Oswald in the doorway: the blog of the Oswald Innocence Campaign, by Ralph Cinque

Getting back to Afghanistan, the Taliban continues to repeat that they have not agreed to anything with the United States concerning the "internal" affairs of Afghanistan, such as the nature of the post-occupation government, nor are they willing to discuss it. Rather, they have only been willing to discuss "external" matters, such as the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Afghanistan, and not allowing Afghanistan to become a haven for terrorists plotting to attack the U.S. and its allies.

But, you should realize that every government in the world seeks to have a monopoly on power within its borders. And that's true whether it's a democracy, an autocracy, or a theocracy: the government is the law of the land. So, they are not conceding anything with this. And if the U.S. really believes that the Taliban did that in the past, then why are they negotiating with them now?   


Remarks by spokesman of Islamic Emirate regarding ongoing negotiations process

Everyone is aware that detailed discussions are taking place in the Qatari capital of Doha between the negotiation team of Islamic Emirate and the United States regarding the complete independence and sovereignty of our beloved homeland Afghanistan. Since the issue of Afghanistan has two aspects with one being foreign and the other internal, the current negotiations concern the foreign aspect which is related to the United States. This phase is about fleshing out the details of the two issues which were agreed upon in the last round of talks in January, the withdrawal of all occupying forces from Afghanistan and not allowing Afghanistan to harm others.

Comprehensive discussions are taking place about these two subjects. Other issues that have an internal aspect and are not tied to the United States have not been held under discussion. As some individuals and circles are trying to connect other topics to these discussions, they are either unaware or are pursuing an agenda. No one should pay any heed to these rumors. 

Spokesman of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

Zabihullah Mujahid

3/7/2019

The Taliban keeps re-issuing statements like the above, and it's clear that they will not engage with the U.S. on the future government of Afghanistan. It's clear that they think it's none of our business. It's crazy to think they are going to change their minds.

Are we stupid enough to think otherwise? I sure hope not.  

And frankly, I don't know what the Taliban has in mind. They say it will be an inclusive government, representing all segments of Afghan society, but, they are not offering any blueprint. 

But, I think that whatever they have in mind, the U.S. will accept it as a coalition government. And that combined with the promise to deny any staging platforms against the U.S. will give us something we can sell to Peoria that the 18 year war was not in vain - even with the Taliban back in power.   

But, the war was in vain, and it will be unprecedented in U.S. history that a war fought for "regime change" should end with the same regime getting back in power.  

Remember: the Taliban hasn't conceded anything. And I am rather hoping they will concede some things, such as letting girls go to school.  But, I have a strong feeling they are going to say that it is neither our concern, nor our business, whether girls go to school in Afghanistan, and we need to stay out of it.   

Would I be in favor of continuing the war over girls' education? Hell no! Denying education to girls is terrible, but what's worse is killing and maiming them. If you wouldn't be in favor of starting the war over girls' education, then you have no right to continue it over girls' education.

And the situation is unclear. The Taliban is not making statements condemning girls' education.  In 2017, they held a conference on expanding education and announced the opening of several new schools, 3 for boys and 1 for girls. 

http://www.alemarah-english.org/?p=9192

I don't claim to know what they are going to do, but I do know that ending the war would be in the best interest of every Afghan because there is nothing worse than war.  Absolutely nothing.