Taliban talks shoot allies in the foot - John D. Moore

 "A key factor in the Taliban resurgence is the failure of the international community and Afghan government to gain ground in the political battle for hearts and minds. When the local elite and broader population see a willingness of the Karzai administration and the international community to open talks with the Taliban, the message conveyed is that the Taliban has political momentum and Afghanistan is on the verge of being abandoned yet again by the West. Thus they are less willing to support military and civilian efforts and are increasingly susceptible to insurgent pressure.

This does not mean efforts to divide and fracture the Taliban and associated insurgent and terrorist networks should not continue, as such efforts are also critical. The issue is that treating the Taliban as being a legitimate, monolithic actor -- even if only rhetorically -- transfers to the insurgency a political power they have never actually held."  JD Moore

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/taliban-talks-shoot-allies-in-the-foot/story-e6frg6ux-1225898181960