A lot of times, someone starts out as a common street thug, gains some public notice and notoriety and they then become financially secure. When this happens, they become civilized and integrate into society. Look at most of your popular rappers - 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg or Jay Z to name just a few. They started out on the streets but are now multi-millionaires and as for integrating into society, they put out Christmas albums and Children's albums. Quite the shift from their roots.
Same thing seems to be happening in the Middle East with the Taliban. From the United States Department of State:
Next Steps Toward a U.S. Agreement with the Taliban
The United States and the Taliban have been engaged in extensive talks to facilitate a political settlement to end the war in Afghanistan, reduce United States and Allied Forces presence, and ensure that no terrorist group ever uses Afghan soil to threaten the United States or our allies.
In recent weeks, in consultation with the Government of National Unity, U.S. negotiators in Doha have come to an understanding with the Taliban on a significant and nationwide reduction in violence across Afghanistan. Upon a successful implementation of this understanding, signing of the U.S.-Taliban agreement is expected to move forward. We are preparing for the signing to take place on February 29. Intra-Afghan negotiations will start soon thereafter, and will build on this fundamental step to deliver a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire and the future political roadmap for Afghanistan. The only way to achieve a sustainable peace in Afghanistan is for Afghans to come together and agree on the way forward.
Challenges remain, but the progress made in Doha provides hope and represents a real opportunity. The United States calls on all Afghans to seize this moment.
The United States thanks the State of Qatar and all other allies and partners for their support of peace in Afghanistan.
This is a major seismic shift. The Taliban have arisen as the top dog in Afghanistan and we have gone to them and said essentially, rule Afghanistan peacefully and we will have your back. Allow for terrorism and we will wipe you off the face of this planet. Looks like the Taliban has matured and is amenable to this wisdom. Great news.
I was a bit too young to travel over there during the golden years of the 1960's - it was a hippie paradise back then. Maybe they will be open to tourism in a few years - gorgeous country from what I have seen.
Leave a comment