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Afghan Leaders Weigh In on Taliban's Propects

Ayaz Gul

   ISLAMABAD - Top leaders of Afghanistan's Tajik community warn if the
   Taliban fail to deliver on theirrecentcommitment to form an "inclusive"
   government in Kabul, they will not be able to maintain their hold on
   power.

   These former staunch Taliban foes, however, say they are willing to
   cooperate with all factions in the country to help bring much needed
   peace to Afghanistan.

   Former Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani, who heads Afghanistan's
   Jamiat-e-Islami party, andformer diplomat Ahmad Wali Massoud, brother
   of slain commander Ahmad Shah Massoud,who waged a strong insurgency
   against the Taliban's rule in the 1990s, spoke to VOAreporter Ayaz Gul
   about peace prospectsdays after the Taliban took control of the
   country.

   The transcript has been edited for clarity.

   VOA:What is your reaction to the Taliban regaining power and whether it
   can lead to peace in Afghanistan?

   Salahuddin Rabbani:The developments in the last few days were, as you
   said, very rapid and the situation is still very confusing and fluid.
   Will it result in peace?At the moment, of course, there's one group
   that is now responsible. But, as we have said, Afghanistan is a country
   that cannot be controlled (by one group) or one group cannot bring
   peace and stability. Ithas tohave anall-inclusivesystem that ensures
   socialjusticeinclusivity and the rights of all citizens. If they
   (theTaliban) agree on establishment of such a system, then allAfghans
   (could) work (together) tobring peace and stability to Afghanistan.

   VOA:What was your immediate response to
   President(Ashraf)Ghani'sdeparture from the country?

   Rabbani:Of coursehe did a big disservice to the people of Afghanistan.
   He betrayed his people, the very same people that he led for seven
   years. He left Afghanistan indisgraceand this will be part of his
   legacy for the rest of his life.

   VOA:Your brother, Ahmad Shah Massoud, waged a strong resistance to the
   Taliban's rule in the 1990s and, in fact, successfully defended areas
   under his control. Will you and your community be willing to reconcile
   with the Taliban now that they have regained power in Kabul?

   Ahmad Wali Massoud:We should learn from the past. Now, this is the
   time,if therearechallenges there is an opportunity as wellto move
   forwardbecause we should not be stuck in the past.Therefore, if the
   Taliban have come to thatrealizationthat they have changed, then they
   haveseeit with open heart to come andstarta dialogue with us to see
   what we can do for peace in Afghanistan. This is the timeto dothat. We
   cannot continue (fighting) for years and years to come because this is
   the 21st century and the whole worldhaschanged,Afghanistanhastochange
   as well because wehave toreally benefit fromtoday'sworldandnot to get
   stuck in the past.

   VOA:If you todaywerethe leader Afghanistan, would you put Ghani on
   trial for his alleged misrule or offer pardon him?

   Massoud:Hehas tocome (back to Afghanistan) one day to really answer to
   the people of Afghanistanon whyhe left the country, why he fled with
   the money, why there was so much corruption (under his rule),
   whyhiscolleaguesfledwith him after doing so much corruption? Theywere
   corruptaswell;they are all responsible. So, to pardon him, it's
   injustice to the people of Afghanistan.

   VOA:President(Joe)Biden says theU.S.gave ANDSF(Afghan security
   forces)money, equipment and training but could not have bought them the
   will to fight the Taliban?

   Massoud:Yes, of course, theygavethe money, theygivethe equipment, but
   at the same time they gave us the leadership as well. That was a failed
   leadership.

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