IN the backdrop of mixed signals emanating from Washington and Brussels, the Taliban, on Tuesday, urged the US to honour a landmark withdrawal deal under which all foreign troops would exit Afghanistan in the coming months. In an 11-point statement, the Taliban called for the Americans to stick to the agreement ironed out in Doha (Qatar) last year that paved the way for ongoing peace talks between the Taliban and the Kabul government.
The statement assumes significance as it comes after statements by several senior officials of Joe Biden Administration hinting at revision of the deal and withdrawal programme and remarks of NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg that the Alliance would not withdraw its troops from Afghanistan “before the time is right”.
These vague terms and statements are reflective of after-thoughts on the issue of foreign intervention and occupation of Afghanistan and facilitation of the peace process. Any tampering with the Doha Agreement would put the Biden Administration at par with that of Donald Trump who unilaterally abrogated nuclear accord with Iran, sending wrong signals to the world that the superpower has no respect even for agreements it signed in black and white.
Withdrawal of foreign troops is the cornerstone of the peace process and prolongation of the occupation would amount to adding fuel to the fire. Taliban have expressed their commitment to the deal and in case there are any complaints or grievances these should be sorted out through engagement and dialogue and not through the policy of use of force, which miserably failed in the past and is doomed for failure in future as well. The Taliban should also listen to the world and demonstrate greater sense of responsibility in saving the peace process as resumption of hostilities would benefit none and Afghan people would be the ultimate sufferers.
