New York Times: U.S. and Taliban Begin Highest-Level Talks Yet on Ending Afghan War
KABUL, Afghanistan — The highest-level negotiations yet between American diplomats and the Taliban began in Qatar’s capital on Monday, with the presence of the Afghan insurgents’ deputy leader raising hope of progress toward ending the long conflict that is taking lives in record numbers.
The latest round of talks to take place in Doha since President Trump ordered direct negotiations with the Taliban last summer will focus on fleshing out the details of a framework agreement in principle both sides say they reached last month, Western and Taliban officials said.
At issue are a Taliban agreement to keep Afghan territory from being a haven for terrorists wanting to attack the United States and its allies, and the United States in return agreeing to pull its troops out of Afghanistan.
After last month’s talks, American officials said that any withdrawal deal must include the Taliban’s agreeing to a cease-fire and to joining negotiations with the Afghan government. The Taliban negotiators, the American officials said, did not have the authority to discuss a cease-fire or negotiations with the Afghans and asked for time to return to their leadership.
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More News On The Start Of U.S. - Taliban Begin Peace Talks In Qatar
US, Taliban express optimism about latest talks -- FOX News/AP
America and the Taliban begin highest-level talks yet on ending the Afghan War -- Daily Mail/Reuters
Afghanistan peace talks resume in Doha with Taliban co-founder -- CNN
U.S., Taliban talk troop withdrawal, counter-terrorism at peace talks -- CGTN
Taliban Restarts Talks with US, Seeks ‘Clear and Fruitful’ Results -- VOA
Troop Withdrawal ‘Dominates’ US-Taliban Talks In Qatar -- TOLO News
US, Taliban talk troop pullout at Qatar peace talks – officials -- TRT World
Taliban hopeful on deal amid new round of talks with US -- Dawn/AP
Senior Taliban Leaders in Qatar for Talks with US Envoy -- Military.com/AP
