The Framework Agreement between the

Afghan Government and the Taliban

 

Ultimately, good news has emerged from Doha. After a few months of hectic negotiations, Taliban and the Afghan government have reached an agreement on a framework for peace talks. The development has eliminated the biggest hindrances in the way of structured peace negotiations. Now, both parties can easily move towards signing a much-awaited peace deal and a ceasefire in the war-torn country.

The talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government started on September 10, 2020. Ever since the start of the American war in Afghanistan, it was the first time both rivals sat together to negotiate peace in the country. Actually, its forerunner, i.e. the deal between the Taliban and the US government, which was signed on February 29, 2020, had raised the hope for peace in Afghanistan after 19 years of war.

The intra-Afghan talks in Doha were dealt a serious blow when Taliban and Kabul government showed disagreement on the issue of prisoner exchange, putting the whole process in jeopardy. However, both parties showed maturity by resolving their differences and agreeing on the swap of prisoners.

In November, Taliban revealed that the process and procedure is available to move on the talks, but they blamed President Ashraf Ghani for holding the process in abeyance. On the other hand, Kabul insisted on using the prefix Islamic Republic of Afghanistan instead of ‘Islamic Emirates’ used by Taliban during their era. This issue was also resolved as Taliban conceded.

Another point of confrontation was the use of Hanafi school of thought as the basis of law in the country. Indeed, it would alienate the Shiite population of the country. In the beginning, both sides had difference of opinion. Later, it was resolved when two sides agreed on referring the matter to religious committee in order to accommodate the people of other sects.

Both sides have now agreed on a 21-point Code of Conduct. The three-page framework agreement for the talks  lays out the rules and procedure for the next round of the negotiations on the political roadmap. Notwithstanding this, the prime stumbling block to reach an agreement is the permanent ceasefire.

In the month of November alone, at least 206 Afghan security forces and 180 civilians were killed in Taliban attacks, though they are, officially, in agreement with the US forces, and are not using violence against them, but they are attacking Afghan forces in order to pressurize the government in Kabul, and to extend their territorial influence as well in the country.

“As negotiations on political roadmap and permanent ceasefire began, we will work hard with all sides for a serious reduction in violence and even a ceasefire during this period,” Zalmay Khalilzad the special US-Afghan peace envoy said.

In the meantime, the Pentagon has approved the troop reduction plan in Afghanistan announced by the outgoing president Donald Trump before the US presidential election of November 03. Reportedly, the US plans to pull out 2,000 more troops from Afghanistan by the end of January, and bringing down the overall presence in Afghanistan to 2500. Moreover, Nato has 11000 troops stationed in Afghanistan at present for “establishing peace and maintaining security in the region.” The peace agreement signed on February 29, 2020, holds that by May 1, 2021, the US forces will be completely withdrawn from Afghanistan.

It seems that with the advent of Joe Biden in White House, there will be no big change in the plan of US withdrawal from the Afghanistan. President-elect Joe Biden took a similar stance as far as military engagement is concerned. He will, definitely, disallow the presence of US forces on external expedition as well as in Afghanistan. By this way, he will carry on the similar approach for Afghanistan as incumbent president.

Indisputably, the finalization of the terms and guideline is an important step in the Afghan reconciliation process, but still there is a long way to go to reach the consensus on the post-war political arrangement.

Summing up, ceasefire, protecting the rights of women and minorities, constitutional amendments, form of the government, nature of the law and, finally, ensuring the safe passage to those Taliban who will disarm and withdraw from violence and war would be the top agenda of the upcoming intra-Afghan talks. It is going to be a rough, bouncy and thorny road to restore peace in Afghanistan.

The writer is a former student of Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, having interested in national and international affairs, history and economy. He can be reached at  : mujtabaqureshi-zero@yahoo.com