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| Afghanistan |
| We should talk to Taliban: UK |
| 2008-03-30 |
| British Defence Secretary Des Browne has become the most senior serving member of a Western government to propose talks with Taliban and other Islamist radical groups, in a sign the 'clash of civilisations' phase may be moving towards the endgame. Browne told a British newspaper on Saturday that it was important the UK talked to elements within the Taliban in order to stabilize the world. Some elements within the Taliban, he said can be persuaded to change sides and this would relieve the intolerable pressure currently faced by the British armed forces as it struggles to fight on multiple fronts. Browne admitted the pressure was unsustainable, "We can't do this for ever and we aren't." Browne's proposal is seen to contradict his prime minister's very public refusal last year to talk to extremists in a bid to end the protracted, hearts-and-minds war-without-end with Islamist radicalism. In proposing to negotiate with the Taliban, the British defence secretary is seen to give ballast to an earlier suggestion by security minister Alan West and the former Downing Street chief of staff Jonathan Powell urging the UK to hold discussions with al-Qaida. But Browne did not countenance negotiations with al-Qaida, saying "their demand is an end to our way of life". Even so, security experts said the British defence secretary's proposed negotiations with the Taliban could be the start of a new Western policy of rapprochement with militant Islamist groups. Browne justified his suggestion by stressing that "the Taliban is a collective noun" and contained different strands, some of whom could be won over to the Western world view. Browne said, "We have to get people who have previously been on the side of the Taliban to come onto the side of the government (because) ...what you need to do in conflict resolution is to bring the people who believe that the answer to their political ambitions will be achieved through violence into a frame of mind that they accept that their political ambitions will be delivered by politics". |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #10 "a sign the 'clash of civilisations' phase may be moving towards the endgame" Peace for our time. |
| Posted by: Darrell 2008-03-30 17:19 |
| #9 The Alliance is done. The UK is too weak willed to go on and we are too broke to go it alone. |
| Posted by: Sock Puppet of Doom 2008-03-30 16:57 |
| #8 joe - thats gotta have a drink alert |
| Posted by: Frank G 2008-03-30 13:09 |
| #7 Go Regular! 0/RJ |
| Posted by: Zebulon Angavick7428 2008-03-30 12:49 |
| #6 "All shall tremble before my soft power," Des Browne roared through his nasal cavities. "Shutter in awe as I flex my mighty jaw muscles." (Clap, clap) "Cecil! Fetch me my stripe pants and ceremonial pen! For my fearless fleet of British negotiators ride at dawn!" |
| Posted by: regular joe 2008-03-30 10:10 |
| #5 This comment comes in the context of debates of NATO's future and role. The Browne position is/has been that the main issue in Afghanistan is reconstruction, a capable and honest police force and a strong central government. From their perspective, only 6% of Afghanis are in areas affected by Taliban violence and so the pressure is to end the drugs growing and somehow bring the Taliban into agreement w/ Kabul. Fat chance, I suspect - but that's the position. And it's backdrop for the Bucharest NATO meeting, which will be pretty contentious as the future (or not) of the alliance is decided sort of. |
| Posted by: lotp 2008-03-30 07:59 |
| #4 talks with Taliban and other Islamist radical groups, in a sign the 'clash of civilisations' phase may be moving towards the endgame Browne: Please do not confuse proposing talks with hastening the endgame. And you can't talk with these folks. You must wipe them out or they will be back at your throat after they have regrouped. |
| Posted by: gorb 2008-03-30 03:33 |
| #3 Must have fired all the history teachers. |
| Posted by: Redneck Jim 2008-03-30 01:11 |
| #2 Chamberlain Lite. |
| Posted by: tipover 2008-03-30 00:24 |
| #1 Ah, yes - "peace in our time." Again. Is it something in the water over there? That whirring sound you hear is Churchill spinning in his grave. >:-( Here's my message you can take to the Tali-tubbies when you |
| Posted by: Barbara Skolaut 2008-03-30 00:24 |