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For seven months, between 1997 and 1998, Roger mediated between the warring factions of Afghanistan as an independent non-government mediator, by invitation of both the Taliban and the United Front (Northern Alliance). During this period, he negotiated an agreement among nine members of the United Front for reconciliation with the Taliban.
This agreement reflected the policies of Commander Ahmad Shah Massoud, and was used to clarify the position of the United Front to the Taliban and the international community.
Framework for Peace and Reconciliation:
Original Dari with Signatures. English Translation.
This agreement proposed the formation of a transitional government composed of members from the Taliban and United Front (or from neutral persons), which would collect all heavy weapons, form a council to draft a new constitution, then finally form a “Loya Jirga”, which would ratify the constitution and oversee the formation of a new government in accord with the constitution. Although the Taliban did not accept this proposal, the formation of a transitional government after September 11, 2001 followed this general plan as outlined by Commander Massoud. A major mistake, however, was to allow the head of the transitional government, Hamid Karzai, to run for election after his term expired. Heads of transitional governments must step down after fulfilling their obligations to ensure impartiality and integrity.
On behalf of Commander Massoud, Roger informed the United States Department of State that with United States backing, Massoud would rid Afghanistan of terrorists and drug production. Massoud was particularly concerned with Osama bin Laden’s foreign influence in Afghanistan. Others also delivered this message. The United States rejected the offer. On September 9, 2001, two days before the 9-11 terrorist attack, a suicide bomber (believed to be connected to al-Qaeda) assassinated Massoud.
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The Koran mandates that conflicts be resolved by forming an assembly; that to qualify as a leader, a person must be loved by the people; and that violence must be used only for self-defense. The Koran thus encourages reconciliation, a democratic process, and peace.
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