Diplomatic offensive in pipeline for finding solution to Afghan crisis

Islamabad, Sept 19 (ANI): The United States, Pakistan and some Arab nations have launched a massive diplomatic offensive to find a viable solution to the Afghan problem.

According to one Western diplomat who has been at the forefront as a fixer, the main thrust of the offensive is to set up a broad-based government in Afghanistan, with Taliban as one of its components, the Daily Times reports.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai is set to initiate the reconciliation process with the Taliban and other Afghan warring factions.

Earlier, United States Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke visited Pakistan, followed by Karzai and NATO Commander General Petraeus, and met Pakistan COAS General Ashfaq Kayani and ISI Director General (ISI) Lt. Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha.

"They had come to sought Pakistan's help to break a deal with the Taliban and nudge Karzai to deal with Taliban," said top Foreign Ministry sources.

"The Americans have practically accepted Pakistan's stance that the Taliban are a reality in Afghanistan," a source said.

However, a Taliban spokesman denied that negotiations are actually in the pipeline.

"Ameerul Momineen Mullah Omer and Taliban will only come to the negotiating table when the US and coalition forces leave Afghanistan," he said. (ANI)