Pak under US pressure to end Afghan war

Speaking before the senate sub-committee on Asia and the Pacific here yesterday, he said one of his highest priorities would be to seek some diplomatic initiatives in coordination with the United Nations to end the Afghan conflict.

The US, he said, believes that Pakistan has the greatest influence with the Taliban, having recognised Taliban first as the government of the country. Saudi Arabia also has interests and influence with the Taliban. It could use its influence as well.

“We are talking very intensively with the Pakistanis,” said Inderfurth, “to see whether or not they will be able to use their influence and leverage with the Taliban to move it towards a cease fire and negotiated settlement.”

The countries that assist the factions one way or another (Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Russia were mentioned in this connection) have influence and leverage to deal with the situation inside Afghanistan, he said.

The 18-year war in Afghanistan, Inderfurth said, has not only devastated the country but now is exacerbating differences among ethnic and sectarian groups inside and outside the borders. The continuing conflict invites interference by other states and even individuals.

“An Afghanistan in anarchy,” Inderfurth warned, “cannot address problems like narcotics, arms-trafficking and terrorism that affect the region and indeed the world.”