Leaked memo calls for reconciliation between the Afghan government and some Taliban leaders
UK officials have proposed a strategic reconciliation between the Afghan government and some Taliban leaders in the next two years, a leaked memo has showed.
The memo, seen by the BBC, calls for the removal of “reconciled Talibs” from the UN sanctions list.
It read: “We must weaken and divide the Taliban if we are to reduce the insurgency to a level that can be managed and contained by the Afghan Security Forces.
“This can be achieved by a combination of military pressure and clear signals that the option of an honourable exit from the fight exists.
“Putting in place the right combination of carrot and stick, at the right moment, will be critical to changing the calculations of individual commanders and their men.”
The Foreign Office refused to comment on the leaked documents.
The memo goes on to call for an Afghan-led, internationally based process that would involve reintegrating foot soldiers and their immediate commanders, the reintegration of the Taliban’s “shadow governors”, senior commanders and their forces and finally a reconciliation with the powerful Quetta Shura leadership.
New Statesman for more UK support for “Taliban reintegration” revealed in leaked memo
Leaked memo calls for reconciliation between the Afghan government and some Taliban leaders
UK officials have proposed a strategic reconciliation between the Afghan government and some Taliban leaders in the next two years, a leaked memo has showed.
The memo, seen by the BBC, calls for the removal of “reconciled Talibs” from the UN sanctions list.
It read: “We must weaken and divide the Taliban if we are to reduce the insurgency to a level that can be managed and contained by the Afghan Security Forces.
“This can be achieved by a combination of military pressure and clear signals that the option of an honourable exit from the fight exists.
“Putting in place the right combination of carrot and stick, at the right moment, will be critical to changing the calculations of individual commanders and their men.”
The Foreign Office refused to comment on the leaked documents.
The memo goes on to call for an Afghan-led, internationally based process that would involve reintegrating foot soldiers and their immediate commanders, the reintegration of the Taliban’s “shadow governors”, senior commanders and their forces and finally a reconciliation with the powerful Quetta Shura leadership.
New Statesman for more