Revealed: secret Taliban peace bid

[cal04]

Saudis are sponsoring a peace dialogue involving a former senior member of the hardline group
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/sep/28/afghanistan.defence

The Taliban have been engaged in secret talks about ending the conflict in Afghanistan in a wide-ranging 'peace process' sponsored by Saudi Arabia and supported by Britain, The Observer can reveal.

The unprecedented negotiations involve a senior former member of the hardline Islamist movement travelling between Kabul, the bases of the Taliban senior leadership in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and European capitals. Britain has provided logistic and diplomatic support for the talks - despite official statements that negotiations can be held only with Taliban who are ready to renounce, or have renounced, violence.

Sources in Afghanistan confirmed the controversial talks, though they said that in recent weeks they had 'lost momentum'. According to Afghan government officials in Kabul, the intensity of the fighting this summer has been one factor. Another is the inconsistency of the Taliban's demands.

'They keep changing what they are asking for. One day it is one thing, the next another,' one Afghan government adviser with knowledge of the negotiations said. One aim of the initiative is to drive a wedge between Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

[gordianot]

1. Could the Taliban be afraid of a Democratic President who is really targeting them?

Some of the old guard in the CIA have wanted Osama and company for years. Maybe they will be allowed to finally proceed.

[Bobbieo]

2. It is hard to believe Osama is still alive as ill as he

was a few years ago.