Kabul again witnessed a barbaric attack on Monday after a relative lull in violence. Suicide bombers stormed a compound housing the National Authority for People with Disabilities and Martyrs’ Families, precipitating a ten-hour long gun battle that left at least 43 people dead and scores wounded. The attack comes as political efforts to resolve the conflict have recently intensified. As part of the renewed push to cut the Gordian knot, senior American diplomats led by US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad have met with Taliban representatives three times, with the fourth round of talks expected to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, next month.
Inflicting casualties primarily on civilians that, in turn, stoke an outburst of public ire and disgust, such attacks are yet another step to throw a monkey wrench in the ongoing peace negotiations after the announcement of withdrawal of half of American troops from Afghanistan. Moreover, people increasingly lose faith in the nascent peace talks. All sides have to eschew provocative, hostile statements and actions, and focus on trust-building measures while peace parleys are ongoing.
It is reasonable and at the same time predictable that the warring sides may turn up the heat on each other in order to consolidate their position in peace negotiations and secure more concessions, but targeting civilians rather weakens than strengthens their position. Whichever side harms the civilian population indeed undermines its footprint and prospects in the country’s future politics by widening its distance with the public.
If the Taliban are aiming to strengthen their position or secure more concessions in peace talks by attacking civilians in cities, they are mistaken because it backfires on them. Similarly, if the government is seeking to gain an upper hand by appointing anti-Taliban figures to key security slots or expanding counterinsurgency operations, it is not the right time. If government had been able to force the Taliban to the negotiating table, it should have at least prevented district and provincial centers from falling to the Taliban over the last four years and a half. Now that the government is stretched to near breaking point, it should not further complicate the situation by taking inconsiderate actions.
Now is not the time for any sides, especially Afghans, to have a military showdown. The best choice for all is to clear the path for a political settlement by taking a steady stream of confidence-building measures, the right and call of all Afghan people but some certain warmongers.