I T is really heartening to see that despite battling the Corona Virus at home, the US administration appears to be serious that the Afghan peace process does not hit a snag and that it moves forward as it is the only way forward to iron out differences and reach an understanding. Indeed the prevailing situation arising out of the Corona Virus should not be allowed to put the Afghan issue on the back burner as such challenges can be confronted better when there is peace and harmony amongst peoples and nations. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani during his surprised visit to Kabul on Monday, just a day after the government in Kabul and the Taliban negotiators in Qatar established maiden contact via a video link. It was important to see that the Afghan government and Taliban during their Sunday’s video conference conveyed their strong commitment to a reduction of violence, intra afghan negotiations and a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire. At this point in time especially in the context of Corona Virus pandemic, it has really become important to give a practical shape to the prisoner swap at the earliest by demonstrating openheartedness and flexibility. Truly, this step will build much needed trust and confidence between the two parties and help them move forward on other thorny issues such as the power sharing formula. At the same time, it is important to be wary of the spoilers who do not want the return of peace in Afghanistan as they want to use the Afghan land for proxies. No incident of any sort or nature should be allowed to disrupt or undermine the peace process. A better, peaceful and prosperous future of the Afghan people is now in the hands of the Afghan elected leadership and Taliban-the stakeholder which has long remained an important part of the country’s political and social structure. The focus of both the sides should be giving a healing touch to the wounds of Afghans whilst rising above their petty vested interests. We are confident that the US and other important capitals will continue to exert their influence on both the parties to reach a deal at the earliest.
