According to reports from the Daily Mail, Britain’s MI6 was involved in peace negotiations with the Taliban over the summer. This is a surprising report given the UK’s tough non-negotiation policy against fundamentalist groups such as the Taliban. If this allegation turns out to be true, not only it would be an embarassment for Downing Street but it would also prove Britain’s frustration with the escalation of violence across Afghanistan.

There are two views to the alleged negotiations. Firstly, with the mounting losses among British NATO forces, the government wants to enter into some sort of ceasefires with the Taliban who seem to be growing in numbers and confidence with every passing minute. Harsh terrain and mounting insurgent attacks are having a toll on the British morale. Furthermore, the British public wants to see the troops back home and public opinion suggests that the country is fighting an endless battle with the Taliban and the Al Qaeda which may take a worse turn in the course of time.

Secondly, some analysts within the British government say that the negotiations were a part of the wider strategy to persuade some armed rebels to give up their arms in return for hefty incentives. The British and the Afghan government want to disband the Taliban internally by making conservative Tribal leaders aware of the fundamentalist group’s threats to the country’s various provinces.

But no doubt, London is concerned about the mounting stress on the Royal army due to the bruising war, particularly after the withdrawal of various coalition troops following domestic pressure and Talibani tactics. It would be of no surprise if the reports turn out to be true and there is every chance that the Afghan government would enter into future talks with the Taliban.

Source and Image Link: Telegraph