Agreement Without Commitment Leads to Unsustainable Peace

Taliban’s disbelief and lack of adherence to the peace agreement is one of the major concerns among citizens. Experts believe that Taliban are untrustworthy, and therefore, they should guarantee to remain committed to the peace deal.

In an interview with the CSHRN, Mr. Farhad Abrar, a political analyst, said that to ensure sustainable peace, the international community and regional countries involved in peace talks must act as the main mediators to guarantee Taliban’s commitment, especially with regards to women’s rights. Otherwise, lasting peace cannot be hoped for.

CSHRN: Have the Taliban view of women changed?

Abrar: Based on what the Taliban have spoken with the media, it can be inferred that there has been no fundamental change to their views and they do not yet respect women’s rights.

CSHRN: Can the Afghan negotiating team change the Taliban view of women?

Abrar: The presence of influential women with negotiating skills, and ability to have reasonable dialogue, and maneuver delicate margins, could have persuaded the Taliban to respect women’s rights and agree with their presence as non-separable part of the society. According to Mr. Abrar, the government has failed in terms of women participation both in the peace negotiation team and the High Council for National Reconciliation.

CSHRN: Will the women in the negotiating team be able to have an effective dialogue with the Taliban?

Abrar: Women’s contribution in the peace talks is irrefutable. However, their effectiveness is dependent to the degree of support they receive from the political parties that they are affiliated to. Without such political supports, women cannot speak from a firm position. Governments support of women can help them to have an effective dialogue. Mr. Abrar said that the government’s weak policy has given the Taliban more advantage in the peace negotiations.

CSHRN: Do you think that the negotiating team composition is reasonable?

Abrar: The establishment of an atmosphere where people of all backgrounds are present is essential in the peace talks. Unfortunately, the absence of war victims, representatives of civil society, and journalists is analogous to ignoring them whom otherwise could have made positive impacts in the talks.

CSHRN: How can female civil society activists who are not present in the team support the peace talks efforts?

Abrar: Throughout the history, women have made significant changes. Female civil society activists can pressure the government and the international community to respect women’s rights. According to Mr. Abrar, women should make the effort to establish their own position for defending their rights and should not wait for any other individual or organization to do it for them.