KABUL - In response to recent statements by President Ashraf Ghani regarding the Taliban and other militant groups in Afghanistan, a number of commentators have said that the insurgents should not be legitimized by being called a "political opposition" so long as they resort to violence against the government and the Afghan people.

On Wednesday, President Ghani addressed a crowd at a national Teachers Day celebration in Kabul. At one point in his remarks, Ghani referred to the Taliban as a "political opposition."

"I call upon all political opposition groups; you shouldn't deprive your children from learning like you were," President Ghani said.

The phrasing of his statement sparked frustration among some analysts, many of who also criticized former President Hamid Karzai when he was in office and referred to Taliban militants as "brothers."

Commentators have argued the government must pursue a more clear policy toward the militant groups, as in it cannot be fighting them on the one hand and lending them credibility on the other.

"In consideration of the ongoing situation in the country, the president must undertake a clear policy regarding the Taliban and armed opponents," university lecturer Faizullah Zaki said.

Meanwhile, others think the inconsistencies in the government's approach to insurgents will make reconciliation that much more difficult. "Unless a clear policy against the Taliban is formulated, the quirks will continue and peace restoration will be challenging," said Abdul Qayoum Sajjadi, a member of Parliament's International Relations Committee. (Tolonews)