Extremists try to gain leverage in Afghan peace negotiations

TEHRAN, April 28 (MNA) - The recent fatal attacks by the Taliban in several major Afghan cities, including in Kabul’s central diplomatic area, caused huge casualties and changed the security balance of the country. Some analysts described the attacks as a plan by the Taliban to win more attention, especially due to its ongoing negotiations with the foreign occupation forces which are being pursued in Doha. Others say that the attacks were favored by the western-backed government to prepare the ground for a continued military presence of the United States, which currently leads occupation forces in the country. Over past months, the U.S. and its allies have repeatedly expressed their concern about the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and the need for their continued military presence on Afghan soil. Recent attacks by Taliban served as proof to the inability of Afghan forces to control the situation on the ground, and can be used as a tool to convince the Afghan public about the need to sign a new strategic deal between their government and the U.S. On the day before the incident, the son of the late Burhanuddin Rabbani was named as chief of Afghanistan’s High Peace Council. The Taliban always disagreed with Rabbani, who tried to establish peace in the country; their view of his son will likely be similar and the recent attacks can even be regarded as a message for him. Bearing all this in mind, it can be said that both the Taliban and occupation forces are pairs of scissors which continue to deprive the afghan people of peace and security. Despite the recent massive attacks, the peace negotiations will continue as before and the two sides will use everything at their disposal to gain more leverage. It is only the Afghan people who continue to suffer. Ebrahim Taherian formerly served as Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan. (By Mohammad Ebrahim Taherian)