US-Taliban sign peace deal

The US and the Afghan Taliban have finally signed a historic peace agreement that could pave the way for ending the nearly two-decade-long war in the country and the gradual withdrawal of thousands of foreign troops.

The scenes in the Qatari capital Doha were unimaginable a few years back that the bitter foes would come to the negotiating table and signed an agreement. The US invaded Afghanistan after 9/11 attacks to topple the insurgents and is now making a steady withdrawal from the war-torn country.

US Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad, the man tasked with the fragile negotiation process, and Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, who has spent several years in Pakistani custody, signed the agreement.

The location in Doha is significant as the Afghan Taliban established its office there and Qatar played a significant role in the mediation process. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the agreement shows the Taliban can be peaceful as well and that Afghanistan will never become a base for terrorists again.

The negotiation process went through trials and often faced several setbacks. US President Trump even threatened to end the process at one stage before the Taliban were finally brought back to end all hostilities. The efforts of two years have finally culminated in a moment that we witnessed in Doha.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was there representing Pakistan to witness the signing of the peace deal. Just a couple of days ago, Prime Minister Imran Khan was there on a brief visit to discuss the peace process. Pakistan has played a crucial role in the entire process using its leverage against the Afghan Taliban and would be assured that its efforts have been realised.

The Afghan Taliban has now become a political force. The leader of the Taliban delegation expressed full commitment to the agreement saying they want to maintain ties with all those who made the deal a possibility. He especially thanked Pakistan for its assistance and support in making the deal a success.

The signing of the peace deal is not the end but rather a new beginning. The next step would be the intra-Afghan talks for a political settlement which will be far more complicated. The Taliban had shunted the Afghan government during the negotiations but have now agreed to talk with them.

It remains unclear if the Taliban could eventually return to power. The road ahead will not be easy and will require patience and compromise from both sides. Afghans have been told to seize the opportunity and embrace a peaceful future.  Afghans have yearned to end the bloodshed and deserve peace. This might just be that day which will change the course of their country that has suffered too much.