Change is Coming to Afghanistan

Afghanistan is changing, and hopefully for the better. Yesterday two rather important events happened, the ceremonial hanging over of the control of Afghanistan's security from NATO to Afghan forces and the revelation that the US will have direct talks with the Taliban. I am delighted with this news, I feel that it's only negotiations that will bring about peace. If the British government had never negotiated with the IRA, where would Northern Ireland be? It may not seem right to negotiate with terrorists but it saves lives. You also have to remember that this is a big step for the Taliban too, they hate us as much as we hate them. Unfortunately the Afghan government is not too happy as they have not been invited to the talks. Understandably angry the Afghan government has halted current security negotiations with America. Nonetheless, control of Afghan security has already been handed over from NATO.

The statements made by both sides gave me some hope, the White House said that the talks are the "first step on a long road to peace." In a press conference, Mohammad Sohail Shaheen, a Taliban spokesperson said the following:

"We must have good relations with all countries of the world."

I fear that talks may not work but we must hope that they will. If Afghanistan can move forward then there's hope for every troubled spot in the world.