Peace is the top priority for Afghans. For the war-weary Afghan nation, any effort by any side aimed at bringing the conflict to a peaceful end is commendable. The first ever two-day meeting between Taliban and some prominent Afghan leaders in Moscow is a welcome development. Such gatherings provide platforms for warring sides to exchange their viewpoints and find common grounds, and the more they are inclusive, the more their legitimacy and public support.
Although Afghan government has questions and concerns about the Moscow conference, its boycott of and opposition to the process does not serve the interests of any side, including the government. The government has the right to be apprised of such meetings and even part of them, but its disapproval especially now as virtually all the international community and the regional nations are on the same page with regard to Afghan peace not only will not yield any result but also can further isolate the government. The government, primarily the president, should realize the sensitivity of the situation and act with caution because even small mistakes by government leaders can complicate the peace process and precipitate a crisis.
The best choice is that Afghan leaders who met with Taliban representatives in Moscow encourage the Taliban to come to the negotiating table with the government as well. Such a success will open a window for more discussions and meetings that can find common grounds between the two sides, thereby gradually leading to key decision-makings about the future of Afghanistan that will finally end the conflict in the country. It behooves the government to try to join the ongoing negotiations between Taliban and Afghan politicians besides the US-led peace initiative. If the US fails to bring the Taliban to a negotiating table with Afghan government, the efforts initiated by Afghan leaders for intra-Afghan dialogue can keep Afghan hopes alive for peace in the country.
The government leadership’s opposition to peace talk can further marginalize the government. It befits government leaders to act and make decisions with utmost caution by grasping the perils of failure of the process. By the same token, politicians who are engaged in direct talks with the Taliban should not overlook the role of the government as a legitimate representative of people, and convince the Taliban as soon as possible that the government is one of the main sides of the conflict, which cannot be bypassed.