Afghan President: Government Must Be ‘Decision-Maker’ in Any Peace Deal, Reports Reuters

By Hamid Shalizi

KABUL – Afghan President Ashraf Ghani stated on Tuesday that any peace agreement between the Taliban and the United States must involve his government as the "decision-maker."

Ghani’s administration has been largely excluded from the ongoing negotiations between Taliban representatives and U.S. officials aimed at concluding over 17 years of conflict. The Taliban has labeled his government as merely a puppet of the U.S.

In a television interview, Ghani addressed the issue while Afghan opposition leaders, including former President Hamid Karzai, were meeting with Taliban representatives in Moscow. "At the end of any peace deal, the decision-maker will be the government of Afghanistan," he asserted during the interview with a prominent private television station.

He emphasized, "No power in the country can dissolve the government," and expressed his readiness to "stand and defend our country." "Rest assured that no one can push us aside," he added.

Both sides recently reported progress in discussions in Qatar, with U.S. peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad scheduled to meet Taliban representatives again. Ghani described his recent exchange with Khalilzad as fruitful and later tweeted that he had received assurances from U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo regarding Washington’s commitment to a lasting partnership with Afghanistan.

The U.S. military relationship, he noted, would remain steadfast until a lasting and inclusive peace was reached. In his recent State of the Union address, U.S. President Donald Trump characterized the peace negotiations as "constructive," suggesting that progress could allow for a reduction in the U.S. troop presence and a shift in focus toward counter-terrorism efforts.

"We do not know whether we will achieve an agreement – but we do know that after two decades of war, it is time to at least try for peace," Trump stated.

U.S. officials have indicated that any troop withdrawal is contingent upon a ceasefire, which the Taliban insists must occur first. Furthermore, the Taliban must be willing to engage in talks with the Afghan government to help establish a sustainable peace.

The Taliban, having intensified their attacks in recent years, currently controls or contests nearly half of Afghanistan’s districts. A ceasefire and the withdrawal of thousands of NATO troops are on the agenda, following prior assurances from the Taliban that they would prevent groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS from launching attacks against the U.S. and its allies.

However, Western diplomats and security advisers have expressed concerns that a rapid withdrawal of foreign forces could severely strain Afghan military capabilities. Ghani remarked positively on the Taliban’s willingness to cut ties with al-Qaeda and ISIS, calling it a promising development.

Before Ghani’s interview aired, U.S. General Joseph Votel testified before a Senate committee that the negotiations were still in their early stages and that the Afghan government must be part of any resolution. He also highlighted the need for continued U.S. financial support for Afghan security forces, even in the event of troop withdrawals.

Approximately 14,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Afghanistan as part of NATO’s Resolute Support mission, alongside 8,000 troops from 38 other countries involved in similar efforts.