Posted on 10/31/2010 11:04:09 AM PDT by epithermal
WASHINGTON (AP) - Leaders of the Taliban resistance in Afghanistan have shown no interest in a negotiated end to the war, despite an intensified and increasingly effective NATO military offensive, a senior Obama administration official said Friday.
Richard Holbrooke, special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, said recent news reports of extensive discussions between Afghan government officials and senior Taliban commanders were off base. He said there have been no such talks or discussions, let alone negotiations.
Individuals who have fought alongside the Taliban _ apparently not Taliban leaders themselves _ have been reaching out _ "picking up the phone, metaphorically or literally" _ and saying, "I've had enough of this war. I'd like to talk to you," he said. Holbrooke mentioned no names but said those who are making such contacts are "provincial leaders, individual commanders."
Those individuals are "feeling the pressure" from a stepped-up offensive by NATO forces, he said, speaking to reporters hours after returning from Kabul.
(Excerpt) Read more at federalnewsradio.com ...
Extend hand... unclench fist..... meet without precondition.... blah...blah...blah. There can be no peace without a victory.
The Taliban need to understand, once again, what ‘pax romana’ meant.
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