Tag Archives: US-Taliban talks

Any major deviation from the basic contours of the existing agreement will only help spoilers of peace and not the millions of Afghans who are desperate for a return to normalcy. This could also erode trust in the inviolability of future peace agreements that consume enormous effort and time to mature.

The developing situation on lasting peace in Afghanistan augurs well for the region as the Afghan quagmire has continued for too long. All stakeholders must now cash on this available window of opportunity; if nations do not cooperate and work together, it is the people who suffer.

One of Pakistan's leading analysts attributes progress in US-Taliban peace to the exclusion of India from the process.

The US-Taliban talks are currently indicating towards the formation of a national interim government. However, this formation could still see some roadblocks. The Afghan security establishment, in collusion with “spoilers”, could push back against the peace talks.

Should peace talks succeed, Europeans and other international partners will need to demonstrate staying power in times of peace as well as war.

Pakistan has limited cards to play but if played nattily, it has a chance of resetting its relationship with Afghanistan. With India and Iran thinking of establishing links with the Taliban, Pakistan must maintain its watch.