Parliament is the voice of the Afghan People during the peace process

Peace talks with the Taliban present an opportunity for Afghanistan to bring an end to 40 years of war and begin a much needed post-conflict resolution process.

The Afghan Parliament, or Wolesi Jirga, serves as the voice of the Afghan people as peace negotiations commence. Any future agreement with the Taliban requires Parliamentary approval by majority vote before it can be ratified. The Parliament has formed a Special Commission on Peace and has appointed Members of Parliament who will attend the negotiations.

While Afghanistan battles the escalating COVID-19 crisis amid engaging in negotiations with the Taliban, there is also the ongoing political dispute between Ashraf Ghani and Dr. Abdullah, regarding the final presidential election results. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently traveled to Kabul to mediate the ongoing feud between the two leaders, urging them to put aside their political differences and prioritize the peacemaking process or risk a full troop withdrawal and significant reduction of aid from the United States. A troop withdrawal or cuts to funding and military support to the Afghan government will undoubtedly jeopardize Afghanistan’s democracy and the peace process. Without the United States’ commitment to the future of Afghanistan, there is a very high likelihood that the Taliban will take over the country by force.

The people of Afghanistan deserve peace and a post conflict resolution process but it cannot come at the expense of the personal freedoms and democracy that Afghans have fought so hard to earn and maintain. Any agreement reached with the Taliban must protect democracy and personal freedoms for all Afghans — especially women and children. While obstacles remain for Afghanistan to attain peace and prosperity, until an agreement is reached, the Taliban must uphold its commitment to a reduction in violence.