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Seeking Talks, US May Allow Taliban Political Party

Some could run for office, but power-sharing impossible: diplomat

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 22, 2009 12:35 PM CDT
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(Newser) – In an effort to establish a dialogue with the Taliban, the US may allow the militant group to create a political party or be represented by election candidates, the Guardian reports. Other options include removing Taliban leaders from UN blacklists, releasing prisoners, and revising Afghanistan’s constitution. But there’s “no way there could be power-sharing or an enclave" for the Taliban, said a US diplomat.

“There is room for discussion on the formation of political parties or running for elections. That is very different from shooting your way into power,” says the US ambassador to Afghanistan. "Insurgencies, like all wars, end when there is an agreement,” he tells the Guardian, adding that insurgents haven’t shown an inclination to make a deal yet. "They have said 'No start of negotiations without prior departure of foreign forces.' That's not serious. Let's get serious." Such plans would accompany continued military action.

US Ambassador to Afghanistan William Wood speaks during a press conference at the U.S. embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008.
US Ambassador to Afghanistan William Wood speaks during a press conference at the U.S. embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008.   (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)
Former Taliban militants hold their weapons during a ceremony to hand them over to the Afghan government, March 10, 2009.
Former Taliban militants hold their weapons during a ceremony to hand them over to the Afghan government, March 10, 2009.   (AP Photo/Fraidoon Pooyaa)
Afghan police patrol near the wreckage of a car used by suicide bomber, outside the main US military base in Bagram, north of Kabul, Afghanistan, March 4, 2009. The Taliban claimed responsibility.
Afghan police patrol near the wreckage of a car used by suicide bomber, outside the main US military base in Bagram, north of Kabul, Afghanistan, March 4, 2009. The Taliban claimed responsibility.   (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
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Afghanistan • Taliban • political party • candidate • peace talks • election • dialogue • Afghanistan war

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