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'Talk to Taliban' statement angers ministerWednesday 27 January 2010 Home affairs minister Guusje ter Horst has annoyed foreign minister Maxime Verhagen by again saying the west should talk to the Taliban, the fundamentalist Muslim movement in Afghanistan. 'I still think we should talk to the Taliban, even more than I did then,' the minister was quoted as saying in a Parool interview to be published on Saturday. A similar call by Ter Horst in 2007 was also criticised by the minister and MPs. 'I'm not saying the Netherlands should conduct those talks. The west should,' she told the paper. Not with hardcore terrorists, but with 'people who are a little less fanatical'. In a reaction, foreign minister Maxime Verhagen said Ter Horst should talk to the police unions about making the Netherlands a safer place. 'She should mind her own business,'he was quoted by Nos tv as saying. 'The west does not talk to the Taliban. That's a job for the Afghan government.' © DutchNews.nl
Oh my, give the women a chance to speak before dismissing her so fast! I think minister Guusje ter Horst should have a right to voice her opinion! As a matter of fact, I think she has a point! By sandra | January 27, 2010 9:58 AM It's unfortunate that there are people in public office who believe that brute force is the only way to resolve differences, especially when the "foreign power" invades another country. History has proven it time and time again, the French and then the US in Vietnam, Russia in Afghanistan etc. By kalajutu | January 27, 2010 11:46 AM It really makes me sick, when the Western politicians try to do deals with terrorists! It does not work - they must be brought to justice, in international court in ICC and local courts. To set as a global example besides, upholding the great Universal Human Rights values and laws. Don't make a joke of such modern and precious heritage, fought so hard by the Allies in WW2, by submitting to terrorist ransoms and demands! By Katharina Sri (former: Noor Aza) | January 27, 2010 12:32 PM Are there less fanatical taliban members? Do the fanatical members know about them? oh oh! By AW | January 27, 2010 1:17 PM Well, there are Taliban and there are Taliban. Some actually have been blessed with a little grey matter. Like Sinn Féin, formerly the political arm of the Provisional IRA, whose leader Gerry Adams was instrumental in helping to bring about the peace in Northern Ireland, the Taliban also has its political wing. If NATO is serious about exiting Afghanistan in 2011 then inevitably negotiations with some leaders of the Taliban will be necessary to negotiate a workable peace. Certainly the hopelessly corrupt and weak Karzai government will not be able to hold the country together alone. By Arn Hatfield | January 27, 2010 2:02 PM Actually, if Guusje ter Horst decides to talk to the taliban. They will not even listen to her (she is a woman). They will probably stone her and sent her home to rise children and clean the place. By Benito Camelas | January 27, 2010 3:33 PM 1. Afghanistan does not have an effective government By Janka | January 27, 2010 4:10 PM Talk to Taliban.Great. By Hanna | January 27, 2010 4:43 PM Maybe Minister Guusje ter Horst should consider leading a delegation to visit, sit and talk with the Taliban, and enjoy their long-term hospitality. By Gerard | January 27, 2010 4:58 PM But why would the Taliban, who are 100% certain of winning, want to negotiate with the losers? By Bene the Rat | January 27, 2010 5:20 PM If we want peace and just solution of the situation of Afghanistan,in that case there is no other option but to choose dialogue with everybody (Taliban,Al-Qaeda,Mujahidin's,Tribal Chiefs and other Warlords). This is the realistic solution,other wise there won't be any peace in and around in Afghanistan and else where. A government of National Unity should be supported by the international community. Military presence and dreaming to achieve victory in that country is Living in Fools Paradise!! By Khalid Ahmed Chaudry | January 27, 2010 5:48 PM The enormous war machine must stay on. To even think of stopping to kill, destroy, dominate and submit others is blasphemy. The god of killing in his timeless wisdom always chooses the weakest and shall not be defeated. The annoying Internet shows the killing too much. That there are negotiations with the Taliban means they have found a balance. They can not be defeated, too many civilians get killed. The puppet regime is flawed at all levels. The Taliban wants a profit from the gas pipeline. As long they do not get it the fight stays on. Now that the costs are rising it is time to give in and let them have some of the profit. The Afghan freedom fighting Taliban will get part of the government, otherwise: no deal and the invaders can count more dead every day. By Captain Zen | January 27, 2010 9:13 PM If you believe that the Taliban is 100% evil and that the Blair/Bush redneck alliance -- of which the Netherlands is an apparently willing partne -- is 100% pure, then sure, don't talk to the Taliban. See if they give a monkeys! By tommyrot | January 28, 2010 2:19 AM War is a human failure. In a war both sides believe they are right and have God on their side. In a war both sides loose no matter what the outcome is. In a negotiated settlement both sides win and all wars have to end that way. By Frans | January 28, 2010 8:31 AM
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Raise their voice, and make that more effective than raising their guns.
By James Hovland | January 27, 2010 7:10 AM