WAR in Afghanistan attracted attention of the world in the eighties of the past century with the jihad of its people against the Soviet Union invasion and a similar attention was drawn during the American invasion twenty years ago. Now with the withdrawal of the US-led coalition forces from the war-torn country, outbreak of another wave of civil war between the government and the Taliban movement is taking place.
These are the wars that have disrupted life, displaced millions of people and halted development projects and left hundreds of thousands dead, wounded and disabled. With hectic diplomatic efforts, the immediate ceasefire is being sought but the armed conflict rages with not less than the wars which were witnessed before. Qatar as a country with great concerns over regional stability and security is continuing its efforts with its partners to press the Afghanistan warring parties to sacrifice and show flexibility to reach a deal before the conflict spirals out of control.
This is what the situation on the ground indicates as war has entered a new, deadlier, and more destructive phase with the advancement of Taliban forces continue to control more cities and headquarters of provinces in different parts of the country.
Qatar is hosting not only the intra-Afghan peace talks but also international meetings with participation of the most influential actors in the Afghan conflict including the US, the UK, the EU, the UN, China, Pakistan and Uzbekistan to press the negotiating Afghan parties and finding a way to come up with some kind of joint international plan to get things back on track and end the deadly violence.
Although nothing was revealed about the ongoing intra-Afghan peace process and dialogue in Doha, there is great hope that the two sides will reach an agreement that will spare blood, avoid further destruction and restore peace and stability in Afghanistan.
These are the ultimate goals of the State of Qatar which believes that the people of Afghanistan are the sole sovereign over the country and legitimacy is intheir hands.
Qatar along its visible roles in humanitarian interventions in areas affected by disasters and conflicts likes to uphold ethical standards rooted in deep religious conviction, moral obligation and a commitment to peace and stability stemming from its independent foreign policy.
The State of Qatar will continue its active involvement in mediation efforts and peacemaking efforts tirelessly to enable the people of Afghanistan enjoy peace and stability ending wars raging for over 40 years.
