Any political decision howsoever in the interest of masses turns meaningless when not implemented. In Afghanistan, decisions that serve the public and revive hopes for a better future are often made on paper and never really get implemented, thereby divesting people of their potential advantages. The participants of the two-day Doha Intra-Afghan Dialogue Conference agreed to minimize and gradually reduce civilian casualties to zero. It was a welcome development as Afghans no longer can tolerate the loss of their loved ones in violent attacks carried out by the warring sides. After a joint resolution was issued by the participants of the meeting, Afghan people were hopeful that the belligerent sides would take measures to prevent civilian casualties; however, the horrific incidents over the recent weeks indicated that the parties to the conflict are still not committed to the protection of the lives and property of ordinary Afghans.
Peace talks and efforts by anyone to find a political solution to the destructive war in Afghanistan are a positive step, but Afghan people have the right to experience the result of such endeavors. Peace negotiations must help reduce violence not escalate brutality and bloodshed. Presently, the more the peace talks gain momentum, the more the bloodshed on the ground. The Taliban have stepped up their attacks in a bid to secure more concessions, while Afghan government has also ramped up military pressure on the insurgents to show that it is an important side in the war and must not be left out of the peace talks. It is indeed ordinary Afghans who are bearing the brunt of this military showdown. Government forces kill civilians in their operations in rural areas, while the Taliban carry out attacks against targets in urban areas that cause more casualties to civilians.
If the warring sides are truly committed to the political settlement of the conflict, they should try to build trust by showing flexibility in their demands in lieu of seeking to gain more concessions at the cost of Afghan innocent lives. They need to strive to win the hearts and minds of Afghans through peaceful means rather than kill them just to show their strength. Both the government and the Taliban need the nation for their political future since no political movement has ever stabilized, succeeded and survived without public support. They should not overlook this fact and therefore not further alienate the masses.