Although the Taliban seem to have halted attacks in major cities since embarking upon direct peace talks with Americans, fighting has escalated in rural areas even in the cold days of winter when violence would usually subside. Both warring sides have resorted to muscle flexing in a bid to secure more concessions from each other in peace talks. Afghan Special forces have intensified night raids and operations, while the militants have also recently unleashed major bloody attacks against Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF), the two recent of which were in northern Faryab and southern Helmand provinces. A group of assailants backed by suicide bombers launched a multi-pronged attack against Camp Shorabak in Helmand, one of the largest military bases in the country’s volatile south that also houses 215 Maiwand Army Corps and US Marines, at the crack of dawn on Friday. The attack, according to unconfirmed reports, continued until Saturday morning. While provincial government officials say the attack left behind only a few casualties, the Taliban claim inflicting massive damage to the sprawling military camp’s facilities and military hardware, including vehicles and planes, in addition to heavy casualties.
The warring sides have resorted to the bloody showdown solely to be in a stronger position in peace talks, but they can engage in a rather positive competition. For both sides, the best scenario will be to try to win the hearts and minds of Afghan people by taking steps towards peace after decades of war rather than spilling more blood. If any side of the war emerges victorious, it will have to live together with and rule these very people. The escalation of war driven by short-term interests can further distance the nation from both sides, something that makes it hard for the two sides to govern them in the future. The warring sides had better enter into a competition of trust-building measures especially now as hopes are ever high for the peaceful settlement of the Afghan conflict. They should take steps that can stitch together than split Afghan society.
Both the government and the Taliban that somehow consider themselves representatives of Afghan people must avoid war and more bloodshed. They eschew activities that can hurt or derail the ongoing peace talks at least until their fate becomes clear. The race in killing and violence may help both sides to gain an upper hand in possible peace talks, it can further alienate the nation, something that has a damaging impact on their ends in the long run.