Negotiation With The Taliban Essay

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After Al-Qaida attacks on the United States in 2011 the Taliban regime, the main ally of Al-Qaida, was overthrown by ISAF (International Security Assistance Forces) in Afghanistan. Afterwards, the Taliban regime was replaced by a new democratic regime. For some years, the Taliban was not a troublemaker for Afghanistan any more. Nevertheless, they rose once again. PRI, Public Radio International, had observed the re-rise of Taliban in 2009. Since that time, they are fighting against Afghan government and have not left the battleground yet. The hardship of war against the Taliban has triggered a new debate among those involved in Afghanistan’s issues: Shall Afghan government and its international allies negotiate with the Taliban. Some people argue in favor of negotiation with the Taliban while others argue against it. Despite some pro negotiation arguments, there are strong arguments stating that negotiation with the Taliban should not take place and will not take place.

The first negative factor about negotiation with the Taliban is that it lets political groups to use violence as a political mean for gaining their social and political goals. In democratic systems and countries, different political groups with different political interests are allowed to pursue their ideals and values in the society but it should be done within a non-violent and democratic framework. Taliban has tried to reach political goals by violence, torturing, and killing. As BBC, one of the most valid news agencies in the world, has reported, “UNAMA blames 74% of civilian deaths and injuries on ‘anti-government elements.’” All information about the Taliban shows that the Taliban is a violent group. The second name of the Taliban is the “terrorists.” If...

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...h the Taliban is only a waste of time and resources. The optimism some people have about the negotiation with the Taliban is not rational. The pro negotiation arguments are rather wishful thinking. The fact that the Taliban does not want to negotiate and that they have clarified it with any possible tool, does not leave any room for negotiation. Furthermore, the undermining of women rights that will be the most likely outcome of negotiation with the Taliban is not something to be ignored. In addition, all political parties and movements in Afghanistan should learn how to express their political desires peacefully and how nonviolently to fight for their values and political goals. The negotiation with the Taliban sends the message that violence works. That is exactly what should not happen. In other words, negotiations with the Taliban are neither good nor possible.

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