The resumption of peace talks between the Taliban and Americans has again become a subject of heated discussions these days. Contrary to President Donald Trump’s decision on cancellation of talks with Taliban, both sides have reportedly maintained contacts, and may soon resume official negotiations. Peace parleys are a necessity of the time as all military strategies have failed to settle the conflict in Afghanistan, and political settlement, one that is acceptable to all Afghans besides Taliban and Americans, remains the sole option to bring an end to the ongoing violence and bloodshed.
Before the talks officially begin, all sides should make sure that past mistakes and failed practices are not repeated. The ongoing peace talks largely involve Washington, Islamabad and the Taliban, all of whom should show seriousness on their part in ending the war. If talks are used as a means to kill time, they can also hit a dead end like the military strategies. Thus, the parties to the ongoing talks need to remain committed to their promises and agreements, and try to reverse the prevalent climate of mistrust. The successful prisoner swap deal with Taliban in which three Indian engineers were released in exchange for 11 Taliban inmates from Bagram prison was a key trust-building measure that should be replicated.
Also, all Afghan political sides need to reach a consensus for intra-Afghan talks with the Taliban. So far, the government has unfortunately failed to forge such a consensus. There is still no unanimity in Kabul on talks with the Taliban. Afghan government, and the politicians and political groups who used to be a part of the regime over the last two decades are not yet on the same page. Though Afghan government claims to have appointed a negotiating team, some politicians have voiced skepticism over the inclusivity of the delegation against the backdrop of the non-disclosure of their names. This uncertainty worries politicians outside the government that they will have no representative at the negotiating table with Taliban.
Now that there is still a chance of restarting the negotiations, all sides must prove their decisiveness for the political settlement of the conflict. Moreover, building a consensus and an inclusive and acceptable team for intra-Afghan negotiations is a must. It is in the best interest of all political sides that were part of the regime over the last two decades to talk to the Taliban about the future of Afghanistan from a position of unity and strength.