Only a tangle of razor wire marks the entrance of a remote Afghan army checkpoint that may soon be shuttered as the government closes vulnerable outposts after years of losses to Taliban fighters and desertions.

The post in Wardak province west of Kabul has been hit before, and its sagging blast walls and teetering sandbags make clear the vulnerability of the 13 troops living there for weeks on end.

Now, after years of brutal attacks and mass desertions from similar checkpoints, the Afghan government is acting on long-standing American requests to close them.

The aim is to shutter outposts where troops are often left like sitting ducks for Taliban attackers and consolidate them onto larger bases -- several of which are under construction.

The plan is for troops to lead offensive missions, taking the fight to the Taliban instead of trying to survive day-to-day in often deplorable living conditions with little outside support.

The "checkpoint is a failed tactic," Dadan Lawang, an Afghan army general, said recently at a US base in Paktia province, south of Kabul.

Some 50 per cent of military casualties occur at checkpoints, he said, a grim number considering tens of thousands of Afghan troops have been killed or wounded since the end of 2014 -- losses the massively depleted Afghan military can ill afford.

"We want to draw down all those checkpoints and establish strong bases now," Lawang told AFP.

The idea of closing checkpoints has been taboo in Afghan politics for years.

A tiny fort flying the black-red-and-green national flag sends a message that the government holds an area, and Afghan politics is built on a patchwork of alliances with regional power brokers, many of them in remote places.

'No military sense'

"To maintain an alliance sufficient to remain in office... the president of Afghanistan has often preferred to push troops out into locations that make no military sense but are politically important," said Stephen Biddle, a professor at Columbia University in New York who has written extensively about Afghanistan.

US Army Brigadier General Kevin Admiral, who heads the US military's Task Force Southeast, said it was challenging to finally change the Afghan military's view.

"They have a lot of political pressure at the local level with district governors and parliamentarians who have said this is our only visible representation of (the government) in these remote areas," he said.

For General Scott Miller, who leads NATO's Afghanistan mission and the US war effort in the country, the closure of checkpoints is crucial for the Afghan military.

"They don't lose people in (offensive) operations, they kill Taliban," Miller told US military officials at a recent meeting.

"You want to hear my (tactical) priorities? Talk about checkpoints."

To hammer his message, Miller makes frequent trips across Afghanistan, bringing local military commanders to show them troops' living conditions.&nbsp;

On a visit to the Wardak checkpoint last week, Miller said he wanted to open Afghan commanders' eyes to the perilousness of such outposts.

The scruffy camp, where troops sleep in converted shipping containers with smashed windows, is a short distance from Highway 1 -- a key route for sending goods and supplies into Kabul and around the country.

But despite its strategic location, troops at the checkpoint and others like it often go without regular food or pay because of mismanagement and corruption.

And if an attack does come, back up may never arrive.

Wad of cash

On Miller's visit, US snipers and soldiers secured the isolated facility's perimeter and one Afghan soldier complained to his higher-ups about not having been paid for three months.

Asadullah Khalid, Afghanistan's acting defence minister, blamed a documentation issue and said it would be fixed.

His staff dished out several $100 bills to soldiers from a wad that Khalid said was a gift for Eid, the festival marking the end of Ramadan.

"I want to make sure that everyone sitting on a checkpoint gets a paycheck and food," Miller told AFP.

"It's a leadership issue. These are things we take for granted."

While critics agree Afghan checkpoints have little tactical value, they differ over whether withdrawing troops to bases will make them more willing to fight.

Closing checkpoints "essentially cedes ground to the Taliban and gets the (Afghan security forces) onto larger bases, where they often hunker down," said Bill Roggio, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank in Washington.

But Colonel David Butler, a US military spokesman in Kabul, said Afghan troops "are doing more independent operations and are more effective during those operations."

Only a tangle of razor wire marks the entrance of a remote Afghan army checkpoint that may soon be shuttered as the government closes vulnerable outposts after years of losses to Taliban fighters and desertions.

Only a tangle of razor wire marks the entrance of a remote Afghan army checkpoint that may soon be shuttered as the government closes vulnerable outposts after years of losses to Taliban fighters and desertions. The post in Wardak province west of Kabul has been hit before, and its sagging blast walls and teetering sandbags make clear the vulnerability of the 13 troops living there for weeks on end. Now, after years of brutal attacks and mass desertions from similar checkpoints, the Afghan government is acting on long-standing American requests to close them. The aim is to shutter outposts where troops are often left like sitting ducks for Taliban attackers and consolidate them onto larger bases -- several of which are under construction. The plan is for troops to lead offensive missions, taking the fight to the Taliban instead of trying to survive day-to-day in often deplorable living conditions with little outside support. The "checkpoint is a failed tactic," Dadan Lawang, an Afghan army general, said recently at a US base in Paktia province, south of Kabul. Some 50 per cent of military casualties occur at checkpoints, he said, a grim number considering tens of thousands of Afghan troops have been killed or wounded since the end of 2014 -- losses the massively depleted Afghan military can ill afford. "We want to draw down all those checkpoints and establish strong bases now," Lawang told AFP. The idea of closing checkpoints has been taboo in Afghan politics for years. A tiny fort flying the black-red-and-green national flag sends a message that the government holds an area, and Afghan politics is built on a patchwork of alliances with regional power brokers, many of them in remote places. 'No military sense' "To maintain an alliance sufficient to remain in office... the president of Afghanistan has often preferred to push troops out into locations that make no military sense but are politically important," said Stephen Biddle, a professor at Columbia University in New York who has written extensively about Afghanistan. US Army Brigadier General Kevin Admiral, who heads the US military's Task Force Southeast, said it was challenging to finally change the Afghan military's view. "They have a lot of political pressure at the local level with district governors and parliamentarians who have said this is our only visible representation of (the government) in these remote areas," he said. For General Scott Miller, who leads NATO's Afghanistan mission and the US war effort in the country, the closure of checkpoints is crucial for the Afghan military. "They don't lose people in (offensive) operations, they kill Taliban," Miller told US military officials at a recent meeting. "You want to hear my (tactical) priorities? Talk about checkpoints." To hammer his message, Miller makes frequent trips across Afghanistan, bringing local military commanders to show them troops' living conditions. On a visit to the Wardak checkpoint last week, Miller said he wanted to open Afghan commanders' eyes to the perilousness of such outposts. The scruffy camp, where troops sleep in converted shipping containers with smashed windows, is a short distance from Highway 1 -- a key route for sending goods and supplies into Kabul and around the country. But despite its strategic location, troops at the checkpoint and others like it often go without regular food or pay because of mismanagement and corruption. And if an attack does come, back up may never arrive. Wad of cash On Miller's visit, US snipers and soldiers secured the isolated facility's perimeter and one Afghan soldier complained to his higher-ups about not having been paid for three months. Asadullah Khalid, Afghanistan's acting defence minister, blamed a documentation issue and said it would be fixed. His staff dished out several $100 bills to soldiers from a wad that Khalid said was a gift for Eid, the festival marking the end of Ramadan. "I want to make sure that everyone sitting on a checkpoint gets a paycheck and food," Miller told AFP. "It's a leadership issue. These are things we take for granted." While critics agree Afghan checkpoints have little tactical value, they differ over whether withdrawing troops to bases will make them more willing to fight. Closing checkpoints "essentially cedes ground to the Taliban and gets the (Afghan security forces) onto larger bases, where they often hunker down," said Bill Roggio, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank in Washington. But Colonel David Butler, a US military spokesman in Kabul, said Afghan troops "are doing more independent operations and are more effective during those operations."

Under US pressure, Afghan army starts closing checkpoints

As 10 children from the same family were walking to school last year, they came across an unexploded mortar bomb -- a common sight in Afghanistan, where war still rages between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-taliban-leader-pledges-to-keep-fighting-until-goals-met-223710">Taliban</a> and US-backed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/senators-want-visas-for-afghans-now-stranded-after-helping-us-forces-219104">national forces</a>.

Not realising what it was or the dangers it posed, the curious kids picked up the device and took it to show to an aunt and then it exploded. Three children and the older relative were killed, and the remaining seven lost at least one limb each.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-blast-at-central-explosives-plant-injures-19-authorities-warn-of-more-explosions-223393">explosion</a> in Jalalabad, in the eastern province of Nangarhar, was yet another horrific moment illustrating the burden borne by civilians across Afghanistan, which has been at war in one form or another for four decades.

"I feel very sad when I see other girls walk towards school and I cannot walk like them," 10-year-old Rabia Gul, who lost her right leg in the blast, told AFP during a recent visit to her family's home.

"I was happy when I had legs, but after losing one of my legs I am not happy in my life anymore."

According to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/peacebuilding-activities-should-align-with-national-priorities-india-at-united-nations-220419">United Nations,</a> 3,804 civilians -- including more than 900 children -- were killed in Afghanistan in 2018, with another 7,189 wounded.&nbsp;

It was the deadliest year on record for civilians in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-need-to-get-confidence-says-lasith-malinga-ahead-of-afghanistan-clash-223957">Afghanistan</a>, where decades of conflict have left the battered nation strewn with landmines, unexploded mortars, rockets and homemade bombs.

Rabia was sitting on a bench outside her simple house as six other amputee siblings and relatives, ranging in age from six to 15, placed stockings over their stumps and wriggled into their prosthetics.

"We hope that the Taliban comes and makes peace with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-government-raises-partial-airspace-ban-matter-with-pakistan-216393">Afghan government</a>, and security will be better in Afghanistan so that no one gets killed or wounded in this country," said Shafiqullah, 15, who lost both his legs.

For the most part, the children are now tutored at home, where walls have been pockmarked by stray bullets from fighting.But sometimes they must walk to school for exams -- a painful journey owing to blisters that develop where artificial limbs rub against the skin.

Such stories are common in Afghanistan, which accounted for nearly half of all civilian casualties in a list of six countries at war, the UN said this year.

In Kot district in Nangarhar province, 70-year-old grandmother Niaz Bibi lost three sons and three grandsons in two separate attacks by the Islamic State group, which has a growing footprint in the region.

&nbsp;Now Bibi is left taking care of their surviving offspring -- about 40 orphans in total.

"I always ask neighbours and other people to donate some food and clothes to feed them," Bibi told AFP, deep lines etched into her face attesting to her unbearable loss.

"I have got this weapon to guard my grandchildren against any possible attacks," she added, as she clasped an AK-47.

Such is the circle of violence, loss and revenge, it is hard to see how Bibi's family can ever break free.

"Though I have lost, if the war goes on like this I will send all these orphaned children when they grow up to serve their country and sacrifice their lives for their homeland," Bibi said.

After 18 years of conflict, the Taliban are in negotiations with the US for some sort of peace settlement. But a resolution still seems far off, with the two sides struggling to agree on several key points.

Despite losing tens of thousands of fighters in the years since the US-led invasion of 2001, the call of jihad against foreign forces remains a powerful draw.

Young men join up for any number of reasons, sometimes it's the only way to make a living, sometimes they have no choice.&nbsp;

Jalalabad resident Rahim Jan, a television actor, first learned his son, Afzal, had joined the Taliban when the phone rang one day in 2015.

The man on the other end of the line said, "Afzal has been martyred, congratulations to you," Jan told AFP.&nbsp;

Jan, 60, has no idea why his son had decided to become a suicide bomber. He had got married just three months before leaving.

In a short video Afzal sent his father, the 19-year-old son said,&nbsp;"I'm with the Taliban, and I'm happy."

When Afzal joined the Taliban, he gave the militants his family's contact details. Fearing for his younger son Wasim's safety, Jan sent him to Turkey.

He has since been deported and returned to Afghanistan, but plans on fleeing again.

"The Taliban have started calling me again, saying come and follow your brother's way and do jihad," Wasim says.

"I will once again try to go abroad at any cost because it is very difficult for me to live here."

As 10 children from the same family were walking to school last year, they came across an unexploded mortar bomb -- a common sight in Afghanistan, where war still rages between the Taliban and US-backed national forces.

As 10 children from the same family were walking to school last year, they came across an unexploded mortar bomb -- a common sight in Afghanistan, where war still rages between the Taliban and US-backed national forces. Not realising what it was or the dangers it posed, the curious kids picked up the device and took it to show to an aunt and then it exploded. Three children and the older relative were killed, and the remaining seven lost at least one limb each. The explosion in Jalalabad, in the eastern province of Nangarhar, was yet another horrific moment illustrating the burden borne by civilians across Afghanistan, which has been at war in one form or another for four decades. "I feel very sad when I see other girls walk towards school and I cannot walk like them," 10-year-old Rabia Gul, who lost her right leg in the blast, told AFP during a recent visit to her family's home. "I was happy when I had legs, but after losing one of my legs I am not happy in my life anymore." According to the United Nations, 3,804 civilians -- including more than 900 children -- were killed in Afghanistan in 2018, with another 7,189 wounded. It was the deadliest year on record for civilians in Afghanistan, where decades of conflict have left the battered nation strewn with landmines, unexploded mortars, rockets and homemade bombs. Rabia was sitting on a bench outside her simple house as six other amputee siblings and relatives, ranging in age from six to 15, placed stockings over their stumps and wriggled into their prosthetics. "We hope that the Taliban comes and makes peace with the Afghan government, and security will be better in Afghanistan so that no one gets killed or wounded in this country," said Shafiqullah, 15, who lost both his legs. For the most part, the children are now tutored at home, where walls have been pockmarked by stray bullets from fighting.But sometimes they must walk to school for exams -- a painful journey owing to blisters that develop where artificial limbs rub against the skin. Such stories are common in Afghanistan, which accounted for nearly half of all civilian casualties in a list of six countries at war, the UN said this year. In Kot district in Nangarhar province, 70-year-old grandmother Niaz Bibi lost three sons and three grandsons in two separate attacks by the Islamic State group, which has a growing footprint in the region. Now Bibi is left taking care of their surviving offspring -- about 40 orphans in total. "I always ask neighbours and other people to donate some food and clothes to feed them," Bibi told AFP, deep lines etched into her face attesting to her unbearable loss. "I have got this weapon to guard my grandchildren against any possible attacks," she added, as she clasped an AK-47. Such is the circle of violence, loss and revenge, it is hard to see how Bibi's family can ever break free. "Though I have lost, if the war goes on like this I will send all these orphaned children when they grow up to serve their country and sacrifice their lives for their homeland," Bibi said. After 18 years of conflict, the Taliban are in negotiations with the US for some sort of peace settlement. But a resolution still seems far off, with the two sides struggling to agree on several key points. Despite losing tens of thousands of fighters in the years since the US-led invasion of 2001, the call of jihad against foreign forces remains a powerful draw. Young men join up for any number of reasons, sometimes it's the only way to make a living, sometimes they have no choice. Jalalabad resident Rahim Jan, a television actor, first learned his son, Afzal, had joined the Taliban when the phone rang one day in 2015. The man on the other end of the line said, "Afzal has been martyred, congratulations to you," Jan told AFP. Jan, 60, has no idea why his son had decided to become a suicide bomber. He had got married just three months before leaving. In a short video Afzal sent his father, the 19-year-old son said, "I'm with the Taliban, and I'm happy." When Afzal joined the Taliban, he gave the militants his family's contact details. Fearing for his younger son Wasim's safety, Jan sent him to Turkey. He has since been deported and returned to Afghanistan, but plans on fleeing again. "The Taliban have started calling me again, saying come and follow your brother's way and do jihad," Wasim says. "I will once again try to go abroad at any cost because it is very difficult for me to live here."

Rural Afghans bear brutal cost of endless war

The minaret of Jam, a revered Afghan historical treasure, has been saved from imminent danger after hundreds of workers diverted surging floodwaters that were gnawing at the 12th-century tower, officials said Monday.

Torrential rains last week sent churning water roaring down the narrow valley that is home to the minaret, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in a remote part of the western province of Ghor.

Dramatic video footage showed brown torrents crashing up against the base of the brick minaret, which was built in about 1190 and is the pinnacle of a surrounding archaeological site.

The Afghan government hired a local crew who worked for three days to channel water away from the minaret.

"Now the flow of water has been diverted but the flood has destroyed some 15 metres (50 feet) of protection wall around the minaret," Abdul Hai Khatebi, a spokesman for the governor of Ghor, told AFP.

Fakhruddin Ariapur -- the Ghor province director of information and culture -- said a team of experts is urgently needed to clean the base of the minaret and construct proper defensive walls.

"There is no danger to it now, but if it rains and floods again, the minaret has become too exposed and vulnerable," he told AFP.

The Jam minaret, located in an area largely under Taliban control, is the world's second tallest made of bricks, reaching a height of 65 metres (213 feet).

It is situated on the frontier of Ghor and Herat provinces, at the heart of the former Ghorid empire which dominated Afghanistan and parts of India in the 12th-13th centuries.

In 2002, the minaret and its archaeological remains became the first site in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-ied-blast-targets-bus-in-kabul-at-least-10-wounded-221867"> Afghanistan </a>to be added to UNESCO's World Heritage List.

UNESCO said it had not yet been able to access the minaret.&nbsp;

"As soon as the conditions on site allow, a mission will be organised... in order for experts to properly assess the situation and the condition of the minaret," UNESCO said in a statement.

Built on an octagonal base, the minaret has a double staircase on the inside and is elaborately decorated.

Afghanistan's rich cultural heritage has faced decades of catastrophic neglect, mismanagement and looting, as well as deliberate destruction at the hands of the Taliban.

Afghanistan chief executive Abdullah Abdullah said in a cabinet meeting that the government needs "to take more serious measures to prevent future threats to the minaret".

The minaret of Jam, a revered Afghan historical treasure, has been saved from imminent danger after hundreds of workers diverted surging floodwaters that were gnawing at the 12th-century tower, officials said Monday.

The minaret of Jam, a revered Afghan historical treasure, has been saved from imminent danger after hundreds of workers diverted surging floodwaters that were gnawing at the 12th-century tower, officials said Monday. Torrential rains last week sent churning water roaring down the narrow valley that is home to the minaret, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in a remote part of the western province of Ghor. Dramatic video footage showed brown torrents crashing up against the base of the brick minaret, which was built in about 1190 and is the pinnacle of a surrounding archaeological site. The Afghan government hired a local crew who worked for three days to channel water away from the minaret. "Now the flow of water has been diverted but the flood has destroyed some 15 metres (50 feet) of protection wall around the minaret," Abdul Hai Khatebi, a spokesman for the governor of Ghor, told AFP. Fakhruddin Ariapur -- the Ghor province director of information and culture -- said a team of experts is urgently needed to clean the base of the minaret and construct proper defensive walls. "There is no danger to it now, but if it rains and floods again, the minaret has become too exposed and vulnerable," he told AFP. The Jam minaret, located in an area largely under Taliban control, is the world's second tallest made of bricks, reaching a height of 65 metres (213 feet). It is situated on the frontier of Ghor and Herat provinces, at the heart of the former Ghorid empire which dominated Afghanistan and parts of India in the 12th-13th centuries. In 2002, the minaret and its archaeological remains became the first site in Afghanistan to be added to UNESCO's World Heritage List. UNESCO said it had not yet been able to access the minaret. "As soon as the conditions on site allow, a mission will be organised... in order for experts to properly assess the situation and the condition of the minaret," UNESCO said in a statement. Built on an octagonal base, the minaret has a double staircase on the inside and is elaborately decorated. Afghanistan's rich cultural heritage has faced decades of catastrophic neglect, mismanagement and looting, as well as deliberate destruction at the hands of the Taliban. Afghanistan chief executive Abdullah Abdullah said in a cabinet meeting that the government needs "to take more serious measures to prevent future threats to the minaret".

12th-century Afghan minaret saved, for now, after floods

Mariam Wardak speaks exclusively to WION on Ghani's ex-security advisor's big claim that presidential palace asks women for 'sexual favours'

'Sexual favours' charge hits Afghan government

The Afghan government on Monday expressed dismay over the Taliban's refusal to call for a ceasefire during the Muslim holy month of Ramadhan despite repeated requests.

"Unfortunately, the fighting is still ongoing during Ramadhan. We wanted a ceasefire during this month, but so far it's not agreed," Tolo News quoted Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, as saying. "No major step has been taken on the peace process so far," he added.

His remarks came after the Taliban rejected the ceasefire suggestion by Jirga grand council. In the last one-month, Taliban has attacked various regions in the country, mainly targeting the government and the armed forces. Just hours after announcing its annual spring offensive, the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-fighters-double-as-reporters-to-wage-afghan-digital-war-217700"> Taliban attempted an attack</a> near the district governor`s office.

But they were "pushed back and defeated" by security forces. In the attack, two Afghan soldiers were reportedly killed, along with 27 Taliban militants. Taliban militants have been using IED to target security forces. As per official figures, at least 120 civilians in Afghanistan are affected by mines and unexploded ordnance every month.

According to figures released by the United Nations, more than 1,690 civilians have been killed and over 3,430 others injured in conflict-related incidents in the first half of the year in the war-torn country. Meanwhile, US officials and Afghan leaders held talks to discuss issues pertaining to US-Afghan Civilians Assistance Review and the presidential elections.

US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice Wells and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-ghani-urges-taliban-to-accept-ramadan-ceasefire-offer-216621">President Ashraf Ghani</a> also discussed the peace process and the success and results of the Consultative Loya Jirga for Peace.&nbsp;

The Afghan government on Monday expressed dismay over the Taliban's refusal to call for a ceasefire during the Muslim holy month of Ramadhan despite repeated requests.

The Afghan government on Monday expressed dismay over the Taliban's refusal to call for a ceasefire during the Muslim holy month of Ramadhan despite repeated requests. "Unfortunately, the fighting is still ongoing during Ramadhan. We wanted a ceasefire during this month, but so far it's not agreed," Tolo News quoted Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, as saying. "No major step has been taken on the peace process so far," he added. His remarks came after the Taliban rejected the ceasefire suggestion by Jirga grand council. In the last one-month, Taliban has attacked various regions in the country, mainly targeting the government and the armed forces. Just hours after announcing its annual spring offensive, the Taliban attempted an attack near the district governor`s office. But they were "pushed back and defeated" by security forces. In the attack, two Afghan soldiers were reportedly killed, along with 27 Taliban militants. Taliban militants have been using IED to target security forces. As per official figures, at least 120 civilians in Afghanistan are affected by mines and unexploded ordnance every month. According to figures released by the United Nations, more than 1,690 civilians have been killed and over 3,430 others injured in conflict-related incidents in the first half of the year in the war-torn country. Meanwhile, US officials and Afghan leaders held talks to discuss issues pertaining to US-Afghan Civilians Assistance Review and the presidential elections. US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice Wells and President Ashraf Ghani also discussed the peace process and the success and results of the Consultative Loya Jirga for Peace.

No major step taken on peace process so far: Afghan Chief Executive

The Afghan government on Tuesday fired its election commission ahead of July's controversial presidential vote, reports said.

The move comes more than three months after chaotic parliamentary elections the results of which have still not been announced.&nbsp;

A terse four-sentence statement said both the Independent Election Commission and its complaints commission have been fired.&nbsp;

The statement did not offer reasons but President Ashraf Ghani's administration gave political parties and civil society representatives one week to nominate candidates to a new commission.

Last October's Parliamentary polls, which were held three years late, were marred by widespread chaos.&nbsp;

Polling stations opened hours late and some did not open at all. Workers trained in the use of a biometric identification system, aimed at curbing fraud, did not show up.

The Afghan government on Tuesday fired its election commission ahead of July's controversial presidential vote, reports said. The move comes more than three months after chaotic parliamentary elections the results of which have still not been announced.

The Afghan government on Tuesday fired its election commission ahead of July's controversial presidential vote, reports said. The move comes more than three months after chaotic parliamentary elections the results of which have still not been announced. A terse four-sentence statement said both the Independent Election Commission and its complaints commission have been fired. The statement did not offer reasons but President Ashraf Ghani's administration gave political parties and civil society representatives one week to nominate candidates to a new commission. Last October's Parliamentary polls, which were held three years late, were marred by widespread chaos. Polling stations opened hours late and some did not open at all. Workers trained in the use of a biometric identification system, aimed at curbing fraud, did not show up.

Afghan government fires election commission ahead of presidential vote in July

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-offers-taliban-local-office-group-desire-doha-instead-196448">president of Afghanistan</a> on Monday announced his government would convene the so-called Grand Consultative Assembly of Elders in March to seek its advice on the peace process with the Taliban insurgency.

During a gathering of tribal elders in Kabul, the Afghan capital, President Ashraf Ghani asked the secretary of the High Peace Council, Omar Daudzai, to convene the consultative Loya Jirga assembly at the end of Hoot (the month in the Afghan Hijri solar calendar roughly equivalent to March).

"The government and all groups of society will be supporting you in these efforts to convene the grand assembly, a gathering that will host all elites and influential figures of the country," he told Daudzai, who in recent months joined Ghani’s peace efforts.

The Loya Jirga will provide consultations to the government and will define which values cannot be compromised and the matters that should be discussed in the peace process.&nbsp;

"In the gathering, the world will hear the true voice of the nation. The Jirga will define the values that should not be compromised over and it will define the price of peace and war," Ghani said, calling the consultations with the assembly "another big step" to unite all of Afghans' peace efforts under one umbrella.&nbsp;

"This is a united home, and we should act as a single united voice," he added.

Ghani said his government had the "true intention and will" for peace and was ready to hold talks on prisoners with the Taliban.

He added that if the parties to the conflict were to reach a peace agreement, he was willing to sign the document in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia.

Although the Taliban have not held direct talks with the government so far, Ghani said his administration had already started to draft plans for the development of post-war Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Ghani also promised to amend the current electoral laws so as to guarantee transparency in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for next July.

"A fair and transparent presidential election is the demand of the nation," he said.

Ghani's announcement comes at a time when the United States and the Taliban have held several rounds of talks over the last three months in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, which have seen "significant progress on vital issues" such as foreign troop withdrawal and counter-terrorism efforts, according to the US negotiators.

The two sides are expected to meet again at the end of February in Doha for further negotiations.

The president of Afghanistan on Monday announced his government would convene the so-called Grand Consultative Assembly of Elders in March to seek its advice on the peace process with the Taliban insurgency.

The president of Afghanistan on Monday announced his government would convene the so-called Grand Consultative Assembly of Elders in March to seek its advice on the peace process with the Taliban insurgency. During a gathering of tribal elders in Kabul, the Afghan capital, President Ashraf Ghani asked the secretary of the High Peace Council, Omar Daudzai, to convene the consultative Loya Jirga assembly at the end of Hoot (the month in the Afghan Hijri solar calendar roughly equivalent to March). "The government and all groups of society will be supporting you in these efforts to convene the grand assembly, a gathering that will host all elites and influential figures of the country," he told Daudzai, who in recent months joined Ghani’s peace efforts. The Loya Jirga will provide consultations to the government and will define which values cannot be compromised and the matters that should be discussed in the peace process. "In the gathering, the world will hear the true voice of the nation. The Jirga will define the values that should not be compromised over and it will define the price of peace and war," Ghani said, calling the consultations with the assembly "another big step" to unite all of Afghans' peace efforts under one umbrella. "This is a united home, and we should act as a single united voice," he added. Ghani said his government had the "true intention and will" for peace and was ready to hold talks on prisoners with the Taliban. He added that if the parties to the conflict were to reach a peace agreement, he was willing to sign the document in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. Although the Taliban have not held direct talks with the government so far, Ghani said his administration had already started to draft plans for the development of post-war Afghanistan. Ghani also promised to amend the current electoral laws so as to guarantee transparency in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for next July. "A fair and transparent presidential election is the demand of the nation," he said. Ghani's announcement comes at a time when the United States and the Taliban have held several rounds of talks over the last three months in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, which have seen "significant progress on vital issues" such as foreign troop withdrawal and counter-terrorism efforts, according to the US negotiators. The two sides are expected to meet again at the end of February in Doha for further negotiations.

Afghan government to convene council of elders for consultations on peace process

The Afghan government, which was not invited in last week`s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/moscow-talks-first-step-towards-inter-afghan-dialogue-says-former-afghan-president-karzai-194988">Moscow talks</a>, slammed Russia for allowing the United Nations blacklisted Taliban members to take part in the talks.

“They (Taliban members who are on the UN blacklist) do not have the permission to freely travel, and they are on the terrorist groups’ list in many countries. Russia allowed the members to enter the country despite them being on the UN’s blacklist.” MoFA spokesman Sebghat Ahmadi told TOLOnes on Friday.

The ministry`s remarks came days after the government lodged a complaint with the United Nations over a recent trip by members of the Taliban to Moscow.

“Individuals such as Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai and his fellows who visited Russia are sanctioned by the UN. We have shared with the UN Security Council’s 1988’s committee the visit of those Taliban members to Moscow who are sanctioned by the UN,” added Ahamdi.

The government has criticised the talks from the beginning, by saying that the talks hosted by Russia were against the spirit of Afghan-led and owned peace process. The talks, which were held from February 4 to 7, were attended by 40 Afghan politicians, excluding government officials.

A declaration was signed after the three days talks, stating that all parties in the conference have agreed that a dignified and lasting peace is the aspiration of all the people of Afghanistan and this principle has been achieved in Moscow.

A joint statement of the participants, signed after the meeting, reiterated that the intra-Afghan dialogue must continue on a regular basis in view of the current sensitive situation.

Meanwhile, Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, said that the Taliban will reach a peace agreement with the United States before the Afghan Presidential elections slated to be held on July 20.

The Afghan government, which was not invited in last week`s Moscow talks, slammed Russia for allowing the United Nations blacklisted Taliban members to take part in the talks.

The Afghan government, which was not invited in last week`s Moscow talks, slammed Russia for allowing the United Nations blacklisted Taliban members to take part in the talks. “They (Taliban members who are on the UN blacklist) do not have the permission to freely travel, and they are on the terrorist groups’ list in many countries. Russia allowed the members to enter the country despite them being on the UN’s blacklist.” MoFA spokesman Sebghat Ahmadi told TOLOnes on Friday. The ministry`s remarks came days after the government lodged a complaint with the United Nations over a recent trip by members of the Taliban to Moscow. “Individuals such as Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai and his fellows who visited Russia are sanctioned by the UN. We have shared with the UN Security Council’s 1988’s committee the visit of those Taliban members to Moscow who are sanctioned by the UN,” added Ahamdi. The government has criticised the talks from the beginning, by saying that the talks hosted by Russia were against the spirit of Afghan-led and owned peace process. The talks, which were held from February 4 to 7, were attended by 40 Afghan politicians, excluding government officials. A declaration was signed after the three days talks, stating that all parties in the conference have agreed that a dignified and lasting peace is the aspiration of all the people of Afghanistan and this principle has been achieved in Moscow. A joint statement of the participants, signed after the meeting, reiterated that the intra-Afghan dialogue must continue on a regular basis in view of the current sensitive situation. Meanwhile, Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, said that the Taliban will reach a peace agreement with the United States before the Afghan Presidential elections slated to be held on July 20.

Afghan Government slams Russia for allowing UN blacklisted Taliban to attend Moscow talks

The Taliban on Monday vowed to target government security forces in upcoming parliamentary elections, as US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with Afghan leaders to discuss ways to end the 17-year war.

Describing the polls as a "malicious American conspiracy" and urging voters to boycott them, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the militants would pull no punches to disrupt the long-delayed ballot scheduled for October 20.&nbsp;

While the Taliban would take care to avoid civilian casualties, "people who are trying to help in holding this process successfully by providing security should be targeted and no stone should be left unturned for the prevention and failure" of the election, Mujahid said in a statement published in English.

The interior ministry dismissed the Taliban's statement as "words fed to them by their foreign backers" and said security would be provided for voters.

The Taliban -- Afghanistan's largest militant group that was toppled from power in the 2001 US-led invasion -- typically issue inflammatory and hyperbolic statements about the Afghan government and its international backers.

But this latest declaration comes just days before the parliamentary election, which is seen as a crucial dry run for next year's presidential vote and has already been marred by deadly violence.

It also comes as Khalilzad meets with Afghan leaders for the first time since his appointment last month to steer peace efforts with the militants.

Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, Afghanistan's equivalent of prime minister, welcomed the visit by Afghanistan-born Khalilzad in televised remarks on Monday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"We believe if more attention is paid to the (peace) process, there is a good chance of success," Abdullah said.

Khalilzad -- a high-profile former US ambassador to Kabul, Baghdad and the United Nations -- is on a 10-day regional trip that also includes Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.&nbsp;

He met with President Ashraf Ghani and other top leaders on Sunday night to discuss "an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process", Ghani's office said in a statement.

"I will use my experiences in the international arena and connections in the region to reach this goal (of peace)," Khalilzad told Tolo News.

Afghan and international players have been ratcheting up efforts to hold talks with the Taliban.

An unprecedented ceasefire in June followed by talks between US officials and Taliban representatives in Qatar in July fuelled hopes that negotiations could bring an end to the fighting.

But a wave of attacks by the Taliban and the Islamic State group in recent months has poured cold water on the nascent optimism.&nbsp;

The Taliban on Monday vowed to target government security forces in upcoming parliamentary elections, as US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with Afghan leaders to discuss ways to end the 17-year war.

The Taliban on Monday vowed to target government security forces in upcoming parliamentary elections, as US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with Afghan leaders to discuss ways to end the 17-year war. Describing the polls as a "malicious American conspiracy" and urging voters to boycott them, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the militants would pull no punches to disrupt the long-delayed ballot scheduled for October 20. While the Taliban would take care to avoid civilian casualties, "people who are trying to help in holding this process successfully by providing security should be targeted and no stone should be left unturned for the prevention and failure" of the election, Mujahid said in a statement published in English. The interior ministry dismissed the Taliban's statement as "words fed to them by their foreign backers" and said security would be provided for voters. The Taliban -- Afghanistan's largest militant group that was toppled from power in the 2001 US-led invasion -- typically issue inflammatory and hyperbolic statements about the Afghan government and its international backers. But this latest declaration comes just days before the parliamentary election, which is seen as a crucial dry run for next year's presidential vote and has already been marred by deadly violence. It also comes as Khalilzad meets with Afghan leaders for the first time since his appointment last month to steer peace efforts with the militants. Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, Afghanistan's equivalent of prime minister, welcomed the visit by Afghanistan-born Khalilzad in televised remarks on Monday. "We believe if more attention is paid to the (peace) process, there is a good chance of success," Abdullah said. Khalilzad -- a high-profile former US ambassador to Kabul, Baghdad and the United Nations -- is on a 10-day regional trip that also includes Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. He met with President Ashraf Ghani and other top leaders on Sunday night to discuss "an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process", Ghani's office said in a statement. "I will use my experiences in the international arena and connections in the region to reach this goal (of peace)," Khalilzad told Tolo News. Afghan and international players have been ratcheting up efforts to hold talks with the Taliban. An unprecedented ceasefire in June followed by talks between US officials and Taliban representatives in Qatar in July fuelled hopes that negotiations could bring an end to the fighting. But a wave of attacks by the Taliban and the Islamic State group in recent months has poured cold water on the nascent optimism.

Taliban vows to attack Afghan security forces during elections

Uzbekistan offered on Tuesday to host peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, a move that could make Tashkent a player in settling the decades-long conflict in the neighbouring country.

The former Soviet republic is seeking to raise its international profile as part of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's campaign to open up the nation of 32 million and attract foreign investment after decades of isolation and economic stagnation.

"We stand ready to create all necessary conditions, at any stage of the peace process, to arrange on the territory of Uzbekistan direct talks between the government of Afghanistan and the Taliban movement," Mirziyoyev told a conference in Tashkent attended by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

European Union foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini and a number of foreign ministers including those of Russia and Turkey, also attended the conference, but there were no Taliban representatives.

Last month, Ghani offered recognition of the Taliban as a legitimate political group as part of a proposed political process. He repeated the offer on Tuesday, saying it would "let ballots replace bullets". 
Meanwhile, Thomas Shannon, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, warned that if the Taliban rejected the offer, "they will leave us no choice but to oppose them".

Mirziyoyev took over the predominantly Muslim Uzbekistan after the death in 2016 of authoritarian President Islam Karimov, who had run the country since the Soviet era.

Tashkent`s ties with the West were strained under Karimov who was often criticised over his government`s human rights abuses.

Mirziyoyev has promised to liberalise the country and has launched a diplomatic campaign to bring in foreign investment and boost trade.

Tashkent`s ties with the West were strained under Karimov who was often criticised over his government`s human rights abuses.

Uzbekistan offered on Tuesday to host peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, a move that could make Tashkent a player in settling the decades-long conflict in the neighbouring country. The former Soviet republic is seeking to raise its international profile as part of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's campaign to open up the nation of 32 million and attract foreign investment after decades of isolation and economic stagnation. "We stand ready to create all necessary conditions, at any stage of the peace process, to arrange on the territory of Uzbekistan direct talks between the government of Afghanistan and the Taliban movement," Mirziyoyev told a conference in Tashkent attended by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. European Union foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini and a number of foreign ministers including those of Russia and Turkey, also attended the conference, but there were no Taliban representatives. Last month, Ghani offered recognition of the Taliban as a legitimate political group as part of a proposed political process. He repeated the offer on Tuesday, saying it would "let ballots replace bullets". Meanwhile, Thomas Shannon, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, warned that if the Taliban rejected the offer, "they will leave us no choice but to oppose them". Mirziyoyev took over the predominantly Muslim Uzbekistan after the death in 2016 of authoritarian President Islam Karimov, who had run the country since the Soviet era. Tashkent`s ties with the West were strained under Karimov who was often criticised over his government`s human rights abuses. Mirziyoyev has promised to liberalise the country and has launched a diplomatic campaign to bring in foreign investment and boost trade.

Uzbekistan offers to host talks between Afghan government, Taliban

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