim Agha Jan repeatedly stated in various interviews, that war was never the choice of the Taliban regime. But rather war is forced upon them by outsiders. In fact, Mutasim Agha said claims that even back in 2001, the Taliban have offered a peaceful solution to their counterpart. But sadly, their offer was declined with carpet bombings and imprisonment.
Likewise, Afghan political commentators claim that this ongoing armed conflict is not “our war”. They argue that the war is in reality a strategic game regional powers and the United States are playing with another. As a result, the Afghan people are left with no competent leadership serving their interest.
Therefore, a common belief among many Afghans is that a negotiation in Doha, if it actually does occur, won’t be productive. The negotiating parties have no desire to solve the problem.
Recently, a number of former members of the Taliban regime have expressed their concerns regarding the way the negotiations are being organized. In inner circles, doubts and worries are expressed, because they do not see any commitment from the opposing sides.
While the media is speculating about the situation of imprisoned leaders of Taliban like Mullah Baradar, a number of issues are not mentioned nor discussed. One of the most urgent matters is the fact that the Pakistani ISI has taken family members of prominent members of Taliban as hostages. The threat posed to innocent family members of the Taliban leaders prevents them from engaging in negotiations with the international community and the Afghan government.
Aside from this, the former members of the Taliban regime doubt that their former colleagues have any coherent plan for the future of Afghanistan. They blame this on the lack of competence because the Taliban is predominantly a young organization with a young leadership lacking experience as politicians.
On the other hand, the High Peace Council and the opposition of the Afghan government deliberately obstruct a peaceful settlement because of the fear they have of losing their power and perks. Power sharing means that they will have to disband the factions they have organized within the armed forces in Afghanistan based on ethnicity and tribal/regional loyalties. The northern Alliance has threatened the Afghan government by suggesting that they will organize a revolt, if their demands are not met.
Meanwhile, former finance minister Mutasim Agha Jan repeatedly stated in various interviews, that war was never the choice of the Taliban regime. But rather war is forced upon them by outsiders. In fact, Mutasim Agha said claims that even back in 2001, the Taliban have offered a peaceful solution to their counterpart. But sadly, their offer was declined with carpet bombings and imprisonment.
Likewise, Afghan political commentators claim that this ongoing armed conflict is not “our war”. They argue that the war is in reality a strategic game regional powers and the United States are playing with another. As a result, the Afghan people are left with no competent leadership serving their interest.
Therefore, a common belief among many Afghans is that a negotiation in Doha, if it actually does occur, won’t be productive. The negotiating parties have no desire to solve the problem.