ISLAMABAD – After having spent 17 years in Afghanistan, Washington isrushing to sign a peace pact with the Taliban to bring an end to thelong-standing war, it has emerged.
Currently, Afghan Taliban and US are enagged in dialogue in Qatar for whichPakistan is playing a pivotal role, however, the Trump administration iseyeing a swift end to the conflict that has dealt a blow to US economy andsociety as well.
The latest round of negotiations took place on Monday and reports are rifethat the US is now in a hurry for a fruitful conclusion.
According to sources close to the developments, US wanted Taliban toannounce a six-month ceasefire, join the national unity government that isto be installed in future and become part of the Afghan political system.
In return, Taliban want the US to release all their prisoners, lift ban onmovement of their leaders from the blacklist and announce a deadline forwithdrawal from Afghanistan.
A source close to the Afghan Taliban explained that currently, 95 per centof the attacks on US and Afghan forces are being carried out by the Talibanand a ceasefire would benefit US and Kabul regime, not the Taliban.
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He continued that Taliban would like to oblige Saudi Arabia, the UAE andPakistan but it would not be an easy job to announce a ceasefire at themoment.
On the other hand, Taliban sources said they could announce a ceasefire ifPakistan, Saudi Arabia and UAE become the guarantors and the futurecaretaker government is given to someone nominated by the Taliban.
Afghan Taliban Spokesman has strongly denied reports that Talibandelegation would also be meeting with the Afghan government confirmingthat UAE, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan were also participating in the peacetalks.
A five-member Taliban delegation, headed by Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanakzai,head of Taliban political office in Qatar, went from Qatar while foursenior Taliban leaders, including Ameer Khan Muttaqi, Mullah Abbas Akhund,Hafiz Yahya and Maulvi Siddiqullah had traveled from Afghanistan forholding direct talks with the US.
