Peace Talks With The Taliban?

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah arrives at Heathrow Airport ahead of a state banquet in London.
(Reuters: Dylan Martinez )

Source: Saudi Hosts Afghan Peace Talks
With Taliban Reps -- CNN

LONDON, England (CNN) -- In a groundbreaking meeting, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia recently hosted talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban militant group, according to a source familiar with the talks.

The historic four-day meeting took place during the last week of September in the Saudi city of Mecca, according to the source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the negotiations.

King Abdullah broke fast during the Eid al-Fitr holiday with the 17-member Afghan delegation -- an act intended to show his commitment to ending the conflict.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting.

Taliban leader Mullah Omar was not present, the source said.

It marks a significant departure by the Saudi leadership to take a direct role in Afghanistan, hosting some delegates who have until recently been their enemies.

Read more ....

My Comment: This is big news. One of two things will come from these meetings. The framework for more discussions .... or .... an escalation of the conflict.

If I was a betting man .... I would bet that there is going to be an escalation. The Pakistani Army's war against the Taliban in the tribal regions must be hurting the Taliban, and with the Americans now focusing on Afghanistan with the war in Iraq winding down .... this must also be giving them some pause.

What will also change the dynamics will be the results of the U.S. Presidential election .... if Senator Obama is elected President, I can only expect that this will have a significant impact on the Afghan/Pakistan political and war theater.