As the Taliban Turns
28 October 2008 10:56 am by Taylor Marsh
BY TAYLOR MARSH
David
Ignatius, the man responsible for the movie “Body of Lies,” which
is taken from his book, takes off where Obama’s interview with Joe Klein began.
Thinking deeper about negotiations with the Taliban.
How the worm turns: A few years ago, it would have been unthinkable that
the United States would consider any rapprochement with the Taliban militants
who gave sanctuary to Osama bin Laden as he planned the devastating attacks
of Sept. 11, 2001. But the painful experience of Iraq and Afghanistan has
convinced many U.S. commanders that if you can take an enemy off the battlefield
through negotiations, that’s better than getting pinned down in protracted
combat.
Well, no kidding.
Spencer
Ackerman has more, mining one particular segment of the Ignatius column.
When I read it, I found something else:
The Saudis have proposed a second round of discussions in Mecca in early
December, when the hajj pilgrimage season begins. U.S. officials are said
to be skeptical that anything useful will come from the exercise, but France
and Britain — increasingly worried about the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan
— appear to be encouraging the Saudi effort. Some Pakistani government and
army leaders are also supportive.
Wide regional belief that Afghanistan matters. That’s the only thing that will save that country. Because as much as I believe in added troops, we can’t do that unless there is a broader involvement with all countries across regions caring about the outcome, understanding that in the end killing won’t accomplish the goal.
What lies in the balance of turning Bush’s mess in Afghanistan into something manageable?
Nothing less than an Obama presidency, because the next leader will have to
make piece with one ugly reality. The U.S. will have to offer immunity to Taliban
fighters who aided Al Qaeda, just like we did in Iraq. McCain’s base would cry bloody murder. It’s why Republicans continue to fail at foreign policy in the modern era.
“At the end of the day, that’s how most wars end.”
– Robert Gates, Secretary of Defense
