Conflict in Afghanistan Makes Future of Talks Uncertain

Pompeo at Doha Signing Ceremony (Wikipedia)

Fighting between the Afghan Security forces and the Taliban broke out on September 20, resulting in the bloodiest day of conflict since peace talks in Qatar began. Most of the fighting occurred in the central Uruzgan province, and at least 57 members of the Afghan Security forces and 80 Taliban members were killed in the fighting. 

Talks in Qatar began September 12, after delays since March due to arguments about prisoner exchanges and a ceasefire. The opposing sides remain bogged down in discussions regarding which Islamic school of thought to use for resolving disputes. While the Taliban refuses to acknowledge its role in the attacks, certain security experts regard the resulting instability as a bargaining chip for the organization in the negotiations. 

Many officials in the Afghan government—including Mohammed Arif Rahmani, a member of the Afghan Parliament’s security committee—argue that the Taliban was emboldened by the withdrawal of U.S. troops in February, which removed the air power Rahmani argues is necessary to keep the fighters at bay. 

While discussing recent attacks by the Taliban, Col. Sonny Legget, a spokesman for the Washington-led coalition in Kabul, said: “While we are still assessing the source of the attack, these actions are not consistent with the U.S.-Taliban agreement and have the potential to put the peace process in jeopardy.” The Taliban’s survival as a political force requires continued U.S. support of the peace process, and the Taliban is, therefore, reluctant to more blatantly attack the Afghan government. 

As the conflict between the Afghan Security Forces and the Taliban escalates, civilians constitute an increasing share of the casualties. While the people of Afghanistan hope for a long-awaited peace and view these talks as an opportunity for both sides to show their commitment to the Afghan people, they are skeptical that the talks in Qatar will result in lasting peace.