President Karzai once again has reiterated his criticism of the Taliban’s office inauguration in Doha, saying there is a ‘plot against Afghanistan’ launched by foreigners. Talking in a radio address, he said the government is monitoring the process and would not let ‘outsiders’ manipulate the process.

He reiterated the earlier criticism that opening of the Taliban office with their flag and the official name has been in contradiction with the agreements made during the process of talks with Americans regarding the Qatar office. He alleged that the “opening of the office was against the agreement and promises we had been given, we firmly opposed it and aborted a plot against Afghans.” He once again urged the Taliban to sit on table and talk with their ‘brothers’ inside Afghanistan.

Another helpless request from the angry brothers, faced with the latest response of the attack inside Presidential Palace. President Karzai has not gained much in the process that he has been pushing ahead since last two years. Taliban have categorically denied to talk with his administration, the political opposition has grown increasingly broad-based inclusive criticism of the government for its lack of vision and failure to make any success in the flawed process of the so-called reconciliation efforts.

The government should better focus on issues related to elections for next year. In last months of office, President Karzai should abandon the responsibility of reconciliation and peace talks to the next President and the new parliament. Despite two years of efforts, there has been almost no result. Rather, the solo drive of the President in an exclusive process with the attempts to control its agenda and outcome, the talks about talks with the Taliban has not proved successful. 

Karzai’s accusatory retaliation during the last two years has not only worsened his relations with the Obama Administration, but also Pakistan, towards whom he had tied high hopes now dashed.

If a serious and genuine reconciliation effort is aimed, the government should better leave it for the next administration. Taliban have always questioned the Peace Council calling it a body of handpicked people without any strategic agenda. And there is no sign that the Taliban are serious about a settlement to end the insurgency.