In MIT visit, Miliband presses for Afghan peace deal
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband on Wednesday urged the Afghanistan government to consider bringing Taliban supporters into its political system, telling an MIT audience that the prompt pursuit of a political deal among Afghanistan’s warring factions was necessary to build a lasting peace in that country.“My argument today is that now is the time for the Afghans to pursue a political settlement with as much vigor and energy as we are pursuing the military and civilian effort,” said Miliband SM ’90, delivering the Karl Taylor Compton Lecture in Kresge Auditorium. Miliband’s talk came as U.S. and British troops make a renewed push to secure the Taliban stronghold of Helmand Province in southern Afghanistan. The Western troops have been attempting to control the town of Marjah, and aim to secure the region’s major city, Kandahar, this summer.While acknowledging the necessity of the military action, Miliband struck a different point of emphasis...