Afghanistan: Taliban Reject Karzai Security Guarantee

Sensing weakness on the part of Afghan President Hamid Karzai's government, representatives of the Taliban movement are talking tough. The radical Islamic group on November 17 brushed off a security guarantee offered by Karzai in order to enter into peace talks, saying that such negotiations can begin only after the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan.

Karzai extended his offer on November 16, saying that he would guarantee the safety of Taliban leader Mullah Omar to attend peace talks. Karzai apparently made the offer in defiance of the United States and other nations who have troop contingents in Afghanistan. "I, as the president of Afghanistan, will go to any length providing protection," Karzai said. "If I say I want protection for Mullah Omar, the international community has two choices: remove me or leave if they disagree."

The Taliban, by rejecting Karzai's offer, solved any dilemma that might have confronted Washington. Even so, a State Department official hinted that the US government was not amused with Karzai's freelance diplomacy.

"One can't imagine the circumstances where you have the senior leadership of the Taliban -- that there would be any safe passage with respect to US forces," said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack.

In October, the Pentagon expressed firm opposition to the notion of engagement with the Taliban. "We, as a government, do not believe that Mullah Omar is somebody you reconcile with," said Geoff Morrell, the Pentagon press secretary.

Karzai's offer was merely the latest move in which his administration has tried to engage moderate Taliban elements. He is on record as willing to talk to any insurgent leader who is willing to pledge allegiance to Afghanistan's constitution. In September, the president's brother, Qayum, attended a dinner in Saudi Arabia, hosted by King Abdullah, at which top Taliban leaders also were present.

Experts say Karzai's efforts to reach out to the Taliban are driven by a desire to bolster his political position in advance of forthcoming parliamentary and presidential elections in Afghanistan.