Afghanistan needs to embrace a unified stance for entering intra-Afghan talks with the Taliban. All politicians and actors involved in Afghan politics or were part of the post-Taliban democratic system for the last two decades must present a unified front in the eminent negotiations with the militants. Thus, national consensus in Afghanistan is a prerequisite for formal intra-Afghan talks with the Taliban.
For now, one of the concerns is Afghan government’s refusal or reluctance to announce its negotiation team before the United States and the Taliban reach a peace deal. The government says it has appointed a 15-member negotiation team, but will not reveal it before the start of intra-Afghan talks. The concern here is that there seems to be no consensus on the delegation, and its announcement may be met with opposition from some political actors. This concern was also echoed by President Ghani in his latest interview who said the disagreement comes from politicians who are void of development plans and programs for the country.
The president may be trying to avoid the announcement of names of the delegation for fear of opposition, but he is ignoring the risk that it is easier to manage voices of dissent at this stage than in the middle of negotiations.
President Ghani’s administration still has an opportunity to try to sink the differences before formal intra-Afghan talks kick off. The president should strive to reach a consensus with all political sides so that the negotiation team becomes inclusive and acceptable to all. If that does not happen and the announcement of the negotiating team sparks a clash between the government and politicians, finding a solution to the issue becomes harder and more complicated. On the one hand, there will be pressure stemming from talks with the Taliban, and on the other hand, the negotiating team will not be acceptable to the political figures and groups, who have played a key role in Afghan politics over the last 18 years.
President Ghani should not underestimate the threat, and therefore forge a consensus by hook or by crook before the commencement of the intra-Afghan talks. The consensus should lead to the formation of a team that is not only acceptable to all sides, but can also truly represent Afghan people and have the bargaining capacity in negotiations with the Taliban. Or else, it is likely that the opportunity for intra-Afghan talks will be lost as in the past, and then much of the blame will fall upon President Ghani.
