It looks as if the peace process in Afghanistan is about to kick off. The Taliban intend to set up a political office in Qatar. They will then have an address in their approach to Afghan President Hamid Karzai. Karzai had expressed his intention to route all peace moves through Pakistan till the Taliban had their own address. It is obvious that the Taliban were against this attitude of the Kabul government. The neighbouring world wants the peace talks to be led by the Karzai government representing the Afghan people. But the Taliban, as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, wish to deal directly with the US and its allies. They want the release of their commanders from the Guantanomo prison. The US is not disturbed by this nakedly selfish objective of the Taliban. Backed by Germany, it had played a major role in shaping developments in this region. Washington may be happy that the Taliban have now come to terms with ground realities. The Taliban for their part believe that their policy will pay rich dividends.
The Taliban, by setting up an office in Qatar, may seem to have given up their stand that talks should be preceded by withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan. The US however insists on disarmament of the Taliban before opening a dialogue. The postal address in Qatar therefore does not necessarily make a significant breakthrough. Hostilities in Afghanistan may continue. Cashing in on the situation, Pakistan may continue to move centrestage. The Karzai government is hamstrung by its wiggly policy. Consequently, it is not unlikely that prospects of talks may soon fade and the Qatar address become just a piece of writing.
