The most recent statement of the Taliban spokesperson, based in Qatar, is heartening to say the least. They were not seeking a monopoly on power in Afghanistan and were willing to sit with other Afghans like brothers. The inclusive Afghan world that he spoke about has remained a pipedream in the war-torn country for about 40 years now, but especially in the last 17 years.

This is not the first time that the path of negotiations has been opted by various stakeholders but, somehow, the euphoria seems real. The current round under the supervision of US peace envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, comes in the wake of the US President Donald Trump’s decisive promise of pulling out troops from Afghanistan in eighteen months. A similar promise by the former US President Barack Obama of withdrawing all US combat troops remained unfulfilled. It was considered impractical by the establishment.

Despite the euphoria, nothing is clear yet and the realty of this protracted war is far more complicated than anyone can imagine. Before the talks and their results were shared by the media, there must have been endless rounds to discuss and decide the conditions. What is clear so far is that all foreign troops would leave the country and the Taliban would not allow the country’s soil to be used for terrorism but there is so much more to be done. To start with, the Taliban refused to negotiate in any manner with the sitting government in Kabul, calling them puppets or stooges of the occupying forces.

If the recent statement of the Taliban spokesperson is to be believed, this might change in the coming months. The inclusion of Mullah Baradar in the Taliban negotiating team might spring other surprises too. But nobody knows what the final peace settlement would look like. Will all stakeholders agree to a unanimous constitution and will the future government be elected through an independent, free and fair election. That will be the day.

Also read: End of the 17-year war?

One reason why Afghanistan has been in its current state of chaos is because of the foreign countries’ involvement in its affairs. Often their interests diverged and the country suffered as a consequence. As of today, there is war weariness among all countries as well as among the stakeholders within Afghanistan. This looks like a good starting point to talk peace. And bring to an end this 17-year old war.