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The article cites political developments in November 2012 that indicate new cooperative efforts by Pakistan, Afghanistan and the U.S. to bring the Taliban leadership into the negotiation process. The countries agreed on a list of at least 20 Taliban leaders to be taken off the United Nations (UN) sanctions list and Pakistan released 13 Taliban members. A commission also met to discuss the transition of security and border control before the foreign troops' withdrawal in Afghanistan in 2014.

The article examines the role of the regional element, particularly Pakisan, in achieving sustainable peace in Afghanistan. It highlights the invitation of Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari to participate in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit to discuss the re-opening of NATO supply lines in Pakistan. The author suggests that U.S. diplomatic efforts should focus on encouraging compliance of regional countries to a policy of noninterference.

The article examines the challenges of reaching sustainable peace in Afghanistan. It argues that Afghan political parties including the National Front, the National Coalition and National movement mistrust and are hostile toward the Taliban, and therefore may not be convinced to accept a political deal with the group. It asserts the importance of having a national reconciliation program to be able to establish durable peace in Afghanistan.

The article focuses on how the strategic depth strategy of Pakistan in Afghanistan has changed from its 1990s version. Pakistan wants a coalition government in which the Taliban and other Pashtun groups are represented instead of allowing the Taliban to rule Afghanistan. Pakistan's own goals in Afghanistan have changed from creating instability in an effort to impose a client regime, to seeking stability in both Afghanistan and Pakistan's own northern territory.