With news of a ceasefire and a relative rapprochement between Taliban factions, questions are against rising about the prospect of returning to the Afghan peace process, which the Taliban was forced to abandon after Mullah Omar’s death was reported by the Afghan government.
Early indications aren’t great, as some commanders are said to be considering taking part in meetings in Pakistan, while others are resisting the call, which presents the same problem of representatives at the talk who can’t really deliver on promises of a broad ceasefire.
Mullah Mansour, the leader of the Taliban’s main faction, is said to be largely supportive of the idea, and wants to sent Sirajuddin Haqqani, though Haqqani is said to fear for his safety and not want to publicly attend himself.
Mullah Rasool, the leader of the splinter faction, is still resisting the idea of peace talks, saying the fight must continue until the Taliban is returned to power. Even with a ceasefire, the two factions have not fully reunited, and thus cannot be counted on to negotiate together.