Could Hamid Karzai Reconcile With The Taliban?

http://mimbari.livejournal.com/

January 28-2010:

Could Hamid Karzai Reconcile With The Taliban?

Ever since the US bombed the El Qaeda camps in Afghanistan, and supported the Northern Alliance Mujadeen army, which eventually defeated or chased out the Taliban government in the Southern Regions of that country. Things have gone from bad
to worse politically, economically, regionally, and militarily for that country.

Governor General Hamid Karzai, was the result of the US influence and involvement in that country's current political climate and reality. This man's notoriety for corruption, is well known. And large segments of the population does not believe that he could mange that country effectively, or bring about national security either. And most would also like the US & NATO troops to permanently leave that country.

But they face a political and economic dilemma, mostly caused by the incursions of US and NATO troops therein, and are wary of the daily loss of citizen's lives in the hundreds. Most of which is caused from US and NATO Air strikes, coupled with radical Taliban suicide bombers on a daily basis.

Hamid Karzai Wants Taliban Inclusion:

The Taliban ruled this country with a strong hand according to their concept of SHARIA law. Women were brutally beaten, killed, acid thrown in their faces, and prevented from getting an education. When the Taliban government was overthrown, women were able to get some political and educational opportunities for self development and self-reliance, hitherto unheard of.

If the Taliban or some elements of that Pasthun clan is co-opted into the government. Chances are, they will not allow themselves to play second fiddle to Hamid Karzai's directives of policies indefinitely. These people experienced governance before, and will strive clandestinely to regain that power once again. Furthermore, it is the view of most Taliban elements, both radical and moderate, that all foreigners MUST be eradicated from their midst. Most Afghans also share this view too.

But their hands are tied currently with certain realities.

National Insecurity & Economic Depression:

This country's population are by and large illiterate. Most of these people live in the rural or agrarian regions. Poverty is rife in most regions, education and educational opportunities for most Afghan children is non-existent to say the least.

Historically, this country was ruled by Ethnic Clan Chiefs or Strong Men. These warlords hold sway in their respective domains. Whatever the Strongman says is believed, respected, and followed. Failing to do so, results in beatings or even death.

There was never in Afghanistan any strong Centralized Government, and the concept of Democracy is very foreign to these people. And most cannot conceptualize what it is, or how exactly to apply it, or make it applicable to the Afghan reality.

Derryck S. Griffith.
NYC.