It is unbelievable that the peace process does not find approval from all parties during a conflict. Peace should be considered as a normal and unique lifestyle for the population. However, paradoxically, it is the hardest one to reach and maintain.
The Afghanistan peace process is tormented by the numerous Taliban attacks. Since Tuesday, the terrorist group targeted three provinces across northern Afghanistan: Balkh, Kunduz, and Takhar. This violence killed at least 17 people, including six civilians, and wounded others. The incredible part is that those attacks are taking place while a Taliban political team is working on negotiating peace with Afghan government in Doha, Qatar. The attacks were targeted at the security checkpoints of local anti-Taliban militias. In Balkh province alone, there have been three attacks in a matter of two days. These attacks near the district center and local force outpost have claimed the life of 11 people and injured many more.
Zalmay Khalilzad, a senior United States official, had an important role in taking the Taliban to sign a deal with the U.S. in February. He highlighted that both sides must collaborate for a lasting solution. Despite the difficulties, both the Afghan team and the Taliban showed the effort and the will to keep the negotiation ongoing. The effort to minimize discussions on disagreements and agreements on procedural matters can be seen as a solid sign of progress towards the peace process. Negotiations were accepted inside and outside Afghanistan, even though Afghan activists declared it is important not to sacrifice human rights in the name of ending the war. In fact, the deputy head of the Afghan Journalist Safety Committee, Sediqullah Tawheedi, underlined the importance of defending freedom of the press and the freedom of speech in the Doha talks from the government’s negotiation team side.
To learn more, please read:
https://www.voanews.com/south-central-asia/taliban-attacks-continue-peace-negotiations-progress
Author Giulia Francescon; Editor Shrabya Ghimire
