Can the Saudis do it?
By Abdallah El-Ashaal
Everyone wants the Saudis to mediate in Afghanistan, but are the Saudis in a good position to do so, and what would be their chances of success?
The conflict in Afghanistan cannot be sorted out without reconciliation between Karzai and the Taliban. The Americans know it and have suggested it already. For a few months now, everyone has been asking the Saudis to get involved. More recently, the London Conference concluded that Saudi Arabia is the best possible mediator in Afghanistan. This has been Karzai's view all along.
Saudi Arabia has a history in Afghanistan. Its support for Afghan fighters is what drove the Soviets out of the country some 30 years ago. We must put our trust in the ability of Saudi Arabia to figure out what's going on in Afghanistan.
One of the reasons that make Saudi Arabia best for its role is that it maintains good relations with both Karzai and the Taliban. You may recall, Saudi Arabia was one of three countries that recognised the Taliban government, the other two being Pakistan and the UAE.
Also, Saudi Arabia made a significant contribution to the Afghan war effort during the Soviet occupation.
The Saudis are willing to mediate, but they need to make two conditions clear right from the start. One is that the Taliban should sever its ties with Al-Qaeda. The second condition is that Karzai should officially demand Saudi mediation.
Regardless of what happens with the mediation, we mustn't blame the Saudis. This is a difficult conflict and it has been challenging to all those who have tried to tackle it so far.
This week's Soapbox speaker is former assistant to the foreign minister.
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