A Taliban delegation met US&nbsp;special representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad in Pakistan's capital Islamabad on Thursday, two sources told Reuters, the first known contact between the two sides since <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-says-taliban-talks-dead-us-military-to-ramp-up-afghanistan-operations-248707">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump called off talks last month.</a>

Sources cautioned the meeting, which lasted more than an hour, did not represent a resumption of formal negotiations.

"The Taliban officials held a meeting with Zalmay Khalilzad...all I can tell you is that Pakistan played a big role in it to convince them how important it was for the peace process," a senior Pakistan government official told Reuters, declining to be named as he was not authorised to speak publicly about the matter.

He added the contact, which was confirmed by a second source, did not involve formal negotiations on the peace process, but were interactions aimed at building confidence. He declined to elaborate further on the content of the discussions.

The US&nbsp;Embassy in Islamabad and State Department in Washington declined to comment on whether a meeting had taken place. A State Department spokesperson said that Khalilzad had spent "several days" in Islamabad this week for consultations with authorities in Pakistan.

The spokesperson said Khalilzad's meetings while in Islamabad did not represent a re-start to the Afghan peace process.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, would not confirm or deny that the Taliban had met Khalilzad, adding that the Taliban delegation was still in Islamabad for meetings on Friday.

Trump halted the talks with the Taliban, aimed at striking a deal allowing the US&nbsp;and other foreign troops to withdraw in exchange for Taliban security guarantees, following the death of a US&nbsp;soldier and 11 others in a Taliban bomb attack in Kabul.

The Taliban delegation led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, one of the group's founders, had earlier met <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-delegation-to-visit-pakistan-and-discuss-failed-afghan-peace-talks-253201">Pakistan's foreign minister in Islamabad on Thursday</a> and both sides called for a resumption of the talks as soon as possible.

The United States has long considered Pakistan's cooperation crucial to efforts to end the war in Afghanistan and the latest developments follow a meeting last week between Trump and Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The US&nbsp;and Taliban said last month, shortly before talks broke off, that they were close to reaching a deal, despite concerns among some US&nbsp;security officials and within the Afghan government that a US&nbsp;withdrawal could lead to more conflict and a possible resurgence of Islamist militant factions.

A Taliban delegation met US special representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad in Pakistan's capital Islamabad on Thursday, two sources told Reuters, the first known contact between the two sides since US President Donald Trump called off talks last month.

A Taliban delegation met US special representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad in Pakistan's capital Islamabad on Thursday, two sources told Reuters, the first known contact between the two sides since US President Donald Trump called off talks last month. Sources cautioned the meeting, which lasted more than an hour, did not represent a resumption of formal negotiations. "The Taliban officials held a meeting with Zalmay Khalilzad...all I can tell you is that Pakistan played a big role in it to convince them how important it was for the peace process," a senior Pakistan government official told Reuters, declining to be named as he was not authorised to speak publicly about the matter. He added the contact, which was confirmed by a second source, did not involve formal negotiations on the peace process, but were interactions aimed at building confidence. He declined to elaborate further on the content of the discussions. The US Embassy in Islamabad and State Department in Washington declined to comment on whether a meeting had taken place. A State Department spokesperson said that Khalilzad had spent "several days" in Islamabad this week for consultations with authorities in Pakistan. The spokesperson said Khalilzad's meetings while in Islamabad did not represent a re-start to the Afghan peace process. Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, would not confirm or deny that the Taliban had met Khalilzad, adding that the Taliban delegation was still in Islamabad for meetings on Friday. Trump halted the talks with the Taliban, aimed at striking a deal allowing the US and other foreign troops to withdraw in exchange for Taliban security guarantees, following the death of a US soldier and 11 others in a Taliban bomb attack in Kabul. The Taliban delegation led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, one of the group's founders, had earlier met Pakistan's foreign minister in Islamabad on Thursday and both sides called for a resumption of the talks as soon as possible. The United States has long considered Pakistan's cooperation crucial to efforts to end the war in Afghanistan and the latest developments follow a meeting last week between Trump and Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The US and Taliban said last month, shortly before talks broke off, that they were close to reaching a deal, despite concerns among some US security officials and within the Afghan government that a US withdrawal could lead to more conflict and a possible resurgence of Islamist militant factions.

Taliban delegation met US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad during visit to Islamabad

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US President Donald Trump said Saturday he had called off a secret summit with the Taliban and Afghanistan's leader, abruptly slamming the door on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-chief-says-us-working-towards-good-deal-with-taliban-248279">a year of diplomacy to end America's longest war</a>.

In a Saturday evening bombshell, Trump said that he had planned unprecedented, albeit separate, talks with the two sides Sunday in Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland, but that the Taliban's persistent, grisly campaign of violence made them untrustworthy partners.

"Unbeknownst to almost everyone, the major Taliban leaders and, separately, the President of Afghanistan, were going to secretly meet with me at Camp David on Sunday," Trump said in a tweet.

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....only made it worse! If they cannot agree to a ceasefire during these very important peace talks, and would even kill 12 innocent people, then they probably don’t have the power to negotiate a meaningful agreement anyway. How many more decades are they willing to fight?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1170469621348098049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Unfortunately, in order to build false leverage, they admitted to an attack in Kabul that killed one of our great-great soldiers, and 11 other people. I immediately cancelled the meeting and called off peace negotiations."

"What kind of people would kill so many in order to seemingly strengthen their bargaining position? They didn't, they only made it worse!" Trump said.

Watch: Taliban Attacks Kunduz City, 7 people killed in clashes

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A US soldier and another service member from Romania were killed in the car bombing Thursday in Kabul -- the latest major attack claimed by the Taliban even as they negotiated with a US envoy on the withdrawal of thousands of troops.

Trump would have met the Taliban at Camp David -- scene of secret 1978 talks as Jimmy Carter brokered peace between Israel and Egypt -- days before the 18th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, which triggered the US invasion that toppled the militants' regime.

Washington was jolted by the announcement from Trump, who is fond of dramatic gestures but whose Twitter pronouncements have often come into question later.

"The idea that Trump was planning to host Taliban leaders at Camp David is a rather big surprise," said Laurel Miller, who served as the US special representative on Afghanistan and Pakistan until early in the Trump administration.

"Why a lethal attack in Kabul on Thursday would be the reason for calling it off, considering the multiple recent Taliban attacks, is unclear," Miller, now the Asia director of the International Crisis Group, told AFP.

Congressman Tom Malinowski, a Democrat who has been pressing for clarity on the US strategy in Afghanistan, called the idea of Taliban leaders at Camp David "weird."

"And everyone knew they've been continuously committing terrorist attacks. But I'm glad the president called off this farce, and hope this good decision sticks," Malinowski tweeted.

Deal unpopular in Kabul

The announcement by tweet appears abruptly to end, at least for now, a painstaking diplomatic process led for nearly a year by Zalmay Khalilzad, the Afghan-born veteran US diplomat who held nine rounds of talks with the Taliban, usually in Qatar.

Afghanistan's internationally recognized president, Ashraf Ghani, had been outspoken in his criticism of the emerging shape of the withdrawal agreement with the Taliban, who have refused to negotiate with his government.

Selling the plan in Kabul, Khalilzad said that he had reached an agreement "in principle" with the Taliban -- who ruled much of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 during which they imposed a draconian version of Islam.

According to parts of the draft deal that had been made public, the Pentagon would pull about 5,000 of the roughly 13,000 US troops from five bases across Afghanistan by early next year.

The insurgents in turn would renounce Al-Qaeda, promise to fight the Islamic State group and stop jihadists using Afghanistan as a safe haven -- the primary reason for the 2001 invasion.

US public opinion has soured on nearly two decades of war and Trump, after initially being persuaded to reinforce US troops, has said that the United States should not pursue "endless" war.

Question mark on troops

Trump's announcement draws a fresh question mark on whether the United States will leave Afghanistan anytime soon.

The decision comes weeks before Afghanistan is set to hold elections, an unwieldy exercise even in more stable times.

Trump had been uncharacteristically reticent about Afghanistan in recent weeks, with all eyes on whether he would approve a final deal.

Washington had hoped that a withdrawal of US troops would lead to negotiations between the Taliban and Kabul on a more permanent peace.

The Taliban have shown no signs of letting up on violence. Claiming responsibility for Thursday's bombing, which shook a fortified central area of Kabul, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that a "martyrdom seeker" -- or suicide bomber -- had killed "foreign invaders."

Trump has walked away from high-stakes talks before. In February, his aides pressed him not to accept a deal in Hanoi with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un -- another individual whom it would have long been unthinkable for a US president to meet.

But Trump soon made clear that he wanted to keep talking, calling Kim a friend, and arranged to meet him in June as the US leader visited the Korean peninsula.

US President Donald Trump said Saturday he had called off a secret summit with the Taliban and Afghanistan's leader, abruptly slamming the door on a year of diplomacy to end America's longest war.

US President Donald Trump said Saturday he had called off a secret summit with the Taliban and Afghanistan's leader, abruptly slamming the door on a year of diplomacy to end America's longest war. In a Saturday evening bombshell, Trump said that he had planned unprecedented, albeit separate, talks with the two sides Sunday in Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland, but that the Taliban's persistent, grisly campaign of violence made them untrustworthy partners. "Unbeknownst to almost everyone, the major Taliban leaders and, separately, the President of Afghanistan, were going to secretly meet with me at Camp David on Sunday," Trump said in a tweet. ....only made it worse! If they cannot agree to a ceasefire during these very important peace talks, and would even kill 12 innocent people, then they probably don’t have the power to negotiate a meaningful agreement anyway. How many more decades are they willing to fight? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 7, 2019 × "Unfortunately, in order to build false leverage, they admitted to an attack in Kabul that killed one of our great-great soldiers, and 11 other people. I immediately cancelled the meeting and called off peace negotiations." "What kind of people would kill so many in order to seemingly strengthen their bargaining position? They didn't, they only made it worse!" Trump said. Watch: Taliban Attacks Kunduz City, 7 people killed in clashes × A US soldier and another service member from Romania were killed in the car bombing Thursday in Kabul -- the latest major attack claimed by the Taliban even as they negotiated with a US envoy on the withdrawal of thousands of troops. Trump would have met the Taliban at Camp David -- scene of secret 1978 talks as Jimmy Carter brokered peace between Israel and Egypt -- days before the 18th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, which triggered the US invasion that toppled the militants' regime. Washington was jolted by the announcement from Trump, who is fond of dramatic gestures but whose Twitter pronouncements have often come into question later. "The idea that Trump was planning to host Taliban leaders at Camp David is a rather big surprise," said Laurel Miller, who served as the US special representative on Afghanistan and Pakistan until early in the Trump administration. "Why a lethal attack in Kabul on Thursday would be the reason for calling it off, considering the multiple recent Taliban attacks, is unclear," Miller, now the Asia director of the International Crisis Group, told AFP. Congressman Tom Malinowski, a Democrat who has been pressing for clarity on the US strategy in Afghanistan, called the idea of Taliban leaders at Camp David "weird." "And everyone knew they've been continuously committing terrorist attacks. But I'm glad the president called off this farce, and hope this good decision sticks," Malinowski tweeted. Deal unpopular in Kabul The announcement by tweet appears abruptly to end, at least for now, a painstaking diplomatic process led for nearly a year by Zalmay Khalilzad, the Afghan-born veteran US diplomat who held nine rounds of talks with the Taliban, usually in Qatar. Afghanistan's internationally recognized president, Ashraf Ghani, had been outspoken in his criticism of the emerging shape of the withdrawal agreement with the Taliban, who have refused to negotiate with his government. Selling the plan in Kabul, Khalilzad said that he had reached an agreement "in principle" with the Taliban -- who ruled much of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 during which they imposed a draconian version of Islam. According to parts of the draft deal that had been made public, the Pentagon would pull about 5,000 of the roughly 13,000 US troops from five bases across Afghanistan by early next year. The insurgents in turn would renounce Al-Qaeda, promise to fight the Islamic State group and stop jihadists using Afghanistan as a safe haven -- the primary reason for the 2001 invasion. US public opinion has soured on nearly two decades of war and Trump, after initially being persuaded to reinforce US troops, has said that the United States should not pursue "endless" war. Question mark on troops Trump's announcement draws a fresh question mark on whether the United States will leave Afghanistan anytime soon. The decision comes weeks before Afghanistan is set to hold elections, an unwieldy exercise even in more stable times. Trump had been uncharacteristically reticent about Afghanistan in recent weeks, with all eyes on whether he would approve a final deal. Washington had hoped that a withdrawal of US troops would lead to negotiations between the Taliban and Kabul on a more permanent peace. The Taliban have shown no signs of letting up on violence. Claiming responsibility for Thursday's bombing, which shook a fortified central area of Kabul, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that a "martyrdom seeker" -- or suicide bomber -- had killed "foreign invaders." Trump has walked away from high-stakes talks before. In February, his aides pressed him not to accept a deal in Hanoi with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un -- another individual whom it would have long been unthinkable for a US president to meet. But Trump soon made clear that he wanted to keep talking, calling Kim a friend, and arranged to meet him in June as the US leader visited the Korean peninsula.

Afghanistan: Donald Trump calls off peace talks, secret summit with Taliban over terror attacks

Afghanistan praised the "sincere efforts of its allies" Sunday after US President Donald Trump said he had called off negotiations with the Taliban, apparently ending a year-long diplomatic push to exit America's longest war.

"The Afghan government, in relation to the peace, appreciates the sincere efforts of its allies and is committed to working together with the United States and other allies to bring a lasting peace," said a statement from President Ashraf Ghani's office.

The statement came after Trump tweeted late Saturday that he had planned unprecedented, albeit separate, talks with the Taliban and with Ghani Sunday at Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland.

The secret talks would have come after months of diplomatic wrangling between the US and the Taliban over a deal that would allow Washington to begin withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

But after the Taliban killed 12 people in a single attack in Kabul this week, including a US soldier, Trump said he "immediately cancelled the meeting and called off peace negotiations".

His announcement left the withdrawal deal shrouded in uncertainty.&nbsp;

The US-backed government in Kabul had eyed the deal with deep unease and long complained of being sidelined from the talks.&nbsp;

"We have always insisted that real peace can only be achieved if the Taliban stop killing Afghans and accept a ceasefire, and face-to-face talks with the Afghan government," the statement from Ghani's office said.

A presidential election is scheduled for September 28, and Kabul "insists" the polls should be held to establish "a strong, lawful and legitimate government so that it can take forward the peace process with wisdom".

Afghanistan praised the "sincere efforts of its allies" Sunday after US President Donald Trump said he had called off negotiations with the Taliban, apparently ending a year-long diplomatic push to exit America's longest war.

Afghanistan praised the "sincere efforts of its allies" Sunday after US President Donald Trump said he had called off negotiations with the Taliban, apparently ending a year-long diplomatic push to exit America's longest war. "The Afghan government, in relation to the peace, appreciates the sincere efforts of its allies and is committed to working together with the United States and other allies to bring a lasting peace," said a statement from President Ashraf Ghani's office. The statement came after Trump tweeted late Saturday that he had planned unprecedented, albeit separate, talks with the Taliban and with Ghani Sunday at Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland. The secret talks would have come after months of diplomatic wrangling between the US and the Taliban over a deal that would allow Washington to begin withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan. But after the Taliban killed 12 people in a single attack in Kabul this week, including a US soldier, Trump said he "immediately cancelled the meeting and called off peace negotiations". His announcement left the withdrawal deal shrouded in uncertainty. The US-backed government in Kabul had eyed the deal with deep unease and long complained of being sidelined from the talks. "We have always insisted that real peace can only be achieved if the Taliban stop killing Afghans and accept a ceasefire, and face-to-face talks with the Afghan government," the statement from Ghani's office said. A presidential election is scheduled for September 28, and Kabul "insists" the polls should be held to establish "a strong, lawful and legitimate government so that it can take forward the peace process with wisdom".

Afghan government praises 'sincere efforts' as Donald Trump calls off Taliban talks

A Taliban suicide bomber struck a main square in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz where Afghan forces had gathered to defend the city from falling to the Taliban, killing at least 10 soldiers and civilians, Afghan officials said on Saturday.

It followed a major attack Taliban fighters had launched on Kunduz in the early hours of the morning, setting off gun battles and air strikes throughout Saturday in a bid to gain control of the city located on a key highway providing easy access to much of northern border provinces.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks even as leaders of the insurgent group were holding talks with US negotiators to finalise a deal with for the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan.

The attacks forced the Afghan troops to rush in reinforcements to prevent the insurgents from gaining control of the city.

They also prompted the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan, Gen. Scott Miller, along with top Afghan security officials and ministers to arrive in Kunduz to oversee the counteroffensive operations.

Miller's visit underlines Washington's continuing commitment to Afghan forces even as it negotiates a historic deal with the Taliban to end the 18-year-long war in Afghanistan.

At least three civilians were killed in the battles and 41 wounded were taken to hospitals, said Ehsanullah Fazli, head of the public health department in Kunduz city.

Electricity and most telephone services were cut, and residents took shelter in their houses, making it difficult to gain a complete picture of the fighting.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in a statement said movement constraints for humanitarian personnel and disruption of phone lines were posing a challenge to assessing the situation in Kunduz as exit routes from the city remain contested.

"Electricity was interrupted last night (Friday) and any further cuts this evening (Saturday) may create problems for residents who rely on pumped wells for their water needs," OCHA stated.

Government officials in Kunduz and Kabul said the Taliban were seeking shelter inside homes and some of the fighters had entered the main hospital in the city.

"The city is completely empty, shops are locked, people aren't moving, and light and heavy weapons can be heard in several parts of the city," said local resident Khaluddin, who like many Afghans goes by a single name.

The interior ministry said at least 36 Taliban insurgents were killed in ground and air operations in three areas of Kunduz city and clearance operations were underway.

An air strike in Zakhil area killed 20 Taliban fighters including two commanders, Afghan security officials said. Taliban spokesmen were not immediately available to confirm the casualty figures.

"Security forces are repelling the Taliban attack on some parts of Kunduz city. Their top priority is to protect the civilians," said Sediq Sediqqi, a spokesman for the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

"As always the Taliban have taken positions in civilian areas," he said in a tweet.

Troop withdrawal

The fighting in Kunduz, which the Taliban came close to capturing twice in recent years, came as expectations have grown that US and Taliban negotiators in Doha were close to securing an agreement that would see a timetable for the withdrawal of thousands of US troops.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the Afghan-born US diplomat leading the talks for Washington, is expected in Kabul in the coming days to outline the terms of a settlement to the Afghan president ahead of meetings with NATO partners.

Taliban officials said talks had resumed on Saturday and could continue until Sunday.

A US-Taliban accord would not in itself end the fighting in Afghanistan, but it would open the way for talks between the Taliban and the government in Kabul for a wider peace agreement.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States had had good negotiations going on with the Taliban but had not yet reached a deal with them on US troops withdrawing from Afghanistan.

Sources in the Taliban said Trump's statement that the United States will continue to maintain a force in Afghanistan even after a deal was reached was unacceptable to them as they are demanding a complete pull-out of foreign forces.

About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are now in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. Some US forces carry out counter-terrorism operations.

Despite the peace talks, fighting between the Taliban and Afghan forces, who are backed by US air power, has not subsided.

More than 1,500 civilians were killed or injured last month, according to the United Nations.

An American service member was killed in combat operations in Afghanistan on Thursday, the US military said, the third to be killed here in the past eight days.

A Taliban suicide bomber struck a main square in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz where Afghan forces had gathered to defend the city from falling to the Taliban, killing at least 10 soldiers and civilians, Afghan officials said on Saturday.

A Taliban suicide bomber struck a main square in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz where Afghan forces had gathered to defend the city from falling to the Taliban, killing at least 10 soldiers and civilians, Afghan officials said on Saturday. It followed a major attack Taliban fighters had launched on Kunduz in the early hours of the morning, setting off gun battles and air strikes throughout Saturday in a bid to gain control of the city located on a key highway providing easy access to much of northern border provinces. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks even as leaders of the insurgent group were holding talks with US negotiators to finalise a deal with for the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan. The attacks forced the Afghan troops to rush in reinforcements to prevent the insurgents from gaining control of the city. They also prompted the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan, Gen. Scott Miller, along with top Afghan security officials and ministers to arrive in Kunduz to oversee the counteroffensive operations. Miller's visit underlines Washington's continuing commitment to Afghan forces even as it negotiates a historic deal with the Taliban to end the 18-year-long war in Afghanistan. At least three civilians were killed in the battles and 41 wounded were taken to hospitals, said Ehsanullah Fazli, head of the public health department in Kunduz city. Electricity and most telephone services were cut, and residents took shelter in their houses, making it difficult to gain a complete picture of the fighting. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in a statement said movement constraints for humanitarian personnel and disruption of phone lines were posing a challenge to assessing the situation in Kunduz as exit routes from the city remain contested. "Electricity was interrupted last night (Friday) and any further cuts this evening (Saturday) may create problems for residents who rely on pumped wells for their water needs," OCHA stated. Government officials in Kunduz and Kabul said the Taliban were seeking shelter inside homes and some of the fighters had entered the main hospital in the city. "The city is completely empty, shops are locked, people aren't moving, and light and heavy weapons can be heard in several parts of the city," said local resident Khaluddin, who like many Afghans goes by a single name. The interior ministry said at least 36 Taliban insurgents were killed in ground and air operations in three areas of Kunduz city and clearance operations were underway. An air strike in Zakhil area killed 20 Taliban fighters including two commanders, Afghan security officials said. Taliban spokesmen were not immediately available to confirm the casualty figures. "Security forces are repelling the Taliban attack on some parts of Kunduz city. Their top priority is to protect the civilians," said Sediq Sediqqi, a spokesman for the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. "As always the Taliban have taken positions in civilian areas," he said in a tweet. Troop withdrawal The fighting in Kunduz, which the Taliban came close to capturing twice in recent years, came as expectations have grown that US and Taliban negotiators in Doha were close to securing an agreement that would see a timetable for the withdrawal of thousands of US troops. Zalmay Khalilzad, the Afghan-born US diplomat leading the talks for Washington, is expected in Kabul in the coming days to outline the terms of a settlement to the Afghan president ahead of meetings with NATO partners. Taliban officials said talks had resumed on Saturday and could continue until Sunday. A US-Taliban accord would not in itself end the fighting in Afghanistan, but it would open the way for talks between the Taliban and the government in Kabul for a wider peace agreement. US President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States had had good negotiations going on with the Taliban but had not yet reached a deal with them on US troops withdrawing from Afghanistan. Sources in the Taliban said Trump's statement that the United States will continue to maintain a force in Afghanistan even after a deal was reached was unacceptable to them as they are demanding a complete pull-out of foreign forces. About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are now in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. Some US forces carry out counter-terrorism operations. Despite the peace talks, fighting between the Taliban and Afghan forces, who are backed by US air power, has not subsided. More than 1,500 civilians were killed or injured last month, according to the United Nations. An American service member was killed in combat operations in Afghanistan on Thursday, the US military said, the third to be killed here in the past eight days.

Scores killed as Taliban, Afghan forces clash in Kunduz despite peace talks

As US&nbsp;and Taliban negotiators push to wrap up talks aimed at securing the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan, disagreement remains about whether a pact will mean an end to the insurgents' fight with the US-backed Afghan government.

US and Taliban officials have been negotiating in Qatar since last year on an agreement centred on the withdrawal of US forces, and an end to their longest-ever war, in exchange for a Taliban guarantee that international militant groups will not plot from Afghan soil.

US negotiators have been pressing the Taliban to agree to peace talks with the Kabul government and to a ceasefire, but a senior Taliban official said that would not happen.

"We will continue our fight against the Afghan government and seize power by force," said the Taliban commander on condition of anonymity.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump is impatient to get US&nbsp;forces out of Afghanistan and end the 18-year war that was launched after September&nbsp;11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

Watch: US-Taliban peace talks - Trump flags progress

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But there are fears among Afghan officials and US national security aides that a US troop withdrawal could see Afghanistan plunged into a new round of civil war that could herald a return of Taliban rule and international militants, including Islamic State, finding a refuge.

Another Taliban commander, who also declined to be identified, said a deal was expected to be signed this week under which US forces, which provide all-important air support to Afghan troops, will stop attacking the Taliban and the militants would end their fight against the US troops.

Under the pact, the United States would also cease supporting the Afghan government, the Taliban officials said.

"The Americans will not come to the assistance of the Afghan government and its forces in their fight against us," the first Taliban official said.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the veteran Afghan-American diplomat who has been leading negotiations on the US side, however, rejected the suggestion that US forces would no longer support the Kabul government, saying "no one should be intimidated or fooled by propaganda".

"Let me be clear: We will defend Afghan forces now and after any agreement with the Talibs," he wrote on Twitter in reaction to the Reuters report. He added that

"All sides agree Afghanistan's future will be determined in intra-Afghan negotiations," he said.

The disagreement highlights one of the most sensitive issues surrounding the US-Taliban talks - a resentment among many in the Afghan government that they have been sidelined from talks that will decide the future of their country.

It also raises a question over whether the Taliban leadership will be able to impose any peace agreement on field commanders who may be reluctant to give up fighting when they feel on the brink of victory.

The Taliban, fighting to expel foreign forces and re-establish a theocratic Islamic state since their ouster in October 2001, has refused to talk to the government, denouncing it as a US puppet although they have raised the possibility of negotiations after the deal on the US withdrawal is struck.

'Separate agreement'

The militants now control more territory than they have since 2001 and the war has ground into a stalemate with casualties rising among civilians as well as combatants.

Some 14,000 US troops remain in Afghanistan, training and advising Afghan forces and conducting counterinsurgency operations.

About 17,000 troops from NATO allies and partners make up a NATO-led train, advise, assist mission called Resolute Support in Afghanistan. Out of those, about 8,000 are from the United States with the others from other NATO members and partners.

The Taliban are demanding the withdrawal of all foreign forces.

In a statement on Monday, the hardline Islamist group accused Salaam, a telecoms company owned by the Afghan government, of spying and warned it would treat its officers, employees and installations as military targets.

In June, the Taliban gave Afghan media a week to cease airing anti-Taliban announcements paid for by the government.

There has been no let-up in the fighting over the past year despite the talks. The United States had not stopped conducting airstrikes and helping Afghan forces to destroy camps run by the Taliban and Islamic State fighters, a US official said.

At least 3,812 civilians were killed or wounded in the first half of 2019 in the war against militant groups, including a big increase in the number of casualties caused by government and foreign forces, the United Nations said in July.

Two diplomatic sources with knowledge of the ninth round of talks in Qatar said they expected an agreement to be finalised this week, enabling the US to pull out about half its forces.

An end to the fighting between the Taliban and Afghan government forces would have to be negotiated separately, they said.

"A ceasefire between the Afghan forces and the Taliban requires a separate agreement and deliberations are yet to begin," said one diplomat who has monitored the Qatar talks.

"The US-Taliban agreement will stop the US from conducting airstrikes on the Taliban, and the Taliban will stop insider attacks on the US&nbsp;and other foreign soldiers," the diplomat said.

One Western diplomat said preparations were being made for talks between the rival Afghan sides in Norway. A group of at least 30 Afghans had been identified by the government and its allies to talk to the Taliban.

Suhail Shaheen, a spokesman for the Taliban political office in Doha, said negotiations had gone on late into Sunday.

The two sides would meet again later on Monday after internal talks in the morning, Shaheen said.

"Our meeting with the US team will resume in the early evening," he said.

Most issues had been resolved but a formal agreement had yet to be concluded, he said. 
&nbsp;

As US and Taliban negotiators push to wrap up talks aimed at securing the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan, disagreement remains about whether a pact will mean an end to the insurgents' fight with the US-backed Afghan government.

As US and Taliban negotiators push to wrap up talks aimed at securing the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan, disagreement remains about whether a pact will mean an end to the insurgents' fight with the US-backed Afghan government. US and Taliban officials have been negotiating in Qatar since last year on an agreement centred on the withdrawal of US forces, and an end to their longest-ever war, in exchange for a Taliban guarantee that international militant groups will not plot from Afghan soil. US negotiators have been pressing the Taliban to agree to peace talks with the Kabul government and to a ceasefire, but a senior Taliban official said that would not happen. "We will continue our fight against the Afghan government and seize power by force," said the Taliban commander on condition of anonymity. US President Donald Trump is impatient to get US forces out of Afghanistan and end the 18-year war that was launched after September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. Watch: US-Taliban peace talks - Trump flags progress × But there are fears among Afghan officials and US national security aides that a US troop withdrawal could see Afghanistan plunged into a new round of civil war that could herald a return of Taliban rule and international militants, including Islamic State, finding a refuge. Another Taliban commander, who also declined to be identified, said a deal was expected to be signed this week under which US forces, which provide all-important air support to Afghan troops, will stop attacking the Taliban and the militants would end their fight against the US troops. Under the pact, the United States would also cease supporting the Afghan government, the Taliban officials said. "The Americans will not come to the assistance of the Afghan government and its forces in their fight against us," the first Taliban official said. Zalmay Khalilzad, the veteran Afghan-American diplomat who has been leading negotiations on the US side, however, rejected the suggestion that US forces would no longer support the Kabul government, saying "no one should be intimidated or fooled by propaganda". "Let me be clear: We will defend Afghan forces now and after any agreement with the Talibs," he wrote on Twitter in reaction to the Reuters report. He added that "All sides agree Afghanistan's future will be determined in intra-Afghan negotiations," he said. The disagreement highlights one of the most sensitive issues surrounding the US-Taliban talks - a resentment among many in the Afghan government that they have been sidelined from talks that will decide the future of their country. It also raises a question over whether the Taliban leadership will be able to impose any peace agreement on field commanders who may be reluctant to give up fighting when they feel on the brink of victory. The Taliban, fighting to expel foreign forces and re-establish a theocratic Islamic state since their ouster in October 2001, has refused to talk to the government, denouncing it as a US puppet although they have raised the possibility of negotiations after the deal on the US withdrawal is struck. 'Separate agreement' The militants now control more territory than they have since 2001 and the war has ground into a stalemate with casualties rising among civilians as well as combatants. Some 14,000 US troops remain in Afghanistan, training and advising Afghan forces and conducting counterinsurgency operations. About 17,000 troops from NATO allies and partners make up a NATO-led train, advise, assist mission called Resolute Support in Afghanistan. Out of those, about 8,000 are from the United States with the others from other NATO members and partners. The Taliban are demanding the withdrawal of all foreign forces. In a statement on Monday, the hardline Islamist group accused Salaam, a telecoms company owned by the Afghan government, of spying and warned it would treat its officers, employees and installations as military targets. In June, the Taliban gave Afghan media a week to cease airing anti-Taliban announcements paid for by the government. There has been no let-up in the fighting over the past year despite the talks. The United States had not stopped conducting airstrikes and helping Afghan forces to destroy camps run by the Taliban and Islamic State fighters, a US official said. At least 3,812 civilians were killed or wounded in the first half of 2019 in the war against militant groups, including a big increase in the number of casualties caused by government and foreign forces, the United Nations said in July. Two diplomatic sources with knowledge of the ninth round of talks in Qatar said they expected an agreement to be finalised this week, enabling the US to pull out about half its forces. An end to the fighting between the Taliban and Afghan government forces would have to be negotiated separately, they said. "A ceasefire between the Afghan forces and the Taliban requires a separate agreement and deliberations are yet to begin," said one diplomat who has monitored the Qatar talks. "The US-Taliban agreement will stop the US from conducting airstrikes on the Taliban, and the Taliban will stop insider attacks on the US and other foreign soldiers," the diplomat said. One Western diplomat said preparations were being made for talks between the rival Afghan sides in Norway. A group of at least 30 Afghans had been identified by the government and its allies to talk to the Taliban. Suhail Shaheen, a spokesman for the Taliban political office in Doha, said negotiations had gone on late into Sunday. The two sides would meet again later on Monday after internal talks in the morning, Shaheen said. "Our meeting with the US team will resume in the early evening," he said. Most issues had been resolved but a formal agreement had yet to be concluded, he said.

US, Taliban deal will not stop attacks on Afghan forces, some Taliban say

At least 66 civilians were injured after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/serial-blasts-in-afghanistans-jalalabad-on-independence-day-34-injured-244090">series of blast struck Jalalabad city</a> of Nangarhar province of Afghanistan, news agency ANI reported citing local media.

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66 civilians wounded in multiple blasts in Jalalabad city of Nangarhar province on Afghanistan Independence day: Pajhwok Afghan News
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A series of bombings struck restaurants and public squares on Monday in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad as the country marked the 100th anniversary of its independence.&nbsp;

So far no group has claimed the responsibility for the 10 bombs which struck the city.

The Jalalabad bombs were planted near a market where hundreds of people had congregated after attending Independence Day events. Senior health official Fahim Bashari said at least 34 people were wounded.

The latest incident comes a day after 63 people were killed and nearly 200 were wounded in a suicide attack on a wedding in Kabul city.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-wedding-suicide-attack-in-kabul-243841">Islamic State had claimed responsibility</a> for that attack.

Watch: Afghan peace process - Ramifications for India

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These attacks come at a time when the United States are discussing a peace deal in Afghanistan, a deal that involves the Taliban giving up arms.

At least 66 civilians were injured after series of blast struck Jalalabad city of Nangarhar province of Afghanistan, news agency ANI reported citing local media.

At least 66 civilians were injured after series of blast struck Jalalabad city of Nangarhar province of Afghanistan, news agency ANI reported citing local media. 66 civilians wounded in multiple blasts in Jalalabad city of Nangarhar province on Afghanistan Independence day: Pajhwok Afghan News — ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2019 × A series of bombings struck restaurants and public squares on Monday in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad as the country marked the 100th anniversary of its independence. So far no group has claimed the responsibility for the 10 bombs which struck the city. The Jalalabad bombs were planted near a market where hundreds of people had congregated after attending Independence Day events. Senior health official Fahim Bashari said at least 34 people were wounded. The latest incident comes a day after 63 people were killed and nearly 200 were wounded in a suicide attack on a wedding in Kabul city. Islamic State had claimed responsibility for that attack. Watch: Afghan peace process - Ramifications for India × These attacks come at a time when the United States are discussing a peace deal in Afghanistan, a deal that involves the Taliban giving up arms.

Afghanistan: At least 66 injured after serial blasts hit Jalalabad on Independence Day

Taliban and US negotiators have wrapped up their latest round of talks for a deal that would see America shrink its troop presence in Afghanistan, a Taliban spokesman said Monday.

According to Zabihullah Mujahid, the eighth round of talks, which had been taking place in Doha, finished after midnight.

"Work was tedious &amp; effective. Both sides agreed to consult their respective leaderships for next steps," he wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

There was no immediate comment from the US embassy in Kabul.&nbsp;

On Sunday, US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad tweeted, "I hope this is the last Eid where Afghanistan is at war," referring to the Eid al-Adha festival currently taking place in the Muslim world.

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Eid Mubarak. I hope this is the last Eid where <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> is at war. I know Afghans yearn for peace. We stand with them and are working hard toward a lasting &amp; honorable peace agreement and a sovereign Afghanistan which poses no threat to any other country.
— U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) <a href="https://twitter.com/US4AfghanPeace/status/1160546469415411713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Speculation has reached fever pitch in Kabul in recent days that an announcement about a US-Taliban deal may be imminent.

The US has been negotiating with its longtime foe over the past year for a pact that would see the Pentagon begin to withdraw its 14,000 troops from Afghanistan.

Washington is keen to end its 18-year involvement in Afghanistan, where it has spent more than $1 trillion, and President Donald Trump has said he wants troops out.

In return, the Taliban would commit to various security guarantees, including that the Islamist hardliners who long harboured Al-Qaeda would not allow Afghanistan to become a jihadist safe haven.

A US-Taliban agreement would not in itself bring Afghanistan's war to an end, as the insurgents would still need to make a deal with the Kabul government.

Many Afghans had been hoping for a ceasefire to be announced over Eid. This has not happened, but recent days have been relatively calm.

On Monday, Afghanistan's intelligence service announced 35 Taliban prisoners would be released "as a gesture of goodwill".

"The release of these prisoners is a clear sign of the strong will of the government for peace and end to war", the agency said in a statement.

The Taliban and Afghan security forces periodically release enemy prisoners.

Taliban and US negotiators have wrapped up their latest round of talks for a deal that would see America shrink its troop presence in Afghanistan, a Taliban spokesman said Monday.

Taliban and US negotiators have wrapped up their latest round of talks for a deal that would see America shrink its troop presence in Afghanistan, a Taliban spokesman said Monday. According to Zabihullah Mujahid, the eighth round of talks, which had been taking place in Doha, finished after midnight. "Work was tedious & effective. Both sides agreed to consult their respective leaderships for next steps," he wrote on Twitter. There was no immediate comment from the US embassy in Kabul. On Sunday, US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad tweeted, "I hope this is the last Eid where Afghanistan is at war," referring to the Eid al-Adha festival currently taking place in the Muslim world. Eid Mubarak. I hope this is the last Eid where #Afghanistan is at war. I know Afghans yearn for peace. We stand with them and are working hard toward a lasting & honorable peace agreement and a sovereign Afghanistan which poses no threat to any other country. — U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) August 11, 2019 × Speculation has reached fever pitch in Kabul in recent days that an announcement about a US-Taliban deal may be imminent. The US has been negotiating with its longtime foe over the past year for a pact that would see the Pentagon begin to withdraw its 14,000 troops from Afghanistan. Washington is keen to end its 18-year involvement in Afghanistan, where it has spent more than $1 trillion, and President Donald Trump has said he wants troops out. In return, the Taliban would commit to various security guarantees, including that the Islamist hardliners who long harboured Al-Qaeda would not allow Afghanistan to become a jihadist safe haven. A US-Taliban agreement would not in itself bring Afghanistan's war to an end, as the insurgents would still need to make a deal with the Kabul government. Many Afghans had been hoping for a ceasefire to be announced over Eid. This has not happened, but recent days have been relatively calm. On Monday, Afghanistan's intelligence service announced 35 Taliban prisoners would be released "as a gesture of goodwill". "The release of these prisoners is a clear sign of the strong will of the government for peace and end to war", the agency said in a statement. The Taliban and Afghan security forces periodically release enemy prisoners.

Latest round of peace talks with US finished: Taliban

US envoy for peace in Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad on Tuesday met India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and briefed about the situation in Afghanistan. Both sides "shared views on how we could work together effectively", said Jaishankar in a tweet.

US envoy for peace in Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad on Tuesday met India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and briefed about the situation in Afghanistan. Both sides "shared views on how we could work together effectively", said Jaishankar in a tweet. This Khalilzad's third trip to India in 2019 and comes even as Afghan Peace Process gathers pace. Useful discussions with US Special Representative @US4AfghanPeace Zalmay Khalilzad. Provided a comprehensive update on the situation in Afghanistan. Shared views on how we could work together effectively. pic.twitter.com/f5alfdB5cj — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 6, 2019 × Zalmay came directly to Delhi from Doha were he held the eighth round of talks with Taliban and a deal is expected soon which will pave way for the American troops to leave the landlocked South Asian country. Taliban expects the deal to be signed between Eid that begins on August 11 and August 14. Before leaving for Delhi, Zalmay in a tweet said, "My team and Taliban representatives will continue to discuss technical details as well as steps and mechanisms required for a successful implementation of the four-part agreement we've been working towards since my appointment. Agreement on these details is essential". India backs "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled" peace process and has been engaging with regional countries--Iran, Russia, China, Central Asian countries-- regarding the Afghan peace process.

US envoy for peace in Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad meets Jaishankar in Delhi

Washington is hoping for a breakthrough after talks between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fresh-round-of-us-taliban-talks-in-doha-hope-for-peace-deal-rise-240401">US and the Taliban</a> resumed in Doha Saturday amid renewed efforts to plot an end to Afghanistan's 18-year-long conflict.

The US, which invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban in 2001, wants to withdraw thousands of troops and draw down its longest-ever war.

But it would first seek assurances from the insurgents that they would renounce Al-Qaeda and stop other militants like the Islamic State group using the country as a haven.

The talks were paused on Saturday evening and set to resume Sunday at 0700 GMT, a Taliban source told AFP.

The source also said efforts were underway to organise a direct meeting between US envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban co-founder Mullah Baradar, who heads the movement's political wing. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Washington is hoping to strike a peace deal with the Taliban by September 1 -- ahead of Afghan polls due the same month, and US presidential polls due in 2020.

US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday that "we've made a lot of progress. We're talking".&nbsp;

A coalition led by Washington ousted the Taliban accusing it of harbouring Al-Qaeda jihadists who claimed the September 11, 2001 attacks against the US that killed almost 3,000 people.

"We are pursuing a peace agreement not a withdrawal agreement, a peace agreement that enables withdrawal," Khalilzad tweeted on Friday as he arrived in Doha after talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad.

"Our presence in Afghanistan is conditions-based, and any withdrawal will be conditions-based."

'No Afghan is inferior'

In another sign of progress, the Afghan government has formed a negotiating team for separate peace talks with the Taliban that diplomats hope could be held as early as later this month.

The Washington Post reported Thursday that an initial deal to end the war would see the US forces in Afghanistan reduced to as low as 8,000 from the current level of around 14,000.

In exchange, the Taliban would abide by a ceasefire, renounce Al-Qaeda, and talk to the Kabul administration.

An Afghan official hinted last week that the government of President Ashraf Ghani was preparing for direct talks with the Taliban, the details of which have yet to be announced.

"We have no preconditions to begin talks, but the peace agreement is not without conditions," Ghani wrote in Pashto on his Facebook page on Friday ahead of the talks.

"We want a republic government not an emirate," he said, a challenge to the Taliban which has insisted on reverting to the "Islamic Emirate" name Afghanistan bore under its rule.

"The negotiations will be tough, and the Taliban should know that no Afghan is inferior in religion or courage to them."

'Joined at the hip'

Council on Foreign Relations counter-terrorism expert Bruce Hoffman said that he doubted the Taliban would ever renounce Al-Qaeda -- potentially hindering any deal.

"I believe that the Taliban and Al-Qaeda will remain joined at the hip," he told AFP, questioning the sense of "believing the word of terrorist organisations".

"The Taliban can negotiate with the United States," he added but suggested that the Taliban would be unlikely to break their personal pledges to Al-Qaeda.

"It means that Al-Qaeda was going to continue fighting, counting on that once the US left Afghanistan it (the US) wasn't going to come back.&nbsp;

"Al-Qaeda and the Taliban would have free rein. It's not a far-fetched assumption."

The thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taliban, the role of regional powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of Ghani's administration also remain unresolved.

The latest US-Taliban encounter follows last month's talks between influential Afghans and the Taliban which agreed a "roadmap for peace" -- but stopped short of calling for a ceasefire.

Kabul resident Ali Yarmal, 23, said he hoped the US and the Taliban would sign a peace deal.&nbsp;

"We want a prosperous Afghanistan, we want a peaceful Afghanistan. I hope this peace process turns Afghanistan into the prosperous country again," he said.

Apparently believing they have the upper hand in the war, the Taliban have kept up attacks even while talking to the United States and agreeing to the Afghan dialogue.

The United Nations has said that civilian casualty rates across Afghanistan jumped back to record levels last month, following a dip earlier in the year.

More than 1,500 civilians were killed or wounded in the conflict in July, the highest monthly toll so far in 2019 and the deadliest single month since May 2017. 
&nbsp;

Washington is hoping for a breakthrough after talks between the US and the Taliban resumed in Doha Saturday amid renewed efforts to plot an end to Afghanistan's 18-year-long conflict.

Washington is hoping for a breakthrough after talks between the US and the Taliban resumed in Doha Saturday amid renewed efforts to plot an end to Afghanistan's 18-year-long conflict. The US, which invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban in 2001, wants to withdraw thousands of troops and draw down its longest-ever war. But it would first seek assurances from the insurgents that they would renounce Al-Qaeda and stop other militants like the Islamic State group using the country as a haven. The talks were paused on Saturday evening and set to resume Sunday at 0700 GMT, a Taliban source told AFP. The source also said efforts were underway to organise a direct meeting between US envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban co-founder Mullah Baradar, who heads the movement's political wing. Washington is hoping to strike a peace deal with the Taliban by September 1 -- ahead of Afghan polls due the same month, and US presidential polls due in 2020. US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday that "we've made a lot of progress. We're talking". A coalition led by Washington ousted the Taliban accusing it of harbouring Al-Qaeda jihadists who claimed the September 11, 2001 attacks against the US that killed almost 3,000 people. "We are pursuing a peace agreement not a withdrawal agreement, a peace agreement that enables withdrawal," Khalilzad tweeted on Friday as he arrived in Doha after talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad. "Our presence in Afghanistan is conditions-based, and any withdrawal will be conditions-based." 'No Afghan is inferior' In another sign of progress, the Afghan government has formed a negotiating team for separate peace talks with the Taliban that diplomats hope could be held as early as later this month. The Washington Post reported Thursday that an initial deal to end the war would see the US forces in Afghanistan reduced to as low as 8,000 from the current level of around 14,000. In exchange, the Taliban would abide by a ceasefire, renounce Al-Qaeda, and talk to the Kabul administration. An Afghan official hinted last week that the government of President Ashraf Ghani was preparing for direct talks with the Taliban, the details of which have yet to be announced. "We have no preconditions to begin talks, but the peace agreement is not without conditions," Ghani wrote in Pashto on his Facebook page on Friday ahead of the talks. "We want a republic government not an emirate," he said, a challenge to the Taliban which has insisted on reverting to the "Islamic Emirate" name Afghanistan bore under its rule. "The negotiations will be tough, and the Taliban should know that no Afghan is inferior in religion or courage to them." 'Joined at the hip' Council on Foreign Relations counter-terrorism expert Bruce Hoffman said that he doubted the Taliban would ever renounce Al-Qaeda -- potentially hindering any deal. "I believe that the Taliban and Al-Qaeda will remain joined at the hip," he told AFP, questioning the sense of "believing the word of terrorist organisations". "The Taliban can negotiate with the United States," he added but suggested that the Taliban would be unlikely to break their personal pledges to Al-Qaeda. "It means that Al-Qaeda was going to continue fighting, counting on that once the US left Afghanistan it (the US) wasn't going to come back. "Al-Qaeda and the Taliban would have free rein. It's not a far-fetched assumption." The thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taliban, the role of regional powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of Ghani's administration also remain unresolved. The latest US-Taliban encounter follows last month's talks between influential Afghans and the Taliban which agreed a "roadmap for peace" -- but stopped short of calling for a ceasefire. Kabul resident Ali Yarmal, 23, said he hoped the US and the Taliban would sign a peace deal. "We want a prosperous Afghanistan, we want a peaceful Afghanistan. I hope this peace process turns Afghanistan into the prosperous country again," he said. Apparently believing they have the upper hand in the war, the Taliban have kept up attacks even while talking to the United States and agreeing to the Afghan dialogue. The United Nations has said that civilian casualty rates across Afghanistan jumped back to record levels last month, following a dip earlier in the year. More than 1,500 civilians were killed or wounded in the conflict in July, the highest monthly toll so far in 2019 and the deadliest single month since May 2017.

US eyes breakthrough in push for peace with Taliban

Hundreds of Afghans, weary of war and unsure of the future, have joined a letter-writing campaign to share their feelings with the powerful few who will decide on peace with the Taliban and, with it, the fate of their country.

The letters from different parts of Afghanistan express a tangled mix of confusion, resignation and fear.

"I live in grief but I smile. People think I am brave but I have no choice," wrote one unidentified person.

The letters, part of a project called Dard-e-Dil (a painful heart) are addressed to US diplomats, the Taliban and government officials.

They are being written as high-level talks are underway to find a political settlement to end a war that has raged on for 18 years.

"I am writing with a hope that we have a better life in Kabul, we live amidst so much tension, I can do nothing to change the situation but I am still writing," wrote another person from the Afghan capital.

The Dard-e-Dil project aims to give ordinary people an outlet to express their feelings at a time when the peace talks among top officials dominate politics, even though the fighting has not subsided.

"The prevailing political uncertainty is clearly the most nerve-racking phase for Afghans, most of us are already battling depression and mental health issues," said artist Omaid Sharifi, who organised the project.

Sharifi's interest in expressing the feelings aroused by the conflict goes back to his work with ArtLords, an art collective he co-founded that has become famous for the dramatic murals it has painted on grim concrete blast walls around Kabul.

His team has installed special letterboxes outside cafes, educational centres, hospitals and government offices, encouraging people to try to deal with their anxieties and voice their opinions about the peace talks in letters.

The letters are sorted at the ArtLords studio with the aim of sending them on to government authorities, diplomats and the leaders of the insurgency.

More important, though, is the need to help people tell their stories, a basic requirement for mental health, said Sharifi, who struggled with anxiety for years.

"Everyone has a right to narrate their story. Some of these stories will highlight and reveal human rights abuses and some will offer hope and solidarity," he said.

'Silent war'

Afghanistan has been devastated by decades of war, stretching back to the conflict with the former Soviet Union from late 1979.

Violence, instability and poverty have touched virtually every family and many Afghans suffer from mental health problems. However, facilities for treating such illnesses are scarce.

Wahid Mayar, a spokesman for the public health ministry, estimated that about half of the population will experience mental stress during their lifetime, a consequence of war often overshadowed by daily struggles.

"The suffering of mental illness in Afghanistan is a silent war. If peace comes then we will have to accept the new normal, but currently we are in a phase of tremendous uncertainty," Mayar said.

"The prospect of peace brings hope and anxiety. We wonder can peace ever come to embrace us, to calm our minds," he said.

Accurate data on mental health is not available in Afghanistan but the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates more than a million Afghans suffer from depressive disorders and more than 1.2 million from anxiety disorders.

The WHO says the actual numbers are likely much higher.

Nobody expects the letter-writing campaign to heal the wounds of more than four decades of conflict but it may allow at least some people to start working through their fears and prepare for an uncertain future.

"There are times when I want to run away from my country and then I think I should wait for peace and plan my life here," wrote one person.

"Kabul is always the best place to be." 
&nbsp;

Hundreds of Afghans, weary of war and unsure of the future, have joined a letter-writing campaign to share their feelings with the powerful few who will decide on peace with the Taliban and, with it, the fate of their country.

Hundreds of Afghans, weary of war and unsure of the future, have joined a letter-writing campaign to share their feelings with the powerful few who will decide on peace with the Taliban and, with it, the fate of their country. The letters from different parts of Afghanistan express a tangled mix of confusion, resignation and fear. "I live in grief but I smile. People think I am brave but I have no choice," wrote one unidentified person. The letters, part of a project called Dard-e-Dil (a painful heart) are addressed to US diplomats, the Taliban and government officials. They are being written as high-level talks are underway to find a political settlement to end a war that has raged on for 18 years. "I am writing with a hope that we have a better life in Kabul, we live amidst so much tension, I can do nothing to change the situation but I am still writing," wrote another person from the Afghan capital. The Dard-e-Dil project aims to give ordinary people an outlet to express their feelings at a time when the peace talks among top officials dominate politics, even though the fighting has not subsided. "The prevailing political uncertainty is clearly the most nerve-racking phase for Afghans, most of us are already battling depression and mental health issues," said artist Omaid Sharifi, who organised the project. Sharifi's interest in expressing the feelings aroused by the conflict goes back to his work with ArtLords, an art collective he co-founded that has become famous for the dramatic murals it has painted on grim concrete blast walls around Kabul. His team has installed special letterboxes outside cafes, educational centres, hospitals and government offices, encouraging people to try to deal with their anxieties and voice their opinions about the peace talks in letters. The letters are sorted at the ArtLords studio with the aim of sending them on to government authorities, diplomats and the leaders of the insurgency. More important, though, is the need to help people tell their stories, a basic requirement for mental health, said Sharifi, who struggled with anxiety for years. "Everyone has a right to narrate their story. Some of these stories will highlight and reveal human rights abuses and some will offer hope and solidarity," he said. 'Silent war' Afghanistan has been devastated by decades of war, stretching back to the conflict with the former Soviet Union from late 1979. Violence, instability and poverty have touched virtually every family and many Afghans suffer from mental health problems. However, facilities for treating such illnesses are scarce. Wahid Mayar, a spokesman for the public health ministry, estimated that about half of the population will experience mental stress during their lifetime, a consequence of war often overshadowed by daily struggles. "The suffering of mental illness in Afghanistan is a silent war. If peace comes then we will have to accept the new normal, but currently we are in a phase of tremendous uncertainty," Mayar said. "The prospect of peace brings hope and anxiety. We wonder can peace ever come to embrace us, to calm our minds," he said. Accurate data on mental health is not available in Afghanistan but the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates more than a million Afghans suffer from depressive disorders and more than 1.2 million from anxiety disorders. The WHO says the actual numbers are likely much higher. Nobody expects the letter-writing campaign to heal the wounds of more than four decades of conflict but it may allow at least some people to start working through their fears and prepare for an uncertain future. "There are times when I want to run away from my country and then I think I should wait for peace and plan my life here," wrote one person. "Kabul is always the best place to be."

Letterbox campaign helps Afghans cope with silent war of mental health

Washington's top negotiator with the Taliban held fresh talks with the militants Tuesday after the group took part in an Afghan summit aimed at forging a "roadmap to peace".

"I had a meeting with the Taliban this morning. Headed to China now and then will return to Washington to report and consult on the #AfghanPeaceProcess," US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad tweeted.

Washington has said it wants to seal a political deal with the Taliban ahead of Afghan presidential polls due in September to allow foreign forces to begin to withdraw.

The United States held six days of talks in Qatar with the Taliban which ran until Saturday.

Khalilzad said they had been the "most productive" negotiations so far, while the Taliban said they were "happy with progress".

Those discussions paused for Sunday and Monday's Afghan summit, which saw around 70 delegates including the Taliban discuss the future of the country.

The US did not participate in the summit, which was organised by Qatar and Germany.

The two-day meeting concluded with a joint statement pledging women's rights and a "roadmap for peace", although stopped short of a ceasefire after 18 years of conflict. 
&nbsp;

Washington's top negotiator with the Taliban held fresh talks with the militants Tuesday after the group took part in an Afghan summit aimed at forging a "roadmap to peace".

Washington's top negotiator with the Taliban held fresh talks with the militants Tuesday after the group took part in an Afghan summit aimed at forging a "roadmap to peace". "I had a meeting with the Taliban this morning. Headed to China now and then will return to Washington to report and consult on the #AfghanPeaceProcess," US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad tweeted. Washington has said it wants to seal a political deal with the Taliban ahead of Afghan presidential polls due in September to allow foreign forces to begin to withdraw. The United States held six days of talks in Qatar with the Taliban which ran until Saturday. Khalilzad said they had been the "most productive" negotiations so far, while the Taliban said they were "happy with progress". Those discussions paused for Sunday and Monday's Afghan summit, which saw around 70 delegates including the Taliban discuss the future of the country. The US did not participate in the summit, which was organised by Qatar and Germany. The two-day meeting concluded with a joint statement pledging women's rights and a "roadmap for peace", although stopped short of a ceasefire after 18 years of conflict.

US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad meets Taliban after Afghan talks

Afghanistan`s former Prime Minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar on Sunday lauded Pakistan's role in the Afghan peace process, during a visit to the country for a conference.

"Pakistan is a very important country and Islamabad could play a key role in bringing peace in Afghanistan and now they are doing it," the former Prime Minister told Anadolu Agency in Bhurban.&nbsp;

He also appreciated Pakistan`s role in "bringing Taliban to the negotiating table," the Turkish state-run news agency reported."I praised Pakistan`s sincere efforts and I am sure they will continue its help to bring peace in our country," Hekmatyar said.

The 71-year-old leader was received by Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi upon his arrival to the country on Saturday.&nbsp;

57 other Afghan leaders accompanied Hekmatyar during his visit for a peace conference."We welcome every country and individual who is taking any step for peace in Afghanistan. War always ends with peace and now the war in our country will also end with peace," he added.&nbsp;

He also demanded the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan, outlining that the Afghan people need to "decide their future."

Afghanistan`s former Prime Minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar on Sunday lauded Pakistan's role in the Afghan peace process, during a visit to the country for a conference.

Afghanistan`s former Prime Minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar on Sunday lauded Pakistan's role in the Afghan peace process, during a visit to the country for a conference. "Pakistan is a very important country and Islamabad could play a key role in bringing peace in Afghanistan and now they are doing it," the former Prime Minister told Anadolu Agency in Bhurban. He also appreciated Pakistan`s role in "bringing Taliban to the negotiating table," the Turkish state-run news agency reported."I praised Pakistan`s sincere efforts and I am sure they will continue its help to bring peace in our country," Hekmatyar said. The 71-year-old leader was received by Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi upon his arrival to the country on Saturday. 57 other Afghan leaders accompanied Hekmatyar during his visit for a peace conference."We welcome every country and individual who is taking any step for peace in Afghanistan. War always ends with peace and now the war in our country will also end with peace," he added. He also demanded the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan, outlining that the Afghan people need to "decide their future."

Former Afghan Prime Minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar praises Pakistan's role in peace process

The United States and the Taliban will open fresh negotiations next week, the US negotiator said Saturday, as he voiced hope for progress in ending America's longest war.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special representative on Afghanistan, said the two sides would start their seventh round of talks on June 29.

"Based on my recent visits to Afghanistan and Qatar, I believe all sides want rapid progress," Khalilzad wrote on Twitter.

The State Department, announcing Khalilzad's travel before the date of the latest talks were set, said the negotiations with the Taliban would take place as usual in Qatar.

Khalilzad is hoping to negotiate a deal under which the United States would withdraw troops first sent after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

In turn, the Taliban would guarantee that Afghanistan would not be used as a staging ground by Islamist extremists such as Al-Qaeda -- the main reason for the US invasion nearly two decades earlier.

The Taliban have refused the US appeals to end the violence to improve the atmosphere of talks, instead of pressing on with their insurgency.

Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada in a message for the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr earlier this month said that the Taliban's "resistance against the occupation is nearing the stage of success."

In another key sticking point, the Taliban have not negotiated with the internationally recognized government in Kabul, although a UN official recently confirmed that Germany and Qatar were working to organize an inter-Afghan meeting.

President Donald Trump has voiced impatience with the war, believing there is no further reason to bear the cost in money or lives.

The United States and the Taliban will open fresh negotiations next week, the US negotiator said Saturday, as he voiced hope for progress in ending America's longest war.

The United States and the Taliban will open fresh negotiations next week, the US negotiator said Saturday, as he voiced hope for progress in ending America's longest war. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special representative on Afghanistan, said the two sides would start their seventh round of talks on June 29. "Based on my recent visits to Afghanistan and Qatar, I believe all sides want rapid progress," Khalilzad wrote on Twitter. The State Department, announcing Khalilzad's travel before the date of the latest talks were set, said the negotiations with the Taliban would take place as usual in Qatar. Khalilzad is hoping to negotiate a deal under which the United States would withdraw troops first sent after the September 11, 2001 attacks. In turn, the Taliban would guarantee that Afghanistan would not be used as a staging ground by Islamist extremists such as Al-Qaeda -- the main reason for the US invasion nearly two decades earlier. The Taliban have refused the US appeals to end the violence to improve the atmosphere of talks, instead of pressing on with their insurgency. Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada in a message for the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr earlier this month said that the Taliban's "resistance against the occupation is nearing the stage of success." In another key sticking point, the Taliban have not negotiated with the internationally recognized government in Kabul, although a UN official recently confirmed that Germany and Qatar were working to organize an inter-Afghan meeting. President Donald Trump has voiced impatience with the war, believing there is no further reason to bear the cost in money or lives.

Afghanistan: US, Taliban to hold more talks on ending war

China on Thursday for the first time acknowledged that it recently hosted Afghan Taliban's chief peace negotiator Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar for talks as part of its stepped-up efforts to enlarge its strategic role in Afghanistan and efforts to restore peace in the war-torn country.

Mullah Baradar, one of the four top commanders who formed the Taliban in 1994, was released from jail last year by the Pakistan government. He is believed to be the highest-ranking Afghan Taliban prisoner freed so far.

After his release from the jail, Mullah Baradar has been holding talks with US Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad.

China, a close ally of Pakistan, has been trying to iron out differences between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of providing safe haven to the Afghan Taliban, Haqqani network and other militant groups, which carry out attacks in the war-torn country.

The "head of Taliban political office in Doha, Bardar, visited China", Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told the media here Thursday.

"During his visit, the Chinese officials exchanged views with him on the peace and reconciliation process as well as the fight against terrorism," he said.

Bardar was told about the constructive role being played by China in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan, Lu said.

"We always support the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned extensive and inclusive peace and reconciliation as well as the internal dialogue among the Afghanis. So, we have made the position clear with the Taliban chief negotiator," he said.

"This is an important part of our efforts to promote peace talks. Both sides agreed that the exchange is mutually beneficial and we also agreed to seek communication and cooperation for a political settlement of the Afghan issue. We will try and talk through various means and ways to play our due role in realising peace and reconciliation, stability and development in Afghanistan," Lu said.

Mullah Baradar held several senior positions in the Taliban government before its fall in 2001. He was once considered the most influential Taliban leader after Mullah Muhammad Omar.

Asked what the Taliban wants to end the civil war in Afghanistan, Lu said, "I believe the relevant parties in Afghanistan who are committed to peace talks hope to resolve the internal situation in Afghanistan and achieve sustainable peace and reconciliation".

"China is trying to promote the dialogue of Afghanis. Another issue is the joint fight against terrorism," he said.

China has also been holding talks with India over the situation in Afghanistan.

China's special envoy in Afghanistan Deng Xijun visited New Delhi in May last and held talks the top External Affairs Ministry officials.

India and China also conducted a joint programme to train diplomats of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

China on Thursday for the first time acknowledged that it recently hosted Afghan Taliban's chief peace negotiator Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar for talks as part of its stepped-up efforts to enlarge its strategic role in Afghanistan and efforts to restore peace in the war-torn country.

China on Thursday for the first time acknowledged that it recently hosted Afghan Taliban's chief peace negotiator Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar for talks as part of its stepped-up efforts to enlarge its strategic role in Afghanistan and efforts to restore peace in the war-torn country. Mullah Baradar, one of the four top commanders who formed the Taliban in 1994, was released from jail last year by the Pakistan government. He is believed to be the highest-ranking Afghan Taliban prisoner freed so far. After his release from the jail, Mullah Baradar has been holding talks with US Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad. China, a close ally of Pakistan, has been trying to iron out differences between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of providing safe haven to the Afghan Taliban, Haqqani network and other militant groups, which carry out attacks in the war-torn country. The "head of Taliban political office in Doha, Bardar, visited China", Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told the media here Thursday. "During his visit, the Chinese officials exchanged views with him on the peace and reconciliation process as well as the fight against terrorism," he said. Bardar was told about the constructive role being played by China in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan, Lu said. "We always support the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned extensive and inclusive peace and reconciliation as well as the internal dialogue among the Afghanis. So, we have made the position clear with the Taliban chief negotiator," he said. "This is an important part of our efforts to promote peace talks. Both sides agreed that the exchange is mutually beneficial and we also agreed to seek communication and cooperation for a political settlement of the Afghan issue. We will try and talk through various means and ways to play our due role in realising peace and reconciliation, stability and development in Afghanistan," Lu said. Mullah Baradar held several senior positions in the Taliban government before its fall in 2001. He was once considered the most influential Taliban leader after Mullah Muhammad Omar. Asked what the Taliban wants to end the civil war in Afghanistan, Lu said, "I believe the relevant parties in Afghanistan who are committed to peace talks hope to resolve the internal situation in Afghanistan and achieve sustainable peace and reconciliation". "China is trying to promote the dialogue of Afghanis. Another issue is the joint fight against terrorism," he said. China has also been holding talks with India over the situation in Afghanistan. China's special envoy in Afghanistan Deng Xijun visited New Delhi in May last and held talks the top External Affairs Ministry officials. India and China also conducted a joint programme to train diplomats of Afghanistan.

We support Afghan-led peace dialogue, says China while hosting Taliban leader

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

US special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad held discussions with the Pakistani leadership, including Prime Minister Imran Khan, on the Afghan peace process and the positive steps that Pakistan can take to advance it.

Afghan-born chief American negotiator Khalilzad has held six rounds of direct talks with Taliban envoys in the Qatari capital of Doha since the process began last fall to bring an end to what has now become the longest US overseas military intervention.

The Pakistani government takes credit for arranging the US-Taliban peace dialogue by using its contacts with the Afghan insurgent group.

The US Embassy in Islamabad in a statement said that Khalilzad visited Islamabad on June 2 and held discussions with the Pakistani leadership on developments in the Afghan peace process.&nbsp;

He met Prime Minister Khan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Additional Secretary Aftab Khokher and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Bajwa.&nbsp;

"Ambassador Khalilzad briefed Pakistani officials on the substantial progress made in talks over the last month and planned next steps," according to the statement.

Khalilzad "noted that the United States continues to be encouraged by the role Pakistan has played to advance the peace process".

He also "discussed additional positive steps that Pakistan can take and the importance of recent efforts for improving US-Pakistan relations".&nbsp;

Khalilzad and Pakistani officials also discussed the benefit of improved Pakistan-Afghanistan relations in reaching, implementing, and sustaining a durable peace.

Both countries will benefit from the increased regional connectivity, cooperation and integration that peace in Afghanistan offers, it said.

US special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad held discussions with the Pakistani leadership, including Prime Minister Imran Khan, on the Afghan peace process and the positive steps that Pakistan can take to advance it.

US special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad held discussions with the Pakistani leadership, including Prime Minister Imran Khan, on the Afghan peace process and the positive steps that Pakistan can take to advance it. Afghan-born chief American negotiator Khalilzad has held six rounds of direct talks with Taliban envoys in the Qatari capital of Doha since the process began last fall to bring an end to what has now become the longest US overseas military intervention. The Pakistani government takes credit for arranging the US-Taliban peace dialogue by using its contacts with the Afghan insurgent group. The US Embassy in Islamabad in a statement said that Khalilzad visited Islamabad on June 2 and held discussions with the Pakistani leadership on developments in the Afghan peace process. He met Prime Minister Khan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Additional Secretary Aftab Khokher and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Bajwa. "Ambassador Khalilzad briefed Pakistani officials on the substantial progress made in talks over the last month and planned next steps," according to the statement. Khalilzad "noted that the United States continues to be encouraged by the role Pakistan has played to advance the peace process". He also "discussed additional positive steps that Pakistan can take and the importance of recent efforts for improving US-Pakistan relations". Khalilzad and Pakistani officials also discussed the benefit of improved Pakistan-Afghanistan relations in reaching, implementing, and sustaining a durable peace. Both countries will benefit from the increased regional connectivity, cooperation and integration that peace in Afghanistan offers, it said.

Zalmay Khalilzad discusses Afghan peace process with Pakistani leaders

A delegation of Taliban officials is set to attend a two-day meeting with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/russia-invites-taliban-and-afghan-politicians-to-moscow-meeting-222049/amp">Afghan politicians</a> in Moscow this week, officials confirmed on Monday, as fighting continues to rage in Afghanistan amid troubled peace talks between the United States and the militants.

In a statement, the Taliban said that the group is to attend a conference marking 100 years of diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and Russia on May 28, followed by discussions with Afghan politicians about the future of the country on May 29.

The 14-member Taliban delegation is led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, in what will be his first international trip since being freed from a Pakistani prison last October.

Meanwhile, among the Afghan politicians, former President Hamid Karzai and chairman of the High Peace Council (HPC) Mohammad Karim Khalili are expected to participate in Tuesday's meeting that focuses on ending the 18-year long war in Afghanistan.

A spokesman for the Afghan president's office told Al Jazeera that the Afghan ambassador in Moscow would also attend Tuesday`s ceremony but it was unclear whether he would meet the Taliban delegation.

The Taliban, which has been in peace negotiations with Washington since last year, has repeatedly refused to meet President Ashraf Ghani`s government, calling it a "puppet" of the West.

An "intra-Afghan dialogue" that was to be held in Doha in April was cancelled after the Taliban objected to a new delegation of Afghan officials selected to attend the talks.

After six rounds of talks between the US and the Taliban in Doha ended earlier this month, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, said that "faster progress" was needed as "the conflict rages" and "innocent people die".

The Taliban and the Afghan government have said that they have agreed a "draft framework" on an agreement for the US troop withdrawal and a guarantee that the Taliban would not harbour "terrorist" groups or allow them to use Afghanistan as a staging ground for global attacks.

A delegation of Taliban officials is set to attend a two-day meeting with Afghan politicians in Moscow this week, officials confirmed on Monday, as fighting continues to rage in Afghanistan amid troubled peace talks between the United States and the militants.

A delegation of Taliban officials is set to attend a two-day meeting with Afghan politicians in Moscow this week, officials confirmed on Monday, as fighting continues to rage in Afghanistan amid troubled peace talks between the United States and the militants. In a statement, the Taliban said that the group is to attend a conference marking 100 years of diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and Russia on May 28, followed by discussions with Afghan politicians about the future of the country on May 29. The 14-member Taliban delegation is led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, in what will be his first international trip since being freed from a Pakistani prison last October. Meanwhile, among the Afghan politicians, former President Hamid Karzai and chairman of the High Peace Council (HPC) Mohammad Karim Khalili are expected to participate in Tuesday's meeting that focuses on ending the 18-year long war in Afghanistan. A spokesman for the Afghan president's office told Al Jazeera that the Afghan ambassador in Moscow would also attend Tuesday`s ceremony but it was unclear whether he would meet the Taliban delegation. The Taliban, which has been in peace negotiations with Washington since last year, has repeatedly refused to meet President Ashraf Ghani`s government, calling it a "puppet" of the West. An "intra-Afghan dialogue" that was to be held in Doha in April was cancelled after the Taliban objected to a new delegation of Afghan officials selected to attend the talks. After six rounds of talks between the US and the Taliban in Doha ended earlier this month, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, said that "faster progress" was needed as "the conflict rages" and "innocent people die". The Taliban and the Afghan government have said that they have agreed a "draft framework" on an agreement for the US troop withdrawal and a guarantee that the Taliban would not harbour "terrorist" groups or allow them to use Afghanistan as a staging ground for global attacks.

Taliban, Afghan officials to meet in Moscow for peace talks

India and China on Friday agreed to work closely on the ongoing efforts to bring peace and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/afghan-peace-talks-india-must-update-its-contingency-plans-to-prevent-talibans-takeover-of-kabul-207911">stability in Afghanistan</a>.

The commitment came after Chinese Special Envoy Ambassador Deng Xijun was on a visit to New Delhi, where he met Indian officials to discuss Afghanistan's current situation.

The Chinese diplomat also met Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, according to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.

"Chinese Special Envoy Ambassador Deng Xijun today held discussions with Indian officials on the situation in Afghanistan, including peace and reconciliation efforts. He also called on Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale," Kumar wrote on his Twitter handle.

"The two sides agreed to consult closely on the evolving situation in Afghanistan and carry forward the decision taken by the leadership of the two countries on joint cooperation in Afghanistan," read another tweet.

In April last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping had met in Wuhan.

During the meeting, the two leaders agreed to collaborate on Afghanistan's peace efforts in order to boost mutual trust between New Delhi and Beijing, following the 73-day standoff in Bhutan's Doklam plateau in 2017, which strained bilateral ties.

The US has been leading efforts to pressurise the Taliban to lay down their arms and end the nearly two-decades-long civil war in Afghanistan. Both sides have participated in several rounds of meeting in Qatar in an effort to chalk out a peace agreement.

On Tuesday, US Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad held consultations with Indian government officials and other stakeholders, including External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi.

Khalilzad, who was on a recent two-day visit to India, also met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, and India's Ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar, among others.

During his meetings, Khalilzad welcomed India's support for the Afghan peace process, which "strengthens an emerging international consensus for peace efforts."

He also recognised that many important contributions India has made to Afghanistan's development.

India has been a key stakeholder in Afghanistan's peace and reconciliation process and has been pushing for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled peace process.

In November last year, India had participated in talks on 'Afghanistan peace process'&nbsp;in Moscow at a non-official level.

India sent two former diplomats to the meeting, which was also attended by Taliban leaders even though New Delhi has a policy on not engaging with the terror group.&nbsp;

India and China on Friday agreed to work closely on the ongoing efforts to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan. The commitment came after Chinese Special Envoy Ambassador Deng Xijun was on a visit to New Delhi, where he met Indian officials to discuss Afghanistan's current situation.

India and China on Friday agreed to work closely on the ongoing efforts to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan. The commitment came after Chinese Special Envoy Ambassador Deng Xijun was on a visit to New Delhi, where he met Indian officials to discuss Afghanistan's current situation. The Chinese diplomat also met Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, according to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. "Chinese Special Envoy Ambassador Deng Xijun today held discussions with Indian officials on the situation in Afghanistan, including peace and reconciliation efforts. He also called on Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale," Kumar wrote on his Twitter handle. "The two sides agreed to consult closely on the evolving situation in Afghanistan and carry forward the decision taken by the leadership of the two countries on joint cooperation in Afghanistan," read another tweet. In April last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping had met in Wuhan. During the meeting, the two leaders agreed to collaborate on Afghanistan's peace efforts in order to boost mutual trust between New Delhi and Beijing, following the 73-day standoff in Bhutan's Doklam plateau in 2017, which strained bilateral ties. The US has been leading efforts to pressurise the Taliban to lay down their arms and end the nearly two-decades-long civil war in Afghanistan. Both sides have participated in several rounds of meeting in Qatar in an effort to chalk out a peace agreement. On Tuesday, US Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad held consultations with Indian government officials and other stakeholders, including External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi. Khalilzad, who was on a recent two-day visit to India, also met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, and India's Ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar, among others. During his meetings, Khalilzad welcomed India's support for the Afghan peace process, which "strengthens an emerging international consensus for peace efforts." He also recognised that many important contributions India has made to Afghanistan's development. India has been a key stakeholder in Afghanistan's peace and reconciliation process and has been pushing for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled peace process. In November last year, India had participated in talks on 'Afghanistan peace process' in Moscow at a non-official level. India sent two former diplomats to the meeting, which was also attended by Taliban leaders even though New Delhi has a policy on not engaging with the terror group.

India, China to cooperate closely on Afghanistan's peace efforts

Peace talks between the US and the Taliban were suspended for the beginning of Ramadan on Monday, with the two sides at apparent loggerheads over the key issue of when foreign forces might leave Afghanistan.

The foes have spent much of the past week in the sixth round of talks in Doha aimed at ending America's longest war, but the Taliban say negotiations have become bogged down.

In a tweet, Taliban political spokesman Suhail Shaheen said the talks were pausing for the first day of the holy month of Ramadan -- when Muslims fast during the day -- but would be resumed Tuesday.

Sultan Barakat, the director of the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies in Doha, also said the talks would resume Tuesday, and that they had made "good progress".

But Shaheen told AFP late Sunday negotiations were stumbling over the fundamental question of when foreign forces would depart Afghanistan.

Before the US agrees to any withdrawal, it is demanding the Taliban put in place security guarantees, a ceasefire and other commitments including an "intra-Afghan" dialogue with the Kabul government and other Afghan representatives.

The insurgents insist they won't do any of these things until the US announces a withdrawal timeline.

At the end of a large peace summit in Kabul last week, President Ashraf Ghani offered the Taliban a ceasefire to begin on the first day of Ramadan, but the insurgents refused.

Ghani on Monday reiterated his call for the Taliban to respect demands from last week's "loya jirga" summit that saw thousands of tribal elders and Afghans meet in Kabul.&nbsp;

"Ramadan is a month of peace and reconciliation," Ghani said.&nbsp;

"I once again call on the Taliban to pay respect to this month and the demands of the people for peace and reconciliation reflected (in the Loya Jirga)."

On Sunday, at least 13 people were killed and dozens more wounded after a Taliban suicide bomber and several gunmen attacked a police headquarters in northern Afghanistan.

Peace talks between the US and the Taliban were suspended for the beginning of Ramadan on Monday, with the two sides at apparent loggerheads over the key issue of when foreign forces might leave Afghanistan.

Peace talks between the US and the Taliban were suspended for the beginning of Ramadan on Monday, with the two sides at apparent loggerheads over the key issue of when foreign forces might leave Afghanistan. The foes have spent much of the past week in the sixth round of talks in Doha aimed at ending America's longest war, but the Taliban say negotiations have become bogged down. In a tweet, Taliban political spokesman Suhail Shaheen said the talks were pausing for the first day of the holy month of Ramadan -- when Muslims fast during the day -- but would be resumed Tuesday. Sultan Barakat, the director of the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies in Doha, also said the talks would resume Tuesday, and that they had made "good progress". But Shaheen told AFP late Sunday negotiations were stumbling over the fundamental question of when foreign forces would depart Afghanistan. Before the US agrees to any withdrawal, it is demanding the Taliban put in place security guarantees, a ceasefire and other commitments including an "intra-Afghan" dialogue with the Kabul government and other Afghan representatives. The insurgents insist they won't do any of these things until the US announces a withdrawal timeline. At the end of a large peace summit in Kabul last week, President Ashraf Ghani offered the Taliban a ceasefire to begin on the first day of Ramadan, but the insurgents refused. Ghani on Monday reiterated his call for the Taliban to respect demands from last week's "loya jirga" summit that saw thousands of tribal elders and Afghans meet in Kabul. "Ramadan is a month of peace and reconciliation," Ghani said. "I once again call on the Taliban to pay respect to this month and the demands of the people for peace and reconciliation reflected (in the Loya Jirga)." On Sunday, at least 13 people were killed and dozens more wounded after a Taliban suicide bomber and several gunmen attacked a police headquarters in northern Afghanistan.

US-Taliban peace talks paused for first day of Ramazan

A huge peace meeting aimed at finding an exit from <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-opens-grand-assembly-in-bid-to-gain-initiative-in-taliban-talks-214375&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjRs7jz5P7hAhW863MBHdkBCGAQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2vRRc61P61xbUm4B6FhPec">Afghanistan's war</a> is due to finish Friday in Kabul, with leading politicians expected to announce visions for a much-needed breakthrough.

This week's "loya jirga", or grand assembly, saw about 3,200 religious and tribal leaders, politicians and representatives gather under tight security to try to find common ground and discuss possible conditions for a peace deal with the Taliban.

On Thursday, several officials said a vital first step is an immediate reduction in violence, which has continued apace across Afghanistan even with various peace summits taking place.

"Every day, Afghans are being killed without any reason.

An unconditional ceasefire must be announced," said <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghans-call-for-ceasefire-as-huge-peace-summit-wraps-up-215328&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi1r92R5f7hAhWE8HMBHXcECm0QFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1DOJB0F8VDqDgFhmLKyK8-">Mohammad Qureshi,</a> head of one of the jirga's many committees.

The jirga comes as the Taliban, who were not at the talks, are this week separately meeting in Doha with US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad.

Those talks focus on a potential deal that would see the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan in return for the Taliban guaranteeing terrorist groups could no longer operate in the country.

Huge swathes of Afghan society worry that if the US does make a deal with the Taliban, the militant Islamists would try to seize power and undo advances in women's rights, media freedoms, and legal protections.

Such concerns were laid bare at the jirga, where hundreds of women were in attendance outlining their "red lines" for any negotiations with the Taliban.

"We don't want such a peace that women's rights are not respected, freedom of expression are not ensured, elections are not held," committee member Faizullah Jalal told the summit.

The jirga proved controversial, with opposition figures slamming it as an election campaign event for President Ashraf Ghani, who is due to deliver closing remarks.

Among those boycotting were Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, a notorious former warlord.

Both men are running for president in elections slated for September.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan's war rages on, with thousands of civilians and fighters being killed each year.

US forces continue to train Afghan partners on the ground and strike the Taliban from the air, in a bid to push the war -- now in its 18th year -- to a political settlement.&nbsp;

A huge peace meeting aimed at finding an exit from Afghanistan's war is due to finish Friday in Kabul, with leading politicians expected to announce visions for a much-needed breakthrough.

A huge peace meeting aimed at finding an exit from Afghanistan's war is due to finish Friday in Kabul, with leading politicians expected to announce visions for a much-needed breakthrough. This week's "loya jirga", or grand assembly, saw about 3,200 religious and tribal leaders, politicians and representatives gather under tight security to try to find common ground and discuss possible conditions for a peace deal with the Taliban. On Thursday, several officials said a vital first step is an immediate reduction in violence, which has continued apace across Afghanistan even with various peace summits taking place. "Every day, Afghans are being killed without any reason. An unconditional ceasefire must be announced," said Mohammad Qureshi, head of one of the jirga's many committees. The jirga comes as the Taliban, who were not at the talks, are this week separately meeting in Doha with US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad. Those talks focus on a potential deal that would see the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan in return for the Taliban guaranteeing terrorist groups could no longer operate in the country. Huge swathes of Afghan society worry that if the US does make a deal with the Taliban, the militant Islamists would try to seize power and undo advances in women's rights, media freedoms, and legal protections. Such concerns were laid bare at the jirga, where hundreds of women were in attendance outlining their "red lines" for any negotiations with the Taliban. "We don't want such a peace that women's rights are not respected, freedom of expression are not ensured, elections are not held," committee member Faizullah Jalal told the summit. The jirga proved controversial, with opposition figures slamming it as an election campaign event for President Ashraf Ghani, who is due to deliver closing remarks. Among those boycotting were Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, a notorious former warlord. Both men are running for president in elections slated for September. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's war rages on, with thousands of civilians and fighters being killed each year. US forces continue to train Afghan partners on the ground and strike the Taliban from the air, in a bid to push the war -- now in its 18th year -- to a political settlement.

Massive Afghanistan peace summit ends in Kabul

The US special peace envoy for Afghanistan should stop calling on the Taliban terrorists to lay down their arms and convince the United States to end the use of force instead, the Taliban said on Friday.

Zalmay Khalilzad, an Afghan-born US&nbsp;diplomat, entered the sixth round of talks with the hardline Islamist group in Qatar this week in a bid to end America's longest war.

"In our opening session, I underscored to the Talibs that the Afghan people, who are their brothers &amp; sisters, want this war to end," Khalilzad said in a tweet.

"It is time to put down arms, stop the violence, &amp; embrace peace."

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid issued a series of sharp tweets in response.

"@US4AfghanPeace (Khalilzad`s twitter handle) should forget about the idea of us putting down our arms," he said.

"Instead of such fantasies, he should drive the idea home (to the US) about ending the use of force and incurring further human and financial losses for the decaying Kabul administration."

He said the United States must stop repeating failed strategies while expecting different outcomes.&nbsp;

"It would be better if @US4AfghanPeace musters the courage to call a spade a spade, not a gardening tool &amp; accept the current realities."&nbsp;

Intense fighting continues across the country with the Taliban controlling or influencing more territory than at any point since their ouster at the hands of US-led troops following Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

The United States has about 14,000 troops in Afghanistan as part of a NATO-led mission, known as Resolute Support, that is training and assisting the Afghan government’s security forces in their battle against Taliban fighters and extremist groups such as Islamic State and al Qaeda.

After five rounds of talks, Khalilzad reported some progress towards an accord on withdrawing US&nbsp;troops and on how the Taliban would prevent extremists from using Afghanistan to launch attacks.

The Taliban, who refuse to talk to the Afghan government, insist that talks cannot move ahead until foreign forces leave.&nbsp;

"Peace will require that we find common ground on four inter-connected issues: troop withdrawal, counter-terrorism assurances, intra-Afghan dialogue &amp; negotiations, and reduction in the violence leading to a comprehensive ceasefire," Khalilzad said in his tweet.

"Nothing will be final until we agree on all 4 issues."

The US special peace envoy for Afghanistan should stop calling on the Taliban terrorists to lay down their arms and convince the United States to end the use of force instead, the Taliban said on Friday.

The US special peace envoy for Afghanistan should stop calling on the Taliban terrorists to lay down their arms and convince the United States to end the use of force instead, the Taliban said on Friday. Zalmay Khalilzad, an Afghan-born US diplomat, entered the sixth round of talks with the hardline Islamist group in Qatar this week in a bid to end America's longest war. "In our opening session, I underscored to the Talibs that the Afghan people, who are their brothers & sisters, want this war to end," Khalilzad said in a tweet. "It is time to put down arms, stop the violence, & embrace peace." Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid issued a series of sharp tweets in response. "@US4AfghanPeace (Khalilzad`s twitter handle) should forget about the idea of us putting down our arms," he said. "Instead of such fantasies, he should drive the idea home (to the US) about ending the use of force and incurring further human and financial losses for the decaying Kabul administration." He said the United States must stop repeating failed strategies while expecting different outcomes. "It would be better if @US4AfghanPeace musters the courage to call a spade a spade, not a gardening tool & accept the current realities." Intense fighting continues across the country with the Taliban controlling or influencing more territory than at any point since their ouster at the hands of US-led troops following Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. The United States has about 14,000 troops in Afghanistan as part of a NATO-led mission, known as Resolute Support, that is training and assisting the Afghan government’s security forces in their battle against Taliban fighters and extremist groups such as Islamic State and al Qaeda. After five rounds of talks, Khalilzad reported some progress towards an accord on withdrawing US troops and on how the Taliban would prevent extremists from using Afghanistan to launch attacks. The Taliban, who refuse to talk to the Afghan government, insist that talks cannot move ahead until foreign forces leave. "Peace will require that we find common ground on four inter-connected issues: troop withdrawal, counter-terrorism assurances, intra-Afghan dialogue & negotiations, and reduction in the violence leading to a comprehensive ceasefire," Khalilzad said in his tweet. "Nothing will be final until we agree on all 4 issues."

Don't tell us to lay down arms, tell the Americans: Afghan Taliban

Afghanistan on Monday will convene a rare "loya jirga" -- a massive meeting for delegates from across the country to discuss the war and US efforts to forge a peace deal with the Taliban.

More than 2,000 people have been invited to gather amid tight security for four days of debate under a large tent in Kabul.

Here is a look at the history of loya jirgas, and what to expect from this one.

What is a loya jirga?

A loya jirga -- literally "grand assembly" in Pashto -- is traditionally comprised of Afghan elders.

Such gatherings have a centuries-old history in Afghan culture and are periodically convened to reach a consensus on major political issues.

The most recent jirga was held in 2013, when Afghan officials endorsed a security agreement that allowed US troops to stay in Afghanistan beyond their planned withdrawal in 2014.

In August 2007, the first joint Afghan-Pakistan jirga was held in Kabul after relations between the neighbours deteriorated amid Afghan accusations that Pakistan was harbouring Taliban and Al-Qaeda fighters.

In 2003, former president Sibghatullah Mojaddedi chaired a loya jirga that approved Afghanistan's new constitution for a post-Taliban era.

The events usually comprise political figures, religious scholars, teachers, activists and community leaders. Delegates typically break into smaller groups to tackle various matters.

What is on the agenda?

The upcoming loya jirga is being held at a time when the US and Taliban militants have held several rounds of talks.

The two sides have discussed a possible troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in exchange for a ceasefire and various pledges from the Taliban.

But crucially, the talks have thus far cut out the government of President Ashraf Ghani, whom the Taliban view as a US stooge.

Ghani's government is jostling for influence in the peace talks and the jirga aims to set out Kabul's red lines for any deal, including the continuation of the constitution and the protection of women's rights, the media, and free speech.

Ghani has invited the Taliban to participate, but the insurgents, having waged an unrelenting guerrilla war since 2001, have predictably refused.

In the past, the Taliban have blasted rockets at the loya jirga tent, and much of Kabul is being locked down under a massive security operation for this year's event.

In a statement, the Taliban vowed that any decisions or resolutions made at a loya jirga are "never acceptable to the real and devout sons of this homeland".

Who will be there?

Top politicians including Ghani, former president Hamid Karzai, ex-foreign minister Zalmay Rassoul, former warlord Abdul Rab Rasoul Sayyaf and many other Afghan officials are attending.

But chief executive Abdullah Abdullah, notorious former warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, and Ghani's former national security advisor Mohammad Haneef Atmar are boycotting the event, saying it was pulled together without consultation and is being used by Ghani to campaign ahead of presidential elections slated for September.

What is at stake?

A lot. Ghani's credibility, fast dwindling in the eyes of the West, will be put to the test, with observers waiting to see if he can secure a meaningful consensus, or whether the event will unravel amid bickering and in-fighting.

A planned meeting between Afghan officials and the Taliban in Qatar collapsed at the last minute this month over recriminations about the number of delegates Ghani wanted to bring to Doha.

His original roster comprised 250 members, which the Taliban likened to a guest list for an Afghan wedding.

A new round of talks between the Taliban and the US is due to take place in Doha in the coming days.

A meaningful and clear signal from Kabul will be key for US negotiators.

Afghanistan on Monday will convene a rare "loya jirga" -- a massive meeting for delegates from across the country to discuss the war and US efforts to forge a peace deal with the Taliban.

Afghanistan on Monday will convene a rare "loya jirga" -- a massive meeting for delegates from across the country to discuss the war and US efforts to forge a peace deal with the Taliban. More than 2,000 people have been invited to gather amid tight security for four days of debate under a large tent in Kabul. Here is a look at the history of loya jirgas, and what to expect from this one. What is a loya jirga? A loya jirga -- literally "grand assembly" in Pashto -- is traditionally comprised of Afghan elders. Such gatherings have a centuries-old history in Afghan culture and are periodically convened to reach a consensus on major political issues. The most recent jirga was held in 2013, when Afghan officials endorsed a security agreement that allowed US troops to stay in Afghanistan beyond their planned withdrawal in 2014. In August 2007, the first joint Afghan-Pakistan jirga was held in Kabul after relations between the neighbours deteriorated amid Afghan accusations that Pakistan was harbouring Taliban and Al-Qaeda fighters. In 2003, former president Sibghatullah Mojaddedi chaired a loya jirga that approved Afghanistan's new constitution for a post-Taliban era. The events usually comprise political figures, religious scholars, teachers, activists and community leaders. Delegates typically break into smaller groups to tackle various matters. What is on the agenda? The upcoming loya jirga is being held at a time when the US and Taliban militants have held several rounds of talks. The two sides have discussed a possible troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in exchange for a ceasefire and various pledges from the Taliban. But crucially, the talks have thus far cut out the government of President Ashraf Ghani, whom the Taliban view as a US stooge. Ghani's government is jostling for influence in the peace talks and the jirga aims to set out Kabul's red lines for any deal, including the continuation of the constitution and the protection of women's rights, the media, and free speech. Ghani has invited the Taliban to participate, but the insurgents, having waged an unrelenting guerrilla war since 2001, have predictably refused. In the past, the Taliban have blasted rockets at the loya jirga tent, and much of Kabul is being locked down under a massive security operation for this year's event. In a statement, the Taliban vowed that any decisions or resolutions made at a loya jirga are "never acceptable to the real and devout sons of this homeland". Who will be there? Top politicians including Ghani, former president Hamid Karzai, ex-foreign minister Zalmay Rassoul, former warlord Abdul Rab Rasoul Sayyaf and many other Afghan officials are attending. But chief executive Abdullah Abdullah, notorious former warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, and Ghani's former national security advisor Mohammad Haneef Atmar are boycotting the event, saying it was pulled together without consultation and is being used by Ghani to campaign ahead of presidential elections slated for September. What is at stake? A lot. Ghani's credibility, fast dwindling in the eyes of the West, will be put to the test, with observers waiting to see if he can secure a meaningful consensus, or whether the event will unravel amid bickering and in-fighting. A planned meeting between Afghan officials and the Taliban in Qatar collapsed at the last minute this month over recriminations about the number of delegates Ghani wanted to bring to Doha. His original roster comprised 250 members, which the Taliban likened to a guest list for an Afghan wedding. A new round of talks between the Taliban and the US is due to take place in Doha in the coming days. A meaningful and clear signal from Kabul will be key for US negotiators.

Afghanistan to hold 'massive meeting' to discuss US-led peace talks with Taliban

US special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-envoy-returns-after-taliban-afghan-talks-scuttled-212670">Zalmay Khalilzad will be in Delhi </a>in the next few weeks. This will be his second&nbsp;visit to India this year. He was in India in early January when he met external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj.

The State Department in a release said,"Zalmay Khalilzad will travel to Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, and the United Kingdom from April 21st to May 11th, as part of the overall effort to facilitate a political settlement that ends the conflict in Afghanistan."

Adding further, the release said, in London, Moscow, Islamabad, and New Delhi, he will work to build international support for the Afghan peace process to help ensure that any peace settlement reached will be sustainable."&nbsp;

Foriegn secretary Vijay Gokhale had met the US envoy in March in Washington and&nbsp;had appraised India's view on the Afghan peace process.

India which backs&nbsp;"Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled"&nbsp;was clearly conveyed to US officials. Gokhale had also conveyed&nbsp;that New Delhi would like continuation of current political structure which has been&nbsp;arrived at after 18 years.

India has been engaging with regional countries - Iran,Russia, China, central Asian countries -&nbsp;regarding the Afghan peace process.&nbsp;

India last year had participated at an "unofficial level" at Moscow format talks by sending its former ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha and former Indian high commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan.

US special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad will be in Delhi in the next few weeks. This will be his second visit to India this year.

US special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad will be in Delhi in the next few weeks. This will be his second visit to India this year. He was in India in early January when he met external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj. The State Department in a release said,"Zalmay Khalilzad will travel to Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, and the United Kingdom from April 21st to May 11th, as part of the overall effort to facilitate a political settlement that ends the conflict in Afghanistan." Adding further, the release said, in London, Moscow, Islamabad, and New Delhi, he will work to build international support for the Afghan peace process to help ensure that any peace settlement reached will be sustainable." Foriegn secretary Vijay Gokhale had met the US envoy in March in Washington and had appraised India's view on the Afghan peace process. India which backs "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled" was clearly conveyed to US officials. Gokhale had also conveyed that New Delhi would like continuation of current political structure which has been arrived at after 18 years. India has been engaging with regional countries - Iran,Russia, China, central Asian countries - regarding the Afghan peace process. India last year had participated at an "unofficial level" at Moscow format talks by sending its former ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha and former Indian high commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan.

US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad to visit India

The United Nations Security Council condemned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-announce-spring-offensive-amid-afghan-peace-push-209755">Afghanistan's Taliban</a> on Monday for announcing a spring offensive and called on all parties to instead seize the opportunity to begin talks.

In a unanimous statement, the council said the Taliban's announcement will "only result in more unnecessary suffering and destruction for the Afghan people."

The Taliban launched attacks near the northern city of Kunduz and in Kabul on Saturday, hours after announcing the start of the spring offensive.&nbsp;

At least nine people were killed and scores wounded in those attacks, according to Afghan officials.

The bloodshed came as the US pushes for a peace settlement with the Taliban, and ahead of a new round of talks expected to take place in Qatar later this month.

The Security Council "called on all parties to the conflict to seize the opportunity to begin an inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue and negotiations that result in a political settlement," said the statement.

US officials have already met several times with the Taliban and further talks are expected in the Qatari capital Doha later this month that would include Afghan political leaders.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the US diplomat who has held several rounds of talks with the Taliban in hopes of reaching a peace deal, called the announcement of the spring offensive "reckless" and "irresponsible."

To facilitate travel to Doha, the council has lifted travel bans for 11 Taliban delegates, including Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a cofounder of the Islamist movement and its top political leader, as well as Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the Taliban's former deputy minister of foreign affairs.

The United Nations Security Council condemned Afghanistan's Taliban on Monday for announcing a spring offensive and called on all parties to instead seize the opportunity to begin talks.

The United Nations Security Council condemned Afghanistan's Taliban on Monday for announcing a spring offensive and called on all parties to instead seize the opportunity to begin talks. In a unanimous statement, the council said the Taliban's announcement will "only result in more unnecessary suffering and destruction for the Afghan people." The Taliban launched attacks near the northern city of Kunduz and in Kabul on Saturday, hours after announcing the start of the spring offensive. At least nine people were killed and scores wounded in those attacks, according to Afghan officials. The bloodshed came as the US pushes for a peace settlement with the Taliban, and ahead of a new round of talks expected to take place in Qatar later this month. The Security Council "called on all parties to the conflict to seize the opportunity to begin an inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue and negotiations that result in a political settlement," said the statement. US officials have already met several times with the Taliban and further talks are expected in the Qatari capital Doha later this month that would include Afghan political leaders. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US diplomat who has held several rounds of talks with the Taliban in hopes of reaching a peace deal, called the announcement of the spring offensive "reckless" and "irresponsible." To facilitate travel to Doha, the council has lifted travel bans for 11 Taliban delegates, including Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a cofounder of the Islamist movement and its top political leader, as well as Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the Taliban's former deputy minister of foreign affairs.

United Nations condemns Taliban spring offensive in Afghanistan

The US envoy tasked with forging a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-envoy-on-afghan-peace-heads-back-to-region-205904">peace deal with the Taliban</a> met with officials in Pakistan on Friday, after telling leaders and various groups in Afghanistan they would be included in future talks.

Zalmay Khalilzad was in Islamabad after spending five days in Afghanistan amid strains between Washington and President Ashraf Ghani's administration, which has complained bitterly of being sidelined in peace talks.&nbsp;

"Intra-Afghan dialogue should be comprehensive and inclusive with representatives from the #Afghan government, women, young people, and civil society," Khalilzad said on Twitter at the start of his five-day visit.

The Taliban has until now refused to meet with the Kabul government, accusing it of being a puppet regime.

The diplomatic spat between Washington and Kabul came to a head last month when Afghanistan's national security advisor Hamdullah Mohib accused Khalilzad of a lack of "transparency", even suggesting the Afghan-born envoy wanted to be "viceroy" of his native country.

Washington reacted furiously, with US officials reportedly refusing to attend meetings in which Mohib was present. The outspoken advisor visited eastern provinces when Khalilzad was in Kabul.

Among those Khalilzad met with was a group of seven women from the Afghan Women Network.

Under the Taliban's strict interpretation of Sharia law, women were stripped of all basic rights and were sometimes executed for alleged adultery.

"Women should not be forgotten in the talks, and our rights should not be trampled," Robina Hamdard, an advocacy manager at the network, told AFP.

"We want everything -- women's rights to education and social activities -- to be guaranteed during the talks... We want a lasting peace, not a shaky peace."

Khalilzad's schedule in Islamabad has not been announced, but he had already met with officials including Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi early Friday, according to the foreign ministry.

Pakistan says it supports an Afghan-led peace process and is helping to facilitate the talks. Washington and Kabul have long held Pakistan's shadowy intelligence services responsible for supporting and training the Taliban.&nbsp;

In an interview with a US-funded radio network, Khalilzad said he hoped 2019 would be the "year of peace."

"Afghans are tired of the war. So, too, is the world. The war has raged for a long time," he told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

After talks in February, Khalilzad announced a "draft framework" for a peace deal, though he warned major hurdles remain.

Elections in Afghanistan, originally slated for April 20, have been postponed until September to allow space for the peace talks.

A new round of talks between the Taliban and Afghan officials is expected later this month in Doha, with further US-Taliban talks possible after that.

"We are hopeful that intra-Afghan talks will start as soon as possible and that we can agree to de-escalate the war," Khalilzad said in the radio interview.

Ghani, who was elected in a fraud-tainted poll in 2014, is seeking a second term.

The US envoy tasked with forging a peace deal with the Taliban met with officials in Pakistan on Friday, after telling leaders and various groups in Afghanistan they would be included in future talks.

The US envoy tasked with forging a peace deal with the Taliban met with officials in Pakistan on Friday, after telling leaders and various groups in Afghanistan they would be included in future talks. Zalmay Khalilzad was in Islamabad after spending five days in Afghanistan amid strains between Washington and President Ashraf Ghani's administration, which has complained bitterly of being sidelined in peace talks. "Intra-Afghan dialogue should be comprehensive and inclusive with representatives from the #Afghan government, women, young people, and civil society," Khalilzad said on Twitter at the start of his five-day visit. The Taliban has until now refused to meet with the Kabul government, accusing it of being a puppet regime. The diplomatic spat between Washington and Kabul came to a head last month when Afghanistan's national security advisor Hamdullah Mohib accused Khalilzad of a lack of "transparency", even suggesting the Afghan-born envoy wanted to be "viceroy" of his native country. Washington reacted furiously, with US officials reportedly refusing to attend meetings in which Mohib was present. The outspoken advisor visited eastern provinces when Khalilzad was in Kabul. Among those Khalilzad met with was a group of seven women from the Afghan Women Network. Under the Taliban's strict interpretation of Sharia law, women were stripped of all basic rights and were sometimes executed for alleged adultery. "Women should not be forgotten in the talks, and our rights should not be trampled," Robina Hamdard, an advocacy manager at the network, told AFP. "We want everything -- women's rights to education and social activities -- to be guaranteed during the talks... We want a lasting peace, not a shaky peace." Khalilzad's schedule in Islamabad has not been announced, but he had already met with officials including Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi early Friday, according to the foreign ministry. Pakistan says it supports an Afghan-led peace process and is helping to facilitate the talks. Washington and Kabul have long held Pakistan's shadowy intelligence services responsible for supporting and training the Taliban. In an interview with a US-funded radio network, Khalilzad said he hoped 2019 would be the "year of peace." "Afghans are tired of the war. So, too, is the world. The war has raged for a long time," he told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. After talks in February, Khalilzad announced a "draft framework" for a peace deal, though he warned major hurdles remain. Elections in Afghanistan, originally slated for April 20, have been postponed until September to allow space for the peace talks. A new round of talks between the Taliban and Afghan officials is expected later this month in Doha, with further US-Taliban talks possible after that. "We are hopeful that intra-Afghan talks will start as soon as possible and that we can agree to de-escalate the war," Khalilzad said in the radio interview. Ghani, who was elected in a fraud-tainted poll in 2014, is seeking a second term.

Intra-Afghan dialogue should include representatives from government, civil society: US envoy Khalilzad

The peripatetic US envoy for the peace process in Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad was back this week in Kabul to restart the enigmatic dialogue with Taliban. Are the five rounds of talks between the US and Taliban, the last and most intense at Doha last month, going nowhere or there is light at the end of the tunnel? Hope of a breakthrough is being spread by Pakistan which has the maximum to gain from its success. Here are the known facts.&nbsp;

President Trump last December, unsurprisingly, did a U-turn on Afghanistan. Having been reluctantly persuaded by his Generals to stay the course, in a policy speech on Afghanistan in August 2017, he lashed out at Pakistan saying all it has given the US is lies and deceit after receiving $31 billion and praised India for its constructive role in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Then Defence Secretary James Mattis issued a ‘last chance’ ultimatum to Pakistan to act against Taliban sanctuaries which did not work despite intensified drone strikes in Pakistan. Soon, Trump did another U-turn: embraced Pakistan, criticised India for doing five minutes of work like building libraries in Afghanistan and sought an exit by appointing Zalmay Khalilzad as an interlocutor with Taliban to work out an exit deal. So far according to the US, four issues have been discussed – US withdrawal from Afghanistan;&nbsp;

Taliban pledge that Afghanistan will not become a base for Al Qaeda and its affiliates for attacks on the US and its allies; ceasefire and composition of a future Afghan government including direct talks between Taliban and Kabul.&nbsp;

The Taliban says only two issues constitute the framework accord. Equally pressing problems like interim government, elections, constitution, exchange of prisoners and lifting the ban on Taliban leaders are also to be addressed. &nbsp;

This kind of peace and reconciliation talks are called talking while fighting or vice versa as a conventional peace process is sequenced roughly like this: ceasefire; disarmament (integration of armies and arms); constitutional arrangements; and elections. The presidential elections have been postponed from April to July to September and maybe indefinitely to accommodate the Taliban.

Similarly, the results of the October 2018 parliamentary elections delayed by two years have not been finalised. Conspicuously, the Afghan government has been kept out of the loop in the present US-Taliban series of engagements, making a mockery of the much-touted peace process being Afghan-owned and Afghan-led. This reflects the urgency Trump attaches to a quick troop withdrawal - half the 14,000 soldiers before the end of the year before his re-election bid and the remainder within two to three years.&nbsp;

The US and Afghanistan have signed in 2012 a Strategic Partnership Agreement according to which, America will not abandon the country militarily or financially for years after 2014 which was the US deadline for foreign forces withdrawal. Then in 2014, a bilateral security agreement was signed that provides US troops access to military bases like Bagram and Kandahar in Afghanistan upto 2024 and beyond. Will Trump forsake the retention of strategic assets in Afghanistan? Is this being kept under wraps?&nbsp;

If the mercurial Trump were to pull out like he reportedly announced recently from Syria and Afghanistan – both denied and later and modified – it could prove catastrophic. The Mattis exit was catalysed by this decision setting the cat among the pigeons in the region. James Dobbins, a former US envoy to Afghanistan, fears it could lead to a civil war – back to 1996? Probably not. Gen Kenneth Mackenzie of CENTCOM has said Afghan National Security Forces will dissolve without US support. In 2014, a report published by Special Inspector General Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) had made the assessment that ANSF would be capable of resisting Taliban independently after December 2014 when International Security Assistance Forces combat role ended but would require US air support and assistance in casualty evacuation. When Konduz became the first provincial capital to fall to Taliban in 2014, all hell broke loose in Pentagon, sparking the fear of a strategic collapse.&nbsp;

With the Taliban staging spectacular suicide attacks and enhancing their territorial control (only 54 per cent of 407 districts were under control/influence of government in October 2018 against 72 per cent in November 2005). ANSF casualties are averaging 120 to 130 a month with complete companies capitulating. Instead of correcting the deficiency of unprepared ANSF in the lead since December 2014, US is considering further cuts and exit. In mid-2009, President Obama had observed that if Afghanistan falls to Taliban it will once again become an Al Qaeda base. On 2 January 2019, unpredictable Trump made the following convoluted observation on Afghanistan. ‘Pakistan is there…it should be fighting. But Russia should be fighting too, to prevent terrorists from going to Russia…and India….Why are we there. And we’re 6000 miles away !’&nbsp;

The Afghans are convinced that Taliban pumped by Pakistan is taking the US for a royal ride. NSA Hamdullah Mohib, addressing UNSC last month, criticised the US peace process, especially Khalilzad stressing: ‘peace at any cost is not acceptable’. Former intelligence chief Amrullah Saleh, has doubts about the sincerity of the Taliban, adding it did not represent the Afghan people but Pakistan. Will Trump spring a surprise by ordering a hasty withdrawal or put in place, a mechanism that ensures that the gains of the last 17 years under US leadership are preserved?&nbsp;

India has been outpaced by developments in Afghanistan mainly due to an impetuous Trump. Army Chief, Gen Bipin Rawat’s advice to engage the Taliban even at this late stage, has been ignored. A backchannel should have been started in 2014-15 after the Konduz debacle. India must update its contingency plans to prevent the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul by force and protect its strategic assets including 5000 Indians. India’s only foreign air base at Ayni in Tajikistan where 100 IAF personnel and engineers are located, must be factored for utilisation after consultations with Russia which has the last word on its use.&nbsp;

Since 2002, India’s right of use has been unclear and combat aircraft have never been stationed there. The Chinese have lately acquired a military base in Tajikistan with its troops operating in the Wakhan corridor. The present government has made national security its prime election issue acting boldly against Pakistan and China but losing sight of Afghanistan.. India’s diminution in Afghanistan will be a jolt to its prestige and image in the region.&nbsp;

For Khalilzad though finding all the pieces to fit into the peace and reconciliation puzzle will be an uphill task and could take time, even as strategic patience is not a virtue Trump is blessed with.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

The peripatetic US envoy for the peace process in Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad was back this week in Kabul to restart the enigmatic dialogue with Taliban. Are the five rounds of talks between the US and Taliban, the last and most intense at Doha last month, going nowhere or there is light at the end of the tunnel?

The peripatetic US envoy for the peace process in Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad was back this week in Kabul to restart the enigmatic dialogue with Taliban. Are the five rounds of talks between the US and Taliban, the last and most intense at Doha last month, going nowhere or there is light at the end of the tunnel? Hope of a breakthrough is being spread by Pakistan which has the maximum to gain from its success. Here are the known facts. President Trump last December, unsurprisingly, did a U-turn on Afghanistan. Having been reluctantly persuaded by his Generals to stay the course, in a policy speech on Afghanistan in August 2017, he lashed out at Pakistan saying all it has given the US is lies and deceit after receiving $31 billion and praised India for its constructive role in Afghanistan. Then Defence Secretary James Mattis issued a ‘last chance’ ultimatum to Pakistan to act against Taliban sanctuaries which did not work despite intensified drone strikes in Pakistan. Soon, Trump did another U-turn: embraced Pakistan, criticised India for doing five minutes of work like building libraries in Afghanistan and sought an exit by appointing Zalmay Khalilzad as an interlocutor with Taliban to work out an exit deal. So far according to the US, four issues have been discussed – US withdrawal from Afghanistan; Taliban pledge that Afghanistan will not become a base for Al Qaeda and its affiliates for attacks on the US and its allies; ceasefire and composition of a future Afghan government including direct talks between Taliban and Kabul. The Taliban says only two issues constitute the framework accord. Equally pressing problems like interim government, elections, constitution, exchange of prisoners and lifting the ban on Taliban leaders are also to be addressed. This kind of peace and reconciliation talks are called talking while fighting or vice versa as a conventional peace process is sequenced roughly like this: ceasefire; disarmament (integration of armies and arms); constitutional arrangements; and elections. The presidential elections have been postponed from April to July to September and maybe indefinitely to accommodate the Taliban. Similarly, the results of the October 2018 parliamentary elections delayed by two years have not been finalised. Conspicuously, the Afghan government has been kept out of the loop in the present US-Taliban series of engagements, making a mockery of the much-touted peace process being Afghan-owned and Afghan-led. This reflects the urgency Trump attaches to a quick troop withdrawal - half the 14,000 soldiers before the end of the year before his re-election bid and the remainder within two to three years. The US and Afghanistan have signed in 2012 a Strategic Partnership Agreement according to which, America will not abandon the country militarily or financially for years after 2014 which was the US deadline for foreign forces withdrawal. Then in 2014, a bilateral security agreement was signed that provides US troops access to military bases like Bagram and Kandahar in Afghanistan upto 2024 and beyond. Will Trump forsake the retention of strategic assets in Afghanistan? Is this being kept under wraps? If the mercurial Trump were to pull out like he reportedly announced recently from Syria and Afghanistan – both denied and later and modified – it could prove catastrophic. The Mattis exit was catalysed by this decision setting the cat among the pigeons in the region. James Dobbins, a former US envoy to Afghanistan, fears it could lead to a civil war – back to 1996? Probably not. Gen Kenneth Mackenzie of CENTCOM has said Afghan National Security Forces will dissolve without US support. In 2014, a report published by Special Inspector General Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) had made the assessment that ANSF would be capable of resisting Taliban independently after December 2014 when International Security Assistance Forces combat role ended but would require US air support and assistance in casualty evacuation. When Konduz became the first provincial capital to fall to Taliban in 2014, all hell broke loose in Pentagon, sparking the fear of a strategic collapse. With the Taliban staging spectacular suicide attacks and enhancing their territorial control (only 54 per cent of 407 districts were under control/influence of government in October 2018 against 72 per cent in November 2005). ANSF casualties are averaging 120 to 130 a month with complete companies capitulating. Instead of correcting the deficiency of unprepared ANSF in the lead since December 2014, US is considering further cuts and exit. In mid-2009, President Obama had observed that if Afghanistan falls to Taliban it will once again become an Al Qaeda base. On 2 January 2019, unpredictable Trump made the following convoluted observation on Afghanistan. ‘Pakistan is there…it should be fighting. But Russia should be fighting too, to prevent terrorists from going to Russia…and India….Why are we there. And we’re 6000 miles away !’ The Afghans are convinced that Taliban pumped by Pakistan is taking the US for a royal ride. NSA Hamdullah Mohib, addressing UNSC last month, criticised the US peace process, especially Khalilzad stressing: ‘peace at any cost is not acceptable’. Former intelligence chief Amrullah Saleh, has doubts about the sincerity of the Taliban, adding it did not represent the Afghan people but Pakistan. Will Trump spring a surprise by ordering a hasty withdrawal or put in place, a mechanism that ensures that the gains of the last 17 years under US leadership are preserved? India has been outpaced by developments in Afghanistan mainly due to an impetuous Trump. Army Chief, Gen Bipin Rawat’s advice to engage the Taliban even at this late stage, has been ignored. A backchannel should have been started in 2014-15 after the Konduz debacle. India must update its contingency plans to prevent the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul by force and protect its strategic assets including 5000 Indians. India’s only foreign air base at Ayni in Tajikistan where 100 IAF personnel and engineers are located, must be factored for utilisation after consultations with Russia which has the last word on its use. Since 2002, India’s right of use has been unclear and combat aircraft have never been stationed there. The Chinese have lately acquired a military base in Tajikistan with its troops operating in the Wakhan corridor. The present government has made national security its prime election issue acting boldly against Pakistan and China but losing sight of Afghanistan.. India’s diminution in Afghanistan will be a jolt to its prestige and image in the region. For Khalilzad though finding all the pieces to fit into the peace and reconciliation puzzle will be an uphill task and could take time, even as strategic patience is not a virtue Trump is blessed with. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Afghan peace talks: India must update its contingency plans to prevent Taliban’s takeover of Kabul

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad said Monday he was in Kabul to meet with Afghan officials ahead of his next round of talks with the Taliban aimed at ending more than 17 years of war.

The Afghan-born US adviser tweeted that he had already met with some government representatives with responsibility for the Afghan peace process.

"We discussed the urgency of making progress on intra-Afghan dialogue," Khalilzad wrote.

Khalilzad's last round of talks with the Taliban in Doha was originally slated to last two days in February, but dragged on for 16 days, eventually ending March 12 with Khalilzad saying "real strides" had been made.

On the table were proposals to get foreign armed forces to leave Afghanistan, and the Taliban to guarantee the country cannot be used as a springboard for terror groups to launch any future attacks.

The State Department on Friday said Khalilzad's trip was "part of an overall effort to facilitate a peace process that brings all Afghan parties together in inclusive intra-Afghan negotiations".

But so far the talks have not included the Kabul government.

The Taliban have long refused to speak with Kabul, deeming the administration of President Ashraf Ghani -- who is seeking re-election this year -- puppets of the West.

Khalilzad's trip has already seen him stop in London and Brussels as he seeks global support for a peace deal.

Last week, he met with representatives from China, Russia and the European Union in Washington.

 
&nbsp;

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad said Monday he was in Kabul to meet with Afghan officials ahead of his next round of talks with the Taliban aimed at ending more than 17 years of war.

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad said Monday he was in Kabul to meet with Afghan officials ahead of his next round of talks with the Taliban aimed at ending more than 17 years of war. The Afghan-born US adviser tweeted that he had already met with some government representatives with responsibility for the Afghan peace process. "We discussed the urgency of making progress on intra-Afghan dialogue," Khalilzad wrote. Khalilzad's last round of talks with the Taliban in Doha was originally slated to last two days in February, but dragged on for 16 days, eventually ending March 12 with Khalilzad saying "real strides" had been made. On the table were proposals to get foreign armed forces to leave Afghanistan, and the Taliban to guarantee the country cannot be used as a springboard for terror groups to launch any future attacks. The State Department on Friday said Khalilzad's trip was "part of an overall effort to facilitate a peace process that brings all Afghan parties together in inclusive intra-Afghan negotiations". But so far the talks have not included the Kabul government. The Taliban have long refused to speak with Kabul, deeming the administration of President Ashraf Ghani -- who is seeking re-election this year -- puppets of the West. Khalilzad's trip has already seen him stop in London and Brussels as he seeks global support for a peace deal. Last week, he met with representatives from China, Russia and the European Union in Washington.

US peace envoy returns to Kabul ahead of Taliban talks

Academy Award-winning actress and refugee activist Angelina Jolie pushed for the inclusion of women in peace talks to end the conflict in Afghanistan during an address to ministers and diplomats at the United Nations on Friday.

Peace talks between US and Taliban officials began late last year. However, some women fear the freedoms eked out since US-backed Afghan forces overthrew the Taliban in 2001 could slide backwards, and complain their voices are being sidelined.

"In Afghanistan thousands of women have recently come together in public risking their lives to ask that their rights and the rights of their children be guaranteed in peace negotiations that so far they have been allow no part of," Jolie told a ministerial meeting on UN peacekeeping.

"The international community's silent response is alarming to say the least," said Jolie, a special envoy for the UN refugee agency UNHCR, which she began working with 18 years ago. "There can be no peace or stability in Afghanistan or anywhere else in the world that involves trading away the rights of women."

While the Taliban has said in official statements they might consider more liberal policies towards women, their chief negotiator has said the constitution, which protects women's rights, is an obstacle to peace, said the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction on Thursday.

Jolie also touted the importance of a United States that is "part of an international community," after a retreat by US President Donald Trump from US agencies and global agreements that has some countries concerned about his commitment to multilateralism.

"I'm a patriot, I love my country and I want to see it thrive. I also believe in an America that is part of an international community. Countries working together on equal footing is how we reduce the risk of conflict," she said.

"A country that believes that all men and women are born free and equal cannot be true to itself if it doesn't defend those principles for all people, wherever they live," she said.

Academy Award-winning actress and refugee activist Angelina Jolie pushed for the inclusion of women in peace talks to end the conflict in Afghanistan during an address to ministers and diplomats at the United Nations on Friday.

Academy Award-winning actress and refugee activist Angelina Jolie pushed for the inclusion of women in peace talks to end the conflict in Afghanistan during an address to ministers and diplomats at the United Nations on Friday. Peace talks between US and Taliban officials began late last year. However, some women fear the freedoms eked out since US-backed Afghan forces overthrew the Taliban in 2001 could slide backwards, and complain their voices are being sidelined. "In Afghanistan thousands of women have recently come together in public risking their lives to ask that their rights and the rights of their children be guaranteed in peace negotiations that so far they have been allow no part of," Jolie told a ministerial meeting on UN peacekeeping. "The international community's silent response is alarming to say the least," said Jolie, a special envoy for the UN refugee agency UNHCR, which she began working with 18 years ago. "There can be no peace or stability in Afghanistan or anywhere else in the world that involves trading away the rights of women." While the Taliban has said in official statements they might consider more liberal policies towards women, their chief negotiator has said the constitution, which protects women's rights, is an obstacle to peace, said the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction on Thursday. Jolie also touted the importance of a United States that is "part of an international community," after a retreat by US President Donald Trump from US agencies and global agreements that has some countries concerned about his commitment to multilateralism. "I'm a patriot, I love my country and I want to see it thrive. I also believe in an America that is part of an international community. Countries working together on equal footing is how we reduce the risk of conflict," she said. "A country that believes that all men and women are born free and equal cannot be true to itself if it doesn't defend those principles for all people, wherever they live," she said.

Angelina Jolie pushes for women to be part of Afghan peace talks

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