A telephone conversation between Ahmad Shah Massoud — leader and founder of the resistance to terrorism in Afghanistan — and Mullah Omar, founder of the terrorist organization Taliban and a relative of Osama bin Laden, the leader of Al-Qaeda.
Author: Roy Gutman, author of How We Missed The Story, pages 111–112.
In September, Massoud intended to call Mullah Omar to determine whether a peaceful solution to their disagreements existed. He found Mullah Omar’s phone number in the notebook of Mullah Mohammad Ghaus, who had been arrested in Mazar-i-Sharif.
Jamshid, Massoud’s secretary, dialed Mullah Omar’s number through the Quetta network, and the telephone connection was established.
Massoud asked in Pashto:
— Is Mullah Omar available?
Mullah Omar’s aide replied:
— Yes, the Emir is available.
In a fully diplomatic manner, Massoud addressed Mullah Omar:
— Please, let us resolve the Afghan issue together.
Mullah Omar asked what solution Massoud was proposing. Massoud proposed a ceasefire, a transitional administration, the convening of a Loya Jirga or an assembly of representatives of the people, as well as the holding of free elections.
According to Jamshid, Mullah Omar initially became “emotional and agitated,” but then asked to be given time to think everything over and to “make a decision in the next conversation.”
Massoud called the next day at 9:00 a.m. Mullah Omar’s mood had changed. Mullah Omar said:
— We need your help.
Massoud asked:
— What kind of help?
Mullah Omar replied:
— Look, you are a mujahid; you are different from others. You are not corrupt. But you have become an obstacle to the Islamic Emirate. Do not do this. You could play an important role in Tajikistan. The Tajiks love you. You could extend the Islamic Emirate to Tajikistan.
Massoud replied:
— We are talking about Afghanistan. There is a war going on in Afghanistan, and people are burning in its fire. This is not the way to stop it or bring it to an end. That is the only thing we want.
Mullah Omar said:
— Afghanistan must have a single army, since it is impossible for armed groups to exist in different places.
Massoud said:
— Until a solution emerges that is accepted by the entire people, the war will continue.
The conversation grew heated. Mullah Omar said:
— We have power. The majority of the people are on our side. We can take the rest of the country in one night or in one day. Lay down your arms and surrender!
The loss of Mazar-i-Sharif was clearly reflected in his mind. He said:
— I lost those four thousand Taliban fighters so that I would not allow anyone to decide the fate of this country in the streets.
Mullah Omar said:
— The Taliban want their Emirate. We have made these sacrifices for the Emirate and will continue until it is established.
The conversation came to an end.
Mullah Omar said goodbye with the following words:
— If Massoud does not want to cooperate, he may leave the country. Let the Tajiks go to Tajikistan, the Uzbeks to Uzbekistan, and the Hazaras to Iran. We are Afghans, and this land belongs to us!
