Pakistan Trying to Broker Afghan Deal, DAWN, 16 June 2010

EXCERPT: "Pakistan has dived headlong into the Afghanistan reconciliation process by taking on the task of acting as a bridge between the Haqqani network and the government in Kabul, Dawn has learnt. [...] If the plan is accepted by the two sides, it could bring peace to the war-torn country, claim government officials. The Al Qaeda-linked Haqqani group is considered the most potent warring faction in Afghanistan and is viewed as a serious threat by the Karzai regime and also by the American troops there. 'Although the future of the initiative is unclear at the moment, the initial signs are encouraging because the leadership of the militant group appears to be willing (to talk),' the security official told Dawn. However, Pakistani officials are reluctant to discuss the matter in detail and hence few details are available about the talks. The initiative on the part of the Pakistan government has followed overtures from the Afghanistan government. Analysts agree that there has been a change in the attitude of Afghan President Hamid Karzai towards Pakistan in recent weeks."

Read the full story.

Related articles:
Pentagon decries bleak views on Afghan war, Reuters, 16 June 2010
US, Afghan forces kill Haqqani Network commander during raid in Khost [blog], The Long War Journal, 14 June 2010
India important, Pakistan indispensable in Afghanistan: US, Sify News, 2 June 2010

Related posts:
Karzai looks to Pakistan in hope of ending Afghan insurgency, 10 June 2010
Haqqani network key to Afghan peace talks, Pakistan's interests: Analysts, 31 May 2010
US pushes for regional approach to AfPak security, 13 May 2010
Pakistan key to reconciliation with the Afghan Taliban, 3 February 2010
Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran promise increased regional cooperation, 19 January 2010