One of the worst kept secrets of Afghanistan policy is now out in the open.
With President Karzi in London for the summit,talking to the Taliban is on the agenda.
This morning the Defence secretary Bob Ainsworth has backed calls to seek a way to bring the Taliban into the political system.
The plan seemingly backed by the United States will see a multimillion-pound "peace and reintegration" fund that would attempt to lure low ranking Taliban fighters away from the organisation and giving them an effective amnesty.
President Karzai has said that he would be prepared to give Mullah Omar "safe passage" if he agreed to lay down his arms.Although officials insist that the plan does not involve bribing the Taliban with cash handouts or Britain talking directly to them.
The role of the British ambassador to Afghanistan,Mark Sedwill,has been enhanced.He has been appointed to head the civilian wing of the Nato mission and will be at the heart of this new reconcilation initiative.
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