The continued bombing of Taliban targets by Nato forces is no way to drive a political strategy for the future of Afghanistan. When US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton embraced a new political realism and announced in February that the United States was willing to talk to the Taliban, things seemed to be about to change. But unfortunately nothing has happened since then. The US has not launched a powerful round of diplomacy in the region that would be essential to coordinate efforts among Afghanistan's neighbours.
Military thinking has continued to dominate Nato's political strategy, with the hardline generals personified by General David Petraeus insisting that continued military surges and drone attacks are vital to defeat the Taliban before talks can start. The military mind is not accustomed to admit failure, and its domination of politicians over Afghanistan has forced Nato into the ludicrous position of arguing that it can impose a political solution on Afghan people.
The few tentative talks that have happened are understandably held in secret and no announcement has been made. If the hardline Taliban leaders know that one of their colleagues is talking to the United States, or to the Karzai government, they are very likely to kill him. Therefore the need for secrecy is obvious.
However, it is important that the Nato allies and the Karzai government give those Taliban who are willing to talk, some reason to do so. Those Taliban who want a negotiated settlement (and there are a growing number who do) need to show that they will gain something for their effort. The drone attacks are top of the average Pashtun's hate list, and all too many will have seen the missiles falling from the skies, often killing civilians. Their continued use fatally weakens any political initiative.
