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Discourse: The absence of violence today is best for Afghanistan: Kalla
This is actually the best solution: the US gets to leave and we have peace. The only question is whether the Taliban could prove their commitment.
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Former vice president Jusuf Kalla (JP/Seto Wardhana)
T
he Taliban's rapid seizure of power in Afghanistan last week sent shockwaves around the world. Some of those who were taken aback by the latest development in Afghanistan are Indonesian officials and figures who have been actively involved in the peace process in the war-torn country, including statesman and former vice president Jusuf Kalla. Kalla served as a mediator in many rounds of talks with the Taliban on a personal request from then president Ashraf Gani. The Jakarta Post’s M. Taufiqurrahman and Dian Septiari spoke with Kalla at his home in South Jakarta regarding the issue.
Question: How do you think Indonesia will engage with Afghanistan now that it has been taken over by the Taliban?
Answer: It depends. If the Taliban are like [the way they were] in 1996-2001, they would not be in accordance with our teachings, with our Islamic way of life in Indonesia. But if they have changed, of course we will appreciate it.
The problem is that no one can answer that. Although we have heard a Taliban spokesman saying the Taliban are different now, and I tend to believe that because they cannot run the country if the economy is not running, then for that they'd need to have international cooperation. Otherwise, they would be severely limited [in terms of international economic relations] with only China willing to recognize them.
That is why Muslim leaders, including those in Indonesia, have refrained from commenting because they would rather wait and see.
It’s also not true that the Taliban were so mighty that they could seize Afghanistan within a month. The main reason is that the United States left [Afghanistan] and [Afghan] government forces, which are prepared to defend the country, are also retreating, some have even fled to other countries. So, it is not because the Taliban are so great at fighting; they just don't have opponents.
Therefore, Muslims all over the world are silent. They are questioning whether they [the Taliban] are really not as radical or conservative as they used to be. Basically, it’s a wait-and-see situation for everyone. There is hope, but whether they can change drastically is a big question — the Taliban have to prove themselves.
