Afghanistan: the game continues

It has to be asked, however, as to who will ensure that these players will remain under one roof for negotiations to deliberate upon a power-sharing arrangement. That is not known. What is known is the unhappiness of the official Afghan government regarding the entire process of negotiations between the US administration and the Taliban, as the latter has rejected the former as the legitimate rulers of Afghanistan. Without involving the official Afghan government in the negotiations process, the United States expects it to play a responsible role in dealing with the armed opposition groups in the country, particularly the Taliban. On the other hand, the non-Pashtun mujahidin groups in the northern parts of Afghanistan are waiting for an opportune moment to advance towards Kabul. Similarly, the Talibani elements with close links to the Al-Qaeda, who were excluded from the Doha negotiations and the signing of the deal, are likely to engage in more violence to derail the peace process. Many such Al-Qaeda inspired Talibani Jihadis may switch their allegiance to the Islamic State in Khorasan to pose a challenge to the newly emerging order in Afghanistan. The Talibani organizations that signed the agreement with the US have only made assurances on their part that there would be a significant reduction in violence, but have not promised an end to violence altogether. Therefore, it can be argued that the Doha Peace Deal has the potential to escalate violence in Afghanistan.