‘Father of Taliban’ urges US concessions

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Sami ul-Haq’s seminary may have a reputation as Pakistan’s premier “University of Jihad”, but these days the sharp-tongued cleric is more eager to talk peace than holy war.

Known in Pakistan as the “Father of the Taliban” for schooling a generation of Afghan fighters at his Haqqania madrassa, Mr ul-Haq, a stern-looking preacher in his early 70s, has a unique perspective on the way the movement thinks.

As the Obama administration clings to the seemingly remote hope of negotiating an end to the war in Afghanistan before the vast majority of Nato combat troops leave by the end of 2014, Mr ul-Haq has some frank advice: start making concessions – and fast.

The Taliban will only take peace overtures seriously, he believes, if the US proves its sincerity by moving to release key commanders, declare limited ceasefires in Afghanistan, and halt drone strikes in Pakistan.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8e0c7b26-0dbf-11e1-91e5-00144feabdc0.html

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