Are there enough seats at the table?
The recent news that the Pakistani premier is traveling to Qatar to discuss Pakistan’s role in upcoming talks between the Taliban and the United States is encouraging. Pakistan has not effectively secured its border with Afghanistan which has allowed Al-Qaeda and other elements to survive along the border. However, Pakistan’s desire to be part of the negotiations is significant.
It is important to have all the major players reach a security consensus for the region. In order to do this, each player needs to have a seat at the table. Afghanistan and Pakistan should be part of the talks and Afghanistan should even take the lead in the negotiations. Once NATO conducts its drawdown of forces in 2014, it will be up to the nations within the region to maintain security. Although relations between Pakistan and the United States are rocky at the moment, bringing them into the fold of the negotiations will help to start renewing that relationship.
Providing a seat to all of these groups enhances the legitimacy of the meetings. As more groups become involved in the negotiations, the accountability and responsibility for the region spread out. With all of the significant players present, their participation will signify a commitment to security in the region and lessen the anxiety over the looming 2014 pullout. The looming 2014 NATO pullout of troops casts a shadow over any negotiation process.
Iran also wields significant influence in Afghanistan, especially in the western part near Herat. Their presence at any talks is highly unlikely given their opposition to the presence of US and NATO forces. On the other hand, their impact on the region should be considered.
The talks between the Taliban and the United States must be about more than securing an exit plan. Afghanistan and Pakistan should be allowed to participate in these discussions and the talks must acknowledge Iran’s impact in the region. These moves would be a step in the right direction to creating a stable environment after US military involvement ends.
