An instable Afghanistan has been a lingering regional concern, but what makes it all the more critical now is the increased presence of so-called Islamic State, which is certainly gaining a foothold in this landlocked country. Having met behind the scenes twice before the representatives of Russia, China and Pakistan met in Moscow a week ago where they publicly expressed their joint concern over the thickening existence of Islamic State in Afghanistan. In a joint statement issued after the meeting, they expressed their 'particular concern over increased activities of the extremist groups, including the IS affiliates' in Afghanistan. They also "agreed to continue their efforts towards further facilitating an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan". As to what role the Afghan Taliban are expected to play in that they didn't say anything in particular, but they did confirm 'their flexible approach to delisting Afghan individuals from the UN sanctions lists as their contribution' towards launching peace talks between Kabul and the Taliban. In other words, the participants of the Moscow meeting openly conceded that the Islamic State is the emerging threat in their neighbourhood; and to encounter it, the government in Kabul should seek co-operation of Afghan Taliban. Obviously such a move that tends to catapult Taliban to the centre stage did not sit well with the Kabul rulers. They have questioned the legitimacy of any discussion on the future of Afghanistan in the absence of the Afghan government. The troika has, however, clarified that if and when the extended format is formed the government in Kabul as well as its allies would be welcomed.

The troika meeting in Moscow is one more attempt at securing peace in Afghanistan. The question is if all previous attempts, including the latest one by the Quadrilateral Co-ordination Group, did not bear fruit then what are the chances of this one succeeding. Not much. But even when it is a shot in the dark it is different from the past in two crucial aspects. One, it is now widely accepted that the government in Kabul, even when fully supported by the United States and other allies, is incapable of defeating the Afghan Taliban. In fact, the opposite has happened insofar as the Afghan insurgents are concerned: they emerge stronger by the day. Defeating Taliban being no more an option the next best option with Kabul is to talk to them. Two, the Islamic State militants are on the move to the east and west after their humiliation in Syria and Iraq. If they have planted their footprint in Afghanistan they are also knocking at the door of Central Asia-South Asia. There is growing realization in capitals of these regions that if not checked now stopping them in days to come would be a huge challenge. It is this lurking danger on the horizon that seems to have prompted Russia, China and Pakistan to meet together and plan engaging international community, possibly at the platform of the United Nations. That's what the 'extended format' is expected to be.