After Taliban rule and a decade-long Nato-led military campaign, the question on most minds is: Where is Afghanistan heading? Despite claims of making progress in putting down the insurgency, ordinary Afghans are still powerless and without a unified voice. Even as foreign combat troops prepare to leave the country by the end of 2014, there are no signs of violence abating. In fact, the Taliban seem to be striking at will.
According to a survey, support for the Taliban among Afghans has steadily declined in recent years and people strongly back a government peace initiative. But the survey also showed a population weary of insecurity and corruption, and distressed by poverty. In such a scenario, the time is ripe for Afghan President Hamid Karzai to clearly state the direction in which he wants to take the country.
Karzai is convening a meeting of more than 2,000 of the country's leaders and elders in an attempt to cement support for an extended security agreement with the US, but with conditions. He has called for Afghanistan's relationship with the US to be that of two independent countries.
The traditional loya jirga gathering of provincial and ethnic representatives will also consider peace talks with the Taliban. But this too has been dismissed by parliamentarians as the meeting sidelines the legislature. The jirga is a good way to bring tribal leaders to accept a partnership agreement — provided the outcome is respected by everyone.
Karzai must first convince the people that he is capable of leading the country towards stability and ensure the security of the people. Second, talks for peace should continue despite setbacks. Posturing and rhetoric will not bring peace. Only a president who is willing to make sacrifices for peace will be able to ensure a stable Afghanistan.
