sit with them

[meliss]

I am really confused: he ask to "sit with" the good people and with the bad! "Evryone that helps indirectly — sit with them." and "Sit with the formal and informal Taliban"! So what does it mean here "sit with them"?

"Karzai asked the tribal leaders to help him bring peace to the province: “Stand for our homes! Doubtful men, doubtful behavior, everyone that helps indirectly — sit with them. Sit with the formal and informal Taliban! Confront the Taliban and informal Taliban and challenge their orders and commands!”

Source: The American War in Afghanistan by Carter Malkasian

 

[emsr2d2]

I am really confused: he asks/asked to "sit with" the good people and with the bad! "Everyone that helps indirectly — sit with them." and "Sit with the formal and informal Taliban"! So what does it mean here "sit with them" mean here?

"Karzai asked the tribal leaders to help him bring peace to the province: “Stand for our homes! Doubtful men, doubtful behavior, everyone that helps indirectly — sit with them. Sit with the formal and informal Taliban! Confront the Taliban and informal Taliban and challenge their orders and commands!”

Source: The American War in Afghanistan by Carter Malkasian

I readily admit I'm not 100% sure but, given that the general idea seems to be to try to bring peace, I think it means "sit down with them and talk/negotiate".

 

[meliss]

I readily admit I'm not 100% sure but, given that the general idea seems to be to try to bring peace, I think it means "sit down with them and talk/negotiate".

No, it is impossible to sit and talk with Taliban. He actually asked to help the US forces to fight Taliban.

 

[Tarheel]

No, it is impossible to sit and talk with the Taliban. He actually asked them to help the US forces fight the Taliban.

The words used don't suggest violence to me.

 

[meliss]

The words used don't suggest violence to me.

But I know the context. Here are the next sentences:
"McChrystal and Ahmed Wali had chalked up a notable success in coaxing Karzai to once more involve himself in leading the people of Kandahar during war."

 

[Tarheel]

@meliss You can negotiate with people during the middle of a conflict.