Following a week-long ‘reduction in violence’ during which insurgency-related deaths were drastically reduced, on Saturday the US and the Taliban signed a pact which paves the way for long-awaited intra-Afghan peace talks to begin. At the same time, international donors are preparing for a major pledging conference, likely to be held this November, which should signal their willingness to support a sustained and meaningful peace process. Peace talks have taken place, and accords been signed, on a number of occasions in Afghanistan’s recent history. All have failed. Drawing on new research, three experts from our Lessons for Peace project reflect on what donors must learn from past experiences to change the way they approach this next crucial stage in supporting peace in Afghanistan. |
