'Somethin’s movin’ up in them thar hills!'

(FB Ali)-"... Turkey, the (not unwilling) leader, by default, of the Muslim world, has been involved for some time in the Afghan war imbroglio.... The continuation of the Afghan war with no victory in sight for either side has brought about changes in the attitudes of the holdouts against a peace deal. The Taliban now appear willing to explore that avenue, as does the US. The administration seems to have now concluded that, since a military victory in Afghanistan is not achievable (not least because Pakistan has not cleared the insurgents from its tribal areas) nor is it politically feasible to continue the war indefinitely, a negotiated peace is the only viable alternative...

Pakistan was now going to facilitate and fully support Karzai’s peace negotiations with the insurgents, and would be part of the process. Even though there were nominal references to the US role, the inference was clear that Pakistan had now decided to fully back Karzai and cut the US out of the peace loop. Doubtless, Karzai gave the Pakistanis assurances regarding their security concerns.

It can be expected that the Taliban will soon be permitted to open an office in Turkey, and negotiations for an end to the Afghan war will proceed there between the regional parties, facilitated by the Turks. Even though this process would be based on the premise of an eventual withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan (with the resultant loss of US influence in the region), the US will find it difficult (on both domestic and foreign policy grounds) to oppose it.

So, keep your eyes open ‒ somethin’s movin’ up in them thar hills!"