Source:
Christian Science MonitorAn exit strategy for Obama in AfghanistanWith American support for the war in Afghanistan slipping, President Obama may be tempted to implement an easy exit strategy before next year's fall elections for Congress.
What might that strategy be? Negotiated deals with different Taliban leaders that would splinter their followers.But it's a peace path with potential potholes.
The idea gained traction this week after a reported truce between a Taliban group in Badghis Province and the Afghan government of President Hamid Karzai. (The main Taliban spokesman denied the deal.)
In addition, the British foreign secretary, David Miliband‚ gave a speech that laid out a strategy to
"fragment the various elements of the insurgency, and turn those who can be reconciled to live within the Afghan constitution."For both the United States and Britain, July has been the deadliest month for troop casualties since the 2001 US-led invasion ousted Al Qaeda and drove the Taliban from power. Leaders in both Western countries face new pressures to end their involvement in the conflict.
Not wanting to define the terms of a US "victory" in Afghanistan, Mr. Obama says the main goal is simply preventing Al Qaeda from operating there again. Many in the Taliban, who have had an uneasy relationship with Al Qaeda, may agree with him.
As Richard Holbrooke, Obama's chief envoy to the region, told the BBC: "There is room in Afghan society for all those fighting with the Taliban who renounce Al Qaeda and its extremist allies, who lay down their arms, and who participate in the political life of the country."
What is also helping drive the idea of making deals with the Taliban is the Aug. 20 election in Afghanistan for president and provincial council members. Large crowds are turning out for many of the 39 candidates. (President Karzai appears the favorite to win.)
Taliban leaders lack popularity among Afghans because of their ruthless rule during the 1990s. And despite their recent military successes against NATO troops, the election only showcases their political weakness. Many among the Taliban may be tempted to eventually join the democratic process in hopes of regaining power – in a similar way that Sunni insurgents did in Iraq, which caused that war to ebb in 2007.
more:
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0728/p08s02-comv.htmlThe Taliban are reacting to this possible strategy:
Source::
Military.comTaliban Adopts a 'Code of Conduct'CAIRO --
Afghanistan's Taliban pledged to limit suicide attacks in newly-issued code of conduct for its militants."Suicide attacks should be used only at high and important targets ... Utmost efforts should be made to avoid civilian casualties," says a book, "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Rules for Mujahideen," a copy of which was acquired Monday by the pan-Arab al-Jazeera TV.
The book, with 13 chapters and 67 articles, lays out rules that govern the movement fighters and differentiates between what they are allowed and not allowed to do.While the Taliban have repeatedly resorted to suicide bombings across Afghanistan, the books talks of limiting suicide attacks, avoiding casualties among civilians and working to win the battle for the hearts of the local civilian population.
The book also forbids the formation of any new militias or armed groups and calls for disbanding any group that refuses to join the main structure of the movement.
Mullah Omar, the group leader, was quoted in the book as saying that "If unofficial groups or irregular battalions refuse to join the formal structure, they should be disbanded."Meanwhile, the book gives the full autonomy and freedom for provincial rulers to decide operations they need to conduct and how to run the territories under their control.
more:
http://www.military.com/news/article/taliban-adopt-a-code-of-conduct.html?col=1186032310810
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