By Suhail Shaheen
Former Chief Editor of the Kabul Times
October 27, 2009 - Despite the Afghani Taliban's fierce resistance against the foreign troops and the government, they have moved onto adopting a more pragmatic approach of good relations towards their regional neighbors. The upcoming run-off elections between incumbent president Karzai and his opponent Dr. Abdullah, have not seemingly affected the movement's view of the US occupation and any US-backed regime.
Our contributor Mr. Suhail Shaheen tracks such a turning point in the strategic outlook of the Taliban that is consciously moving away from Idealism towards a Realist agenda of regional relations.
Mullah Muhammad Omar's last Eid Message, was quite different from his previous messages in content and tone. It indicated a shift in Taliban's general policy and approach towards neighboring countries, the US and Europe.
The Taliban's leader, in his message, assured Afghanistan's neighboring countries that the Taliban will not harm them if they gain political power but rather will develop relations based on mutual cooperation. He said: "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan wants to maintain good and positive relations with all neighbors based on mutual respect and open a new chapter of good neighborliness of mutual cooperation and development."
In the same tone, he assured China, India and Russia that the Taliban is going to play positive role in establishing peace and stability in the region. He added: “We consider the whole region as a common home against colonialism and want to play our role the peace and stability of the region."
In the same direction on October. 7, the Taliban issued a statement on the eighth anniversary of the American aerial attack on Afghanistan, which further elucidated the Taliban's new policy: "We announce to all, that our aim is obtainment of independence and establishment of an Islamic system. We did not have any intention to harm other countries including Europe nor do we have such an agenda today." FULL STORY
Former Chief Editor of the Kabul Times
October 27, 2009 - Despite the Afghani Taliban's fierce resistance against the foreign troops and the government, they have moved onto adopting a more pragmatic approach of good relations towards their regional neighbors. The upcoming run-off elections between incumbent president Karzai and his opponent Dr. Abdullah, have not seemingly affected the movement's view of the US occupation and any US-backed regime.
Our contributor Mr. Suhail Shaheen tracks such a turning point in the strategic outlook of the Taliban that is consciously moving away from Idealism towards a Realist agenda of regional relations.
Mullah Muhammad Omar's last Eid Message, was quite different from his previous messages in content and tone. It indicated a shift in Taliban's general policy and approach towards neighboring countries, the US and Europe.
The Taliban's leader, in his message, assured Afghanistan's neighboring countries that the Taliban will not harm them if they gain political power but rather will develop relations based on mutual cooperation. He said: "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan wants to maintain good and positive relations with all neighbors based on mutual respect and open a new chapter of good neighborliness of mutual cooperation and development."
In the same tone, he assured China, India and Russia that the Taliban is going to play positive role in establishing peace and stability in the region. He added: “We consider the whole region as a common home against colonialism and want to play our role the peace and stability of the region."
In the same direction on October. 7, the Taliban issued a statement on the eighth anniversary of the American aerial attack on Afghanistan, which further elucidated the Taliban's new policy: "We announce to all, that our aim is obtainment of independence and establishment of an Islamic system. We did not have any intention to harm other countries including Europe nor do we have such an agenda today." FULL STORY
