Afghanistan peace plan that would increase Pakistan’s role

[unhappycamper]

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2012/12/08/176825/afghanistan-considering-peace.html


Afghanistan peace plan that would increase Pakistan’s role
By Jonathan S. Landay | McClatchy Newspapers
Posted on Saturday, December 8, 2012

WASHINGTON — The Afghan government is pursuing an ambitious new peace initiative in which Pakistan would replace the United States in arranging direct talks between the warring sides and the Taliban would be granted government posts that effectively could cede to them political control of their southern and eastern strongholds.

If implemented, the plan would diminish the role of the United States in the peace process, but would still leave Washington with input on a number of critical issues, including the terms for initiating negotiations. Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Great Britain also would be involved.

The plan envisions ending the war by 2015 through a ceasefire and negotiations in the second half of next year, most likely in Saudi Arabia. Pakistan would help select the leaders of the Taliban and other rebel groups who would take part in the negotiations with the Afghan government. The effort, the plan says, should be conducted “through one consistent and coherent channel,” a measure that would secure a role for Afghan President Hamid Karzai after the end of his term following April 2014 elections.

Another provision would give the insurgents a voice on “issues related . . . to the withdrawal” of the U.S.-led NATO force by the end of 2014.




unhappycamper comment: It would much easier to declare 'Victory' and leave Afghanistan. (We are spending over $100 billion dollars a year in this enduring occupation.)