Afghan officials closer to talks with insurgents

Boston Globe/AP ^ | September 5, 2010 | Christopher Bodeen

[Pan_Yan]

KABUL, Afghanistan — In a further step toward reconciling with insurgents, President Hamid Karzai said yesterday that he will soon name the members of a council tasked with pursuing peace talks with rebels willing to break with Al Qaeda and recognize the government in Kabul.

Karzai’s announcement was given added poignancy by comments from the outgoing deputy commander of NATO forces in the country that commanders promised too much when they predicted quick success taking the key Taliban-held town of Marjah last winter.

While British Lieutenant General Nick Parker now sees signs of a turnaround in the turbulent area, he said the military will be more restrained in forecasting success in the future.

The formation of the High Peace Council was approved in June at a national peace conference in Kabul and Karzai’s statement that its membership would be announced next week marks a “significant step toward peace talks,’’ according to a statement issued by Karzai’s office.

It said members will include former Taliban, jihadi leaders, leading figures in Afghan society, and women, but gave no other details. They will be prepared to negotiate with insurgents who renounce violence, honor the Afghan constitution, and sever ties with terrorist networks.

[Pan_Yan]

"The High Peace Council"

That'll work.

[DemforBush]

Call me cynical, but I suspect the best anyone could hope for from such a deal would be an iffy confederation of warlords whose loyalty and intentions would be equally iffy.

My bigger fear is, that may also be the best scenario we really can get out of the Afghani government. The troops are doing are magnificent job, but I have very little faith in Karzai or his supporters.

Of course, it’s also possible Karzai is pursuing this option because he doesn’t trust Obama and wants to be alive when the withdrawal begins.

[Pan_Yan]

I think Karzai and most other government officials have made plans for a quick getaway (with as much as possible) for when we withdraw.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Pan_Yan.

[mrsmith]

The US is deserting- they have no choice.

Obama sees nothing wrong with giving mobsters power.
Oh, they’ll be back here again. Someone else will have to deal with it then, not Obama.

[muddler]

Afghan officials closer to talks with insurgents

For a second there I wondered why Afghan officials would be talking to tea party supporters

[tet68]

The only reason for “peace” talks with the insurgents
is when they are ready to surrender in order to save
their necks.

[onona]

Of course, it’s also possible Karzai is pursuing this option because he doesn’t trust Obama and wants to be alive when the withdrawal begins This ain't his first rodeo.

[MadJack]

The heat is on in Kabul. Don’t know if it’s “end of the world and we’d better get what we can” syndrome, or a concerted effort to pressure the foreigners. I am prone to bet on the latter. Consider Gates’ comments in the last few days on corruption investigations - maybe it’s working?

Parking fees at Kabul Intl for our helo went from US1200 per month to USD50K permonth, at least that’s what the friendly Afghan general running the place quoted. We’ve found anothe place for it.

[hinckley buzzard]

Reduced speed ahead. Sellout in progress.

[TomasUSMC]

KABUL has read about what happened after the Yanks pulled out. They don’t want to go to the reeducation camps. THier price for staying out of those camps will be putting Americans in their graves.

Distrust will replace opium as Afghanistan number one crop.

[MinorityRepublican]

I think Karzai and most other government officials have made plans for a quick getaway (with as much as possible) for when we withdraw.

Dubai.