DOHA: Washington resumed talks with the Taliban in Qatar Saturday, a USsource said, three months after President Donald Trump abruptly halteddiplomatic efforts that could end America´s longest war.
In September, the United States and the Taliban had appeared on the vergeof signing a deal that would have seen Washington begin withdrawingthousands of troops in return for security guarantees.
It was also expected to pave the way towards direct talks between theTaliban and the government in Kabul and, ultimately, a possible peaceagreement after more than 18 years of war.
But that same month, Trump abruptly called the year-long effort “dead” andwithdrew an invitation to the insurgents to join secret talks at his USretreat at Camp David after the killing of an American soldier.
“The US rejoined talks today in Doha. The focus of discussion will bereduction of violence that leads to intra-Afghan negotiations and aceasefire,” said the US source briefed on efforts to end almost two decadesof war in Afghanistan.
During a surprise visit to a US military base in Afghanistan last week,Trump said the Taliban “wants to make a deal.” Even during the stall intalks, US negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad has in recent weeks made awhistle-stop tour of nations with a stake in Afghan peace, includingPakistan.Thorny issues
He recently arranged a captive swap in which the Taliban released anAmerican and an Australian academic whom they had held hostage for threeyears.
The Taliban have until now refused to negotiate with the Afghan government,which they consider an illegitimate regime.
In a nod to concerns raised by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, the StateDepartment voiced support for a ceasefire — a key priority for Kabulbefore it enters negotiations with the Islamist insurgents.
“Ambassador Khalilzad will rejoin talks with the Taliban to discuss stepsthat could lead to intra-Afghan negotiations and a peaceful settlement ofthe war, specifically a reduction in violence that leads to a ceasefire,”the State Department said on Wednesday as it announced the resumption ofefforts to end the conflict.
Washington had sought to seal a political deal with the Taliban ahead ofSeptember’s elections in Afghanistan.
An agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two main pillars — a USwithdrawal from Afghanistan and a commitment by the militants not to offersanctuary to militants. The Taliban’s relationship with al-Qaeda was themain reason for the US invasion nearly 18 years ago.
But the thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taliban, the role ofregional powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of Ghani’sadministration remain unresolved.
The Taliban, believing they have the upper hand in the war, kept up attackseven while talking to the United States. -APP/AFP