Newsweek has intelligently re-posted the transcript of an interview Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar — the captured Taliban leader — granted the magazine late last year. A lot of what he says is boilerplate propaganda, but in light of U.S. and Pakistani intelligence reportedly collaborating on his capture, this bit takes on some salience:
What about reports that Pakistani intelligence is advising you not to enter into peace talks at this time?
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is independent and sovereign in its decisions and agreements. It is not taking any dictation from any group or government.Do you fear that Pakistan would stop you from using its soil?
They have not given us permission to use their land even now.
Always correct or just prematurely correct?