National Security Advisor, Dr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta has come up with a very straightforward statement on peace reconciliation with Taliban. He has made it clear that there is no chance of compromise on the constitutional law of Afghanistan in reaching a political deal with the Taliban. "Regarding those who want changes in the constitution and want to set that as a precondition for peace talks, it will never happen," Dr. Spanta said on Saturday. This is indeed a very important message to the Taliban and those government authorities who have some kind of sympathy for the insurgent group in their hearts. Should President Hamid Karzai come up with such a clear instance, he would definitely be appreciated.
The kind of politics practiced by the palace over the past one year has triggered concerns among civil society organizations and women rights activists that the hard-won gains of women might be compromised in reaching a deal with the Taliban. Nonetheless, Salahuddin Rabbani Head of High Peace Council (HP) furthering the statement of Dr. Spanta has said: "Women rights and women's achievements are a red line for the peace process and peace policy, they will never be sacrificed.”
Historically, the Taliban have never had genuine intentions for resolving conflicts through table talks. They have used negotiation as a tool to capture and kill their rivals. Clear examples for Taliban’s such policy can be traced in 1990s when they invited certain Mujahidin leaders for peace talks. But those who went to talk to them came back dead and tortured. It has been established that the Taliban should never be trusted. Those who trust them will always be at loss.
Additionally, the Taliban have never taken the calls of the government and efforts of HPC as serious since the peace process was initiated back in 2010. Instead of sitting at negotiation tables, they have talked with guns and bombs, target-killing a number of high officials of HPC.
The government has been releasing hundreds if not thousands of dangerous Taliban prisoners and has been spending hefty amounts funds to nudge Taliban leadership into peace talks. However, the Taliban have been reluctant and continue their bloody fight that results in deaths of thousands of Afghans both military and civilian every year. It is feared that the government might go one step forward to convince the Taliban: It might offer them power in certain provinces of Afghanistan or compromise on the so-far gains of Afghans especially that of women. In such circumstances, statements given by Dr. Spanta and Salahuddin Rabbani hold much importance. If there is any governmental plan to incline more towards Taliban, it must be stopped.