Featured Afghanistan Peace Process

[Haris Ali2140]

U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad
@US4AfghanPeace

15 minutes ago, 7 tweets, 1 min read

The United States would like to see prisoner releases begin as soon as possible in line with the U.S.-Taliban agreement. No prisoners have been released to date despite the commitment to do so expressed by both sides.
Coronavirus makes prisoner releases urgent; time is of the essence. We are committed to do our part and after consultation with all relevant sides, the United States understands:
1. Technical teams from both sides can work together and focus on technical steps to begin prisoner releases as soon as possible. I will participate in the initial meetings.
2. While preferable to meet face-to-face, Coronavirus and the resulting travel restrictions likely requires virtual engagement for now;
3. We call on all sides to avoid provocative media statements;
4. The Taliban commit that released prisoners will abide by the commitments made in the peace agreement and not return to the battlefield. A violation will undermine the peace process.
The time has come to move forward on prisoner releases.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1240299809153695750

 

[Haris Ali2140]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1240387102694690821

 

[Haris Ali2140]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1240495044580331520

 

[Haris Ali2140]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1240522904720244738

 

[Haris Ali2140]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1240624774868430849

 

[Haris Ali2140]

Afghan government orders forces to resume operations against Taliban

2020-03-19 | 30 minute ago

Afghan Acting Defense Minister Asadullah Khalid (c)
Afghan government on Thursday ordered its troops to resume operations against the Taliban, citing the group's continued high level of violence despite its deal with the United States.

The government had stopped offensive against the Taliban with the start of a trial period of reduction in violence that led to the signing of the peace deal on February 29.

Acting Defense Minister Asadullah Khalid ordered forces to turn from defense to 'active' defense posture.

He said that forces can now carry out operations against militants plotting attacks against forces.

Khalid also proposed ceasefire to help the fight against coronavirus.

http://www.1tvnews.af/en/news/afghanistan/41573

 

[Haris Ali2140]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1240839292638896128

 

[Haris Ali2140]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1240888939944304640

 

[CrazyZ]

Afghan government orders forces to resume operations against Taliban

2020-03-19 | 30 minute ago

Afghan Acting Defense Minister Asadullah Khalid (c)
Afghan government on Thursday ordered its troops to resume operations against the Taliban, citing the group's continued high level of violence despite its deal with the United States.

The government had stopped offensive against the Taliban with the start of a trial period of reduction in violence that led to the signing of the peace deal on February 29.

Acting Defense Minister Asadullah Khalid ordered forces to turn from defense to 'active' defense posture.

He said that forces can now carry out operations against militants plotting attacks against forces.

Khalid also proposed ceasefire to help the fight against coronavirus.

http://www.1tvnews.af/en/news/afghanistan/41573

Sad. Either the Afghan government believes it can win on the ground .....or they are trying to improve their negotiating position (which is weak since they are divided).

 

[Haris Ali2140]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1240974769736089600

 

[Vapnope]

You might see a balkanization of Afghanistan on ethnic lines in near future. Tajiks & Hazaras are not going to sit with Taliban no matter what happens. India has funded Tajik side where they think they can dictate Talib boys, on the other hand Talibs are not going to listen to anyone when the US goes out. China is only willing to be part of it if both sides are ready to listen to it.

Unfortunately, Afghanistan is going to witness another decade of civil war. Nobody can control dozens of groups working in Afghanistan.

 

[Haris Ali2140]

You might see a balkanization of Afghanistan on ethnic lines in near future. Tajiks & Hazaras are not going to sit with Taliban no matter what happens. India has funded Tajik side where they think they can dictate Talib boys, on the other hand Talibs are not going to listen to anyone when the US goes out. China is only willing to be part of it if both sides are ready to listen to it.

Unfortunately, Afghanistan is going to witness another decade of civil war. Nobody can control dozens of groups working in Afghanistan.

Where does Pakistan fit in???

 

[Vapnope]

Where does Pakistan fit in???

There are two interests of Pakistan in Afghanistan.
1 - Tajiks or Pro Indian elements do not use Afghanistan to attack Pakistan
2 - Durand line issue is solved

Pakistan is covered on first issue and US understands Pakistan's concern. However, when it comes to Durand line issue, even the taliban are not ready to talk about it. This is exactly what happened back in 1988 when all stakeholders agreed to Pakistan's formula however Durand line issue still remained and no one from Afghanistan accepted it.

We are dangerously looking at that situation again. Pakistan needs to ensure that an effective border management system is in place before things spill into Pakistan.

 

[CrazyZ]

There are two interests of Pakistan in Afghanistan.
1 - Tajiks or Pro Indian elements do not use Afghanistan to attack Pakistan
2 - Durand line issue is solved

Pakistan is covered on first issue and US understands Pakistan's concern. However, when it comes to Durand line issue, even the taliban are not ready to talk about it. This is exactly what happened back in 1988 when all stakeholders agreed to Pakistan's formula however Durand line issue still remained and no one from Afghanistan accepted it.

We are dangerously looking at that situation again. Pakistan needs to ensure that an effective border management system is in place before things spill into Pakistan.

Only way to resolve these issues is with a soft union between Afghanistan and Pakistan....not feasible with the current regime in Kabul. The Americans are gradually stepping back.... and I hope the Afghans will make peace between themselves and with Pakistan.

 

[Haris Ali2140]

U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad
@US4AfghanPeace

an hour ago, 4 tweets, 1 min read
My Authors
Today, the US and Qatar facilitated the first Afghan government to Taliban technical talks on prisoner releases, via Skype video conferencing.
Prisoner releases by both sides is an important step in the peace process, as stated in the US-Taliban agreement. And critical for humanitarian reasons.
The over two-hour technical discussion today was important, serious, and detailed. My thanks to all sides. Everyone clearly understands the coronavirus threat makes prisoner releases that much more urgent.
All sides conveyed their strong commitment to a reduction of violence, intra-Afghan negotiations, and a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire. We have also agreed to a follow-on technical meeting in the next two days.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1241777874723536897