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THREAD: a recent NYT story detailed allegations that Pres. Ghani delayed an early breakthrough in Afghan peace talks.
... it also alluded to an intriguing sub-plot: international community's hope that Dr. Abdullah takes a bigger/more active role in talks. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/29/world/asia/afghanistan-taliban-peace-talks.html
... it also alluded to an intriguing sub-plot: international community's hope that Dr. Abdullah takes a bigger/more active role in talks. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/29/world/asia/afghanistan-taliban-peace-talks.html
This hope is not new.
For months, Afghans and foreigners pushed for formation of High Council of National Reconciliation, created to a) partially resolve Afghanistan's bitter dispute over 2019's presidential election, and b) unify the country in peace talks w/ Taliban. /2
For months, Afghans and foreigners pushed for formation of High Council of National Reconciliation, created to a) partially resolve Afghanistan's bitter dispute over 2019's presidential election, and b) unify the country in peace talks w/ Taliban. /2
But almost immediately, the deal that created HCNR began sliding into acrimony & wrangling similar to 5 years of Afghanistan's "National Unity Govt".
So for months, HCNR has remained unactivated. Abdullah & close staff have traveled, but little else. /3 https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-asia/afghanistan/afghan-leaders-end-political-impasse
So for months, HCNR has remained unactivated. Abdullah & close staff have traveled, but little else. /3 https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-asia/afghanistan/afghan-leaders-end-political-impasse
Now, internationals want to see Abdullah play a more active role; most see him as more diplomatic, some may hope he will balance out Pres. Ghani.
But the more prominent Abdullah's role, the more friction could emerge from Kabul - which has already been accused of delays! /4
But the more prominent Abdullah's role, the more friction could emerge from Kabul - which has already been accused of delays! /4
If Abdullah "steps up", Kabul tensions may grow. What prevents that from impacting peace talks?
If Abdullah disagrees with Ghani, will "patiently waiting" foreigners take his side against the president??
What if disputes go public?
Will that not slow things down?
Hurt unity? /5
If Abdullah disagrees with Ghani, will "patiently waiting" foreigners take his side against the president??
What if disputes go public?
Will that not slow things down?
Hurt unity? /5
Caution, friends of Afghanistan: yes, Islamic Republic will do well to incorporate broad views & interests at the peace table.
But hoping Abdullah will stand up for those views, without anticipating trouble, without a thorough plan to support or mediate in Kabul, is unfair. /end
But hoping Abdullah will stand up for those views, without anticipating trouble, without a thorough plan to support or mediate in Kabul, is unfair. /end