In the following you read the opinions and views of the two Kabul University lecturers Mr. Nasrullah Stanekzai, professor of law and political science at Kabul University and Sayed Masood, professor of Economics at Kabul University about the reconciliation and talks with the anti-government forces. Their viewpoints are placed together about the two same questions.

Interviewer: Jawad Naji

First question: What are those serious differences between the government and the insurgents that can potentially fail or delay the process of national reconciliation?

Stanakzai: It is natural that there are disagreements on the issues of governance, rule of law and human rights between the government and the anti-government forces. There are two categories of anti-government groups:

1.The ideologist group

2 .The traditional group

It is clear that ideological group has its own strong views on governance and human rights issues. This difference of ideology has put both sides in conflict. Negotiation with such a group that has contacts with Al-Qaida and have a particular ideology will never be possible. However negotiation with the second group which is more traditional is possible if the government works hard in that regard. If the Afghan government and its international allies work harder, then this issue will be resolved. It is said that the Afghan constitution will remain unchanged and if talks continue according to constitution then all the anxieties will be over. However, if it is out of the framework of constitution then there will be problems.

The possibility of negotiation depends on the force and power of government. If the Afghan government acts powerfully then we will get closer to peace talks and peace process will be carried out better. If the government's position is weak, there is no possibility of negotiation. Or if the negotiation takes place as such then the anti-government forces will achieve more than the government. The international factor is also important in this regard. How will the international players act in this issue? Do they consider their political interests or the civil and legal-values that Afghan people have achieved during past ten years. In this regard, the deal and the role of West are so important.

Massoud: The Taliban is not an incidental phenomenon but is a group that was formed amongst the mujahedin based on a specific strategy by world powers in the South Asian region. The government of Afghanistan also did not come out of an incident or the world didn’t come to Afghanistan to bring democracy for this people. To the contrary, they (international community) came as a consequence of the 11 September which itself was the result of a big intelligence plan

I think that both sides (government and the opposition) are supported by the international powers and with the support of international and regional powers have recruited men and shown strength. Apparently it looks like there is a serious contradiction in the views of opponents and the government on the human rights, social and political issues. The opponents refer the matters to Islamic and Sharia while their interpretation of Shria is different what we have learnt. Thus, they insist on fighting based on their interpretation of Sharia. For example, what Mrs. Clinton

talks about human rights is based on American feminism than the interpretation of insurgents. I think that these conflicting and different perceptions on human rights issues, governance and international relations exist but these thoughts originate from the same source.

Second question: How is the mechanism considered for reconciliation with the opponents? How is the justice addressed in this mechanism?

Stanackzai: This is not a good way to attract the opponents. There are some important things to be considered in order to bring peace: First, our statesmen must believe in peace. Second, the public opinion should be ready to embrace peace and third, the neighboring countries particularly those who are involved in the issue of Afghanistan must support the process of peace; otherwise we will reach nowhere. Moreover, we need more social peace than political. The political peace is fragile and can break any time. We must move towards social solutions to the problems. The government should help the civil society and explain the people of Afghanistan that we need peace.

In order to achieve peace the criminals should be tried and the government must start the process from within. There are many criminals in important posts inside the government. Should we send some people to the mountains to take arms against the government under the pretext of establishing justice? While during the civil war in Kabul 65 thousand people were killed and the culprits are sitting in the parliament, embassies and inside the government. Suppose we accept that Taliban beat 65 thousand people with sticks then shouldn’t we try those who killed people rather than those who only beat people? Therefore, it is essential to bring about a belief of transitional justice, at first, inside the government institutions and then decide how to deal with them (insurgents).

Massoud: The Taliban have a government project. They have experienced the ruling the country and they claim to make government. They have their own law. They don’t want to make a coalition government but they want to make their own government. Economic movements in Afghanistan cannot bring peace but the ideological and intellectual lines are more important. These ideological lines have roots in many counties like Iran and Arabic countries and Al-Qaida leads them. The insurgents cannot be attracted by financial means because they earn millions of dollars through cultivation and trafficking of narcotics. This is an old fashioned way of negotiation with the anti-government forces.

War and conflict in Afghanistan are based on these issues: the first is ideology and thought. The second is regional war. Afghanistan is not in a position to talk with the insurgents; rather it is the regional powers that are fighting in Afghanistan for their interest. Afghanistan is like a dead body that is lying in the battle ground between these powers and can’t do anything for itself. Unless there is peace between the regional powers, Afghanistan will not see peace.

Peace in Afghanistan is not a goal for regional powers rather it is a corridor to reach their objectives. Unless the conflicts between world powers are solved, there will be no peaceful solution for Afghanistan. Some activities that the government carries out about peace are only meant to show the people that here exists a government. Otherwise, everything is in the hands of foreigners.