Longest U.S.-Taliban Peace Talks See ‘Progress,’ But Agreement on Withdrawal Timeline Still a Sticking Point
Longest U.S.-Taliban Peace Talks See ‘Progress,’ But Agreement on Withdrawal Timeline Still a Sticking Point by Fay Abuelgasim and Kathy Gannon – AP
DOHA, Qatar — The longest peace talks between the U.S. and the Taliban to end America’s 17-year war in Afghanistan concluded Tuesday night in Qatar, with both sides saying progress had been made.
The nearly two weeks of talks produced two draft agreements between the militants and the U.S. government on a “withdrawal timeline and effective counterterrorism measures,” American envoy Zalmay Khalilzad wrote on Twitter.
The diplomat said he’d go to Washington and meet with other concerned parties, likely including the Afghan government, which did not take part in the 13 days of face-to-face talks in Doha, the Qatari capital.
“The conditions for #peace have improved,” Khalilzad wrote. “It’s clear all sides want to end the war. Despite ups and downs, we kept things on track and made real strides.”…