Afghanistan and Pakistan entered the third day of peace talks in Istanbul, aiming to secure a lasting truce after deadly border clashes earlier this month. The violence, which killed dozens on both sides, marked the worst escalation since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. The current round of dialogue, mediated by Turkey, follows a temporary ceasefire agreed in Doha on October 19.
Why It Matters:
The talks carry major implications for regional stability in South and Central Asia. Persistent border tensions threaten trade routes, security cooperation, and refugee management between the two neighbors. Trump’s renewed offer to mediate adds an external diplomatic dimension, potentially shaping U.S. re-engagement in the region’s security affairs.
Pakistan insists on firm action against cross-border terrorism, accusing the Afghan Taliban of harboring the Pakistani Taliban (TTP). The Taliban delegation, however, denies obstructing talks, emphasizing dialogue as the only path forward. Pakistan’s defense minister has warned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to “open war.”
What’s Next:
Negotiations will continue in Istanbul under Turkish mediation. A breakthrough could ease months of heightened military tensions and reopen dialogue channels between Islamabad and Kabul. However, deep mistrust and competing security interests may prolong the deadlock despite U.S. offers of assistance.
With information from Reuters.
