Afghan Peace On The Horizon

Context:  The long-awaited intra-Afghan peace talks in Doha should bring a roadmap for long lasting peace and stability on Afghan soil.

Progress in Afghan peace process:

• Commitment by Taliban: The Taliban have committed to reduce violence during the talks where the parties will decide on a political map to agree on a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire.
• Security assistance by the United States: In a post-settlement era, maintaining security assistance, expanding its development programmes and connectivity through joint infrastructure projects funded by the aid agencies.
• Broadening political consensus inside Afghanistan: A triumvirate of Ghani, former president Hamid Karzai and former chief executive officer Abdullah is driving the peace process on the Afghan government side. 

Some concerns remain:

• Ambiguous negotiating positions of Taliban: 

• Rotation of senior religious scholars and harsh military commanders in the Taliban’s team to build consensus to speak for the entire organisation.
•  It can also be aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s capacity to leverage the peace process. 
• Non-clarity over various Talibani commitments:

• Constitutional reforms and political system.
• Taliban’s concept of ‘inclusive’ government. 
• Restructuring of Afghan security forces and integration of Taliban fighters.
• Rights of women and minorities.
• Taliban’s ambitions for a post-war era.

• Presence of terrorist group: The UN has highlighted the presence of terrorist groups on Afghan soil, but the Taliban regard them as Muslim dissidents forced into exile. 

• This restrict the choices of the international community, which has to accept the Taliban’s word and suspend disbelief.

Way Forward: 

• Initiate Intra-Afghan dialogue: To prepare a road map for the transition from armed insurgency to Islamic governance. 

• Commitment to peace by all stakeholders : The USA must commit to a durable and inclusive peace settlement in Afghanistan to ensure that terror groups aren't allowed to grow.

• Also the international community can help Afghans safeguard rights for women and girls.

• Coming together of India-Pakistan: The India-Pakistan tensions should not cast a shadow on the Afghan peace process and should recognise the opportunity as mutual interest.