Time Not Right To Talk To Taliban: Michael Mullen

Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 8:37 am

Time Not Right To Talk To Taliban: Michael Mullen WASHINGTON: US military chief Michael Mullen said Monday conditions are not right yet for talks with Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan.

Holding negotiations with elements of the Taliban should be part of a long-term strategy in Afghanistan but it is not the right time for such a move, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen, told a news conference at Pentagon.

“At some point in time, we get to a point in these insurgencies where you peel off the reconcilables and I think you start having conversations with those who are reconcilable,” Mullen said.

“At least from my perspective, we’re not there yet,” he said.

Mullen said the same approach was used successfully in Iraq and in counter-insurgency efforts elsewhere, saying that it was “very realistic” to pursue talks with insurgents in Afghanistan.

“It’s happened in other insurgencies historically, and I think it will happen here, as well.”

The White House meanwhile said it has seen no positive response from Mullah Mohammad Omar and the many Taliban he leads after an offer of reconciliation made by Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

“We’re not seeing any indication from Mullah Omar that he is ready to renounce violence, break all ties to Al-Qaeda and support the Afghan government and constitution,” said Gordon Johndroe, a White House spokesman.

While “we’re hopeful that reconcilable Taliban will lay down their arms and choose to play a productive part in Afghan society … sadly, so far, they continue to attack innocents civilians and coalition forces on a regular basis,” he said.

Karzai said Sunday he would go to “any length” to protect the fugitive leader of the insurgent Taliban militia, Mullah Omar in exchange for peace.

The Afghan president told reporters he would offer the protection even if it meant defying Afghanistan’s international partners.