, AFP, 2 January 2011

EXCERPT: "Afghan efforts to broker peace with the Taliban enter a new phase this week with the first scheduled visit of envoys to Islamabad, part of a growing recognition that the process hinges on Pakistan. Afghanistan's ex-president Burhanuddin Rabbani takes a group from President Hamid Karzai's High Council for Peace to neighbouring Pakistan Tuesday for talks with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. Pakistan is increasingly seen as key to Afghan stability, despite historic tensions between the two countries linked to Pakistan's desire to extend its sphere of influence in the region as a bulwark against arch-rival India. Key Taliban figures are believed to be hiding out in Pakistan's wild border regions, while experts say agents from its powerful Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) have protected or even controlled the militants for years. Islamabad has said it stands ready to facilitate dialogue between Afghanistan and the Taliban. 'There will be talks with all stakeholders about bringing peace to Afghanistan,' Rabbani's deputy Ataullah Ludin told AFP, speaking about the three-day visit."

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Related articles:
Though largely powerless, Afghan peace council visits Islamabad with high hopes, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 4 January 2011
, The Washington Post, 4 January 2011
Afghanistan: Reconciliation plans, tribal leaders and civil society, Small Wars Journal, 4 January 2011

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