AS was anticipated, Afghan peace process continues to face setbacks one after another. Taliban have refused to negotiate with the team announced by Afghan government saying it does not represent all Afghan factions. Indeed intra-Afghan dialogue must be all inclusive and include all the factions to reach a consensus agreement for a peaceful and stable future ofAfghanistan. Ignoring any important stakeholder or faction at this point in time will not help achieve the desired objective. In this context, Taliban’s concerns are legitimate yet refusing to negotiations is also not a solution, as it would provide an opportunity to spoilers to undermine peace efforts in Afghanistan. In fact during negotiations, Taliban can put their demand regarding involvement and participation of the factions they desire to be part of intra-Afghan dialogue. With passage of time, this process can be made more inclusive with involvement of different segments of Afghan society. Historic opportunity is knocking at the door of Afghans and all sides need to demonstrate open heartedness and flexibility to take this process forward and ensure its early culmination. The US Administration indeed deserves appreciation that regardless of challenge posed by Corona Virus, its top officials such as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is staying engaged withAfghan government and Taliban to move forward the peace process. Given the seriousness shown by the US, we are confident that they will continue to exert their influence on both sides to surmount the latest setback as well. The focus of Afghan government and Taliban should not be protecting vested interests but healing the wounds of Afghan people who have only seen war and conflict for last so many decades.
