Tag Archives: Zalmay Khalilzad

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.

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

One Pakistani analyst suspects double game by US special envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalizad in the ongoing efforts for lasting peace in Afghanistan. Here is his open letter to President Trump.

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.   

In short, Pakistan’s diplomacy is on trial for sure; it, of course, should help its neighbors and also work together with the US for peace in Afghanistan. But one would hope – that for the short-term objective of accommodating US plans – it does not walk into a booby trap in an already explosive situation.

Self-interest motivates most friendships and partnerships, particularly between nations. Failing to take pro-active foreign policy initiatives, what can one expect from a political leadership who are mostly in London and Dubai for Umrah, Eid or for other reasons at a time when the country is undergoing serious domestic and external challenges?