Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has committed to initiating peace talks with armed groups in light of recent attacks carried out in Kabul last month. Ghani emphasizes that his offer for peace talks extends only to those who wish to see peace in this world.

“Those who are responsible for this tragedy and do not want peace, the door of peace is closed to them,” Ghani stated in a speech he delivered in Kabul. Ghani’s commitment to restoring peace to Afghanistan was sparked immediately following two attacks that resulted in a combined 130 deaths.

Rescuers responded to a call immediately following an attack on the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul late January. Five gunmen dressed in military uniforms raided the hotel, killing 10 foreigners and Afghan government officials who were key stakeholders in the peace talks between Afghanistan and the Taliban.

One week following the tragedy that occurred at the Intercontinental Hotel, another attack devastated the city of Kabul, claiming 103 lives and injuring over 230 people. A suicide bomber used an ambulance to pass through a security checkpoint in the city, he claimed was transporting a patient to the hospital. The driver cleared the first checkpoint and detonated his explosives at a second checkpoint, resulting in both military and civilian casualties.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for both attacks, prompting frustrated responses from politicians and delegates across the globe.

Attempts to restore peace to Afghanistan have been made in the past but, have been met with retaliation. Tensions have been on the rise between Afghanistan and the neighbouring country of Pakistan for many years and have only been worsened by the recent attacks. Ghani referred to Pakistan as the “Taliban centre,” an accusation which was not well-received by many. Foreign Secretary Tehina Janjua called for an end to the finger pointing at a Pakistani delegation following the two attacks.

Though the crisis in the Middle East is complex and difficult to understand, many are calling for peace to be fostered through global initiatives.

US President Donald Trump has initiated a plan that will deploy thousands of more troops to Afghanistan in an attempt to restore peace to the country. Though, recent US intervention has resulted in even more bloodshed. Two Haqqani commanders were killed when a US drone crashed into Pakistani tribal territory.

Although actions are being carried out, these actions are more responsive than preventative. Violence continues to be met with violence. The death of one prompts the death of hundreds. Ghani’s call for an end to the violence and if successful, it will be the change that this world so desperately needs. If we wish to see a world united, arms must be extended with open palms to offer handshakes. We cannot continue to close our fists and draw lines in the sand with blood.