Taliban Dismisses Political Negotiations with Opponents as Unviable

Shahabuddin Delawar, head of the Commission for Contact with Afghan Personalities, has deemed any negotiation with opposing factions as impossible, interpreting it as a de facto recognition of these groups.

The Taliban Rejects Political Dialogue with Opponents

In a recent statement, Shahabuddin Delawar, the head of the Commission for Contact with Afghan Personalities, dismissed the possibility of political negotiations with opposing factions, emphasizing that such discussions would imply acknowledging them as an independent political force in Afghanistan.

Speaking to the media, Delawar asserted that the Taliban does not recognize these opponents as legitimate participants in political discourse, reducing the number of such figures to a mere insignificance. Having previously served on the Taliban’s negotiating team in Qatar, he referenced the Doha Agreement, clarifying that it contains no commitments for establishing an inclusive government or upholding women’s rights.

The Taliban’s Firm Stance on Political Discussions

This Taliban official stressed that the claims being made are merely unfounded allegations. The Doha Agreement, signed in March 2020 between the United States and the Taliban, was intended to set the stage for intra-Afghan talks in September 2020. However, these discussions ultimately failed due to disagreements over political structure and power-sharing.

No Recognition of Political Opponents by the Taliban

Delawar’s remarks align with recent statements made by Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, who had previously declared any political processes or negotiations with opponents and armed groups as unfeasible. Muttaqi also noted that all citizens of the country have the right to return to their homeland and live without fear or threats.