This is kinda confusing...if the guy’s a secularist, why does the Taliban support him instead of his hardline opponent? And I highly doubt only 1% of the population supports the militants, given that 24% of them sympathize with OBL. Still, I can certainly believe that many of them are tired of living in fear and dealing with the threat of explosions every day. This guy seems committed to bringing an end to the violence, as do most secularists who are AQ targets, so we can only hope someone doesn’t nail him....
Sometimes in the Middle East, you have to look at their actions instead of what is said. It is hard to look at their actions when what is done and said is largely behind closed doors and away from prying eyes. Another important factor is money. What's the money connection for the Taliban? Follow the money, see the support.