DROPS April__Peace Talks Newsletter, Issue 4–April 2019

Organization for Policy Research & Development Studies (DROPS)

Afghan Peace Talks

April 2019

DROPS ANALYSIS

Emerging Consensus on Intra-Afghan Talks and Ceasefire; Yet No Concrete Steps Taken

By Bismellah Alizada, Deputy Director of DROPS

Expectations were high in early April that the talks on the political settlement of Afghanistan’s conflict would be taken to another level by an intra-Afghan dialogue that was scheduled for mid-April, and a national consultative peace jirga that was schedule for late April to facilitate a national consensus on peace talks and negotiation agenda. As April draws to a close, no much of the expectations have come true, for various reasons that will be discussed below. Hence, no major development has occurred in April as to the two major topics of contention between the US and the Taliban: ceasefire and intra-Afghan dialogue. More importantly, the prospects for inclusion of the Afghan state in the talks with the Taliban also remains unclear.

An intra-Afghan dialogue that was first scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar on April 14-15, but then it was postponed for April 19-21 as per decision of the Reconciliation Leadership Council under President Ghani. The meeting was eventually cancelled indefinitely by the Qatari government seemingly following an objection by the Taliban to a list of 250 participants introduced by the Afghan government. Other reasons including mismanagement and intentional disruption of the Afghan government were also cited. There seems to be some credence for all the three reasons put forward as the list was received with discord both by the Taliban and the Qataris, the issue of mismanagement was seriously raised by Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, and the accusation of disruption by the Afghan government was spelled out by Russian officials. When placed in the context of the Consultative Loya Jirga that the Afghan government was striving to hold before any intra-Afghan talks with the Tablian, it even makes more sense that the Afghan government may have intentionally disrupted the event. However, it must be noted that the event held a positive potential to facilitate direct talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government as representatives of the Afghan government would, for the first time, participate in such talks (although Taliban had earlier said that they will be participating in personal capacity).

Notwithstanding the cancellation of Doha Talks, as the intra-Afghan talks was dubbed, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad began his sixth round of multinational trips to US, India, Pakistan, Russia, Qatar and Afghanistan on April 21. His first meeting in London with officials of the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Norway and the European Union was held on 23 April that culminated into a joint statement in support of the Afghan peace, placing emphasis on the two major topics of ceasefire and intra-Afghan talks. Khalilzad’s next stop was Moscow where he held a trilateral meeting between US, Russia and China on the Afghan peace on April 25. The statement released after this trilateral insisted, among others, on a comprehensive ceasefire and intra-Afghan talks. Following the two important meetings, Khalilzad visited Kabul to brief the Afghan government on the recent developments with regards to the Afghan peace before he departed for another meeting with Pakistani officials scheduled for April 29-30, which drew support from Pakistan of intra-Afghan talks and ceasefire, although the latter was only tacitly stated by the Pakistani officials as “reduction in violence.” On Khalilzad’s itinerary is a trip to India, which will take place in early May.

These meetings were of crucial significance as they were aimed at rallying support for the Afghan peace from major global powers including the UK, the EU, Russia and China, as well as from important regional players including Pakistan and India. It is also important to note that, these meetings have had positive outcomes in the form of firm support for the two priorities on the agenda of talks with the Taliban: intra-Afghan talks and a comprehensive ceasefire. These two topics are also top priorities for the Afghan government who has incessantly called for a ceasefire and direct intra-Afghan talks that should include the Afghan state. To create a stronger ground, the Afghan government called for a contentious four-day Consultative Peace Loya Jirga that was attended by 3200 delegates from across the country.

The Jirga, which costed USD 5 million, was seemingly aimed at determining a framework for, and redlines in, talks with the Taliban. However, its legitimacy was questioned by prominent political figures and critics who dubbed it as “election campaign” by the incumbent president. Former president of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, even called on President Ghani to postpone it, warning of its “possible negative impacts on the peace process.” There were allegations of coverage restrictions placed on media. The 23-Article Resolution issued on May 03 at the conclusion of the Jirga placed heavy emphasis, among other things, on intra-Afghan dialogue, ceasefire, fundamental rights liberties of citizens, the Republic of Afghanistan, and preserving the constitution while allowing for amendment through constitutional means.

Although no major steps have been taken towards an intra-Afghan dialogue and a comprehensive ceasefire, developments in the month of April reveals that now there is consensus on the two topics internationally and nationally. Yet, it should be highlighted that the mechanism for intra-Afghan dialogue remains unclear, the representativeness of the Jirga remains questioned, and the support for displayed by regional and global powers remains merely words.

Studies by Afghan/Foreign Think-Tanks and Organizations

Joint Statement on Trilateral Meeting on Afghan Peace Process

By the Governments of the United States of America, Russia, and China

Representatives of US, China and Russia met on April 26, 2019 in Moscow to discuss the Afghan peace talks. Named “The Trilateral Meeting on the Afghan Peace Process”, the meeting was aimed at bringing about a consensus amongst the three countries on the issue of talks with the Taliban to end the war in Afghanistan. This was the second trilateral on the US, China and Russia on peace in Afghanistan, and the first one was held in Washington DC, on March 20-21.

To read the full text of the final declaration of the second trilateral meeting, click here....

National Inquiry on Women, Peace and Security

By: Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission

Although women have achieved significant success in Afghanistan with great efforts and numerous sacrifices in various political, social, economic and cultural areas for more than a decade and a half, they still face serious challenges and high levels of vulnerability. Women are the main victims of the armed conflict in Afghanistan, the continuation of the war will lead to continuous human rights violations of all the country's citizens, particularly women. With regard to the above, the AIHRC has launched a "National Inquiry on Women, Peace and Security" to assess the negative consequences of the war on women's lives, assess women's access to their human rights, receive views, concerns and demands of women. This national inquiry has begun since the 17th of Dalw 1397 and is still ongoing.

To read the primary findings of the report, click here...

Policy Paper: ‘Europe - US’ Meeting on Supporting Peace in Afghanistan By Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Special Envoys of the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, France, Italy, Norway and the European Union met in London on 23 April 2019.

Respectful of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, participants discussed the Afghan people’s desire for a lasting peace. A comprehensive political settlement is the only solution.

To read the full policy paper, click here...

AAN Q&A: Between ‘Peace Talks’ and Elections – The 2019 Consultative Peace Loya Jirga

By Jelena Bjelica and Thomas Ruttig

The four-day Consultative Peace Loya Jirga will commence on Monday, 29 April 2019. This assembly – the sixth loya jirga since 2001 – was convened by President Ghani with the aim of discussing the framework for negotiations with the Taleban. Originally scheduled to start on 17 March, it had to be delayed for organisational reasons. Like the three most recent of these loya jirgas, it has been labelled as ‘consultative’, a qualification that changes this institution’s constitutional definition as a decision-making body. In this dispatch, AAN’s Jelena Bjelica and Thomas Ruttig (with input from the AAN team) provide answers to six basic questions about the loya jirga.

To read the full text, click here...

Preventing Catastrophe in Afghanistan

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Brief written by Daniel F. Runde

This brief presents a summary of key historical events in Afghanistan since 1989 and outlines a possible worst-case scenario following a U.S. and allied withdrawal from the country. The United States, Afghanistan, and its allies must work together in search for greater Afghan self-reliance, security, and stability in order to avoid a catastrophic scenario. Only then will Afghanistan be able to free itself of foreign presences and embark on its own journey to prosperity and self-reliance.

To read the full paper, please click here...

DEBATE: Afghan Women’s Role In Peace Process

By TOLOnews

In this program, host Sadaf Amiri discusses the role and influence of Afghan women in Afghanistan’s peace process and the concerns about their rights after a peace deal.

Panelists:

1. Habiba Sarabi, deputy head of the High Peace Council 2. Mahbooba Saraj, member of Afghan Women’s Network 3. Maryam Sama, a women’s rights activist who ran for parliamentary elections 4. Shinkai Karokhail, a women’s rights activist who ran for parliamentary elections 5. Horia Musaddiq, a women’s rights activist

To watch the full debate, click here...

DEBATE: Afghan Youth's Role In Peace Process By TOLOnews

In this debate, host Yaser Ibrar discusses the role and status of Afghan youth in the peace process, the difference in perception of today’s youth, the red lines and the ideology of the Taliban towards young generation of Afghanistan during their time, the protection of the current gains of the society and also the designation of the peace negotiating team which will meet the Taliban in Doha.

Panelists:

1. Nazar Mohammad Motmaen, political analyst 2. Omar Sadr, university lecturer 3. Orzala Ashraf Nemat, women’s rights activist 4. Iqbal Khyber, head of People's Peace Movement

To watch the full debate, click here...

Special Interview With NATO Civilian Envoy Nicolas Kay

by TOLOnews

In this program, host Shabeer Ahmadi has interviewed NATO Senior Civilian Representative for Afghanistan Nicolas Kay about the Afghan peace process and the importance of intra-Afghan dialogue which is considered as a key to achieving sustainable peace in the country.

To watch to full interview, click here...

Interview: Hekmatyar Discusses Peace Talks, Qatar Meeting

By TOLOnews

In this program, host Yaser Abrar interviews Hizb-e-Islami leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar about the peace talks, the upcoming Qatar meeting, Hekmatyar’s refusal to attend the meeting of the Reconciliation Leadership Council, the peace Jirga, and the announcement of Taliban’s so-called spring offensive. “Government should not try to form a delegation without any authority or a delegation which is under its dominance,” Hekmatyar said. “And also, no one should lead the council who believes in war.”

To watch to full interview, click here…

Special Interview With US Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad

By Tolonews

In this program, host Lotfullah Najafizada interviews US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad, who is visiting Kabul for the sixth time since last November on his mission for Afghan peace.

Khalilzad says that the United States is seeking peace and political settlement in Afghanistan and that the withdrawal of foreign forces will be conditions-based. “We are seeking peace and a political settlement, not a withdrawal,” Khalilzad said. “We want a peace which will provide the ground for withdrawal.”

He said that “it is not true that the withdrawal of the foreign forces from Afghanistan will happen ahead of a peace deal”.

To watch the full interview, click here...

OPINION PIECES & COMMENTARIES

A peace deal that makes a run Will talks with the Taliban bring around women’s rights is no peace or chaos? peace at all By Dawood Azami By Murwarid Ziayee For the first time in 18 years, the US For as long as I’ve lived, my country has government seems serious about been at war. Like most Afghans, there is withdrawing its forces from Afghanistan nothing I want more than for peace and and winding up the longest war in its security to finally come to Afghanistan. history. But I am more afraid of the kind of “peace” that was being negotiated Since October, US officials and recently by the US President’s Special representatives of the Taliban have held Envoy to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad five rounds of direct talks and are about and the Taliban in Qatar, than I am of to embark on a sixth - aimed at ensuring the status quo. These can hardly be a safe exit for the US in return for the called peace talks at all if one considers insurgents guaranteeing that Afghan the kind of peace they will mean for territory is not used by foreign militants Afghan women. Afghan women like me and wouldn't pose a security threat to already know what life awaits in an the rest of the world. Afghanistan where the Taliban yield power — or are handed power A US-led military coalition overthrew the unilaterally by a US Government in a Taliban in 2001 for sheltering al-Qaeda, rush to shake off its association with the militant group that Washington Afghanistan. blamed for the 9/11 attacks.

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Ashraf Ghani's grand plan for Why Is Zalmay Khalilzad Such a sustainable peace in Controversial Figure in Afghanistan Afghanistan?

By Samim Arif By Sayed Ziafatullah Saeedi

Peace, once seen as an impossible When the name Zalmay Khalilzad prospect, has now become part of the appeared on the news as a potential national discourse in Afghanistan. Last nominee for President Trump’s Afghan month, for example, around 3,500 peace initiative, different reactions women from all ethnic and linguistic surfaced. Some non-Afghan groups in the country issued a joint commentators, though not all, communique calling for a peace in welcomed his appointment given his which Afghan women would not be impressive background. Yet, inside subjected to the horrors of the Taliban Afghanistan, Khalilzad’s appointment era once again. was not much welcomed. Indeed, a group of Afghan political activists set up The Afghan government is also a petition to urge the U.S. government committed to peace, but just like the to reconsider their decision given women of Afghanistan, it is not ready to Khalilzad’s “ethnonationalism settle for any "peace deal". It wants a motivated” prior conduct in Afghanistan, peace that would reinforce the values of as the petition put it. the republic and the fundamental rights and liberties of the Afghan people, not Khalilzad is widely acknowledged in the one that would inevitably lead to the West for his exceptional diplomatic talent. Yet, this is not how he is received collapse of the state and reversal of the in his birthplace… gains of the past 18 years. Read more... Read more...

US-Led Afghan Peace Effort Why the Taleban Should Read Gains Momentum the Afghan Constitution

By Ayaz Gul By Ghizaal Haress

ISLAMABAD — Afghanistan President During the February meeting in Ashraf Ghani has established a new Moscow, Taleban representative Sher leadership council comprising Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai highlighted government officials, opposition the constitution of Afghanistan as a politicians and civil society major impediment to peace. He labelled representatives that will manage it “the constitution of the Kabul national peace efforts and put together Administration” and dismissed it as an "effective" team of negotiators for invalid, copied from the West, imposed possible talks with the Taliban on a Muslim society, and arbitrarily insurgency. implemented. According to the Taleban, for the constitution to be acceptable to Addressing the inaugural meeting of them it must be based on Islamic what is named the "Leadership Council principles, national interests and for Reconciliation" on Sunday, Ghani historical achievements. It must also said he hopes the effort under the ensure human dignity, national values, government "umbrella" would lead to social justice and human rights, as well ending the bloodshed in Afghanistan. as guaranteeing ...

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The Afghan Government Can’t Why the Taliban Are in Control Make Peace With the Taliban on of the Afghan Peace Process Its Own By Umair Jamal By Hekmat Khalil Karzai U.S. Special Representative for For most Afghans, the day when their Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad visited country is free of any foreign troops will Kabul and Islamabad last week. The be a day to celebrate. More important is visit came as the United States winning a dignified peace. The two aims prepares for another round of talks with are intricately linked, and their the Taliban later this month in Qatar, realization seems closer than it has Doha. been for years. The U.S. government’s announced intention to withdraw its In Kabul, Khalilzad advised the Afghan troops from Afghanistan, and hold direct leadership to work on Intra-Afghan talks with the Taliban, has created dialogue if Afghanistan wants to have a significant momentum. Meanwhile, an peaceful and inclusive future. “We intra-Afghan dialogue has started discussed how the international between a number of Afghan politicians community can best support them [the and the Taliban. The two tracks, Afghan government] in an Afghan-led, U.S.-Taliban and Afghan-Afghan, Afghan-owned peace process,” said complement one another. However, Khalilzad while referring to his neither can truly succeed .... engagements in Afghanistan.

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ﻋﻤﻖ ﺧﻮن ﺑﺎر ﯾﮏ اﺳﺘﺮاﺗﯿﮋی؛ اﻧﮕﯿﺰه ﻫﺎی ﺳﻪ ﻣﺎﻧﻊ ﻋﻤﺪه ﺻﻠﺢ و ﻣﺬاﮐﺮه ﺑﺎ ﻃﺎﻟﺒﺎن: ﺣﻤﺎﯾﺖ ﭘﺎﮐﺴﺘﺎن از ﻃﺎﻟﺒﺎن ﭼﯿﺴﺖ؟ ﭘﺎﮐﺴﺘﺎن، ﻫﻨﺪوﺳﺘﺎن و اﺷﺮف ﻏﻨﯽ

ﯾﺎﺳﯿﻦ اﺣﻤﺪی ﺳﻨﺠﺮ ﺳﻬﯿﻞ

ﭘﺎﮐﺴﺘﺎن ﮐﺸﻮری ﺳﺖ ﮐﻪ از ﺑﺪو ﺟﺪاﯾﯽ از ﻫﻨﺪ درﮔﯿﺮ ﭼﻨﺪی ﭘﯿﺶ در ﺟﺮﯾﺎن ﺳﻔﺮی از روی ﺗﺼﺎدف ﺑﺎ ﯾﮑﯽ از ﻣﻨﺎزﻋﺎت ﺣﺎد ﻣﺴﻠﺤﺎﻧﻪ ﺑﻪ ﺧﺎﻃﺮ ﺳﺮزﻣﯿﻦ و ﻣﺤﺪوده ﻫﺎی ﻣﻘﺎمﻫﺎی ارﺷﺪ ﺳﺎزﻣﺎن ﻣﻠﻞ ﻣﺘﺤﺪ در ﻫﻮاﭘﯿﻤﺎ ﻫﻤﺮاه ﺷﺪم. ﺟﻐﺮاﻓﯿﺎﯾﯽ ﺑﻮده اﺳﺖ. در ﭼﻨﯿﻦ ﺷﺮاﯾﻂ ﺑﺪﯾﻬﯽ اﺳﺖ ﮐﻪ او ﻗﺮار ﺑﻮد ﺑﻪ دوﺣﻪ، ﭘﺎﯾﺘﺨﺖ ﻗﻄﺮ، ﺑﺮود ﺗﺎ ﺑﺘﻮاﻧﺪ ارﺗﺶ ﺑﻪ ﻋﻨﻮان ﺑﺎزوی اﺻﻠﯽ ﻧﻈﺎم، اﺧﺘﯿﺎر ﮔﻔﺘﻦ ﺣﺮف ﮔﻔﺖ وﮔﻮﻫﺎ ﻣﯿﺎن اﻣﺮﯾﮑﺎ و ﻃﺎﻟﺒﺎن را از ﻧﺰدﯾﮏ ﻧﻈﺎرت اول و آﺧﺮ را در اﯾﻦ ﮐﺸﻮر داﺷﺘﻪ اﺳﺖ. ﭘﯿﺎﻣﺪﻫﺎی اﯾﻦ ﮐﻨﺪ. در ﺟﺮﯾﺎن ﺻﺤﺒﺖ ﺑﺎ او در راﺑﻄﻪ ﺑﻪ ﮔﻔﺖوﮔﻮﻫﺎی وﺿﻌﯿﺖ ﭼﻪ در داﺧﻞ و ﭼﻪ در ﺧﺎرج ﮔﻮﻧﻪ ای ﻣﻔﺮﻃﯽ ﺻﻠﺢ ﻣﯿﺎن اﻣﺮﯾﮑﺎ و ﻃﺎﻟﺒﺎن در ﻗﻄﺮ، ﺑﺤﺚ ﻣﺎ ﺑﻪ اﯾﻦﺟﺎ از ﻧﻈﺎﻣﯽ ﮔﺮیﺳﺖ ﮐﻪ از ﮔﺬﺷﺘﻪ ﻫﺎی دور در اﯾﻦ ﻣﻨﻄﻘﻪ رﺳﯿﺪ ﮐﻪ ﻣﻮاﻧﻊ ﻋﻤﺪه ﺻﻠﺢ در اﻓﻐﺎﻧﺴﺘﺎن ﮐﯽ ﻫﺎ و ﭼﯽ ﻫﺎ ﺷﺎﻫﺪ آن ﺑﻮده اﯾﻢ. در واﻗﻊ ارﺗﺶ، ﻧﯿﺮوﻫﺎی اﺳﻼمﮔﺮا و ﻫﺴﺘﻨﺪ. ﻣﺎ دﯾﺪﮔﺎهﻫﺎی ﻣﺘﻔﺎوﺗﯽ داﺷﺘﯿﻢ، اﻣﺎ ﺑﻪ ﭼﻨﺪ ﻧﮑﺘﻪ اﺣﺰاب ﺳﯿﺎﺳﯽ، ﺳﻪ ﺑﺎزیﮔﺮ اﺻﻠﯽ ﺻﺤﻨﻪ ی ﺳﯿﺎﺳﺖ ﺗﻮاﻓﻖ داﺷﺘﯿﻢ؛ اﯾﻦ ﮐﻪ در ﺣﺎل ﺣﺎﺿﺮ، روﻧﺪ ﺻﻠﺢ ﭘﺎﮐﺴﺘﺎن ﺑﻪ ﺷﻤﺎر ﻣﯽ روﻧﺪ و در اﯾﻦ ﻣﯿﺎن ﻓﺮﻣﺎﻧﺪه ارﺗﺶ، اﻓﻐﺎﻧﺴﺘﺎن ﺑﺎ ﺳﻪ ﻣﺎﻧﻊ ﻋﻤﺪه ﻣﻮاﺟﻪ اﺳﺖ: ﭘﺎﮐﺴﺘﺎن، رﯾﯿﺲﺟﻤﻬﻮری و ﻧﺨﺴﺖوزﯾﺮ از اﺳﺘﻮاﻧﻪ ﻫﺎی ﻫﻨﺪوﺳﺘﺎن و اﺷﺮف ﻏﻨﯽ. ﺗﻌﯿﯿﻦﮐﻨﻨﺪه ی ﻗﺪرت در ﭘﺎﮐﺴﺘﺎن ﺑﻮده اﻧﺪ. اﯾﻦ ﻣﻘﺎم ارﺷﺪ ﺳﺎزﻣﺎن ﻣﻠﻞ ﯾﮏ اﻣﺮﯾﮑﺎﯾﯽ اﺳﺖ ﮐﻪ از اﯾﻦ ﻣﻘﺎﻟﻪ در ده ﺑﺨﺶ ﻧﻮﺷﺘﻪ ﺷﺪه اﺳﺖ: ﺳﺎل ﻫﺎ ﭘﯿﺶ ﺑﻪ اﯾﻦ ﺳﻮ در اﻓﻐﺎﻧﺴﺘﺎن ﻓﻌﺎل اﺳﺖ. او ﭘﯿﺶ ﺑﺮای ﺧﻮاﻧﺪن ﺑﺨﺶ اول ﻣﻘﺎﻟﻪ اﯾﻨﺠﺎ ﮐﻠﯿﮏ ﮐﻨﯿﺪ… از ﮐﺎر ﺑﺎ ﺳﺎزﻣﺎن ﻣﻠﻞ ﻣﺘﺤﺪ، در اﻣﺮﯾﮑﺎ ﻧﯿﺰ ﻣﺼﺮوف ﺑﺮای ﺧﻮاﻧﺪن ﺑﺨﺶ دوم ﻣﻘﺎﻟﻪ اﯾﻨﺠﺎ ﮐﻠﯿﮏ ﮐﻨﯿﺪ… ﻓﻌﺎﻟﯿﺖﻫﺎی ﻣﺮﺗﺒﻂ ﺑﻪ اﻓﻐﺎﻧﺴﺘﺎن در ﯾﮑﯽ از ﺳﺎزﻣﺎن ﻫﺎی ﺑﺮای ﺧﻮاﻧﺪن ﺑﺨﺶ ﺳﻮم ﻣﻘﺎﻟﻪ اﯾﻨﺠﺎ ﮐﻠﯿﮏ ﮐﻨﯿﺪ… ﻣﻌﺘﺒﺮ اﯾﻦ ﮐﺸﻮر ﺑﻮده اﺳﺖ. ﻣﻦ در اﯾﻦ ﺟﺎ ﻧﻤﯽﺧﻮاﻫﻢ ﺑﺮای ﺧﻮاﻧﺪن ﺑﺨﺶ ﭼﻬﺎرم ﻣﻘﺎﻟﻪ اﯾﻨﺠﺎ ﮐﻠﯿﮏ ﮐﻨﯿﺪ… ﻫﻮﯾﺖ او را اﻓﺸﺎ ﮐﻨﻢ، ﭼﻮن ﻧﻪ ﺧﻮدش اﯾﻦ را ﻣﯽﺧﻮاﻫﺪ و ﺑﺮای ﺧﻮاﻧﺪن ﺑﺨﺶ ﭘﻨﺠﻢ ﻣﻘﺎﻟﻪ اﯾﻨﺠﺎ ﮐﻠﯿﮏ ﮐﻨﯿﺪ… ﻧﻪ اﯾﻦ ﮐﺎر ﺑﻪ ﻣﺼﻠﺤﺖ روﻧﺪ ﺟﺎری ﮔﻔﺖوﮔﻮﻫﺎی ﺻﻠﺢ ﺑﺮای ﺧﻮاﻧﺪن ﺑﺨﺶ ﺷﺸﻢ ﻣﻘﺎﻟﻪ اﯾﻨﺠﺎ ﮐﻠﯿﮏ ﮐﻨﯿﺪ… ﺑﺮای ﺧﻮاﻧﺪن ﺑﺨﺶ ﻫﻔﺘﻢ ﻣﻘﺎﻟﻪ اﯾﻨﺠﺎ ﮐﻠﯿﮏ ﮐﻨﯿﺪ… ﻣﯿﺎن اﻣﺮﯾﮑﺎ و ﻃﺎﻟﺒﺎن و ﻧﯿﺰ روﻧﺪ ﺻﻠﺢ در اﻓﻐﺎﻧﺴﺘﺎن ﺑﺮای ﺧﻮاﻧﺪن ﺑﺨﺶ ﻫﺸﺘﻢ ﻣﻘﺎﻟﻪ اﯾﻨﺠﺎ ﮐﻠﯿﮏ ﮐﻨﯿﺪ… اﺳﺖ. ﺑﺮای ﺧﻮاﻧﺪن ﺑﺨﺶ ﻧﻬﻢ ﻣﻘﺎﻟﻪ اﯾﻨﺠﺎ ﮐﻠﯿﮏ ﮐﻨﯿﺪ… ﺑﺮای ﺧﻮاﻧﺪن ﺑﺨﺶ دﻫﻢ ﻣﻘﺎﻟﻪ اﯾﻨﺠﺎ ﮐﻠﯿﮏ ﮐﻨﯿﺪ… ﺑﺮای ﺧﻮاﻧﺪن ﻣﻘﺎﻟﻪ، اﯾﻨﺠﺎ ﮐﻠﯿﮏ ﮐﻨﯿﺪ...

ﺟﻨﮓ ﻏﻨﯽ و ﺧﻠﯿﻞ زاد و ﺗﺮس ﯾﮏ ﺟﺎﻣﻌﻪ The real reasons why ﻫﻮﻟﻨﺎک Afghanistan might see chaos

ﻋﺒﺎس ﻓﺮاﺳﻮ By Salman Rafi Sheikh

ﭘﺮوﺳﻪ ﺻﻠﺢ ﺑﺎ ﻃﺎﻟﺒﺎن ﺑﺎ وﺟﻮدی ﮐﻪ اﻣﯿﺪواری ﻫﺎﯾﯽ While there have been too many reports ﺑﺮای ﺧﺘﻢ ﺟﻨﮓ اﯾﺠﺎد ﮐﺮده اﺳﺖ، اﻣﺎ در ﻋﯿﻦ زﻣﺎن in the mainstream western media about ﻧﮕﺮاﻧﯽﻫﺎی ﻣﺸﺮوﻋﯽ را ﺑﺮاﻧﮕﯿﺨﺘﻪ اﺳﺖ. از ﯾﮏ ﻃﺮف possible “chaos” in Afghanistan ﺷﮑﺴﺖ ﭘﺮوﺳﻪ ﺻﻠﺢ و ﺳﻘﻮط دوﻟﺖ ﻧﮕﺮاﻧﯽ ﻫﺎی ﻋﻤﯿﻘﯽ following a deal between the US and را در ﺧﺼﻮص ﺗﺪاوم و ﻓﺮاﮔﯿﺮ ﺷﺪن ﺟﻨﮓ ﺑﻪ ﻣﯿﺎن آورده the Taliban and the latter’s return to و از ﻃﺮف دﯾﮕﺮ اﯾﻦ ﺳﻮال ﻣﻄﺮح اﺳﺖ ﮐﻪ اﻓﻐﺎﻧﺴﺘﺎن ,institutional politics from the battlefield ﭘﺲ از «ﺗﻮاﻓﻖ ﺻﻠﺢ» ﭼﻪ ﺟﺎﻣﻌﻪ ای ﺧﻮاﻫﺪ داﺷﺖ. آﯾﺎ these reports have paid too much and در آن درد، رﻧﺞ و اﻟﻢ اﻧﺴﺎن ﮐﺎﻫﺶ ﺧﻮاﻫﺪ ﯾﺎﻓﺖ؟ آﯾﺎ rather un-necessary attention to how a اﻓﻐﺎﻧﺴﺘﺎن ﺑﻪ ﺳﻮی ﯾﮏ ﺟﺎﻣﻌﻪ ﺻﻠﺢ آﻣﯿﺰ ﻣﯽ رود ﮐﻪ در Taliban return to politics would undo the آن ﺻﻠﺢ ﺑﻪ ﻣﻌﻨﺎی ﻣﺜﺒﺖ (ﺻﻠﺤﯽ ﻓﺮاﺗﺮ از ﻏﯿﺒﺖ ﺟﻨﮓ) ”so-called “democratic gains ﺑﺮﻗﺮار ﺷﻮد؟ ﯾﺎ ﺑﺮﻋﮑﺲ، ﺑﻪ ﺳﻮی ﯾﮏ ﺟﺎﻣﻌﻪ ﻫﻮﻟﻨﺎک Afghanistan has supposedly made ﺧﻮاﻫﺪ رﻓﺖ ﮐﻪ در آن ﻣﻤﮑﻦ ﺟﻨﮓ ﻧﺒﺎﺷﺪ (ﺣﺘﺎ ﻣﻤﮑﻦ during the US military’s 17 years long ﺑﺎﺷﺪ) اﻣﺎ در اﺻﻞ ﯾﮏ ﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪﮔﺎه ﺑﺰرگ و ﯾﮏ ﺳﺮای .stay in Afghanistan درد و ﻓﻘﺮ و دﻫﺸﺖ ﺑﺎﺷﺪ؟ Read more... ﺑﺮای ﺧﻮاﻧﺪن ﻣﻘﺎﻟﻪ اﯾﻨﺠﺎ ﮐﻠﯿﮏ ﮐﻨﯿﺪ...

Angelina Jolie: Why Women Ex-ambassador: Don't leave Are the Key to Lasting Peace in Afghanistan without a deal built Afghanistan on national unification

By Angelina Jolie By Richard Olson

When the Taliban seized power in 1996, When I led the U.S. team trying to bring it waged a war against Afghan women. peace to Afghanistan, we coined a term Girls’ education was banned. Women — “dirty reconciliation” — for the United were confined to the home and denied States making a deal with the Taliban the right to work. They were flogged, that protected our minimal security beaten, mutilated and stoned to death interests, while abandoning both the for supposed immorality. This is not Afghan government and any attempt to ancient history. These are living preserve the gains made in Afghan memories for millions of Afghans. And society since 2001. The idea was purely they have become present concerns, as a scenario to be avoided, not an actual U.S. government representatives strategy. But the possibility of such a negotiate with the Taliban about a deal now seems more likely. settlement that could see it return to a position of power and influence in In order to avoid a dirty deal, the United Afghanistan. States needs to signal clearly that ...

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Imran Khan said Pakistan The ‘constitutional puzzle’ of doesn’t have use for militant Afghan peace process groups. Take it with pinch of salt By Salman Rafi Sheikh

By Husain Haqqani The US president Donald Trump recently said in a joint press conference with NATO Secretary that significant Prime Minister Imran Khan’s statement “strides” have been made towards that Pakistan does not have use for peace in Afghanistan. Indeed, in a militant Jihadi groups anymore comes major development, the Taliban have at a time when Pakistan faces agreed to ‘see’ Kabul officials in the blacklisting by the international next round of talks in Doha. Although terrorist-financing watchdog, the these officials will only come in their Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and personal capacity, there is little must be taken with a pinch of salt. gainsaying that this could turn into a first

proper step towards a truly If his comments in a New York Times ‘intra-Afghan’ dialogue. interview have the blessing of

Pakistan’s all-powerful military, they This development has come at a time cannot be trusted any more than the when a draft withdrawal deal has previously broken promises on the already been agreed between the US subject. If, however, Khan said what he and the Taliban, ensuring a said without clearing it with army chief phased-withdrawal of the US forces General Qamar Bajwa first, Pakistan’s from Afghanistan in lieu of a Taliban politics is about to take another guarantee that Afghan soil will not ... interesting turn.

Read more... Read more... US-Taliban negotiations: ‘We Won’t Be Silenced,’ Afghan marginalising women is no path Female Musicians Tell Taliban to peace By Eltaf Najafizada By Nargis Azaryun and Susan Hutchinson Fresh from a sold-out concert tour of the U.K. and Sweden, Afghanistan’s first There are major problems with the female conductor is convinced music current negotiations over Afghanistan, can help deliver peace to her war-torn underway since last year between the country. If only the Taliban would listen. United States with the Taliban in an attempt to find a peaceful solution to the At just 22, Negin Khpelwak has already long-running war so that US troops can stared down threats and intimidation be withdrawn. from her conservative relatives, who wished she would take on any career US President Donald Trump appointed but music. Now, like many of her fellow Afghan-born Zalmay Khalilzad as chief citizens, she is watching peace talks negotiator. Yet three main issues between the U.S. and the Taliban with confound Khalilzad’s approach: the growing alarm. negotiations undermine hard-won democracy in Afghanistan, women have “We can bring freedom, peace and been entirely excluded from the honor to Afghanistan,” said Khpelwak, process, and the talks risk all the who leads the country’s the first progress that has been made over the all-female Zohra Orchestra who’ve past 17 years. played classical Western and Afghan music at the World Economic Forum ...” Read more... Read more...

Can an Interim Government The State of Play in U.S.-Taliban Provide a Peaceful Solution to Talks and the Afghan Peace the War in Afghanistan? Process

By Mohammad Shoaib Haidary By Johnny Walsh

It is important that any peace deal The latest round of U.S.-Taliban talks should further legitimize the current concluded on March 12, with both sides state, strengthen the post-2001 noting progress but conceding that no democratization process and include all breakthroughs had been made. After the parties involved in the conflict. two weeks of discussions in Doha, Qatar, American officials said they were With the US stating its intention to close to reaching a final agreement on a withdraw troops from Afghanistan, the potential U.S. troop withdrawal and a doors have opened for political Taliban pledge to no longer allow settlement to end more than 17 years of terrorist attacks from Afghanistan. But war. Prominent Afghan political leaders, how far can these talks go without the a document by the RAND Corporation Afghan government involved? Is and the US peace envoy all call for an Afghanistan’s post-2001 progress in interim government as a political jeopardy? And what do regional actors settlement to end the conflict. With an think about the talks? USIP’s Johnny interim government now a possible Walsh examines the state of play in the solution, what are the preconditions... Afghan peace process.

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Women and Afghan Peace An Afghan Peace on Whose Talks: ‘Peace consensus’ Terms? gathering left Afghan women without reassurance By Marvin G. Weinbaum and Samad Sadri By Thomas Ruttig Remaining hopes for intra-Afghan talks and the success of a U.S.-Taliban Around 3,000 women came together meeting scheduled later this month in after months of preparations for the Qatar are both predicated on a belief in National Women’s Consensus for a changed Taliban. The group is Peace (Ejma-ye Melli-ye Zanan bara-ye thought to have evolved from the Solh, or ejma for short) held in Kabul’s puritanical totalitarian regime of two Loya Jirga tenton 28 February. 700 of decades ago into a more pragmatic, them – according to President Ashraf less dogmatic movement. Supposedly, Ghani (the original text of his speech the chastised Taliban have learned that alternating between Pashto and Dari today’s Afghanistan requires them to can be found here) – attended from the become more inclusive and tolerant, provinces. (1) The event was a especially in their treatment of women. response to widespread demands – The Taliban are also depicted as no from within government and outside – longer insistent on monopolizing power. for “meaningful participation” of women in the hoped-for peace talks with the This picture is essentially false, ... Taleban...

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Women Must Be At The Table In Govt Will Invite Taliban To All Negotiations: Khalilzad Attend Peace Jirga: Daudzai

The US Special Representative for The Afghan government will officially Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay invite the Taliban to attend the Grand Khalilzad, who arrived in Kabul on Consultative Jirga on Peace which is Sunday evening, held meetings with scheduled for April 29, President Afghan officials and members of the Ghani’s Special Envoy and head of the civil society on Monday and discussed High Peace Council’s Secretariat, Umer the ongoing efforts for peace and the Daudzai, said on Tuesday. urgency of making progress in intra-Afghan talks. At last 2,500 delegates are expected to attend the assembly from around the His first meeting was with President country where they will determine the Ghani’s Special Envoy Umer Daudzai path towards peace. and Ghani's Chief of Staff Abdul Salam Rahimi. “We discussed the urgency of Daudzai said the Jirga will become a making progress on intra-Afghan joint and national gathering if the dialogue,” he said. Taliban attends it.

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Afghans Will Set Limits For Positive Things Happening in Talks: Ghani Afghanistan: Trump

President Ashraf Ghani in meeting with US President Donald Trump says that civil society members and journalists at the Afghan war has been an “endless the Presidential Palace on Tuesday war” but pointing to the Afghan peace evening warned that pressure on talks emphasized that lots of positive government to act "illegally" regarding things are happening in Afghanistan. peace is not acceptable. Meeting with the NATO Secretary Ghani said peace has conditions and General Jens Stoltenberg at that Afghans will set the limits for talks. Whitehouse on Tuesday, Trump labeled the war in Afghanistan “ridiculous and “The peace talks are without conditions unfortunate” adding that 19 years have but peace has conditions and the passed since the war began. Afghan nation will set the limits for the talks. It will not be acceptable for us if Trump said the US and its NATO allies there is pressure on us to act illegally,” have made great strides in Afghanistan Ghani said. and are working to end the long-lasted war. Read more... Read more...

Peace Will Not Mean Will strongly defend every inch 'Talibanization' Of Afghanistan: of Afghanistan until peace: Abdullah Ghani

Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah on Afghan forces will strongly defend every Wednesday said that peace with the inch of homeland until peace, President Taliban will not mean the Ashraf Ghani said on Tuesday. "Talibanization" of Afghanistan or underestimating the rights of the Afghan Addressing civil society activists and people. media representatives in the presidential palace, Ghani said that Abdullah said that peace with the peace talks should be conducted with Taliban somehow should be ... careful deliberation.

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US needs to consult with NATO Allies Want Peaceful Afghanistan and its neighbours Solution In Afghanistan: on withdrawal: China Stoltenberg

The United States needs to consult with NATO Secretary General Jens Afghanistan and its neighbours on Stoltenberg who addressed a press withdrawal from the country, China's conference ahead of the NATO Foreign ambassador has said. Ministers’ meeting in Washington D.C. on Thursday said the alliance wants a Speaking in an exclusive interview with peaceful solution to the Afghan conflict 1TV, Liu Jinsong said that China hopes and that they strongly support the that the US withdraws from Afghanistan efforts that would end to such a in a gradual, orderly and responsible solution. manner. Read more... Read more...

Peace Jirga Not Discussed In Afghanistan's inclusive team Meeting With US Envoy for talks with Taliban to be formed next week Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah said the peace Jirga was not discussed in Afghanistan's inclusive team to Afghan leaders' meeting with US negotiate peace with the Taliban will be Special Representative for Afghanistan formed next week, sources told 1TV on Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad. Thursday.

The High Peace Council says that the In November last year, President Ashraf structure of the peace Jirga's organizing Ghani formed a 12-strong team for talks committee has been finalized. with the Taliban, but the group, who has met with Afghan opposition politicians, Almost 2,500 delegates from all over refused to negotiate with the team. the country will be invited to attend the Jirga, the grand assembly, which Government sources said that the new officials say will help Afghans to team will involve representatives of determine the path toward peace. political movements, civil society and women. Read more... Read more...

Islamabad ‘Must’ Change Its ‘Collective Sacrifices’ Will Be Policy Towards Kabul: Honored In Afghan Peace: Khalilzad Pompeo

The US Special Representative for The US Secretary of State Mike Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Pompeo, who addressed the NATO’s Khalilzad on Thursday warned Pakistan Foreign Ministers meeting in to change its policy towards Washington D.C., said that in the Afghanistan; otherwise, “Islamabad and Afghan peace talks they will make sure Washington’s ties will not improve”. that the United States will never be threatened from Afghanistan’s soil and Khalilzad made the remarks while the sacrifices of the past 18 years are talking to a number of youths from not “wasted”. Bamiyan, Jawzjan and Parwan provinces in a video conference. Read more...

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Khalilzad ‘Appreciates’ Govt Seeks Political Consensus Pakistan’s Efforts For Afghan On Peace Jirga Peace President Ghani’s Special Envoy Umer The US Special Representative for Daudzai, who also heads the committee Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay assigned for holding the Grand Khalilzad held talks with Pakistan’s Consultative Jirga on Peace, at a press Chief of Army Staff Gen. Qamar Javed conference on Saturday briefed media Bajwa on Friday and discussed issues on developments in preparations to hold around regional security and the the event on April 29. ongoing peace efforts in Afghanistan, Pakistani media reported. Daudzai said delegates from all districts, even districts under Taliban “During the meeting overall regional influence, will be invited to attend the security situation with particular Jirga – which is an assembly of almost reference to ongoing Afghan 2,500 delegates, 30 percent of the reconciliation process were discussed. women, from across the country who The visiting dignitary appreciated will decide on the future path towards Pakistan’s efforts towards peace peace as well as the red lines in the process, ... talks with the Taliban.

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Pakistan PM warns of US Eyes Reducing Diplomatic consequences if Afghanistan Staff In Afghanistan: doesn't form interim Report government US officials have said that Washington Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan is considering reducing its diplomatic on Friday repeated his call for interim footprint in Afghanistan as part of a government in Afghanistan, as he broader effort to extricate the United warned of rejection of election results States from its costly and deadly and anarchy without it. 18-year conflict, Foreign Policy reported on April 5. Khan made the comments less than two weeks after he said that Kabul should The State Department is preparing to set up an interim government to help cut by half the number of US diplomats smooth peace talks with the Taliban. posted in Kabul in 2020, according to Afghanistan recalled its ambassador in three US officials familiar with internal protest at what it described as deliberations as quoted by Foreign “irresponsible” remarks. Policy.

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Khalilzad To Meet Afghan Uzbekistan Offers Samarkand Leaders As He Wraps Up as a Venue for Afghan Peace Islamabad Visit Talks

US Special Representative for Uzbekistan continues to quietly position Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay itself as a partner in the peace process Khalilzad wrapped up his two-day visit between the Afghan government and to Islamabad where he held meetings the Taliban. While the movements of with Pakistani officials to discuss issues Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. envoy around the Afghan peace process and heading negotiations with the Taliban Pakistan’s role in this regard. for the Americans, are closely tracked by international media, the parallel Khalilzad said in a tweet on Saturday movements of Uzbek diplomats, namely evening that during his Islamabad visit, Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov, are he thanked Pakistan for recent efforts less high profile, but nevertheless may supporting the Afghan peace ... prove just as important.

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Afghanistan forms leadership US Envoy Leaves Kabul After council for reconciliation 'Productive' Talks With Ghani

Afghanistan has established a The US Embassy in Kabul said in a leadership council, involving also statement that the US Special politicians outside the government, to Representative for Afghanistan discuss reconciliation with the Taliban. Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad departed Kabul Sunday evening President Ashraf Ghani chaired the first following productive talks with President meeting of the council in the presidential Ghani on accelerating a settlement palace on Sunday, which was attended process, reducing violence across also by his predecessor Hamid Karzai, Afghanistan, and supporting Afghan speakers of Lower House and Upper security forces if violence continues. House, and representatives of other layers of society. “He discussed with President Ghani ...

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Taliban willing to meet Afghan Taliban Should Not Insist On government representatives in Islamic Emirate’s Return: Qatar Ex-Member

Taliban are willing to meet Afghan As the debates on peace and a future government representatives in an system in Afghanistan increases among intra-Afghan dialogue expected to be Afghans around the country, a former held next week in Qatar, a Pakistani Taliban member of the Taliban, Sayed newspaper reported on Monday. Akbar Agha, said that the group “should not” insist on the reestablishment of an A senior Qatari anti-terrorism official, Islamic emirate system in the country as who is the main character behind his part of the peace process and that country’s involvement in the Afghan instead they should enter direct talks talks, informed President Ashraf Ghani with the Afghan government. about Taliban’s willingness during his recent visit to Kabul, Daily Times Speaking at a gathering in Gardez city, reported citing a diplomatic source. the center of Paktia province …

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Kandaharis Push For Ceasefire Kabul backs EU offer to act as As Hopes Rise On Peace guarantor in peace process

Kandahar civil society activists, tribal Afghan government in a statement on elders, youths and religious scholars at Tuesday backed the European Union's a ceremony on Monday said they see a offer to act as a guarantor in peace ceasefire and direct talks between the process. Afghan government and the Taliban as key factors to move forward the ongoing The statement said that EU has had efforts for peace in Afghanistan. successful experiences in acting as guarantor of peace agreements in They said they want a prominent role for various countries. religious scholars in the peace process which has seen some developments in The statement welcomed also EU’s the recent months. offer to help make the peace ...

Read more... Read more... EU calls for Kabul-Taliban talks Reconciliation Council Set To to begin as soon as possible Finalize Qatar Meeting Delegation EU foreign ministers on Tuesday called for talks between the Afghan The newly-established Reconciliation government and the Taliban to begin as Leadership Council with an initial 37 soon as possible, as they met in members is expected to hold its second Luxembourg on Monday. meeting on Wednesday to decide on major issues around peace, including In the conclusions adopted by its naming a delegation to attend the Qatar council, the EU said that it encourages meeting. the Afghan government of Afghanistan and the Taliban to intensify their efforts The first meeting of the council was held towards a peaceful and negotiated on Saturday, April 6, where the settlement of the conflict. delegates discussed red lines ...

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Afghanistan says talks with Afghan government will be at Taliban in Qatar will be held the center of any peace deal between 19-21 April with Taliban: Pompeo

Afghan government said on Wednesday Afghan government will be at the center that the talks with the Taliban in Qatar of any peace deal with the Taliban, US will be held between 19 and 21 April. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday. Fraidoon Khwazoon, deputy spokesman for Afghan Chief Executive, revealed Pompeo said this after being asked by the dates following the second meeting US Senator Linsey Graham if the of Leadership Council for Reconciliation Afghan government will be a meaningful that was chaired by President... participant in any peace deal.

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Peace Talks Aim To Move Reconciliation Council Afghanistan Forward: Pompeo Convenes Working Groups Meeting The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says that the Afghan peace Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah on talks are aimed at moving Afghanistan Thursday presided over the meeting of forward adding that Washington does working groups of the newly established not want Afghanistan to move back. Reconciliation Leadership Council at the Sapidar Palace where views were Speaking before the US Senate’s exchanged on some fundamental Foreign Relations Committee, Pompeo issues pertaining the authority of the said Washington is trying to end the council including the finalization of the endless Afghan war through talks and in government’s peace negotiating these talks, the achievements, delegation with the Taliban, the Qatar especially women rights, will be delegation and the inclusion of some preserved. other delegates in the structure ...

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UN Allows Senior Taliban Women’s Rights Our Red Line Leaders to Travel for Peace In Peace Process: Ghani Talks President Ashraf Ghani, who met a ISLAMABAD — The United Nations group of women in Faryab province on recently granted a waiver to senior Thursday, said that women’s rights Taliban leaders, allowing them to travel remain the Afghan government’s red and take part in peace talks with the line in the peace process – which has United States to end the 18-year-old seen some developments in recent war in Afghanistan. months following efforts by the Afghan government and its international allies. The U.N. Security Council sanctions committee that deals with the Taliban The inclusion of women in the peace says the nine-month exemption period process and defending from their rights beginning on April 1 is meant to allow in future talks with the Taliban has been the men to participate in ... a much-debated topic in recent days.

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Khalilzad, Uzbekistan Leaders Khalilzad Praises Uzbekistan’s Discuss Afghan Peace Process Offer To Host Intra-Afghan Talks The U.S. Special Envoy for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad held Four days after leaving Kabul, US talks with the Uzbekistan President Special Representative for Afghanistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Foreign Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad held Minister Abdulaziz Kalimov in Tashkent, talks with Uzbekistan President Shavkat the capital of Uzbekistan and discussed Mirziyoyev and the Foreign Minister of the Afghan peace process. Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kalimov and discussed the Afghan peace process. “We discussed critical role region plays in achieving and sustaining peace, and “We discussed critical role region plays in accelerated regional integration in achieving and sustaining peace, and afterwards,” Khalilzad said in a tweet on in accelerated regional integration Friday. afterwards,” Khalilzad said in a tweet on Friday. Read more... Read more...

Women’s Rights Our Red Line Taliban Unleashes Afghan In Peace Process: Ghani Spring Offensive Despite US Push for Peace President Ashraf Ghani, who met a group of women in Faryab province on The Taliban announced Friday its Thursday, said that women’s rights annual spring offensive in Afghanistan remain the Afghan government’s red amid a U.S.-led push for a negotiated line in the peace process – which has settlement to the 18-year-old war with seen some developments in recent the Islamist insurgency. months following efforts by the Afghan government and its international allies. The offensive dubbed “Al-Fath,” which means “victory” in Arabic, commenced The inclusion of women in the peace throughout the country early Friday process and defending from their rights morning with an objective to establish in future talks with the Taliban has been an “Islamic system” in an Afghanistan a much-debated topic in recent days. “cleansed from American occupation,” said a Taliban statement. Read more... Read more...

Taliban’s Offensive Critics Brand Peace Jirga An Announcement ‘Reckless’: Election Campaign Khalilzad Representatives of some political Hours after the Taliban announced their parties and movements on Sunday so-called spring offensive, the US branded the government’s proposed Special Representative for Afghanistan Consultative Grand Jirga on Peace a Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, who “politically-motivated” as the country has held five rounds of talks with prepares for the presidential elections Taliban members, said the scheduled for late September. announcement is “reckless” and is “indifference” to the demands of Fawzia Kofi, member of Mohammad Afghans for peace. Hanif Atmar-led Peace and Moderation election ticket, described the allocation “It is irresponsible to suggest that an of $5 million budget for the Jirga as the increase in violence is warranted ... “misuse” of the national budget.

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Taliban Offensive Reconciliation Council Yet To Announcement ‘Illegitimate’: Form Qatar Delegation ARG The newly-established Reconciliation The Presidential Palace, also known as Leadership Council so far has not ARG, in a statement on Saturday announced a final decision on the condemned the Taliban’s delegation which will attend the Qatar announcement of the so-called spring meeting on April 19 while the council offense and said it is an evident sign of announced on Wednesday that the the will of the group to continue the Qatar delegation and the government’s “illegitimate” war in Afghanistan. negotiating team will be finalized on Saturday. The statement says that the announcement comes amid “thorough” The council’s third meeting which was efforts by the Afghan government to end expected to be held on Saturday was the “imposed” war in Afghanistan and postponed. amid the ongoing talks between a delegation of the group and the United Sources said the meeting was delayed States. due to “disagreements” ...

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Disabled Soldiers Want A Role Khalilzad Pushes For Ceasefire In The Peace Process As Peace Efforts Continue

While the peace process enters a new The US Special Envoy Zalmay stage, some soldiers with disabilities Khalilzad, who has held find rounds of and families of fallen troops called on talks with the Taliban on Afghan peace, the Afghan government and the says that agreeing on a ceasefire is the international community to provide them “quickest” way to prevent casualties and the opportunity to be part of the that he will continue to push Taliban upcoming consultative Loya Jirga on senior representative to allow their peace and in the structure of the representatives to come to the table of Reconciliation Leadership Council, negotiations to discuss this matter. which has been formed to create a unified stance on peace. “The quickest way to prevent ...

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Jirga Preparations On Track Afghanistan to send 150 Amid Waves Of Oppositions delegates to talks with Taliban in Qatar: report Despite opposition by some of Afghanistan’s mainstream political The delegation includes ministers, parties and six presidential candidates, provincial governors and political officials from the High Peace Council on leaders, the BBC reported citing an Tuesday said that preparations for the unidentified government source. 40 Grand Consultative On Peace are members of the delegation are women, underway and that at least 15,00 it said. delegations been finalized so far. A source told 1TV that more than 90 The Jirga is scheduled for April 29, politicians will independently travel to where almost 2,500 delegates will Qatar under the leadership of former attend to decide on the future of the president Hamid Karzai. peace talks in Afghanistan. Read more... Read more...

Afghanistan names Qatar event won't be 'wedding 250-member delegation for party', Taliban says criticizing talks with Taliban in Qatar Afghan delegation's strength

Afghan government on Tuesday named Taliban in a statement on Wednesday a 250-member delegation for peace criticized strength of delegation from talks with the Taliban in Qatar this Afghanistan for peace talks in Qatar, week. saying the event will be a conference not a wedding party or a reception. The delegation includes representatives of political parties, political figures, Afghan government on Tuesday named Jihadi leaders, martyrs’ families, High a 250-member delegation for talks with Peace Council, religious clerics, the Taliban, which are scheduled to parliament, civil society, women, youths, begin on Friday in Qatar capital Doha. journalists, government officials ... Read more... Read more...

List Of Qatar Delegation ‘Not Taliban Has No Way Except All-Inclusive’: Say Critics Talks With Afghan Govt: Ghani

Hours after the Afghan government President Ashraf Ghani on Wednesday announced a “finalized” list of Qatar met with members of the delegation delegation, some critics said the who will hold a meeting with the Taliban 250-member list requires to be inclusive in Qatar on April 20. and that it should represent people from all over the country. He said the Afghan delegation which is preparing to hold discussion with the The list shows that 90 delegates have Taliban in Doha are carrying an introduced by political parties and important mission which is a dignified movements and 150 others have been peace within the framework of the introduced by government. Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

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Political Leaders Hope Qatar Afghan Delegation’s Trip To Meeting Will Lead To Peace Doha Postponed

As a scheduled meeting between The Afghan delegation's trip to Doha, Afghan politicians and the Taliban in Qatar, for talks with the Taliban was Doha, Qatar, inches closer, some of delayed for issues around the Afghanistan’s influential politicians and 250-member team's formation, sources former Jihadi leaders on Wednesday confirmed. expressed their hope that the upcoming intra-Afghan meeting will help to restore The delegation was expected to leave lasting peace in the country. Kabul for Doha on Thursday.

Among those expressing their hopes This comes a day after, President over a positive outcome of Qatar talks Ashraf Ghani met with members of the were former Jihadi leader Abdul Rab delegation who will hold a meeting with Rasul Sayyaf, former President ... the Taliban in Qatar on April 20.

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Atmar boycotts peace Loya Afghan peace talks in Qatar Jirga, calls it election campaign delayed due to disagreement over participants Mohammad Haneef Atmar, former national security adviser to President Afghans' peace talks with the Taliban, Ashraf Ghani and a leading electoral scheduled to begin on Friday in Qatar, rival, has boycotted consultative Loya have been delayed due to disagreement Jirga on peace expected to be held later over participants, a government source this month. said Thursday.

The announcement comes a day after This is the second time the meeting is the government chief executive, … postponed.

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Former top US general Russia, Tajikistan presidents skeptical about Taliban peace discuss Afghanistan situation talks Russian President Vladimir Putin A former top US general has expressed discussed the situation in Afghanistan skepticism over peace talks with the with his counterpart from Tajikistan Taliban, as he said that the Afghan Emomali Rahmon on Wednesday. government is missing from the process. Addressing a press conference following the meeting in Moscow, the US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has two leaders stressed the importance of held multiple rounds of peace talks with the Afghan settlement for stability in the the Taliban in recent months, but ... region.

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EU opposes idea of forming We Need To Engage In Talks interim government in From A United Front: Spanta Afghanistan Former National Security Advisor The European Union on Thursday Rangin Dadfar Spanta on Thursday said expressed its opposition to the idea of that Afghanistan needs to engage in forming interim government in peace talks and political dialogue with Afghanistan. the opponents from a united position and that it should involve a limited team This comes as President Ashraf Ghani's of experts and negotiators familiar with mandate expires in May and some the process rather than sending a large presidential candidates have ... delegation.

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NATO Envoy Sees Good Critics Label Qatar Meeting Opportunity For Peace In Cancelation ‘A Lost Afghanistan Opportunity’

NATO Senior Civilian Representative The cancelation of the intra-Afghan for Afghanistan, Nicholas Kay, in an meeting in Qatar met with strong interview with TOLOnews said he sees reaction by Afghan critics and former a good opportunity for peace in Taliban members who called it Afghanistan and that in such a sensitive “disappointing” and a “lost opportunity” time, peace efforts should be expedited. towards peace in the war-ravaged Afghanistan. He said that in the meantime, involved parties should remain “patient” because The meeting was canceled on the reaching peace will take. disagreement of Qatari government ...

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Abdullah Says Iran, Pakistan Ready To Help ‘Mismanagement’ Interrupted Afghan Peace: Imran Khan Doha Meeting Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, who who is in Iran for bilateral talks, said at a addressed the Council of Ministers joint press conference with Iranian meeting on Monday, said the Qatar President Hassan Rouhani that peace conference was “interrupted” due to in Afghanistan is in favor of both Iran “mismanagement” and with that, an and Pakistan and that the two countries opportunity for talks was lost. are ready to help efforts for political settlement in Afghanistan. The meeting was canceled over the disagreement of Qatari government with He said that “the four decades of war in the 250-member list proposed by the Afghanistan has affected Pakistan and Afghan government as the Presidential Iran and added that Pakistan hosted at Palace mentioned in a statement on one point four million refugees and April 16. today it hots 2.7 million Afghan refugees”. Read more... Read more...

Taliban meets with women’s Intra-Afghan dialogue convened rights activists, others after in Doha as soon as possible: talks with Afghan officials Pompeo collapse The US Secretary of State Mike The sudden cancellation of eagerly Pompeo spoke with President Ashraf awaited talks between Taliban officials Ghani and encouraged all sides to and Afghan leaders, planned to begin reach an understanding on participants last Friday in Qatar, seemed a stunning of intra-Afghan dialogue and reversal in slow-going efforts to bring a underscored the US's solidarity with the peaceful negotiated end to the 17-year Afghan people's pursuit of a Afghan war. comprehensive peace agreement, the US Department of State said in a As it turned out, the moment did ... statement.

Read more... Read more... Khalilzad Begins New Taliban team at Afghan peace Multi-Nation Trip On talks in Qatar to include women: spokesman Afghan Peace KABUL (Reuters) - Women will be US Special Representative for included for the first time in the Taliban Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay delegation to peace talks in Qatar this Khalilzad has embarked on a new month, the movement’s main multi-nation trip on Afghan peace in spokesman said on Monday, ahead of which he will visit Afghanistan, India, the latest round of meetings aimed at Pakistan, Qatar, Russia and the UK ending the war in Afghanistan. from April 21 to May 11, the US Department of State said in a statement For a group notorious for its strictly on Monday. conservative attitude to women’s rights, the move represents a step towards This would be the US Special Envoy’s addressing demands that women be sixth visit to Kabul on Afghan peace included in the talks, intended to lay the since last November. foundations for a future peace settlement. Read more... Read more...

Preparations In Full Swing For Seventh Presidential Candidate Peace Jirga: Daudzai Boycotts Peace Jirga

President Ghani’s Special Envoy for The Grand Consultative Jirga on Peace Peace Umer Daudzai who addressed a scheduled for the end of this month was press conference in Kabul on Sunday boycotted by another presidential briefed media about developments in candidate – a move which has been preparations for the upcoming Grand done by six election tickets. Consultative Jirga on Peace and said preparations are in full swing in this The peace Jirga, according to the High respect. Peace Council, will host almost 2,500 delegates from around the country, who Daudzai says the peace Jirga will be will discuss the future of the peace held as scheduled on April 29 and that process. there will be no delay in it. Read more... Read more...

Khalilzad Begins New Private Sector Details List Of Multi-Nation Trip On Afghan Demands Amid Peace Efforts Peace The Afghan private sector is expected US Special Representative for to offer a list of demands pertaining the Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay protection of banking system, long-term Khalilzad has embarked on a new guarantees safeguarding business multi-nation trip on Afghan peace in activities and Afghan women’s which he will visit Afghanistan, India, investment to the High Peace Council, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia and the UK the Taliban, and the international from April 21 to May 11, the US community amid recent diplomatic Department of State said in a statement efforts at national and international on Monday. levels for ending the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. This would be the US Special Envoy’s sixth visit to Kabul on Afghan peace Speaking to a gathering in the view of since last November. current diplomatic efforts for peace...

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Politicians Asked To Reverse US hopes intra-Afghan talks in Peace Jirga Boycott Decision Doha will be held soon; Khalilzad embarks on new trip Days after a number of politicians and political movements boycotted the US Secretary State Mike Pompeo has upcoming Grand Consultative Jirga on expressed disappointment at the Peace, President Ghani’s Special postponement of intra-Afghan peace Envoy Umer Daudzai called on the talks in Doha as he spoke with Afghan opposition parties to reverse their President Ashraf Ghani over the phone. decision and said the move in a sense is “disparaging” Afghanistan’s traditions During the conversation, the sides and national prides. agreed that the Doha conference presents an important opportunity to Almost 3,000 delegates from around the advance peace, said Morgan Ortagus, a country will attend the Jirga, which is a spokesperson for the US Department of grand assembly of Afghans on ... State.

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Past Years Achievements Russia, US, China Aim to Cajole Should Be Defended: Khalilzad Taliban into Inter-Afghan Talks

The United States Special Russia, the United States and China will Representative for Afghanistan this week try to press Afghanistan's Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad says Taliban insurgents to hold talks with that the achievements made in the past Afghan politicians and civilians, an one and half decade should be important step in a process aimed at defended, and these gains should be ending the Afghan war. used as a cornerstone and foundation for more progresses in peace process Representatives of the three countries as well for further developments in a will meet Thursday in Moscow hoping to post-peace government. accelerate the pace of talks with the ...

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Ghani Wants Women’s ‘Active’ US Official: Afghan Peace Deal Role In Peace Jirga Could Trigger Internal Woes

President Ashraf Ghani visited the Loya A peace treaty to end more than 17 Jirga hall in Kabul on Tuesday to years of war in Afghanistan could usher monitor the preparations for the Grand in a new era of instability and erase Consultative Jirga on Peace where he many of the gains made by international said women should have a “strong” role reconstruction efforts, a key U.S. official in the gathering – which is one of the cautioned Wednesday. biggest events on peace in the country’s history a senior official put it last week. John Sopko, U.S. special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction, Almost 3,000 delegates from around the told reporters in Washington that while country will attend the Jirga, which is a "we all want peace," there are concerns grand assembly of Afghans on that the push for a deal will overshadow discussing a “unified pathway” towards critical planning needed for any peace. agreement to have a lasting impact.

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Khan: Pakistan Will No Longer Iran criticizes US-Taliban talks Be Party to Afghan Conflict Iran on Wednesday criticized US talks Pakistan says it is “highly dismayed” at with the Taliban, suggesting the recent surge in hostilities in Washington was elevating the role of Afghanistan “from all sides,” warning it the militants. would harm ongoing efforts to bring peace to the war-ravaged neighboring Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad country. Zarif admitted that Iran had also opened dialogue with the Taliban but said that Prime Minister Imran Khan issued the the US push for a deal with the group statement Thursday as the United was “seriously wrong.” States makes diplomatic efforts to seek a negotiated settlement to the "An attempt to exclude everybody and 17-year-old Afghan war. just talk to the Taliban has alienated the government, has alienated the ... Read more... Read more...

Survey Reveals Women US, Afghanistan Agree on Need Demand for More Role during for Intra-Afghan Dialogue With Peace Talks Taliban

Afghanistan’s Independent Human Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Rights Commission (AIHRC) urges the Zalmay Khalilzad, chief U.S. negotiator Afghan government, members of the with the Taliban, emphasized the Consultative Loya Jirga on Peace, and importance of an intra-Afghan dialogue other institutions to work for in a meeting Saturday evening between strengthening the women role during the two in Kabul. the peace process. A statement released by Ghani's office Therefore, the AIHRC has conducted a also called for "a future direct meeting survey regarding the role of women in with the Taliban led by the Afghan the Afghan peace process in 33 ... government."

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No justifiable reason to form Loya Jirga committees to set interim government in agenda by themselves: officials Afghanistan: VP Danish There will be 50 working committees in There is no justifiable reason to form an consultative Loya Jirga on peace and interim government in Afghanistan, they will set the agenda for discussion Second Vice President Sarwar Danish by themselves, officials said Sunday. said on Sunday. Mohammad Omar Safi, a member of Addressing a ceremony in presidential Loya Jirga organizing committee, said palace to mark Mujahedeen Victory that the assembly will be held solely for Day, Danish said that the current peace, adding there is no hidden government will cover delay to …. agenda.

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Ghani opens Loya Jirga in US Negotiator Ends 2 Days of Kabul to discuss Taliban talks Afghan Peace Talks in Pakistan

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on The U.S. special representative for Monday inaugurated a four-day Loya Afghanistan reconciliation, Zalmay Jirga, or grand council, to discuss peace Khalilzad, has concluded two days of talks with the Taliban. official discussions in Pakistan on how to advance the Afghan peace process. The gathering has been convened amid stepped up diplomatic efforts to end the Officials said Khalilzad arrived Monday war in Afghanistan. US officials have in Islamabad and led delegation-level held several rounds of talks with Taliban talks with senior foreign ministry officials representatives, but the group has before meeting Pakistani military chief refused to negotiate with the Afghan General Qamar Javed Bajwa and other government. military leaders. He was ...

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Qatar Meeting Likely In ‘Real Solution’ Is A Ceasefire: Mid-May: Sources Khalilzad

The meeting between Afghan politicians The US Special Representative for and Taliban members is likely to take Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay place in mid-May in Doha, Qatar, Khalilzad, who is on a multi-nation trip Taliban sources familiar with the on Afghan peace, reiterated his call on process said on Wednesday. the Taliban to join other Afghans in their efforts for end the ongoing war and said The meeting will also clarify the agenda the real solution to end the bloodshed in of the Samarkand dialogue and will Afghanistan is a ceasefire. provide a platform for the intra-Afghan talks, sources added. Khalilzad said in a tweet that the ...

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Afghans Push For Truce As US, Russia And China Reach Diplomacy Takes Center Stage ‘Consensus’ On Afghan Peace

Hundreds of women in Afghanistan’s The trilateral meeting between special capital Kabul marched through the city envoys of United States, Russia and on Thursday, calling on the warring China in Moscow on Thursday ended factions to reverse their previous with a “trilateral consensus” on the decisions on their military plans and Afghan peace process, reads a instead engage into the discussion for statement released by the Ministry of an immediate ceasefire to end the Foreign Affairs of the Russian current bloodsheds. Federation.

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Ghani Stresses On Keeping The Karzai Asks Ghani To Delay Republic System Peace Jirga

Talking to a large number of new Former President Hamid Karzai in a lawmakers and politicians, including the statement on Saturday called on Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, President Ashraf Ghani to delay the President Ashraf Ghani reiterated that Grand Consultative Jirga on Peace to the republic system will continue and prevent its “possible negative impacts” that Afghans deserve “respect” and they on the ongoing peace efforts. will not start everything from “zero”, referring to retaining of the Karzai said that he does not see the achievements of the past 17 years ... consultative Jirga in favor of Afghans.

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Peace Jirga’s Legitimacy MoFA Welcomes Moscow Questioned Amid Preparations Meeting’s Agreements

As preparations are in “full swing” for The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) the Grand Consultative Jirga on Peace in a statement on Sunday welcomed the scheduled for April 29, the number of agreements and the consensus reached politicians and critics who have between the United States, Russia and boycotted the event is growing and China at a trilateral meeting in Moscow some of them have questioned the on April 24-25. legitimacy of the gathering in which almost 3,000 delegates will attend to The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of discuss the future of peace in Afghanistan insists on “enduring and Afghanistan. dignified” peace, the statement said.

So far, nine presidential candidates, The statement added that the MoFA including Chief Executive Abdullah sees direct talks between the Afghan Abdullah, have boycotted the Jirga and government and the Taliban as a key some of them have called it a “waste of step towards achieving enduring and time” and an “election campaign” by dignified peace. President Ashraf Ghani.

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Afghans Are Ready For Peace: US Seeking Political Settlement, Abdullah Not Withdrawal: Khalilzad

Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah met The US Special Representative for with the US Special Envoy Zalmay Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad in his office on Sunday and Khalilzad says that the United States is discussed issues around the Afghan seeking peace and political settlement peace process and welcomed the in Afghanistan and that the withdrawal United States and Khalilzad’s efforts for of foreign forces will be peace, Abdullah’s office said in a conditions-based. statement. Khalilzad is in Kabul for his sixth visit Abdullah said in the meeting that he since last November and he has held appreciates the US Special Envoy’s five rounds of talks with the Taliban. In efforts for peace and assured him that his last round of talks in Doha in the Afghan people and the Afghan mid-March, the US and the Taliban government are ready for the process. agreed in draft on counterterrorism ...

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Russia Accuses Afghan Govt Delegates Optimistic As Peace Of Disrupting Doha Meeting Jirga Is ‘All Set’ To Be Held

The Russian Federation’s Foreign Amid growing criticisms by some of Ministry on Monday criticized the Afghanistan’s mainstream political Afghan government for the cancellation leaders and President Ashraf Ghani’s of the intra-Afghan meeting in Doha, political rivals, official from the Grand Qatar, which was scheduled for April Consultative Jirga on Peace on Sunday 19-21. said that all preparations are on track for the event to be held as per schedule On April 18, the Afghan government on Monday, April 29. said the meeting was canceled due to disagreements on the list of the Almost 3,000 delegates from across the 250-member delegation. country will attend the Jirga to decide ...

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Peace Jirga Begins With 3,200 Afghanistan Certainly Needs Delegates In Attendance Peace After Four Decades Of War: Khan The Grand Consultative Jirga on Peace was started on Monday despite that it Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been boycotted by many said Sunday that Afghanistan certainty mainstream political parties and election needs peace after almost four decades tickets. of war as he addressed a gathering of business leaders in Beijing. Addressing the inauguration of the Jirga, President Ghani's Special Envoy Umer Daudzai said at least 3,200 Khan said that peace in Afghanistan delegates and 300 guests have has a huge impact on Pakistan and attended the event. Central Asian countries under China’s global Belt and Road Initiative, ... Read more... Read more...

Jirga Will Determine Framework Khalilzad Discusses Afghan For Talks With Taliban: Ghani Peace With Pakistani Officials

President Ashraf Ghani who The US Special Representative for inaugurated the Grand Consultative Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Jirga on Peace said the event will Khalilzad on Monday met with Pakistani determine the framework for talks with officials in Islamabad, including the the Taliban – who have refused to Pakistani Foreign Secretary Sohail attend negotiations with the Afghan Mahmood, and discussed the Afghan government delegates. peace process and the United States efforts for a political settlement in the Ghani said the Jirga will also seek ways country, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry to end war and violence in the country officials said on Tuesday. and that the delegates hope to find Afghanistan’s pathway for at least one In this meeting, the Pakistani Foreign century. Secretary reiterated his country’s ...

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Ismail Khan Skeptical On Peace Delegates Criticize Govt For Jirga’s Outcomes Limits On Peace Jirga’s Coverage Former Jihadi leader and a senior member of Jamiat-e-Islami party On the second day of the Grand Mohammad Ismail Khan at a gathering Consultative Jirga on Peace, a number in Herat province on Tuesday said the of delegates criticized the organizers for Consultative Jirga on Peace has been restrictions on the coverage of the organized by a government which will gathering where almost 3,200 soon “lose its legitimacy”, therefore, the representatives from across the country event will not have the expected have gathered to decide on the future of outcome. the peace process.

At least 3,200 delegates from around the country have attended the Grand The media outlets have been given the Consultative Jirga on Peace which permission to enter the Jirga’s hall for kicked off on Monday, April 29. one hour in separate groups but they…

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Peace Jirga’s Admin Board Ghani introduces Abdul Rab Completed Despite Rifts Rasool Sayyaf as head of consultative peace Jirga The administrative board of the Grand Consultative Jirga on Peace President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani was completed after all its members introduced former Mujahideen leader – five deputies and five secretaries – Abdul Rab Rasool Sayyaf as head of were elected by the delegates at the consultative peace Jirga. end of the second day of the The consultative peace Jirga (Grand gathering, sources confirmed. Assembly) kicked off earlier today with

the organizers of the Jirga saying Almost 3,200 delegates from around around 3,200 representatives from the country have gathered in the across the country have participated in Jirga to decide on the future of the the gathering to discuss the future of peace process in Afghanistan. The peace process. election of the Jirga's administrative board was supposed to be However, most of the prominent political completed on the first day, but it was leaders and figures have boycotted the reportedly delayed due to rifts ... peace Jirga.

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