Karzai’s pragmatism: From hostility to courting Taliban

Ahmed Adel

In a pragmatic form, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai described the ruling Taliban movement in his country as brothers, stressing that he has a good relationship with them.

The BBC quoted Karzai as saying in an interview that the contacts he had recently made with the movement were very good on many issues.

Karzai, who was president of Afghanistan from 2001 to 2004 and then waged war on the movement, said, “I see the Taliban very often as brothers, and I see all other Afghans as brothers,” explaining that the country must unite now. “We are a people and a nation. All Afghans are suffering,” he added.

Karzai expressed optimism that women and girls would soon be able to return to schools, universities and the workplace, which is currently prohibited by the Taliban, adding about the Taliban leaders, “They agree with us and understand it, and I say it will happen, although no date has been set.”

The former Afghan president also called on Afghans fleeing abroad after the Taliban regained control of the country in August to return home and help rebuild Afghanistan.

In response to a question whether he had a message to US President Joe Biden, Karzai said, “It is better that they come and help the Afghan people. They, their allies, and the international community must help Afghanistan rebuild itself, and they must heal the wounds they inflicted on all fronts.”

Karzai’s role in negotiations

In August, Taliban leaders held meetings at the presidential palace and former government offices with former officials who remained in Kabul, including Karzai, former High Council for National Reconciliation leader Abdullah Abdullah, and Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, a former politician and mujahideen leader.

For the Taliban, a political agreement with rivals could help them avoid being ostracized internationally, while former Afghan officials see a potential deal returning them to power through a new government.

In turn, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that the meetings with the former Afghan officials were an attempt to get their advice on the future government so that Afghanistan can form a responsible government that serves everyone.

A former Afghan official who attended the meetings said that Taliban leaders confirmed that they wanted to form a joint government. The official, who asked not to be identified, added, “The Taliban say they cannot control the country without our help.”

Regarding the reasons for this flexibility from the Taliban, the official explained that the main point is money, as well as the fear of pressure from the international community, in reference to sanctions, cuts in international aid and the inability to do business.

Calls for peaceful dialogue

In September, Karzai urged the Taliban and opposing forces in the Panjshir Valley to engage in peaceful dialogue and lay down their arms.

Karzai said through his Twitter account that “despite the attempts of the reformists, military operations and fighting began in Panjshir, and I do not see that the consequences of this will be in the interest of the country and the people.”