A deal with no peace: US-Taliban deal will not by itself bring about civilians’ hope for an end to Afghanistan’s long-running war

Authors

Erika Simpson, University of Western Ontario (Western University)Follow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-6-2019

Journal

London Free Press

Abstract

The article examines the recent U.S.-Taliban agreement reached in Doha, which aims to initiate a phased withdrawal of American and NATO troops from Afghanistan and pave the way for peace negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghan government. Despite the historic nature of the agreement, there are significant concerns about its effectiveness in ending the long-running conflict. The Taliban have stated they will continue their fight against the Afghan government, raising doubts about lasting peace. The article highlights the geopolitical motivations behind the agreement, including the upcoming U.S. elections and Afghan general elections. It also discusses the historical context of NATO’s involvement in Afghanistan, including Canada’s contributions and sacrifices. The authors emphasize the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to ensure a durable peace and address the ongoing violence and instability affecting Afghan civilians.

Notes

First published in London Free Press.