Last week during an International Conference in London, Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai proposed forming diplomatic relations with leaders and militants of the Taliban insurgency. A key point of any agreement would be to allow Taliban militants to reconcile with and essentially become loyal to the government. The current debate surrounding this proposal is whether it would improve or further deteriorate efforts to end the war in Afghanistan.
President Karzai continues to be criticized for weak leadership and corrupt dealings with warlords. Reconciliation programs for Taliban militants have been attempted in the past, but they have largely failed, since former members were left jobless and without protection from possible Taliban reprisal. Many reports also indicate that Taliban leaders consider the withdrawal of foreign troops as a precondition to any sort of negotiations.
Despite this, it could be a step in the right direction, but a slow one nonetheless. If NATO is heavily involved in the process, diplomatic talks are backed-up with force, and the international community provides funds for this peace operation, only then can it be successful. It is unlikely that it would create a comprehensive peace agreement with the Taliban; higher-level leaders probably won’t acquiesce. It will, however, reduce their numbers — their bottom will be cut out, leaving only a few of them at the top.
Low to middle-level Taliban members could be persuaded to leave the Taliban if the Afghan government provides enough incentives including jobs, money and housing. The defection of enemy combatants would allow the United States and NATO military forces to be reduced over time. It would also give the Afghan government an easier grip on the instability plaguing their nation. It’s a possible plan that the White House, after further research, should consider supporting. By no means, however, is it a solution to the war.
A Taliban-run government existed in Afghanistan during the mid-1990s. A possible danger would be allowing them to influence the government from the inside. If certain Taliban members were no longer considered dangerous, they would be taken off the international list of terrorists and would be allowed to board planes, thereby posing a possible threat. If the United States agrees to this, Karzai should pledge to strengthen his security forces, reduce corruption, and take responsibility and control of his nation. Currently, President Karzai wants NATO to remain in Afghanistan for five to 10 years. The national goal is to reduce its troops and only keep a small number stationed in the Middle East after the set period has expired.
Karzai looking for reconciliation
Published: Monday, February 8, 2010
Updated: Monday, February 8, 2010 01:02
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