Haqqani network chief talks about US-Taliban partnerships

Sirajuddin Haqqani, chief of Haqqani group targeting US-led coalition forces in Afghanistan, has given hints that partnerships with the United States are expected in the future if Washington agrees on peace deal and commitments.

Haqqani network chief and deputy commander of Afghan Taliban Sirajuddin Haqqani wrote an opinion piece on a US news website New York Times.

He quoted, “We are about to sign an agreement with the United States and we are fully committed to carrying out its every single provision, in letter and spirit,”

“What We, the Taliban, Want”

“Achieving the potential of the agreement, ensuring its success and earning lasting peace will depend on an equally scrupulous observance by the United States of each of its commitments. Only then can we have complete trust and lay the foundation for cooperation — or even a partnership — in the future,”

In addition to this, Sirajuddin Haqqani also talked briefly about peace talks between his groups and US representatives led by Zalmay Khalilzad in Doha Qatar. He said that the Taliban had not trusted Americans after 18 years of war and previous negotiations.

According to NYT, Haqqani wrote, “Nevertheless, we decided to try once more. The long war has exacted a terrible cost from everyone. We thought it unwise to dismiss any potential opportunity for peace no matter how meager the prospects of its success,” US State Department has designated Sirajuddin as “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” in 2008.

“For more than four decades, precious Afghan lives have been lost every day. Everyone has lost somebody they loved. Everyone is tired of war. I am convinced that the killing and the maiming must stop.”