Could Russia Mediate the Conflict Between Pakistan and Afghanistan? |
The Pulse | Diplomacy | South Asia
Could Russia Mediate the Conflict Between Pakistan and Afghanistan?
Moscow is the latest to offer, however cautiously and conditionally, to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan has not been resolved, despite many countries close to both sides – including China, Turkiye, Qatar and Saudi Arabia – having tried their hand at de-escalating the situation.
After Qatar, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia failed to bring peace between the two neighboring countries, China ramped up its mediating efforts and brought both parties to the negotiating table earlier this month in Urumqi. Although Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi called the results of the Urumqi talks positive, the situation between Kabul and Islamabad has remained tense, casting doubt on Beijing’s influence in both countries. There have only been temporary ceasefires and no clear end to the conflict.
Russia is latest country to offer, however cautiously and conditionally, to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Given that previous efforts have not been able to deliver, Russia seems to be treading carefully. In mid-April, Russian Special Representative to Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov said that Moscow is ready to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan if asked by both countries. In a recent interview, Kabulov described the situation as “regrettable.”
Last month, Kabulov said that Russia was naturally concerned about the escalation between Kabul and Islamabad. He further said that even though the risks of a full-scale war between the two are “hypothetically significant,” it is unlikely to happen. “We would like to see a swift end to mutual attacks and a transition to detente in relations,” added Kabulov. He cautiously pointed toward Moscow playing a role in bringing peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan and said that “Russia would be willing to consider this option if both sides simultaneously approach it for mediation.” However, he added: “This has not happened yet, so we do not intend to force ourselves on them.”
With regards to approaching Russia to mediate the conflict, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s ambassador to Russia, confirmed that Pakistan has asked Russia to mediate the ongoing conflict. He further said that Islamabad was engaging with Moscow and appreciated the “wonderful offer” to resolve the conflict. Having said that, he took a gibe at the Taliban: “We tell all our interlocutors: please tell the Taliban (IEA) not to use this opportunity simply to regroup, recuperate, rearm, and re-attack.” He also added that “large states as Russia or Pakistan cannot be destabilized by terrorist acts.”
Islamabad accuses the Taliban of harboring terrorist groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which pose a security threat to Pakistan. The Taliban deny the allegations and consider these groups Pakistan’s internal issues.
There have not been any solid reports indicating that the Taliban have approached Moscow to help mediate the conflict. While Russia’s increasing diplomatic........