Afghan Vice President Stresses Peace as Taliban Launches Further Attacks
Spring, a season often associated with fresh starts, has a very different meaning in Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, the start of Spring is synonymous with the beginning of a repeated cycle of unrest and warfare. As the weather warms and the opium is harvested, it’s time for the Taliban’s attacks to begin.
This year however, Vice President of Afghanistan Ahmad Zia Massoud claims that the nation’s forces are better trained and equipped than before and that significant efforts are being made for peace with the Taliban. He boasts that Afghanistan’s security is “Better than ever”.
Just over two weeks ago, on March 13, 2015, Vice President Massoud shared that the Taliban seemed eager to sit with government representatives and search for a diplomatic solution. However, the Taliban replied stating it refuses to have a peace talk with the Afghan government until all foreign forces have been moved, or withdrawn from Afghanistan.
On Monday, March 30, Ahmad Zia Massoud stated, “The Taliban…could be involved in the political process in Afghanistan so that stability can be established in the country.”
The statement is just one of many futile offers made by the Afghan government to the Taliban in an attempt to end the violence.
Just hours before the Vice President’s claims of a more peaceful state, 9 Afghan soldiers were killed in a series of Taliban attacks across six different provinces. According to a daily operational update report, in addition to the attacks, 62 roadside bombs and land mines were found and diffused.
Later on March 30th, another fight between militants and the police erupted in the province of Kunduz. In this conflict, however, reports say that there were nine militant casualties and none for the local police. The increased conflict in Afghanistan is now preventing civilians in the Helmand and Kandahar provinces from accessing the main power supply.
While the claims of peace with the Taliban may be weak, Afghanistan’s relationship with Turkey has grown stronger. In the same statement Moussad declared, “The relations between Turkey and Afghanistan are founded on friendship, and the two countries enjoy strong, historical ties.” In October of 2014, Turkey providedAfghanistan with $150 Million dollars for development aid, committed to taking over management of the Kabul airport, and agreed to station troops in Afghanistan for two more years. Turkey has also demonstrated a desire to set up a Taliban office for peace talks on multiple occassions. Given that Turkey has repeatedly expressed an interest in mediating Afghan and Taliban negotiations, expanded Turkish investment may explain Vice President Massoud’s statements.
In Afghanistan the words being spoken by the government are in direct contradiction with the actions being taken by the Taliban. Despite claims from the government that they are working towards peace with the Taliban, and even suggesting that the Taliban get involved in the country’s politics, continuous attacks and use of violence suggest otherwise.
