Former EU diplomat says Taliban not ready to change under any pressure.
Michael Semple, the former deputy special envoy of the European Union for Afghanistan, has criticized the Doha talks, calling them “inconclusive” and emphasizing that there is no hope of changing Taliban policies through these talks.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, July 28, Semple stated that instead of focusing on resolving the Afghan crisis, the Doha talks have become a forum for foreign diplomats to talk, and all parties are aware of their futility.
He called the Doha process “an opportunity to pass the time” and said: “These meetings are not a dialogue between Afghans, but negotiations between foreign governments who themselves know that they will not lead to significant change.”
Michael Semple went on to add that although many countries oppose the restrictions imposed by the Taliban, none are willing to openly confront or put effective pressure on the group.
According to the former diplomat, the absence of a strong opposition within Afghanistan has caused the Taliban to feel neither internal pressure nor serious international pressure; as a result, they see no reason to change their behavior and policies.
Stressing the need to create an inclusive popular movement, he called political support and mobilization of public opinion crucial to overcoming the current impasse.
These statements come on the eve of the new Doha meeting; a meeting that, according to the UNAMA spokesperson, will be held today and tomorrow in the capital of Qatar with the participation of representatives of the Taliban, UN member states, and national and international experts – including women and men.
