Analysis & Opinions - The New York Times
Tell the Truth About Our Longest War
The nearly 17-year-old Afghanistan conflict, the longest war in United States history, will not end on the battlefield. It can be resolved only at the negotiating table. So, the bold offer last month from President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan to negotiate with the Taliban “without preconditions” is a welcome initiative. But it faces daunting obstacles.
Mr. Ghani’s proposal envisions an outcome in which the Taliban would be recognized as a legitimate political party, prisoners would be released and United Nations sanctions against the group would be lifted. In exchange, the Taliban would have to recognize the Afghan government and respect the rule of law, including women’s rights.
Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, during a surprise visit to Afghanistan this week, said there was evidence that some Taliban factions are interested in talks. The Taliban have not responded formally to Mr. Ghani’s proposal, but in the past they have refused to negotiate directly with the Afghan government, which they deem an American puppet. Instead, the Taliban have insisted on direct talks with the United States that exclude the Kabul government, as a way to discredit it. The United States has long supported an Afghan-led peace process, in which Washington might play a role but would not stand in for the Afghan government.
Want to Read More?
The full text of this publication is available via the original publication source.
For more information on this publication:
Belfer Communications Office
For Academic Citation:
Rice, Susan.“Tell the Truth About Our Longest War.” The New York Times, March 14, 2018.
- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
Analysis & Opinions
- The New York Times
We Have Met the Enemy, and He Is Us
Analysis & Opinions
- The New York Times
When America No Longer Is a Global Force for Good
News
- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
2017 Senior Fellows Bring High-level Expertise to Belfer Center and Harvard Kennedy School
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Press Release
- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Barham A. Salih Joins Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs and Middle East Initiative at Harvard Kennedy School as Senior Fellow
Analysis & Opinions
- New Straits Times
Gorbachev and the End of the Cold War
Report
- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
The Future of Arctic Council Innovation: Charting a Course for Working-Level Cooperation
The nearly 17-year-old Afghanistan conflict, the longest war in United States history, will not end on the battlefield. It can be resolved only at the negotiating table. So, the bold offer last month from President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan to negotiate with the Taliban “without preconditions” is a welcome initiative. But it faces daunting obstacles.
Mr. Ghani’s proposal envisions an outcome in which the Taliban would be recognized as a legitimate political party, prisoners would be released and United Nations sanctions against the group would be lifted. In exchange, the Taliban would have to recognize the Afghan government and respect the rule of law, including women’s rights.
Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, during a surprise visit to Afghanistan this week, said there was evidence that some Taliban factions are interested in talks. The Taliban have not responded formally to Mr. Ghani’s proposal, but in the past they have refused to negotiate directly with the Afghan government, which they deem an American puppet. Instead, the Taliban have insisted on direct talks with the United States that exclude the Kabul government, as a way to discredit it. The United States has long supported an Afghan-led peace process, in which Washington might play a role but would not stand in for the Afghan government.
Want to Read More?
The full text of this publication is available via the original publication source.- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
Analysis & Opinions - The New York Times
We Have Met the Enemy, and He Is Us
Analysis & Opinions - The New York Times
When America No Longer Is a Global Force for Good
News - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
2017 Senior Fellows Bring High-level Expertise to Belfer Center and Harvard Kennedy School
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Press Release - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Barham A. Salih Joins Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs and Middle East Initiative at Harvard Kennedy School as Senior Fellow
Analysis & Opinions - New Straits Times
Gorbachev and the End of the Cold War
Report - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
The Future of Arctic Council Innovation: Charting a Course for Working-Level Cooperation