http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/04-omar-talks-col-imam-qs-05
Mullah Omar open to talks: Colonel Imam Tuesday, 26 Jan, 2010 Retired Brigadier Sultan Tarar, better known as Colonel Imam. - File photo RAWALPINDI: The United States should talk to the Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar if it wants to resolve the conflict in Afghanistan, a former ISI officer who is believed to have trained Omar, said in an interview to a US-based news group. Retired Brigadier Sultan Tarar, known as Colonel Imam, said Mullah Omar was open to talks. He said if a sincere message came to him from the Americans, it will be heard. "If a sincere message comes from the Americans, these people (the Taliban) are very big-hearted. They will listen. But if you try to divide the Taliban, you'll fail. Anyone who leaves Mullah Omar is no more Taliban. Such people are just trying to deceive," said Tarar, in an interview with McClatchy Newspapers. His comments come as the United States and its allies seem increasingly restless to find a path toward a political solution to the war in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, US national security adviser James Jones said that the Obama administration is "pursuing a general strategy of engagement." "We'll see where this takes us," Jones said. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
