Crisis Group report advises caution in talking to Afghan insurgents

Restoring some stability in Afghanistan by talking to insurgents is an old tactic that has failed badly in the past, according to a new report by the Ploughshares-funded International Crisis Group: "While agreement may be reached not to attack Afghan or Pakistani forces, violence then tends to be directed at others, mostly unarmed civilians." ICG recommended against air power alone, arming Afghan villagers, and focusing on regional or short-term solutions. ICG commented, “We know now what not to do. Knowing what to do, and how to do it, is harder."