Mapping Contours of Reconciliation and Peace Process in Afghanistan: Policy Options for Pakistan

Abstract

Afghan war has long been considered as a strategic failure, as the US could neither bring an end to the violence, nor ensure complete territorial control. Deteriorating security situation has also endangered stability of the adjoining states. With the failure of military means to resolve Afghan crisis, the need for a political solution gained momentum resulting in the US-Taliban agreement in early 2020. This study traces out why, despite various rounds of talks and initiatives of reconciliation and peace process, the successful stability could not be achieved in Afghanistan. The study concluded that all the stake-holders continued to pursue unrealistic objectives, resulting in failure of the previous efforts of peace talks.

Keywords: Afghanistan, Pakistan, United States, Reconciliation, Peace, Taliban, National Interest, Terrorism, Conflict Resolution, Conflict Management, Conflict Analysis, Civil War, Counter-Insurgency