The Kabul government is steadily losing its grip over parts of Afghanistan even as American forces intensify their air campaign against insurgent groups, a US government watchdog said Thursday.

The latest grim assessment of Afghanistan's security situation comes as the US pursues talks with the Taliban and urgently seeks a way out of the 17-year war.

Numbers provided by Resolute Support, the US-led NATO mission in Afghanistan, show that as of October 31, only 63.5 per cent of Afghans are living in areas controlled or influenced by the Kabul government -- down from 65.2 per cent the previous quarter.

According to the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), which compiled the data, the decrease came as Kabul's control or influence over Afghan districts dropped.

SIGAR said just 53.8 per cent of Afghanistan's 407 districts are in government hands, and experts on Afghanistan say the number is lower still.

Instead of looking at population metrics, the Pentagon in a response to SIGAR said it is more important to "focus on the principal goal of the strategy of concluding the war in Afghanistan on terms favourable to Afghanistan and the United States."

Officials pointed to ongoing talks between the Taliban and US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who this week said he had sealed the outlines of a peace deal.

Unsustainable losses 

Highlighting the ongoing security crisis, SIGAR said the US has dramatically increased air strikes, dropping 6,823 bombs in the first 11 months of 2018.&nbsp;

The "figure was already 56 per cent higher than the total number of munitions released in 2017 (4,361), and is more than five times the total in 2016," SIGAR said in its report.

Meanwhile, the strength of Afghan security forces has continued to dwindle, and currently stands at 308,693 personnel. That means only 87.7 per cent of positions are filled, the lowest level since January 2015.

Afghan forces have suffered staggering losses since they assumed responsibility for their country's security four years ago.

President Ashraf Ghani last week said 45,000 security forces have been killed since he took office in September 2014.&nbsp;

NATO combat forces pulled out at the end of that year, and observers say the losses may not be sustainable.

Surrender?

Officials say President Donald Trump has decided to pull half of America's forces from Afghanistan. The Pentagon insisted the numbers in SIGAR's report do not necessarily reflect poorly on his strategy to find an end to the conflict.

"Measures of population control are not indicative of effectiveness of the South Asia strategy or of progress toward security and stability in Afghanistan," the Pentagon said, according to SIGAR.

Khalilzad has provided few specifics about a potential deal with the Taliban, but the militants are believed to have promised not to provide shelter again to foreign extremists.

However, the Taliban have so far refused another key US demand -- that they talk to the internationally recognized government in Kabul, which the insurgents view as American "puppets."

Ghani has warned against rushing into a deal, citing violence following the Soviet withdrawal in 1989.

Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said Tuesday that he saw "some very encouraging possibilities" in Khalilzad's negotiations. 
"But we need to give them time and space," Shanahan said.

Ryan Crocker, a former US ambassador to multiple nations including Afghanistan, said in an opinion piece in The Washington Post that US negotiations with the Taliban are akin to "surrender."

"The Taliban will offer any number of commitments, knowing that when we are gone and the Taliban is back, we will have no means of enforcing any of them," Crocker wrote.

The Kabul government is steadily losing its grip over parts of Afghanistan even as American forces intensify their air campaign against insurgent groups, a US government watchdog said Thursday.

The Kabul government is steadily losing its grip over parts of Afghanistan even as American forces intensify their air campaign against insurgent groups, a US government watchdog said Thursday. The latest grim assessment of Afghanistan's security situation comes as the US pursues talks with the Taliban and urgently seeks a way out of the 17-year war. Numbers provided by Resolute Support, the US-led NATO mission in Afghanistan, show that as of October 31, only 63.5 per cent of Afghans are living in areas controlled or influenced by the Kabul government -- down from 65.2 per cent the previous quarter. According to the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), which compiled the data, the decrease came as Kabul's control or influence over Afghan districts dropped. SIGAR said just 53.8 per cent of Afghanistan's 407 districts are in government hands, and experts on Afghanistan say the number is lower still. Instead of looking at population metrics, the Pentagon in a response to SIGAR said it is more important to "focus on the principal goal of the strategy of concluding the war in Afghanistan on terms favourable to Afghanistan and the United States." Officials pointed to ongoing talks between the Taliban and US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who this week said he had sealed the outlines of a peace deal. Unsustainable losses Highlighting the ongoing security crisis, SIGAR said the US has dramatically increased air strikes, dropping 6,823 bombs in the first 11 months of 2018. The "figure was already 56 per cent higher than the total number of munitions released in 2017 (4,361), and is more than five times the total in 2016," SIGAR said in its report. Meanwhile, the strength of Afghan security forces has continued to dwindle, and currently stands at 308,693 personnel. That means only 87.7 per cent of positions are filled, the lowest level since January 2015. Afghan forces have suffered staggering losses since they assumed responsibility for their country's security four years ago. President Ashraf Ghani last week said 45,000 security forces have been killed since he took office in September 2014. NATO combat forces pulled out at the end of that year, and observers say the losses may not be sustainable. Surrender? Officials say President Donald Trump has decided to pull half of America's forces from Afghanistan. The Pentagon insisted the numbers in SIGAR's report do not necessarily reflect poorly on his strategy to find an end to the conflict. "Measures of population control are not indicative of effectiveness of the South Asia strategy or of progress toward security and stability in Afghanistan," the Pentagon said, according to SIGAR. Khalilzad has provided few specifics about a potential deal with the Taliban, but the militants are believed to have promised not to provide shelter again to foreign extremists. However, the Taliban have so far refused another key US demand -- that they talk to the internationally recognized government in Kabul, which the insurgents view as American "puppets." Ghani has warned against rushing into a deal, citing violence following the Soviet withdrawal in 1989. Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said Tuesday that he saw "some very encouraging possibilities" in Khalilzad's negotiations. "But we need to give them time and space," Shanahan said. Ryan Crocker, a former US ambassador to multiple nations including Afghanistan, said in an opinion piece in The Washington Post that US negotiations with the Taliban are akin to "surrender." "The Taliban will offer any number of commitments, knowing that when we are gone and the Taliban is back, we will have no means of enforcing any of them," Crocker wrote.

Kabul control slips in Afghanistan amid US talks with Taliban

Negotiations in Afghanistan are going well, US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday after US officials earlier this week said there had been significant progress in talks to end 17 years of war in the country.

Talks "are proceeding well," Trump wrote on Twitter. He did not address any possible peace accord with the Taliban or the presence of US troops in Afghanistan.

On Monday, US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad told the New York Times that the United States and the insurgent group had sketched the outlines of an eventual peace deal. Analysts, however, said there was no sign that the Taliban had agreed to US demands.

A US State Department spokesman said this week the talks had been "positive" but that no agreement had been reached.

The Trump administration has moved toward withdrawals of US forces after years of overseas deployments. A US official said last month that Trump planned to withdraw more than 5,000 of the 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan.

But Trump's fellow Republican US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday offered legislation urging the United States to keep troops in Afghanistan as well as Syria, although it was uncertain whether it would become law

Negotiations in Afghanistan are going well, US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday after US officials earlier this week said there had been significant progress in talks to end 17 years of war in the country.

Negotiations in Afghanistan are going well, US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday after US officials earlier this week said there had been significant progress in talks to end 17 years of war in the country. Talks "are proceeding well," Trump wrote on Twitter. He did not address any possible peace accord with the Taliban or the presence of US troops in Afghanistan. On Monday, US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad told the New York Times that the United States and the insurgent group had sketched the outlines of an eventual peace deal. Analysts, however, said there was no sign that the Taliban had agreed to US demands. A US State Department spokesman said this week the talks had been "positive" but that no agreement had been reached. The Trump administration has moved toward withdrawals of US forces after years of overseas deployments. A US official said last month that Trump planned to withdraw more than 5,000 of the 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan. But Trump's fellow Republican US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday offered legislation urging the United States to keep troops in Afghanistan as well as Syria, although it was uncertain whether it would become law

Trump says Afghanistan talks 'proceeding well'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/india-must-sign-npt-to-gain-entry-into-nsg-patient-negotiations-required-china-194132">India must sign NPT to gain entry into NSG, patient negotiations required: China</a>

India must sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty(NPT) to gain entry into&nbsp;the Nuclear Suppliers Group, China said Thursday, asserting that "patient negotiations" were required for New Delhi's admission into the group as there is no precedent for the inclusion of non-NPT countries.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-participate-in-all-formats-of-talks-that-bring-peace-india-on-afghan-peace-process-194136">Will participate in all formats of talks that bring peace: India on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-participate-in-all-formats-of-talks-that-bring-peace-india-on-afghan-peace-process-194136">Afghan</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-participate-in-all-formats-of-talks-that-bring-peace-india-on-afghan-peace-process-194136"> peace process</a>

India has said it is "closely following the&nbsp;developments related to peace&nbsp;and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan which have been undertaken by different stakeholders" and it will participate in "all formats of talks" which could "bring peace and security in the region."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-expresses-displeasure-to-uk-over-pak-foreign-minister-qureshis-upcoming-anti-india-conference-194147">India expresses displeasure to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-expresses-displeasure-to-uk-over-pak-foreign-minister-qureshis-upcoming-anti-india-conference-194147">UK</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-expresses-displeasure-to-uk-over-pak-foreign-minister-qureshis-upcoming-anti-india-conference-194147"> over Pak foreign minister Qureshi's upcoming anti-India conference</a>

India has come strongly on Islamabad a day after&nbsp;Pakistan's High Commissioner to India&nbsp;Sohail Mahmood was summoned after Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke with separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who heads All Parties Hurriyat Conference in the Valley.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gdp-growth-rate-for-2017-18-revised-upwards-to-72-194138">GDP growth rate for 2017-18 revised upwards to 7.2%</a>

The government Thursday revised the economic growth rate upwards to 7.2 per cent for 2017-18 from the 6.7 per cent estimated earlier. "Real GDP or GDP at constant (2011-12) prices for 2017-18 and 2016-17 stand at Rs 131.80 lakh crore and Rs 122.98 lakh crore, respectively, showing growth of 7.2 per cent during 2017-18 and 8.2 per cent during 2016-17," the CSO said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/russia-to-taliban-afghan-politicians-opposed-to-president-ghani-sources-194150">Russia to host Taliban, Afghan politicians opposed to President Ghani: Sources</a>

Russia will host the Taliban and Afghan politicians&nbsp;opposed to President Ashraf Ghani&nbsp;on Tuesday, Russian and Taliban sources said, promoting its role of power broker in what a US official called an attempt to "muddle" the US-backed peace process.

India must sign NPT to gain entry into NSG, patient negotiations required: China India must sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty(NPT) to gain entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group, China said Thursday, asserting that "patient negotiations" were required for New Delhi's admission into the group as there is no precedent for the inclusion of non-NPT countries.

India must sign NPT to gain entry into NSG, patient negotiations required: China India must sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty(NPT) to gain entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group, China said Thursday, asserting that "patient negotiations" were required for New Delhi's admission into the group as there is no precedent for the inclusion of non-NPT countries. Will participate in all formats of talks that bring peace: India on Afghan peace process India has said it is "closely following the developments related to peace and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan which have been undertaken by different stakeholders" and it will participate in "all formats of talks" which could "bring peace and security in the region." India expresses displeasure to UK over Pak foreign minister Qureshi's upcoming anti-India conference India has come strongly on Islamabad a day after Pakistan's High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood was summoned after Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke with separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who heads All Parties Hurriyat Conference in the Valley. GDP growth rate for 2017-18 revised upwards to 7.2% The government Thursday revised the economic growth rate upwards to 7.2 per cent for 2017-18 from the 6.7 per cent estimated earlier. "Real GDP or GDP at constant (2011-12) prices for 2017-18 and 2016-17 stand at Rs 131.80 lakh crore and Rs 122.98 lakh crore, respectively, showing growth of 7.2 per cent during 2017-18 and 8.2 per cent during 2016-17," the CSO said. Russia to host Taliban, Afghan politicians opposed to President Ghani: Sources Russia will host the Taliban and Afghan politicians opposed to President Ashraf Ghani on Tuesday, Russian and Taliban sources said, promoting its role of power broker in what a US official called an attempt to "muddle" the US-backed peace process.

News brief: Big stories of the day

India has said it is "closely following the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-control-slips-in-afghanistan-amid-us-talks-with-taliban-194042">developments related to peace</a> and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan which have been undertaken by different stakeholders" and it will participate in "all formats of talks" which could "bring peace and security in the region."

Reacting to a question on recent developments in Afghan peace process, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said,"India supports efforts which can achieve an inclusive political settlement. In this context, it is an important presidential election in Afghanistan which takes place as per schedule."

Last week after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-not-stay-longer-than-necessary-in-afghanistan-nato-chief-193642">United States-Taliban talks in Doha</a>, it was announced that both sides may soon come up with a pact that may see American forces leave Afghanistan after 17 years.

While reiterating its official stand on the Afghan peace process, Kumar said, "We continue to support Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled process."

In 2018 at the Moscow talks on Afghanistan, India participated "non-officially" and sent two former envoys-- former Indian ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha and former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan. Taliban was also present at the meet.

Asked if "participation in all formats" means even if Taliban is present, MEA spokesperson said, "it is speculative. It depends from meeting to meeting. Let us see for which meetings we are being invited and then we will take a decision as to what level and what capacity we participate".

India doesn't engage with the Taliban as an official policy. Russia is again planning another Moscow format talks on Afghanistan with the presence of Taliban which India expects it will be invited.&nbsp;

Raveesh also highlighted the issue of terror emanating from neighbouring countries without taking names and said: "we also feel that for enduring peace and stability in Afghanistan terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries need to be eliminated."

According to the US intelligence community report terror attacks in Afghanistan and India may increase due to Islamabad's resistance to act on terror groups on its territory.

India has said it is "closely following the developments related to peace and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan which have been undertaken by different stakeholders" and it will participate in "all formats of talks" which could "bring peace and security in the region.

India has said it is "closely following the developments related to peace and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan which have been undertaken by different stakeholders" and it will participate in "all formats of talks" which could "bring peace and security in the region." Reacting to a question on recent developments in Afghan peace process, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said,"India supports efforts which can achieve an inclusive political settlement. In this context, it is an important presidential election in Afghanistan which takes place as per schedule." Last week after the United States-Taliban talks in Doha, it was announced that both sides may soon come up with a pact that may see American forces leave Afghanistan after 17 years. While reiterating its official stand on the Afghan peace process, Kumar said, "We continue to support Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled process." In 2018 at the Moscow talks on Afghanistan, India participated "non-officially" and sent two former envoys-- former Indian ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha and former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan. Taliban was also present at the meet. Asked if "participation in all formats" means even if Taliban is present, MEA spokesperson said, "it is speculative. It depends from meeting to meeting. Let us see for which meetings we are being invited and then we will take a decision as to what level and what capacity we participate". India doesn't engage with the Taliban as an official policy. Russia is again planning another Moscow format talks on Afghanistan with the presence of Taliban which India expects it will be invited. Raveesh also highlighted the issue of terror emanating from neighbouring countries without taking names and said: "we also feel that for enduring peace and stability in Afghanistan terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries need to be eliminated." According to the US intelligence community report terror attacks in Afghanistan and India may increase due to Islamabad's resistance to act on terror groups on its territory.

Will participate in all formats of talks that bring peace: India on Afghan peace process

While India is keenly watching the developments in Afghanistan including the expected pact between the United States and Taliban, top sources have told WION that New Delhi won't change its official stance of talking to Taliban and if a call is taken "it will be political".&nbsp;

Sources also dismissed that during US Special Representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, India&nbsp;held any conversation&nbsp;to dilute its policy on talks with Taliban.

India's official policy on Afghanistan's peace process has been that it should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with the participation of the government of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Sources said, barring one country no one would like Taliban to be back at the helm of affairs in Kabul and it seems highly unlikely that there will be a complete withdrawal of US forces from the landlocked South Asian country.

This comes even as Russia is expected to host another round of talks under its Moscow format talks on Afghanistan involving the Taliban for which New Delhi is expected to get an "invitation very soon".

India last year participated on "unofficial level" at Moscow format talks by sending its former ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha and former Indian high commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan. A few days ago the Army chief General Bipin Rawat had backed talks with Taliban but without any preconditions.

Countries in the region are already engaging with the group. Iran has publically acknowledged its talks with the Taliban and has even offered its offices if New Delhi wants to engage with the grouping.&nbsp; 
The US has been engaging with the Taliban and in its last meeting in Doha it was that a pact may be in the offing that can help American troops leave Afghanistan after 17 years.&nbsp;

On Monday, Russia's Special Representative on Afghanistan, Ambassador Zamir Kabulov was in Pakistan and met the Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and according to the Pakistani release Islamabad, "Is facilitating the ongoing talks between the US and the Taliban as a shared responsibility and in good faith" and "hoped that the talks will result in an intra-Afghan dialogue leading to lasting peace in the country."

While India is keenly watching the developments in Afghanistan including the expected pact between the United States and Taliban, top sources have told WION that New Delhi won't change its official stance of talking to Taliban and if a call is taken "it will be political".

While India is keenly watching the developments in Afghanistan including the expected pact between the United States and Taliban, top sources have told WION that New Delhi won't change its official stance of talking to Taliban and if a call is taken "it will be political". Sources also dismissed that during US Special Representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, India held any conversation to dilute its policy on talks with Taliban. India's official policy on Afghanistan's peace process has been that it should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with the participation of the government of Afghanistan. Sources said, barring one country no one would like Taliban to be back at the helm of affairs in Kabul and it seems highly unlikely that there will be a complete withdrawal of US forces from the landlocked South Asian country. This comes even as Russia is expected to host another round of talks under its Moscow format talks on Afghanistan involving the Taliban for which New Delhi is expected to get an "invitation very soon". India last year participated on "unofficial level" at Moscow format talks by sending its former ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha and former Indian high commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan. A few days ago the Army chief General Bipin Rawat had backed talks with Taliban but without any preconditions. Countries in the region are already engaging with the group. Iran has publically acknowledged its talks with the Taliban and has even offered its offices if New Delhi wants to engage with the grouping. The US has been engaging with the Taliban and in its last meeting in Doha it was that a pact may be in the offing that can help American troops leave Afghanistan after 17 years. On Monday, Russia's Special Representative on Afghanistan, Ambassador Zamir Kabulov was in Pakistan and met the Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and according to the Pakistani release Islamabad, "Is facilitating the ongoing talks between the US and the Taliban as a shared responsibility and in good faith" and "hoped that the talks will result in an intra-Afghan dialogue leading to lasting peace in the country."

India's talks with Taliban will be a political call: Sources to WION

The White House has reacted to the developments in Afghanistan even as an Arab divide seems to shadow the Afghan peace talks.

White House Spokesperson Sarah Sanders in a briefing said, "Our priority is to end the war in Afghanistan and to ensure there is never a base for terrorism in Afghanistan again. Negotiations are going to continue".

But the Arab divide is looming large on the Afghan peace talks.

The United Arab Emirates Ambassador to India Dr. Ahmed Albanna lashed out at Qatar for hosting "terrorists". Doha last week hosted the US Taliban talks.

He said, "Qataris are hosting terrorist and exporting terrorist from there country. Terrorist are graduates of Guantanamo".

Adding, "Qatar supports extremism and continues to interfere in internal affairs of other states. Qatar represents a threat."

It is interesting to add that Abu Dhabi has also hosted US Taliban talks.&nbsp;

Asked about Abu Dhabi hosting the talks, the ambassador replied, "In order to implement our vision, we are a country that will like to see peace in the region and will do utmost to eliminate terrorist groups or reaching out that can ease of problems in the region. UAE has created a unique position. We have taken action and we are a major player in the implementation of certain polices in the region."

UAE along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Senegal, Jordan, Djibouti severed ties with Qatar in 2017.

Currently, Qatari planes and ships are denied airspace and sea route to these countries.

The White House has reacted to the developments in Afghanistan even as an Arab divide seems to shadow the Afghan peace talks. White House Spokesperson Sarah Sanders in a briefing said, "Our priority is to end the war in Afghanistan and to ensure there is never a base for terrorism in Afghanistan again.

The White House has reacted to the developments in Afghanistan even as an Arab divide seems to shadow the Afghan peace talks. White House Spokesperson Sarah Sanders in a briefing said, "Our priority is to end the war in Afghanistan and to ensure there is never a base for terrorism in Afghanistan again. Negotiations are going to continue". But the Arab divide is looming large on the Afghan peace talks. The United Arab Emirates Ambassador to India Dr. Ahmed Albanna lashed out at Qatar for hosting "terrorists". Doha last week hosted the US Taliban talks. He said, "Qataris are hosting terrorist and exporting terrorist from there country. Terrorist are graduates of Guantanamo". Adding, "Qatar supports extremism and continues to interfere in internal affairs of other states. Qatar represents a threat." It is interesting to add that Abu Dhabi has also hosted US Taliban talks. Asked about Abu Dhabi hosting the talks, the ambassador replied, "In order to implement our vision, we are a country that will like to see peace in the region and will do utmost to eliminate terrorist groups or reaching out that can ease of problems in the region. UAE has created a unique position. We have taken action and we are a major player in the implementation of certain polices in the region." UAE along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Senegal, Jordan, Djibouti severed ties with Qatar in 2017. Currently, Qatari planes and ships are denied airspace and sea route to these countries.

Afghan Peace talks: Arab divide shadows the talks as US says negotiations will continue

The White House has reacted to the developments in Afghanistan even as the Arab divide seems to shadow the Afghan peace talks.

White House Spokesperson Sarah Sanders in a briefing said, "Our priority is to end the war in Afghanistan and to ensure there is never a base for terrorism in Afghanistan again. Negotiations are going to continue.''

But the Arab divide is looming large on the Afghan peace talks.

The United Arab Emirates Ambassador to India Dr Ahmed Albanna lashed out at Qatar for hosting "terrorists". Doha last week hosted the US Taliban talks.

He said, "Qataris are hosting terrorist and exporting terrorist from there country. Terrorist are graduates of Guantanamo."

Adding, "Qatar supports extremism and continues to interfere in internal affairs of other states. Qatar represents a threat"

It's interesting to add that Abu Dhabi had also hosted US-Taliban talks.&nbsp;

UAE along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Senegal, Jordan, Djibouti severed ties with Qatar in 2017. Currently, Qatari planes and ships are denied airspace and sea route to these countries.

The Afghan peace talks are expected to pave way for American troops to leave the country after 17 years. Stakes seem to be high and experts say dealing with Taliban will require a lot of patience.&nbsp;

India's former Ambassador to Afghanistan, Amar Sinha reacting to US Taliban Pact told WION, "We have seen only the outlines of a framework agreement and have also heard US Special Representative say that "nothing is agreed till everything is agreed". &nbsp;But we all know "the devil &nbsp;is in the details."

Speaking to WION, Michael Kugelman South Asia senior associate at The Wilson Centre said, "It’s a big deal because it represents the first formal attempt to chart a way forward. There have been many meetings between the US and Taliban in the past, but not until now have they formally pledged to address each other’s demands. Could all this progress come crashing down? Certainly. At the end of the day, if the Taliban doesn’t like what’s on the table, it could easily break off the dialogue and fully redirect its attention to the battlefield. That’s why the talks that take place in the coming days will need to be carried out carefully."

India is cautiously watching the developments but so far hasn't reacted. The Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib was in Delhi in early January.

India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj met the Afghan foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani in Samarkand, Uzbekistan a few weeks ago on the sidelines of first India Central Asia dialogue.&nbsp;

Talking about India, Kugelman said, "For India, these talks are a reminder that its say in Afghanistan’s future, at least for now, is limited. India is a key regional player. But for now, it is left on the outside looking in and hoping that the result, whatever it is, doesn’t risk further instability for its Afghan friend."

The White House has reacted to the developments in Afghanistan even as the Arab divide seems to shadow the Afghan peace talks. White House Spokesperson Sarah Sanders in a briefing said, "Our priority is to end the war in Afghanistan and to ensure there is never a base for terrorism in Afghanistan again.

The White House has reacted to the developments in Afghanistan even as the Arab divide seems to shadow the Afghan peace talks. White House Spokesperson Sarah Sanders in a briefing said, "Our priority is to end the war in Afghanistan and to ensure there is never a base for terrorism in Afghanistan again. Negotiations are going to continue.'' But the Arab divide is looming large on the Afghan peace talks. The United Arab Emirates Ambassador to India Dr Ahmed Albanna lashed out at Qatar for hosting "terrorists". Doha last week hosted the US Taliban talks. He said, "Qataris are hosting terrorist and exporting terrorist from there country. Terrorist are graduates of Guantanamo." Adding, "Qatar supports extremism and continues to interfere in internal affairs of other states. Qatar represents a threat" It's interesting to add that Abu Dhabi had also hosted US-Taliban talks. UAE along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Senegal, Jordan, Djibouti severed ties with Qatar in 2017. Currently, Qatari planes and ships are denied airspace and sea route to these countries. The Afghan peace talks are expected to pave way for American troops to leave the country after 17 years. Stakes seem to be high and experts say dealing with Taliban will require a lot of patience. India's former Ambassador to Afghanistan, Amar Sinha reacting to US Taliban Pact told WION, "We have seen only the outlines of a framework agreement and have also heard US Special Representative say that "nothing is agreed till everything is agreed". But we all know "the devil is in the details." Speaking to WION, Michael Kugelman South Asia senior associate at The Wilson Centre said, "It’s a big deal because it represents the first formal attempt to chart a way forward. There have been many meetings between the US and Taliban in the past, but not until now have they formally pledged to address each other’s demands. Could all this progress come crashing down? Certainly. At the end of the day, if the Taliban doesn’t like what’s on the table, it could easily break off the dialogue and fully redirect its attention to the battlefield. That’s why the talks that take place in the coming days will need to be carried out carefully." India is cautiously watching the developments but so far hasn't reacted. The Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib was in Delhi in early January. India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj met the Afghan foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani in Samarkand, Uzbekistan a few weeks ago on the sidelines of first India Central Asia dialogue. Talking about India, Kugelman said, "For India, these talks are a reminder that its say in Afghanistan’s future, at least for now, is limited. India is a key regional player. But for now, it is left on the outside looking in and hoping that the result, whatever it is, doesn’t risk further instability for its Afghan friend."

Priority is to end Afghan war, peace negotiations will continue: White House

As the United States and Taliban plan&nbsp;an expected pact that can <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/priority-is-to-end-afghan-war-peace-negotiations-will-continue-white-house-spokesperson-193660">pave way for American withdrawal</a> from the south Asian country after 17 years, many including New Delhi are keenly watching the developments that can have huge ramifications.&nbsp;

New Delhi has been playing an important role as a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-not-stay-longer-than-necessary-in-afghanistan-nato-chief-193642">development partner in the war-torn country </a>and has provided aid worth more than $3 billion besides constructing the Afghan Parliament and the India Afghan friendship dam in western Herat province.&nbsp;

While New Delhi has not officially reacted, former Indian ambassador to Afghanistan, Amar Sinha has said the clock could be turned back.

Speaking to WION he said, "On the face of it this agreement has the flavour of being pushed by an impatient Washington on the one hand, and a patient and confident Rawalpindi on the other. &nbsp;In the process, interests of Afghan civilians and the democratic constituency built over the last 18 years is being sacrificed. The clock is being turned back."

Sinha added, "We have seen only the outlines of a framework agreement and have also heard US Special Representative say that "nothing is agreed till everything is agreed". But we all know "the devil &nbsp;is in the details."

Sinha along with India's former High Commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghava represented India "non-officially" at the Moscow talks on Afghanistan last year. Taliban was also present at the talks.&nbsp;

In January, alone a number of ministerial meets happened between India and Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib was in Delhi in early January and India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj met the Afghan foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani in Samarkand, Uzbekistan a few weeks ago on the sidelines of the first India-Central Asia dialogue.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, calling the pact a "big deal" since it represented the "first formal attempt to chart a way forward", Michael Kugelman South Asia senior associate at The Wilson Center suggested caution when it comes to dealing with Taliban.&nbsp;

He said, "There have been many meetings between the US and Taliban in the past, but not until now have they formally pledged to address each other’s demands. Could all this progress come crashing down? Certainly. At the end of the day, if the Taliban doesn’t like what’s on the table, it could easily break off the dialogue and fully redirect its attention to the battlefield. That’s why the talks that take place in the coming days will need to be carried out carefully."

On India, Kugelman said "these talks are a reminder" that New Delhi's say in Afghanistan's future, "at least for now, is limited."&nbsp;

Explaining further, he said "India is a key regional player" but for now "it is left on the outside looking in and hoping that the result, whatever it is, doesn’t risk further instability for its Afghan friend."

As the United States and Taliban plan an expected pact that can pave way for American withdrawal from the south Asian country after 17 years, many including New Delhi are keenly watching the developments that can have huge ramifications.

As the United States and Taliban plan an expected pact that can pave way for American withdrawal from the south Asian country after 17 years, many including New Delhi are keenly watching the developments that can have huge ramifications. New Delhi has been playing an important role as a development partner in the war-torn country and has provided aid worth more than $3 billion besides constructing the Afghan Parliament and the India Afghan friendship dam in western Herat province. While New Delhi has not officially reacted, former Indian ambassador to Afghanistan, Amar Sinha has said the clock could be turned back. Speaking to WION he said, "On the face of it this agreement has the flavour of being pushed by an impatient Washington on the one hand, and a patient and confident Rawalpindi on the other. In the process, interests of Afghan civilians and the democratic constituency built over the last 18 years is being sacrificed. The clock is being turned back." Sinha added, "We have seen only the outlines of a framework agreement and have also heard US Special Representative say that "nothing is agreed till everything is agreed". But we all know "the devil is in the details." Sinha along with India's former High Commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghava represented India "non-officially" at the Moscow talks on Afghanistan last year. Taliban was also present at the talks. In January, alone a number of ministerial meets happened between India and Afghanistan. The Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib was in Delhi in early January and India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj met the Afghan foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani in Samarkand, Uzbekistan a few weeks ago on the sidelines of the first India-Central Asia dialogue. Meanwhile, calling the pact a "big deal" since it represented the "first formal attempt to chart a way forward", Michael Kugelman South Asia senior associate at The Wilson Center suggested caution when it comes to dealing with Taliban. He said, "There have been many meetings between the US and Taliban in the past, but not until now have they formally pledged to address each other’s demands. Could all this progress come crashing down? Certainly. At the end of the day, if the Taliban doesn’t like what’s on the table, it could easily break off the dialogue and fully redirect its attention to the battlefield. That’s why the talks that take place in the coming days will need to be carried out carefully." On India, Kugelman said "these talks are a reminder" that New Delhi's say in Afghanistan's future, "at least for now, is limited." Explaining further, he said "India is a key regional player" but for now "it is left on the outside looking in and hoping that the result, whatever it is, doesn’t risk further instability for its Afghan friend."

Clock could be turned back, says India's ex-ambassador to Afghanistan Sinha on US-Taliban talks

NATO Secretary General, Jons Stoltenberg, has stated that alliance troops would not stay "longer than necessary" in Afghanistan.

"We will not stay longer than necessary, but we will not leave before we have a situation, which enables to leave or reduce the number of troops without jeopardizing the main goal of our presence," Sputnik quoted Stoltenberg as saying during a meeting with the US acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan on Monday."

''We strongly support those efforts…We are in close contact with the United States…Our military presence, the purpose of that is to create the conditions for the political solution, and we hope that we will be able to achieve that," the NATO chief remarked during the meeting.

He outlined that it is "too early to speculate" about the withdrawal of NATO alliance troops from Afghanistan, noting that it was imperative to reach a peaceful solution in Afghanistan.

This comes after the United States put forth that there had been significant progress during talks with the Taliban recently.

Furthermore, both the United States and Taliban agreed in principle to chalk out a framework for a deal that could eventually end the 17-year conflict in Afghanistan.

Previously, reports suggesting the exit of US troops have been dismissed by the White House, with authorities iterating that the US President, Donald Trump, had no such plans.

There are currently around 14,000 US troops and 16,000 personnel from NATO and its allies in Afghanistan.

NATO Secretary General, Jons Stoltenberg, has stated that alliance troops would not stay "longer than necessary" in Afghanistan. "We will not stay longer than necessary, but we will not leave before we have a situation, which enables to leave or reduce the number of troops without jeopardizing the main goal of our presence," Sputnik quoted Stoltenberg as saying during a meeting with the US acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan on Monday.

NATO Secretary General, Jons Stoltenberg, has stated that alliance troops would not stay "longer than necessary" in Afghanistan. "We will not stay longer than necessary, but we will not leave before we have a situation, which enables to leave or reduce the number of troops without jeopardizing the main goal of our presence," Sputnik quoted Stoltenberg as saying during a meeting with the US acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan on Monday." ''We strongly support those efforts…We are in close contact with the United States…Our military presence, the purpose of that is to create the conditions for the political solution, and we hope that we will be able to achieve that," the NATO chief remarked during the meeting. He outlined that it is "too early to speculate" about the withdrawal of NATO alliance troops from Afghanistan, noting that it was imperative to reach a peaceful solution in Afghanistan. This comes after the United States put forth that there had been significant progress during talks with the Taliban recently. Furthermore, both the United States and Taliban agreed in principle to chalk out a framework for a deal that could eventually end the 17-year conflict in Afghanistan. Previously, reports suggesting the exit of US troops have been dismissed by the White House, with authorities iterating that the US President, Donald Trump, had no such plans. There are currently around 14,000 US troops and 16,000 personnel from NATO and its allies in Afghanistan.

Will not stay longer than necessary in Afghanistan: NATO Chief

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/peace-process-should-be-afghan-led-says-president-ghani-after-talks-with-taliban-in-qatar-193488">Peace process should be Afghan-led, says President Ghani after talks with Taliban in Qatar</a>

After Afghan president Ashraf Ghani appealed to the Taliban to "enter into serious talks" with the government during talks in Qatar with sources informing WION that a package deal is expected.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-be-creating-independent-european-financial-institution-to-trade-with-iran-france-193461">Will be creating independent European financial institution to trade with Iran: France</a>

France's finance minister said that a European-backed system to facilitate non-dollar trade with Iran and circumvent US sanctions should be established in the coming days.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ex-starbucks-ceo-howard-schultz-aims-to-oust-trump-in-2020-193437">Ex-Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz may fight Trump in 2020 elections: Report</a>

Billionaire former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said in a TV interview that he is looking into running against Donald Trump in 2020 as an independent presidential candidate.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/controversy-can-help-hardik-pandya-scale-new-heights-in-career-virat-kohli-193476">Controversy can help Hardik Pandya scale new heights in career: Virat Kohli</a>

India captain Virat Kohli on Monday hoped all-rounder Hardik Pandya will come out a "better cricketer" and scale new heights after making a promising return from the suspension that followed his sexist remarks on a TV show.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-man-picks-painting-from-museum-in-daylight-robbery-in-russia-193473">Watch: Man picks painting from museum in daylight robbery in Russia</a>

Russian police said they had detained a suspect after a painting was stolen from a Moscow gallery on Sunday, when the thief strolled unchallenged past visitors who mistook him for an employee.

Peace process should be Afghan-led, says President Ghani after talks with Taliban in Qatar After Afghan president Ashraf Ghani appealed to the Taliban to "enter into serious talks" with the government during talks in Qatar with sources informing WION that a package deal is expected.

Peace process should be Afghan-led, says President Ghani after talks with Taliban in Qatar After Afghan president Ashraf Ghani appealed to the Taliban to "enter into serious talks" with the government during talks in Qatar with sources informing WION that a package deal is expected. Will be creating independent European financial institution to trade with Iran: France France's finance minister said that a European-backed system to facilitate non-dollar trade with Iran and circumvent US sanctions should be established in the coming days. Ex-Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz may fight Trump in 2020 elections: Report Billionaire former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said in a TV interview that he is looking into running against Donald Trump in 2020 as an independent presidential candidate. Controversy can help Hardik Pandya scale new heights in career: Virat Kohli India captain Virat Kohli on Monday hoped all-rounder Hardik Pandya will come out a "better cricketer" and scale new heights after making a promising return from the suspension that followed his sexist remarks on a TV show. Watch: Man picks painting from museum in daylight robbery in Russia Russian police said they had detained a suspect after a painting was stolen from a Moscow gallery on Sunday, when the thief strolled unchallenged past visitors who mistook him for an employee.

After Afghan president Ashraf Ghani appealed to the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-doesnt-seek-permanent-afghan-military-presence-official-193451"> Taliban to "enter into serious talks"</a> with the government during talks in Qatar with sources informing&nbsp;WION that a package deal is expected.

Sources said US pullout has been finalised for a one and a half year timeframe but it shall be in phases with progress in peace talks and security of Afghanistan to be taken into consideration. First, the US will announce its withdrawal and it is expected that US president Trump will announce it in his State of the Union Address on Tuesday or whenever it happens.

After&nbsp;it is publicly announced, sources said the Taliban shall announce a ceasefire and peace talks with the Afghan government. Sources said the Afghan Taliban military council which authorises attacks has asked for the release of Aafia Siddiqui but that demand has not been actively taken up by the rest. There are two members from the military council taking part in talks in Qatar.

The eight-member Afghan Taliban delegation includes chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, three members from the political office including Abbas Stanikzai and one senior member of the&nbsp;Haqqani Network.

Mullah Yaqoob who is the youngest son of Mullah Omar and ex-Afghan Taliban chief is also taking part in talks. Ghani spoke hours after his office released a statement saying that US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad had assured them that the focus of the talks in Qatar remains finding a way to facilitate peace negotiations between the militants and Kabul.

Khalilzad arrived in Afghanistan late Sunday after six days of talks between Taliban representatives and US officials in Doha. Both parties have cited "progress" as hopes rise that the unprecedented length of the negotiations could mean a deal paving the way for Afghan peace talks may be in sight, although sticking points remain.

"We want peace, we want it fast but we want it with a plan," Ghani continued Monday.

"We should not forget that the victims of this war are Afghans and the peace process should also be Afghan-led," the president added. 
&nbsp;

After Afghan president Ashraf Ghani appealed to the Taliban to "enter into serious talks" with the government during talks in Qatar with sources informing WION that a package deal is expected.

After Afghan president Ashraf Ghani appealed to the Taliban to "enter into serious talks" with the government during talks in Qatar with sources informing WION that a package deal is expected. Sources said US pullout has been finalised for a one and a half year timeframe but it shall be in phases with progress in peace talks and security of Afghanistan to be taken into consideration. First, the US will announce its withdrawal and it is expected that US president Trump will announce it in his State of the Union Address on Tuesday or whenever it happens. After it is publicly announced, sources said the Taliban shall announce a ceasefire and peace talks with the Afghan government. Sources said the Afghan Taliban military council which authorises attacks has asked for the release of Aafia Siddiqui but that demand has not been actively taken up by the rest. There are two members from the military council taking part in talks in Qatar. The eight-member Afghan Taliban delegation includes chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, three members from the political office including Abbas Stanikzai and one senior member of the Haqqani Network. Mullah Yaqoob who is the youngest son of Mullah Omar and ex-Afghan Taliban chief is also taking part in talks. Ghani spoke hours after his office released a statement saying that US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad had assured them that the focus of the talks in Qatar remains finding a way to facilitate peace negotiations between the militants and Kabul. Khalilzad arrived in Afghanistan late Sunday after six days of talks between Taliban representatives and US officials in Doha. Both parties have cited "progress" as hopes rise that the unprecedented length of the negotiations could mean a deal paving the way for Afghan peace talks may be in sight, although sticking points remain. "We want peace, we want it fast but we want it with a plan," Ghani continued Monday. "We should not forget that the victims of this war are Afghans and the peace process should also be Afghan-led," the president added.

Peace process should be Afghan-led, says President Ghani after talks with Taliban in Qatar

Another round of peace talks between Afghanistan`s Taliban and the United States is tentatively set for February 25, a Qatari foreign ministry official said on Sunday, after a draft pact was reached to potentially end the United States` longest war.

"Both parties agreed tentatively to reconvene on February 25th," the official told Reuters.

The draft deal, agreed after six days of talks last week, stipulates that US troops would leave within 18 months of the agreement being signed, potentially ending the war more than 17 years after American-led forces invaded Afghanistan.

According to Taliban sources, the hardline Islamic group gave assurances that Afghanistan will not be allowed to be used by al-Qaeda and Islamic State militants to attack the United States and its allies - a key early demand of Washington.

The reported progress comes as the Taliban continues to stage near-daily attacks against the Western-backed Afghan government and its security forces.

Despite the presence of US-led foreign forces training, advising and assisting their Afghan counterparts, the Taliban controls nearly half of Afghanistan. 
&nbsp;

Another round of peace talks between Afghanistan`s Taliban and the United States is tentatively set for February 25, a Qatari foreign ministry official said on Sunday, after a draft pact was reached to potentially end the United States` longest war.

Another round of peace talks between Afghanistan`s Taliban and the United States is tentatively set for February 25, a Qatari foreign ministry official said on Sunday, after a draft pact was reached to potentially end the United States` longest war. "Both parties agreed tentatively to reconvene on February 25th," the official told Reuters. The draft deal, agreed after six days of talks last week, stipulates that US troops would leave within 18 months of the agreement being signed, potentially ending the war more than 17 years after American-led forces invaded Afghanistan. According to Taliban sources, the hardline Islamic group gave assurances that Afghanistan will not be allowed to be used by al-Qaeda and Islamic State militants to attack the United States and its allies - a key early demand of Washington. The reported progress comes as the Taliban continues to stage near-daily attacks against the Western-backed Afghan government and its security forces. Despite the presence of US-led foreign forces training, advising and assisting their Afghan counterparts, the Taliban controls nearly half of Afghanistan.

Next round of Afghanistan talks tentatively set for February 25

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-peace-envoy-visits-kabul-to-consult-afghanistan-president-ashraf-ghani-on-talks-with-taliban-193206">US peace envoy visits Kabul to consult Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on talks with Taliban</a>

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad arrived in Kabul on Sunday to try to secure cooperation from Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani after breakthroughs in peace negotiations with Taliban leaders in Qatar.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/communist-govt-kerala-disrespecting-all-aspects-of-keralas-culture-alleges-modi-193201">Communist</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/communist-govt-kerala-disrespecting-all-aspects-of-keralas-culture-alleges-modi-193201"> government in Kerala disrespecting Kerala </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/communist-govt-kerala-disrespecting-all-aspects-of-keralas-culture-alleges-modi-193201">culture,</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/communist-govt-kerala-disrespecting-all-aspects-of-keralas-culture-alleges-modi-193201"> alleges Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a fresh attack on&nbsp;Pinarayi Vijayan-led Communist government in Kerala accusing it of disrespecting all aspects of Kerala's culture.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-case-deferred-again-will-not-heard-on-january-29-193190">Ayodhya case deferred again, will not be heard on January 29</a>

News agency ANI reported on Sunday that the case will not be heard on January 29 due to the non-availability of one of the judges from the five-judge constitution bench.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-govt-may-scrap-mps-holiday-to-pass-brexit-laws-193184">UK government may scrap MPs' holiday to pass Brexit laws</a>

British MPs could sit long hours and their February holiday may be scrapped as the government races to pass its Brexit legislation before Britain leaves the EU on March 29, Downing Street said Sunday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/icici-bank-case-investigating-officer-transferred-for-his-role-in-leaking-information-related-to-searches-193153">ICICI Bank case: Probe officer transferred for 'leaking information related to searches'</a>

The Central Bureau of Investigation has justified the transfer&nbsp;of Sudhanshu Dhar Mishra, the investigating officer in the ICICI Bank case, citing his role in leaking information related to searches.

US peace envoy visits Kabul to consult Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on talks with Taliban US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad arrived in Kabul on Sunday to try to secure cooperation from Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani after breakthroughs in peace negotiations with Taliban leaders in Qatar.

US peace envoy visits Kabul to consult Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on talks with Taliban US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad arrived in Kabul on Sunday to try to secure cooperation from Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani after breakthroughs in peace negotiations with Taliban leaders in Qatar. Communist government in Kerala disrespecting Kerala culture, alleges Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a fresh attack on Pinarayi Vijayan-led Communist government in Kerala accusing it of disrespecting all aspects of Kerala's culture. Ayodhya case deferred again, will not be heard on January 29 News agency ANI reported on Sunday that the case will not be heard on January 29 due to the non-availability of one of the judges from the five-judge constitution bench. UK government may scrap MPs' holiday to pass Brexit laws British MPs could sit long hours and their February holiday may be scrapped as the government races to pass its Brexit legislation before Britain leaves the EU on March 29, Downing Street said Sunday. ICICI Bank case: Probe officer transferred for 'leaking information related to searches' The Central Bureau of Investigation has justified the transfer of Sudhanshu Dhar Mishra, the investigating officer in the ICICI Bank case, citing his role in leaking information related to searches.

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad arrived in Kabul on Sunday to try to secure cooperation from Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani after breakthroughs in peace negotiations with Taliban leaders in Qatar.

With Khalilzad and his boss US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, as well Taliban officials, hailing progress towards ending America's longest war, he must now win over President Ashraf Ghani -- whose government the Taliban have so far kept out of the process.

Six days of talks ended in Qatar on Saturday with key parts of a draft pact mapped out, including an 18-month timeline for the withdrawal of foreign troops after the completion of a deal, according to Taliban officials.

The draft also includes assurances from the hardline Islamic group that it will not allow Afghanistan to be used by al-Qaeda and Islamic State to attack the US&nbsp;and its allies - a core U.S. demand. Similar assurances involving other groups are given to Pakistan in the draft pact.

The Taliban also want to be part of an interim government after any ceasefire, Taliban sources said.

It was not clear whether the draft described by the Taliban sources was acceptable to both sides or when it could be completed and signed.

A fresh round of talks between Khalilzad and the Taliban is expected to take place on February 25 in Doha, two senior Taliban sources said.

While he has not been directly involved up until now, Ghani's role is likely to grow as a full deal gets closer and diplomacy intensifies.

Without going into detail on Saturday night, Khalilzad said in tweets that nothing could be agreed without an intra-Afghan dialogue and a full ceasefire.

"He (Khalilzad) will inform Ghani and his officials about all the developments, seek their opinion before travelling back to Washington," a senior Afghan official said on conditions of anonymity.

Khalilzad is also due to brief top regional diplomats on Monday morning.

Ghani's options

Western diplomats describe Ghani as being in a tight spot, with no authority to decide on the troop departure and the final decision to declare the ceasefire resting with the Taliban.

He, however, does enjoy the power to decide to support an interim government rather than push for presidential elections which could prove to be a distraction to the peace effort.

So far he has rejected talk of an interim government. "It is time for Ghani to choose between elections or peace process," said a western diplomat based in Kabul.

Despite the progress on a pact, violence is widely expected to continue, with the Taliban mounting daily attacks against the Afghan government and its security forces.

The Taliban now control about half of Afghanistan's territory and Ghani said in Switzerland last week that 45,000 members of the country's security forces had been killed since he took office in 2014.

A former Taliban leader said despite an agreement for an 18-month withdrawal, he predicted intense fighting ahead.

"I think Taliban won't stop their fight until they get 100 per cent sure that foreign forces are leaving Afghanistan," said Sayed Mohammad Akbar Agha, who heads Ways to Save Afghanistan, an independent group run by tribal elders and religious scholars working towards securing peace.

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad arrived in Kabul on Sunday to try to secure cooperation from Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani after breakthroughs in peace negotiations with Taliban leaders in Qatar.

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad arrived in Kabul on Sunday to try to secure cooperation from Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani after breakthroughs in peace negotiations with Taliban leaders in Qatar. With Khalilzad and his boss US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, as well Taliban officials, hailing progress towards ending America's longest war, he must now win over President Ashraf Ghani -- whose government the Taliban have so far kept out of the process. Six days of talks ended in Qatar on Saturday with key parts of a draft pact mapped out, including an 18-month timeline for the withdrawal of foreign troops after the completion of a deal, according to Taliban officials. The draft also includes assurances from the hardline Islamic group that it will not allow Afghanistan to be used by al-Qaeda and Islamic State to attack the US and its allies - a core U.S. demand. Similar assurances involving other groups are given to Pakistan in the draft pact. The Taliban also want to be part of an interim government after any ceasefire, Taliban sources said. It was not clear whether the draft described by the Taliban sources was acceptable to both sides or when it could be completed and signed. A fresh round of talks between Khalilzad and the Taliban is expected to take place on February 25 in Doha, two senior Taliban sources said. While he has not been directly involved up until now, Ghani's role is likely to grow as a full deal gets closer and diplomacy intensifies. Without going into detail on Saturday night, Khalilzad said in tweets that nothing could be agreed without an intra-Afghan dialogue and a full ceasefire. "He (Khalilzad) will inform Ghani and his officials about all the developments, seek their opinion before travelling back to Washington," a senior Afghan official said on conditions of anonymity. Khalilzad is also due to brief top regional diplomats on Monday morning. Ghani's options Western diplomats describe Ghani as being in a tight spot, with no authority to decide on the troop departure and the final decision to declare the ceasefire resting with the Taliban. He, however, does enjoy the power to decide to support an interim government rather than push for presidential elections which could prove to be a distraction to the peace effort. So far he has rejected talk of an interim government. "It is time for Ghani to choose between elections or peace process," said a western diplomat based in Kabul. Despite the progress on a pact, violence is widely expected to continue, with the Taliban mounting daily attacks against the Afghan government and its security forces. The Taliban now control about half of Afghanistan's territory and Ghani said in Switzerland last week that 45,000 members of the country's security forces had been killed since he took office in 2014. A former Taliban leader said despite an agreement for an 18-month withdrawal, he predicted intense fighting ahead. "I think Taliban won't stop their fight until they get 100 per cent sure that foreign forces are leaving Afghanistan," said Sayed Mohammad Akbar Agha, who heads Ways to Save Afghanistan, an independent group run by tribal elders and religious scholars working towards securing peace.

US peace envoy visits Kabul to consult Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on talks with Taliban

The battle lines in the 21st&nbsp;century’s Great Game aimed at shaping the creation of a new Eurasia-centred world, built on the likely fusion of Europe and Asia into what former Portuguese Europe minister&nbsp;Bruno Macaes calls a “supercontinent,”&nbsp;are all but cast in cement.

For now, the Great Game pits China together with Russia, Turkey and Iran against the United States, India, Japan and Australia. The two camps compete for influence, if not dominance, in a swath of land that stretches from the China Sea to the Atlantic coast of Europe.

The flashpoints are multiple. They range from the China Sea to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Central European nations and, most recently, far beyond with&nbsp;Russia, China and Turkey supporting embattled Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro.

The rivalry resembles&nbsp;Risk, a popular game&nbsp;of diplomacy, conflict and conquest played on a board depicting a political map of the earth, divided into forty-two territories, which are grouped into six continents. Multiple players commanding armies that seek to capture territories engage in a complex dance as they strive for advantage and seek to compensate for weaknesses. Players form opportunistic alliances that could change at any moment. Potential black swans threaten to disrupt.

The black swans in the Great Game are multiple and far more numerous than those developed in a just published report by the Paris-based European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS). Nonetheless, the scenarios conceptualized in the report,&nbsp;‘What If? Scanning the horizon: 12 scenarios for 2021,”&nbsp;are grounded in recent trends and could prove to be game changers that radically rejigger the Great Game’s current line-up.

The scenarios or grey swans in the report’s terminology, if they unfold in reality, suggest that alliances in Eurasia are opportunistic and transactional and like with Risk can turn players on their erstwhile allies as interests diverge and re-converge. Analysis of five of the scenarios suggests that fragility is greatest in the efforts of China, Russia, Turkey and Iran to rebalance global power in their favour.

They suggest that strains in the United States’ relations with Russia and Turkey are not immutable. Similarly, Russia’s effort to lock in former Soviet republics with its Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) that groups Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Belarus, and Armenia could prove to be on shaky ground. Russia’s alliance with Turkey and China as well as Iran even if the report has not developed the latter possibility may be on thinner ice than meets the eye.

The same can be said for grey swans in the United States’ ties to its long-standing allies as is played out in the report’s scenario for a withdrawal of US troops from Europe as a result of President Donald Trump’s accentuation of diverging trans-Atlantic interests.

With a multi-polar world the likely outcome of the battle for Eurasia, the scenarios suggest that the perceived decline of the United States, despite Trump’s unilateralism, is not irreversible. Similarly, depending on how it plays its cards, Iran could emerge either as a winner or a loser.

The four scenarios involve a renewed round of popular protest in the Arab world following the reversal of successful revolts in 2011 in Egypt, Libya and Yemen and the embrace of brutal repression; political violence in the Caucasus that pits Turkey against Russia and could threaten key nodes along China’s Belt and Road; the dissolution of the Eurasian Economic Union in an approaching post-Vladimir Putin era; a rejiggering of the political map of south-eastern Europe and&nbsp;&nbsp;a strengthening of European cohesion with the US troop withdrawal and resolution of tension between Serbia and Kosovo.

The notion of renewed popular Arab protests, including resistance to the influence of militias in Syria and Libya, that could rewrite the political map of the Middle East&nbsp;&nbsp;is hardly far-fetched with&nbsp;mass anti-government demonstrations in Sudan&nbsp;persisting for more than a month; riots in Tunisia, the one relatively successful 2011 revolt;&nbsp;protests on the West Bankagainst a new social security law; and&nbsp;anti-government marches in Iraq.

If anything, the revolts highlight the risks that all players in the Great Game run by supporting autocratic regimes that have largely failed to sustainably deliver public goods and services and/or offer good governance and cater to the social, economic and political aspirations of young populations.

“Pressure for change across the Arab world is likely to continue to grow, keeping pace with the growth in populations, inequality and social injustice,” concluded journalist Simon Tisdall on the&nbsp;eighth anniversary of the uprising in Egypt&nbsp;that toppled president Hosni Mubarak but was ultimately defeated by a military coup two years later.

The European Union Institute’s report imagines a massive attack on the Baku Kars rail line, a vital node in the Belt and Road’s linking of China to Europe that rekindles dormant local animosities as well as competing Russian and Turkish economic and geostrategic interests, prompting both Moscow and Ankara to lobby Washington for US support.

Similarly, a scenario envisaging Kazakhstan and Belarus withdrawing from the Eurasian union because of its inability to live up to its ambition of furthering regional integration sparks fears in Moscow that the demise of the regional consortium could spark the collapse of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), a military alliance that groups the five Eurasian union members as well as Tajikistan and hosts Afghanistan and Serbia as observers. The dissolution of the two organizations would significantly undermine Russia’s regional standing.

Likewise, a swap of land between Serbia and Kosovo that purifies two countries whose inter-communal relations have been poisoned by historic prejudices and recent wars opens a Pandora’s Box across south-eastern Europe but eases their accession to the European Union while a US troop withdrawal would force EU members to focus on collective security.

It would only take one of these scenarios to unfold and potentially spark a revisiting of the current line-up in the Great Game. Any one of the scenarios is a realistic possibility.

Said European Union Institute deputy director Florence Gaub in her introduction to the report: ”Grey Swans share with Black Swans a high level of strategic impact, but there is more evidence to support the idea that they are actually possible… The analogy with the 1985 film ‘Back to the Future’ is pure coincidence, of course – but just as in the film, we sometimes need to take a trip to the future to inform our decision-making today.”

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The battle lines in the 21st century’s Great Game aimed at shaping the creation of a new Eurasia-centred world, built on the likely fusion of Europe and Asia into what former Portuguese Europe minister Bruno Macaes calls a “supercontinent,” are all but cast in cement.

The battle lines in the 21st century’s Great Game aimed at shaping the creation of a new Eurasia-centred world, built on the likely fusion of Europe and Asia into what former Portuguese Europe minister Bruno Macaes calls a “supercontinent,” are all but cast in cement. For now, the Great Game pits China together with Russia, Turkey and Iran against the United States, India, Japan and Australia. The two camps compete for influence, if not dominance, in a swath of land that stretches from the China Sea to the Atlantic coast of Europe. The flashpoints are multiple. They range from the China Sea to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Central European nations and, most recently, far beyond with Russia, China and Turkey supporting embattled Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro. The rivalry resembles Risk, a popular game of diplomacy, conflict and conquest played on a board depicting a political map of the earth, divided into forty-two territories, which are grouped into six continents. Multiple players commanding armies that seek to capture territories engage in a complex dance as they strive for advantage and seek to compensate for weaknesses. Players form opportunistic alliances that could change at any moment. Potential black swans threaten to disrupt. The black swans in the Great Game are multiple and far more numerous than those developed in a just published report by the Paris-based European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS). Nonetheless, the scenarios conceptualized in the report, ‘What If? Scanning the horizon: 12 scenarios for 2021,” are grounded in recent trends and could prove to be game changers that radically rejigger the Great Game’s current line-up. The scenarios or grey swans in the report’s terminology, if they unfold in reality, suggest that alliances in Eurasia are opportunistic and transactional and like with Risk can turn players on their erstwhile allies as interests diverge and re-converge. Analysis of five of the scenarios suggests that fragility is greatest in the efforts of China, Russia, Turkey and Iran to rebalance global power in their favour. They suggest that strains in the United States’ relations with Russia and Turkey are not immutable. Similarly, Russia’s effort to lock in former Soviet republics with its Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) that groups Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Belarus, and Armenia could prove to be on shaky ground. Russia’s alliance with Turkey and China as well as Iran even if the report has not developed the latter possibility may be on thinner ice than meets the eye. The same can be said for grey swans in the United States’ ties to its long-standing allies as is played out in the report’s scenario for a withdrawal of US troops from Europe as a result of President Donald Trump’s accentuation of diverging trans-Atlantic interests. With a multi-polar world the likely outcome of the battle for Eurasia, the scenarios suggest that the perceived decline of the United States, despite Trump’s unilateralism, is not irreversible. Similarly, depending on how it plays its cards, Iran could emerge either as a winner or a loser. The four scenarios involve a renewed round of popular protest in the Arab world following the reversal of successful revolts in 2011 in Egypt, Libya and Yemen and the embrace of brutal repression; political violence in the Caucasus that pits Turkey against Russia and could threaten key nodes along China’s Belt and Road; the dissolution of the Eurasian Economic Union in an approaching post-Vladimir Putin era; a rejiggering of the political map of south-eastern Europe and a strengthening of European cohesion with the US troop withdrawal and resolution of tension between Serbia and Kosovo. The notion of renewed popular Arab protests, including resistance to the influence of militias in Syria and Libya, that could rewrite the political map of the Middle East is hardly far-fetched with mass anti-government demonstrations in Sudan persisting for more than a month; riots in Tunisia, the one relatively successful 2011 revolt; protests on the West Bankagainst a new social security law; and anti-government marches in Iraq. If anything, the revolts highlight the risks that all players in the Great Game run by supporting autocratic regimes that have largely failed to sustainably deliver public goods and services and/or offer good governance and cater to the social, economic and political aspirations of young populations. “Pressure for change across the Arab world is likely to continue to grow, keeping pace with the growth in populations, inequality and social injustice,” concluded journalist Simon Tisdall on the eighth anniversary of the uprising in Egypt that toppled president Hosni Mubarak but was ultimately defeated by a military coup two years later. The European Union Institute’s report imagines a massive attack on the Baku Kars rail line, a vital node in the Belt and Road’s linking of China to Europe that rekindles dormant local animosities as well as competing Russian and Turkish economic and geostrategic interests, prompting both Moscow and Ankara to lobby Washington for US support. Similarly, a scenario envisaging Kazakhstan and Belarus withdrawing from the Eurasian union because of its inability to live up to its ambition of furthering regional integration sparks fears in Moscow that the demise of the regional consortium could spark the collapse of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), a military alliance that groups the five Eurasian union members as well as Tajikistan and hosts Afghanistan and Serbia as observers. The dissolution of the two organizations would significantly undermine Russia’s regional standing. Likewise, a swap of land between Serbia and Kosovo that purifies two countries whose inter-communal relations have been poisoned by historic prejudices and recent wars opens a Pandora’s Box across south-eastern Europe but eases their accession to the European Union while a US troop withdrawal would force EU members to focus on collective security. It would only take one of these scenarios to unfold and potentially spark a revisiting of the current line-up in the Great Game. Any one of the scenarios is a realistic possibility. Said European Union Institute deputy director Florence Gaub in her introduction to the report: ”Grey Swans share with Black Swans a high level of strategic impact, but there is more evidence to support the idea that they are actually possible… The analogy with the 1985 film ‘Back to the Future’ is pure coincidence, of course – but just as in the film, we sometimes need to take a trip to the future to inform our decision-making today.” (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Black swans haunt Eurasia's Great Game

Taliban officials said US negotiators on Saturday agreed a draft peace deal stipulating the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan within 18 months of the agreement being signed.

The details were provided to Reuters by Taliban sources at the end of six days of talks with US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad in Qatar aimed at ending the United States' longest war.

They have yet to be confirmed by US officials nor has either side released an official statement. Officials at the US embassy in Kabul were not immediately available for comment.

Khalilzad is heading to the Afghan capital Kabul to brief President Ashraf Ghani after the longer-than-expected talks, the sources and a diplomat said.

According to the Taliban sources, the hardline Islamic group offered assurances that Afghanistan will not be allowed to be used by al-Qaeda and Islamic State militants to attack the United States and its allies - a key early demand of Washington.

It is not known if a draft is acceptable to both sides has been completed, or when it might take effect.

The Taliban sources said a key provision to the deal included a ceasefire but they had yet to confirm a timeline and will only open talks with Afghan representatives once the ceasefire is implemented.

"In 18 months if the foreign forces are withdrawn and ceasefire is implemented then other aspects of the peace process can be put into action," a Taliban source said, quoting from a portion of the draft.

Almost daily attacks

Other clauses include a deal over the exchange and release of prisoners from the warring sides, the removal of an international travel ban on several Taliban leaders by the United States and the prospect of an interim Afghan government after the ceasefire is struck, the Taliban sources said.

The offer to appoint an interim government in Afghanistan comes at a time when top politicians including Ghani have filed their nominations for the presidential polls in July this year. Ghani has repeatedly rejected the offer to agree to the formation of an interim government.

News of progress on a deal comes as the Taliban continue to stage nearly daily attacks against the Western-backed Afghan government and its security forces.

Despite the presence of US-led foreign forces training, advising and assisting their Afghan counterparts 17 years after the US led an invasion to drive them from power, the Taliban controls nearly half of Afghanistan.

The United States has some 14,000 troops in Afghanistan as part of the NATO-led mission, known as Resolute Support, as well as a US counter-terrorism mission directed at groups such as Islamic State and al Qaeda.

Despite reports in December last year that the United States was considering pulling out almost half of its forces, a White House spokesman said that US President Donald Trump had not issued orders to withdraw the troops. However, the administration has not denied the reports, which have also prompted fears of a fresh refugee crisis.

Taliban officials said US negotiators on Saturday agreed a draft peace deal stipulating the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan within 18 months of the agreement being signed.

Taliban officials said US negotiators on Saturday agreed a draft peace deal stipulating the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan within 18 months of the agreement being signed. The details were provided to Reuters by Taliban sources at the end of six days of talks with US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad in Qatar aimed at ending the United States' longest war. They have yet to be confirmed by US officials nor has either side released an official statement. Officials at the US embassy in Kabul were not immediately available for comment. Khalilzad is heading to the Afghan capital Kabul to brief President Ashraf Ghani after the longer-than-expected talks, the sources and a diplomat said. According to the Taliban sources, the hardline Islamic group offered assurances that Afghanistan will not be allowed to be used by al-Qaeda and Islamic State militants to attack the United States and its allies - a key early demand of Washington. It is not known if a draft is acceptable to both sides has been completed, or when it might take effect. The Taliban sources said a key provision to the deal included a ceasefire but they had yet to confirm a timeline and will only open talks with Afghan representatives once the ceasefire is implemented. "In 18 months if the foreign forces are withdrawn and ceasefire is implemented then other aspects of the peace process can be put into action," a Taliban source said, quoting from a portion of the draft. Almost daily attacks Other clauses include a deal over the exchange and release of prisoners from the warring sides, the removal of an international travel ban on several Taliban leaders by the United States and the prospect of an interim Afghan government after the ceasefire is struck, the Taliban sources said. The offer to appoint an interim government in Afghanistan comes at a time when top politicians including Ghani have filed their nominations for the presidential polls in July this year. Ghani has repeatedly rejected the offer to agree to the formation of an interim government. News of progress on a deal comes as the Taliban continue to stage nearly daily attacks against the Western-backed Afghan government and its security forces. Despite the presence of US-led foreign forces training, advising and assisting their Afghan counterparts 17 years after the US led an invasion to drive them from power, the Taliban controls nearly half of Afghanistan. The United States has some 14,000 troops in Afghanistan as part of the NATO-led mission, known as Resolute Support, as well as a US counter-terrorism mission directed at groups such as Islamic State and al Qaeda. Despite reports in December last year that the United States was considering pulling out almost half of its forces, a White House spokesman said that US President Donald Trump had not issued orders to withdraw the troops. However, the administration has not denied the reports, which have also prompted fears of a fresh refugee crisis.

Foreign troops to quit Afghanistan in 18 months under draft deal: Taliban officials

A co-founder of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-says-talks-with-the-us-enter-fourth-day-in-qatar-192513">Taliban was appointed as the leader</a> of its political office in Qatar on Thursday to strengthen its hand in peace talks with the United States as they try to establish a mechanism to end the 17-year Afghan war.&nbsp;

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar was released from a prison in Pakistan in October last year has been authorised to lead the political team and take decisions, two Taliban sources in Afghanistan said.

The Taliban issued a statement to announce Baradar's appointment and a reshuffle in their team to put senior leaders into key positions as the talks with US officials gain momentum.

"This step has been taken to strengthen and properly handle the ongoing negotiations process with the United States," the Taliban said in statement.

US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad`s meeting with the Taliban representatives, which was originally due to run over two days, entered its fourth day on Thursday.&nbsp;

It was not clear whether the talks were to continue on Friday, or how soon Baradar could join the talks.&nbsp;

"Baradar will soon fly to Qatar. He has been given the new position because the US wanted senior Taliban leadership to participate in peace talks," a senior Taliban official said.&nbsp;

Baradar, who coordinated the insurgent group’s military operations in southern Afghanistan, was arrested in 2010 by a team from Pakistan’s military-controlled intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence, and the US Central Intelligence Agency.

His release, according to security experts, was part of high-level negotiations led by Khalilzad with the Taliban.

Diplomatic efforts to end the United State's longest running conflict intensified last year after the appointment of the Afghan-born Khalilzad to lead direct talks with the Taliban.

He has held at least four meetings with the Taliban representatives. But there has been no let up in the violence.&nbsp;

And abiding fears about how Afghan government forces would withstand the Taliban threat without US military support has been heightened by reports that US President Donald Trump wants to bring home almost half of the 14,000 US troops deployed in Afghanistan.

But the unexpected extension of peace talks was a positive sign, according to two senior Taliban leaders in Afghanistan who have been kept informed of the progress made in Qatar.

During the first two days, the talks focussed on a roadmap for the withdrawal of the foreign forces and a guarantee that Afghanistan would not be used for hostile acts against the United States and its allies, according to one of Taliban leaders.

"The mechanism for a ceasefire and ways to enter into an intra-Afghan dialogue were the two other big topics that were supposed to be discussed on Thursday," he told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

A third source based in the Gulf, who has close ties to the Taliban representatives, said the decision to extend the meeting in the Qatari capital Doha came after "positive progress" during the first two days.

Members of Afghanistan’s High Peace Council (AHPC), a body which oversees peace efforts but does not represent the government said they were hoping for positive news.

"When talks take a long time it means the discussion is in a sensitive and important stage, and the participants are getting close to a positive result," said Sayed Ehsan Taheri, the spokesman for AHPC in Kabul.

The Taliban who are fighting to oust foreign troops have repeatedly rejected the offer to hold direct talks with President Ashraf Ghani’s government, which they consider an illegitimate foreign-imposed regime.&nbsp;

The US and regional powers insist that the peace process should be "Afghan-led and Afghan-owned".

Newly appointed Baradar will also hold the additional post of third deputy of Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of Taliban and work with Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, a veteran Taliban official who has been running the group`s political office in Qatar since 2015 and has participated in the latest rounds of peace talks.

"Stanekzai was given the responsibility but he was not powerful to make all decisions," said a second Taliban official on conditions of anonymity.&nbsp;

A co-founder of the Taliban was appointed as the leader of its political office in Qatar on Thursday to strengthen its hand in peace talks with the United States as they try to establish a mechanism to end the 17-year Afghan war.

A co-founder of the Taliban was appointed as the leader of its political office in Qatar on Thursday to strengthen its hand in peace talks with the United States as they try to establish a mechanism to end the 17-year Afghan war. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar was released from a prison in Pakistan in October last year has been authorised to lead the political team and take decisions, two Taliban sources in Afghanistan said. The Taliban issued a statement to announce Baradar's appointment and a reshuffle in their team to put senior leaders into key positions as the talks with US officials gain momentum. "This step has been taken to strengthen and properly handle the ongoing negotiations process with the United States," the Taliban said in statement. US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad`s meeting with the Taliban representatives, which was originally due to run over two days, entered its fourth day on Thursday. It was not clear whether the talks were to continue on Friday, or how soon Baradar could join the talks. "Baradar will soon fly to Qatar. He has been given the new position because the US wanted senior Taliban leadership to participate in peace talks," a senior Taliban official said. Baradar, who coordinated the insurgent group’s military operations in southern Afghanistan, was arrested in 2010 by a team from Pakistan’s military-controlled intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence, and the US Central Intelligence Agency. His release, according to security experts, was part of high-level negotiations led by Khalilzad with the Taliban. Diplomatic efforts to end the United State's longest running conflict intensified last year after the appointment of the Afghan-born Khalilzad to lead direct talks with the Taliban. He has held at least four meetings with the Taliban representatives. But there has been no let up in the violence. And abiding fears about how Afghan government forces would withstand the Taliban threat without US military support has been heightened by reports that US President Donald Trump wants to bring home almost half of the 14,000 US troops deployed in Afghanistan. But the unexpected extension of peace talks was a positive sign, according to two senior Taliban leaders in Afghanistan who have been kept informed of the progress made in Qatar. During the first two days, the talks focussed on a roadmap for the withdrawal of the foreign forces and a guarantee that Afghanistan would not be used for hostile acts against the United States and its allies, according to one of Taliban leaders. "The mechanism for a ceasefire and ways to enter into an intra-Afghan dialogue were the two other big topics that were supposed to be discussed on Thursday," he told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. A third source based in the Gulf, who has close ties to the Taliban representatives, said the decision to extend the meeting in the Qatari capital Doha came after "positive progress" during the first two days. Members of Afghanistan’s High Peace Council (AHPC), a body which oversees peace efforts but does not represent the government said they were hoping for positive news. "When talks take a long time it means the discussion is in a sensitive and important stage, and the participants are getting close to a positive result," said Sayed Ehsan Taheri, the spokesman for AHPC in Kabul. The Taliban who are fighting to oust foreign troops have repeatedly rejected the offer to hold direct talks with President Ashraf Ghani’s government, which they consider an illegitimate foreign-imposed regime. The US and regional powers insist that the peace process should be "Afghan-led and Afghan-owned". Newly appointed Baradar will also hold the additional post of third deputy of Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of Taliban and work with Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, a veteran Taliban official who has been running the group`s political office in Qatar since 2015 and has participated in the latest rounds of peace talks. "Stanekzai was given the responsibility but he was not powerful to make all decisions," said a second Taliban official on conditions of anonymity.

Taliban appoints new political leader to join peace talks with US

The United States has assured Afghanistan's government that any US troop pullout would not affect the combat abilities of remaining forces, Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah said on Wednesday.

Abdullah said news last month that President Donald Trump was planning to withdraw 5,000 US troops had caused unease in the government, which is battling resurgent Taliban forces who control broad swathes of the country outside the main cities.

Since then, however, US officials had told the Afghan government that no final decision had been made, and that Washington remained committed to supporting Afghan defence and security institutions, he said.

"Of course initially it came with some concerns for all of us," Abdullah told Reuters on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in the Swiss resort of Davos.

"Later on, through engagement with their envoys and representatives we learned that even if the (US) withdraws, it would be partial, it would not have an impact on the combat abilities," he said.

He did not say how the United States, if left with fewer than 9,000 troops, would still be able to maintain multiple missions including training Afghan forces, advising them in the field and waging air strikes against the Taliban and other militants.

Trump has been impatient for progress in ending the 17-year war in Afghanistan, where more than 2,400 US forces have died.

The United States sent troops to Afghanistan after the al Qaeda attacks on New York and Washington on September 11, 2001, and overthrew its Taliban rulers, who had hosted Osama bin Laden's organisation.

At its peak the US deployment involved more than 100,000 troops, but Washington withdrew most in 2014 and now has around 14,000 troops in the country as part of a NATO-led mission aiding Afghan security forces and hunting militants.

"The presence will not come to an end - only if there is peace in Afghanistan," Abdullah said. "So those details which came out later on kept us assured to some extent."

Abdullah, who is standing in Afghanistan's presidential election in July, defended his alliance with General Abdul Rashid Dostum, who has been accused of serious human rights abuses. He said Dostum's Junbish-i Milli party had strong support in northern Afghanistan.

"You cannot ignore part of the population because there are allegations against this person or that person," he said. "We can’t just wish people away."

Abdullah is challenging President Ashraf Ghani, who defeated him in a 2014 election which Abdullah said was marred by fraud. They later agreed to form a national unity government with Ghani as president and Abdullah as chief executive officer.

This year's vote "has to be clean," Abdullah said. "The flaws of the previous election have to be corrected. Am I absolutely confident that this will be transparent as we would expect? That’s difficult to judge at this stage."

The United States has assured Afghanistan's government that any US troop pullout would not affect the combat abilities of remaining forces, Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah said on Wednesday.

The United States has assured Afghanistan's government that any US troop pullout would not affect the combat abilities of remaining forces, Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah said on Wednesday. Abdullah said news last month that President Donald Trump was planning to withdraw 5,000 US troops had caused unease in the government, which is battling resurgent Taliban forces who control broad swathes of the country outside the main cities. Since then, however, US officials had told the Afghan government that no final decision had been made, and that Washington remained committed to supporting Afghan defence and security institutions, he said. "Of course initially it came with some concerns for all of us," Abdullah told Reuters on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in the Swiss resort of Davos. "Later on, through engagement with their envoys and representatives we learned that even if the (US) withdraws, it would be partial, it would not have an impact on the combat abilities," he said. He did not say how the United States, if left with fewer than 9,000 troops, would still be able to maintain multiple missions including training Afghan forces, advising them in the field and waging air strikes against the Taliban and other militants. Trump has been impatient for progress in ending the 17-year war in Afghanistan, where more than 2,400 US forces have died. The United States sent troops to Afghanistan after the al Qaeda attacks on New York and Washington on September 11, 2001, and overthrew its Taliban rulers, who had hosted Osama bin Laden's organisation. At its peak the US deployment involved more than 100,000 troops, but Washington withdrew most in 2014 and now has around 14,000 troops in the country as part of a NATO-led mission aiding Afghan security forces and hunting militants. "The presence will not come to an end - only if there is peace in Afghanistan," Abdullah said. "So those details which came out later on kept us assured to some extent." Abdullah, who is standing in Afghanistan's presidential election in July, defended his alliance with General Abdul Rashid Dostum, who has been accused of serious human rights abuses. He said Dostum's Junbish-i Milli party had strong support in northern Afghanistan. "You cannot ignore part of the population because there are allegations against this person or that person," he said. "We can’t just wish people away." Abdullah is challenging President Ashraf Ghani, who defeated him in a 2014 election which Abdullah said was marred by fraud. They later agreed to form a national unity government with Ghani as president and Abdullah as chief executive officer. This year's vote "has to be clean," Abdullah said. "The flaws of the previous election have to be corrected. Am I absolutely confident that this will be transparent as we would expect? That’s difficult to judge at this stage."

Afghanistan's CEO says US has reassured on troop pullout

A day after WION broke the story of Pakistan government denying the passage of<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/external-affairs-ministry-accuses-pakistan-of-blocking-indian-freight-flights-to-afghanistan-192265"> Indian freight flights</a> to Afghanistan, SpiceJet chief Ajay Singh speaking exclusively to WION in Davos confirmed that its cargo flights going to Afghanistan have been facing problem due to Pakistani authorities denying airspace.&nbsp;

However, he said these are temporary issues.&nbsp;

"These are temporary issues. Overflying is something which is sovereign right but never denied to each other and we are confident that Pakistan will soon permit Indian flights into Afghanistan," Singh said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has also reacted to the WION's news break with Pakistan's ministry of foreign affairs spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal saying, "Our position on cargo flight planes remains unchanged. However, passengers flights from India are operating as per the rate."

Pakistan has been denying land transit to Indian goods to Afghanistan.

India has been trying to increase connectivity with landlocked Afghanistan through the India-Afghanistan Air corridor that was launched in 2017 and the Chabahar project in Iran. In 2017, India sent 1.1 million tonnes of Wheat to Afghanistan through the Chabahar port. New Delhi has been able to send 2000 metric tons of pulses Afghanistan through the port.

In December of 2018, India took over operation of a part of Shahid Beheshti Port, Chabahar and commercial operations began with the arrival of a bulk carrier MV MACHERAS on 30th December 2018.

Elaborating on how Chabahar can help central Asia and Afghanistan connect, India's former Ambassador to Afganistan Amar Sinha said, "Having invested in Chabahar it is time to build/assist in building the railway line north from there without letting the momentum flag. Only them India's 'Connect Central Asia' policy can be made a reality."

India is a major development partner of Afghanistan with its assistance to the country exceeding $3 billion. 
&nbsp;

A day after WION broke the story of Pakistan government denying the passage of Indian freight flights to Afghanistan, SpiceJet chief Ajay Singh speaking exclusively to WION in Davos confirmed that its cargo flights going to Afghanistan have been facing problem due to Pakistani authorities denying airspace.

A day after WION broke the story of Pakistan government denying the passage of Indian freight flights to Afghanistan, SpiceJet chief Ajay Singh speaking exclusively to WION in Davos confirmed that its cargo flights going to Afghanistan have been facing problem due to Pakistani authorities denying airspace. However, he said these are temporary issues. "These are temporary issues. Overflying is something which is sovereign right but never denied to each other and we are confident that Pakistan will soon permit Indian flights into Afghanistan," Singh said. Meanwhile, Pakistan has also reacted to the WION's news break with Pakistan's ministry of foreign affairs spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal saying, "Our position on cargo flight planes remains unchanged. However, passengers flights from India are operating as per the rate." Pakistan has been denying land transit to Indian goods to Afghanistan. India has been trying to increase connectivity with landlocked Afghanistan through the India-Afghanistan Air corridor that was launched in 2017 and the Chabahar project in Iran. In 2017, India sent 1.1 million tonnes of Wheat to Afghanistan through the Chabahar port. New Delhi has been able to send 2000 metric tons of pulses Afghanistan through the port. In December of 2018, India took over operation of a part of Shahid Beheshti Port, Chabahar and commercial operations began with the arrival of a bulk carrier MV MACHERAS on 30th December 2018. Elaborating on how Chabahar can help central Asia and Afghanistan connect, India's former Ambassador to Afganistan Amar Sinha said, "Having invested in Chabahar it is time to build/assist in building the railway line north from there without letting the momentum flag. Only them India's 'Connect Central Asia' policy can be made a reality." India is a major development partner of Afghanistan with its assistance to the country exceeding $3 billion.

Airline CEO hopes problem will be resolved after Pak denied passage to Indian cargo flights to Afghanistan 

Afghanistan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, who formally entered the presidential race recently scheduled on July 20, said&nbsp;on Wednesday that Taliban is the main obstacle for peace in his country and accused it of refusing to come to the negotiating table.

In an exclusive interview to WION at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Abdullah said some parts of the country including rural districts were&nbsp;still under the control of the Taliban.

''People don’t want Talibanisation of the country. They want peace but the Taliban is the main obstacle and refuses to come to negotiating table,'' he said.

''We are in favour of talks without any conditions with Taliban if I come to power,'' he said.

Singling out the United States for praise, he said the US has helped Afghanistan and made sacrifices alongside ''our people''.

The US has influence over many countries around Afghanistan, it is different if they will use it, he said and added they can’t take US troops presence for granted.&nbsp;

Abdullah asserted that no country has monopoly over deciding the foreign relations of Afghanistan.

While welcoming '' Pakistan's constructive role in talks'', he said that he is for good relations with India.&nbsp;

''If Pakistan is playing a constructive role in talks we welcome it,'' he said and added that he wants to continue good relations with India with ''mutual respect''.

The presidential&nbsp;hopeful said&nbsp;that nobody can guarantee an incident-free election.

He also admitted that gap existed between people and the government in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, who formally entered the presidential race recently scheduled on July 20, said on Wednesday that Taliban is the main obstacle for peace in his country and accused it of refusing to come to the negotiating table.

Afghanistan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, who formally entered the presidential race recently scheduled on July 20, said on Wednesday that Taliban is the main obstacle for peace in his country and accused it of refusing to come to the negotiating table. In an exclusive interview to WION at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Abdullah said some parts of the country including rural districts were still under the control of the Taliban. ''People don’t want Talibanisation of the country. They want peace but the Taliban is the main obstacle and refuses to come to negotiating table,'' he said. ''We are in favour of talks without any conditions with Taliban if I come to power,'' he said. Singling out the United States for praise, he said the US has helped Afghanistan and made sacrifices alongside ''our people''. The US has influence over many countries around Afghanistan, it is different if they will use it, he said and added they can’t take US troops presence for granted. Abdullah asserted that no country has monopoly over deciding the foreign relations of Afghanistan. While welcoming '' Pakistan's constructive role in talks'', he said that he is for good relations with India. ''If Pakistan is playing a constructive role in talks we welcome it,'' he said and added that he wants to continue good relations with India with ''mutual respect''. The presidential hopeful said that nobody can guarantee an incident-free election. He also admitted that gap existed between people and the government in Afghanistan.

I'm for talks with Taliban without any conditions, says Afghanistan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah at Davos

In what seems to be a blatant violation of civil aviation norms, Pakistan civil aviation authority has denied passage to SpiceJet cargo flights to Afghanistan thrice in last week of December and on January 11 and 14.&nbsp;

India raised the matter with Islamabad with Ministry of External Affairs sending a ''note verbale'' to Pakistan.&nbsp;

The development comes even as New Delhi has been trying to connect <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rail-line-through-afghanistan-can-connect-uzbekistan-with-chabahar-uzbekistans-ambassador-192063">landlocked Afghanistan</a> with India and rest of the world.&nbsp;

Pakistan has been blocking the land route for trade between Afghanistan and India.&nbsp;

The India Afghanistan air corridor, launched in 2017, connects Afghanistan with Delhi and Mumbai. The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/chabahar-port-stepped-up-us-military-posture-in-gulf-threatens-indias-hopes-185245">Chabahar port </a>being built in Iran with India's help also provides Afghanistan goods gateway to the world.&nbsp;

Speaking at first-ever India Central Asia Afghanistan Dialogue in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on 13th January, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "Joint efforts of India, Iran and Afghanistan have led to the development of the Chabahar Port in Iran as a viable and operational trade route to connect to Afghanistan and potentially to Central Asia. Chabahar provides a shining example of what strong partnership can achieve to overcome any obstacles."&nbsp;

India has already sent a very substantial quantity of wheat to Afghanistan using the Chabahar port.&nbsp;

India took over the operations of a part of Shahid Beheshti Port, Chabahar in Iran last month. On 24th December 2018, India, Iran and Afghanistan jointly inaugurated the office of the Indian SPV - India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ), at Chabahar. The physical take-over of the terminal area, cargo handling equipment and Office building was completed by 29th December 2018.

Commercial operations began at IPGCFZ with the arrival of a vessel. A Cyprus registered bulk carrier had arrived at Chabahar with 72458 MT of corn cargo. The vessel MV MACHERAS berthed at the terminal at 0130 hrs on 30th December 2018.&nbsp;

Central Asia countries have also lauded Chabahar. Uzbek ambassador to India Farhod Arziev has lauded the project saying a railway project in Afghanistan can connect Uzbekistan with Chabahar.

Iran is holding Chabahar Day International Conference on 26 February at the Chabahar port to give an overview of the port to the world. India is also planning to develop Chabahar-Zahedan railway link that will link Zaranj-Delaram road built by India in Afghanistan and bring Iran and Afghanistan closer.&nbsp;

India plays a significant role as a development partner with its assistance exceeding $3 billion.

New Delhi is Afghanistan's largest donor in the region.

In what seems to be a blatant violation of civil aviation norms, Pakistan civil aviation authority has denied passage to SpiceJet cargo flights to Afghanistan thrice in last week of December and on January 11 and 14.

In what seems to be a blatant violation of civil aviation norms, Pakistan civil aviation authority has denied passage to SpiceJet cargo flights to Afghanistan thrice in last week of December and on January 11 and 14. India raised the matter with Islamabad with Ministry of External Affairs sending a ''note verbale'' to Pakistan. The development comes even as New Delhi has been trying to connect landlocked Afghanistan with India and rest of the world. Pakistan has been blocking the land route for trade between Afghanistan and India. The India Afghanistan air corridor, launched in 2017, connects Afghanistan with Delhi and Mumbai. The Chabahar port being built in Iran with India's help also provides Afghanistan goods gateway to the world. Speaking at first-ever India Central Asia Afghanistan Dialogue in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on 13th January, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "Joint efforts of India, Iran and Afghanistan have led to the development of the Chabahar Port in Iran as a viable and operational trade route to connect to Afghanistan and potentially to Central Asia. Chabahar provides a shining example of what strong partnership can achieve to overcome any obstacles." India has already sent a very substantial quantity of wheat to Afghanistan using the Chabahar port. India took over the operations of a part of Shahid Beheshti Port, Chabahar in Iran last month. On 24th December 2018, India, Iran and Afghanistan jointly inaugurated the office of the Indian SPV - India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ), at Chabahar. The physical take-over of the terminal area, cargo handling equipment and Office building was completed by 29th December 2018. Commercial operations began at IPGCFZ with the arrival of a vessel. A Cyprus registered bulk carrier had arrived at Chabahar with 72458 MT of corn cargo. The vessel MV MACHERAS berthed at the terminal at 0130 hrs on 30th December 2018. Central Asia countries have also lauded Chabahar. Uzbek ambassador to India Farhod Arziev has lauded the project saying a railway project in Afghanistan can connect Uzbekistan with Chabahar. Iran is holding Chabahar Day International Conference on 26 February at the Chabahar port to give an overview of the port to the world. India is also planning to develop Chabahar-Zahedan railway link that will link Zaranj-Delaram road built by India in Afghanistan and bring Iran and Afghanistan closer. India plays a significant role as a development partner with its assistance exceeding $3 billion. New Delhi is Afghanistan's largest donor in the region.

Pakistan denies passage of Indian freight flights to Afghanistan; India raises the issue with Islamabad

Uzbekistan seems to be becoming India's launchpad to Central Asia. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been to India twice in the last four months. First on a state visit in September and then visiting India last week for the Vibrant Gujarat summit in Gandhinagar. Uzbek Ambassador Farhod Arziev spoke to WION on a range of issues, from India-Uzbekistan connectivity, to trade, and the "dynamic" relationship between the two countries.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see connectivity between the two countries?&nbsp; 
Farhod Arziev: I would like to inform you just before the visit of President (Shavkat Mirziyoyev), we have hosted important event — India-Central Asia Dialogues — at the level of foreign ministers in which foreign minister of Afghanistan also participated. For the first time, such format was created and the meeting took place in Samarkand. And all ministers of FMs of central Asia, India and Afghanistan participated. One of the key items of discussion was to expand areas of connectivity between India and central Asia and use transit potential of Afghanistan. So now, discussion among the parties, among Central Asia and India is going on to increase the connectivity opportunities which will create new corridors between Uzbekistan, central Asia and India. We see great transit potential of Afghanistan in this regard. And we believe this will have practical implication and it will be beneficial for all parties.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see the role of Chabahar port?&nbsp; 
FA: Uzbekistan is not only landlocked but double landlocked. Any projects that can help Uzbekistan to reach the international market, we see positively. The projects like Chabahar creates an opportunity for central Asia. We believe it will play a very important, practical role in expanding trade and economic relations.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see ties between the two countries?&nbsp; 
FA: For the past four months, we have had the highest level visits. The second time our president visited on 17th and 18th January and attended the Vibrant Gujarat investment summit. I would like to stress the intensity of visits at the highest level shows how close and how dynamic the relationship between the two countries is. Our relations are getting closer at various levels — political, economic, trade and cultural. In all areas, it is of a comprehensive character. We had a country pavilion where we showed made-in-Uzbekistan products. Our president gave a speech (at Vibrant Gujarat) to highlight key areas of cooperation. Our president highlighted the importance of connectivity between India and Uzbekistan as a means to expand investment. Idea is to establish a railway line project that can connect Uzbekistan and India via &nbsp;Afghanistan through the Chabahar Port. We believe with expanding connectivity, options on trade and volume of trade will increase. Regional cooperation was also highlighted. &nbsp;&nbsp;

WION: How do you see Investment ties? &nbsp;&nbsp; 
FA:&nbsp;Investment and economic cooperation is an important part of Uzbek-India dialogue. Investment was an important part of the agenda of our president when he came on the state visit last year in October. This time, in his talks with PM Modi, importance of investment cooperation was highlighted separately. And I am happy to inform you as part of the visit, a very important and strategic agreement on the supply of Uzbek uranium to India and exchange of documents took place in front of the two leaders at the Vibrant Gujarat summit. Also, to encourage investment projects, we have signed an agreement between EXIM Bank of India and State Investment Committee of Uzbekistan. They have inked framework agreement on line of credit. We are talking about a soft loan. We are getting a line of credit at the volume of 200 million US dollars to implement social and infrastructure projects. We are working with the private sector of India. &nbsp;

Uzbekistan seems to be becoming India's launchpad to Central Asia. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been to India twice in the last four months. First on a state visit in September and then visiting India last week for the Vibrant Gujarat summit in Gandhinagar.

Uzbekistan seems to be becoming India's launchpad to Central Asia. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been to India twice in the last four months. First on a state visit in September and then visiting India last week for the Vibrant Gujarat summit in Gandhinagar. Uzbek Ambassador Farhod Arziev spoke to WION on a range of issues, from India-Uzbekistan connectivity, to trade, and the "dynamic" relationship between the two countries. WION: How do you see connectivity between the two countries? Farhod Arziev: I would like to inform you just before the visit of President (Shavkat Mirziyoyev), we have hosted important event — India-Central Asia Dialogues — at the level of foreign ministers in which foreign minister of Afghanistan also participated. For the first time, such format was created and the meeting took place in Samarkand. And all ministers of FMs of central Asia, India and Afghanistan participated. One of the key items of discussion was to expand areas of connectivity between India and central Asia and use transit potential of Afghanistan. So now, discussion among the parties, among Central Asia and India is going on to increase the connectivity opportunities which will create new corridors between Uzbekistan, central Asia and India. We see great transit potential of Afghanistan in this regard. And we believe this will have practical implication and it will be beneficial for all parties. WION: How do you see the role of Chabahar port? FA: Uzbekistan is not only landlocked but double landlocked. Any projects that can help Uzbekistan to reach the international market, we see positively. The projects like Chabahar creates an opportunity for central Asia. We believe it will play a very important, practical role in expanding trade and economic relations. WION: How do you see ties between the two countries? FA: For the past four months, we have had the highest level visits. The second time our president visited on 17th and 18th January and attended the Vibrant Gujarat investment summit. I would like to stress the intensity of visits at the highest level shows how close and how dynamic the relationship between the two countries is. Our relations are getting closer at various levels — political, economic, trade and cultural. In all areas, it is of a comprehensive character. We had a country pavilion where we showed made-in-Uzbekistan products. Our president gave a speech (at Vibrant Gujarat) to highlight key areas of cooperation. Our president highlighted the importance of connectivity between India and Uzbekistan as a means to expand investment. Idea is to establish a railway line project that can connect Uzbekistan and India via Afghanistan through the Chabahar Port. We believe with expanding connectivity, options on trade and volume of trade will increase. Regional cooperation was also highlighted. WION: How do you see Investment ties? FA: Investment and economic cooperation is an important part of Uzbek-India dialogue. Investment was an important part of the agenda of our president when he came on the state visit last year in October. This time, in his talks with PM Modi, importance of investment cooperation was highlighted separately. And I am happy to inform you as part of the visit, a very important and strategic agreement on the supply of Uzbek uranium to India and exchange of documents took place in front of the two leaders at the Vibrant Gujarat summit. Also, to encourage investment projects, we have signed an agreement between EXIM Bank of India and State Investment Committee of Uzbekistan. They have inked framework agreement on line of credit. We are talking about a soft loan. We are getting a line of credit at the volume of 200 million US dollars to implement social and infrastructure projects. We are working with the private sector of India.

Uzbek ambassador proposes India-Uzbekistan rail line through Afghanistan, Chabahar port

Afghanistan's main spy agency has killed a Taliban commander who was the mastermind of this week's deadly attack on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/around-65-killed-in-taliban-attack-on-afghan-intel-base-official-191962">Afghan forces at a military base</a> in the central province of Maidan Wardak, officials said on Wednesday.

The National Directorate of Security (NDS) said the commander, whose name it gave only as Noman, was killed in an air raid on Tuesday night.

"Noman, along with seven others, was targeted after being identified by the NDS forces in an operative task," the agency said in a statement.

"NDS will follow the terrorist group and kill them all."

Taliban officials were not immediately available to confirm the death of the commander. On Tuesday, the agency said 36 people were killed and 58 injured in Monday's attack by the Taliban but those figures were smaller than the tally of other government and security sources.

On Monday, a senior defence source had told Reuters 126 Afghan security forces were killed. On Tuesday, two senior security officials in the capital, Kabul, said at least 72 men being trained by the NDS were killed with 38 critically injured.

Afghanistan's main spy agency has killed a Taliban commander who was the mastermind of this week's deadly attack on Afghan forces at a military base in the central province of Maidan Wardak, officials said on Wednesday.

Afghanistan's main spy agency has killed a Taliban commander who was the mastermind of this week's deadly attack on Afghan forces at a military base in the central province of Maidan Wardak, officials said on Wednesday. The National Directorate of Security (NDS) said the commander, whose name it gave only as Noman, was killed in an air raid on Tuesday night. "Noman, along with seven others, was targeted after being identified by the NDS forces in an operative task," the agency said in a statement. "NDS will follow the terrorist group and kill them all." Taliban officials were not immediately available to confirm the death of the commander. On Tuesday, the agency said 36 people were killed and 58 injured in Monday's attack by the Taliban but those figures were smaller than the tally of other government and security sources. On Monday, a senior defence source had told Reuters 126 Afghan security forces were killed. On Tuesday, two senior security officials in the capital, Kabul, said at least 72 men being trained by the NDS were killed with 38 critically injured.

Afghanistan says Taliban mastermind of deadly attack on military base killed

Uzbekistan seems to be becoming India's launch pad to Central Asia. The president Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been to India twice&nbsp;in the last four months. First on a state visit in September last year and then last week for Vibrant Gujarat summit in Gandhinagar.&nbsp;

Our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal spoke to Uzbek Ambassador Farhod Arziev on a range of issues from Chabahar,&nbsp;Afghanistan to&nbsp;India-Uzbek trade relations.

WION: How do you see connectivity between the two countries?

Farhod Arziev: I would like to inform you just before the visit of President, we have hosted important event India Central Asia dialogues at the level of foreign ministers in which foreign minister of Afghanistan also participated.

For the first time, such format was created and the meeting took place in Samarkand. And&nbsp;foreign ministers of central Asia, India and Afghanistan participated. One of the key items of discussion was to expand areas of connectivity between India and central Asia and use transit potential of Afghanistan.

So now, discussion among the parties, among Central Asia and India is going on to increase the connectivity opportunities which will create new corridors between Uzbekistan, central Asia and India. We see great transit potential of Afghanistan in this regard. And we believe, this will have practical implication and it will be beneficial for all parties.

WION: How do you see the role of Chabahar port?

Farhod Arziev: Uzbekistan is not only landlocked but double landlocked. Any projects that can help Uzbekistan to reach the international market we see positively. The projects like Chabahar creates an opportunity for central Asia. We believe it will play a very important practical role in expanding trade and economic relations.

WION: How do you see ties between two countries?

Farhod Arziev: For the past four months, we have had the highest level visits.

The second time our president visited on January 17, 18 and attended the Vibrant Gujarat investment summit. I would like to stress the intensity of visit at the highest level shows how close and how the dynamic relationship between the two countries are. Our relations are getting&nbsp;closer&nbsp;at various levels - political, economic,&nbsp;trade and cultural.

In all areas, it is a comprehensive character. We had a country pavilion where we showed 'made in Uzbekistan'&nbsp;products. Our president gave a speech (at Vibrant Gujarat) to highlight key areas of cooperation.

Our president highlighted the importance of connectivity between India and Uzbekistan as a means to expand investment. The idea is to establish a railway line project that can connect Uzbekistan and India via &nbsp;Afghanistan through the Chabahar port.

We believe in expanding connectivity through which trade options will increase. Regional cooperation was also highlighted. &nbsp;

WION: How do you see investment ties? &nbsp;

Farhod Arziev: Investment and economic cooperation is an important part of Uzbek-India dialogue. The investment was an important part of the agenda of our President when he came on the state visit in last year in October.

This time in his talks with PM Modi, important investment cooperation was highlighted separately. And I am happy to inform you as part of the visit, a very important and strategic agreement on the supply of Uzbek uranium to India and exchange of documents took place in front of two leaders in Vibrant Gujarat summit hall.

And also to encourage investment project we have signed an agreement between EXIM bank of India and state investment committee of Uzbekistan. They have inked framework agreement on the line of credit. We are talking about a soft loan.

We are getting a line of credit at the volume of $200 million&nbsp;to implement social and infrastructure project. We working with the private sector in India.

Uzbekistan seems to be becoming India's launch pad to Central Asia. The president Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been to India twice in the last four months. First on a state visit in September last year and then last week for Vibrant Gujarat summit in Gandhinagar.

Uzbekistan seems to be becoming India's launch pad to Central Asia. The president Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been to India twice in the last four months. First on a state visit in September last year and then last week for Vibrant Gujarat summit in Gandhinagar. Our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal spoke to Uzbek Ambassador Farhod Arziev on a range of issues from Chabahar, Afghanistan to India-Uzbek trade relations. WION: How do you see connectivity between the two countries? Farhod Arziev: I would like to inform you just before the visit of President, we have hosted important event India Central Asia dialogues at the level of foreign ministers in which foreign minister of Afghanistan also participated. For the first time, such format was created and the meeting took place in Samarkand. And foreign ministers of central Asia, India and Afghanistan participated. One of the key items of discussion was to expand areas of connectivity between India and central Asia and use transit potential of Afghanistan. So now, discussion among the parties, among Central Asia and India is going on to increase the connectivity opportunities which will create new corridors between Uzbekistan, central Asia and India. We see great transit potential of Afghanistan in this regard. And we believe, this will have practical implication and it will be beneficial for all parties. WION: How do you see the role of Chabahar port? Farhod Arziev: Uzbekistan is not only landlocked but double landlocked. Any projects that can help Uzbekistan to reach the international market we see positively. The projects like Chabahar creates an opportunity for central Asia. We believe it will play a very important practical role in expanding trade and economic relations. WION: How do you see ties between two countries? Farhod Arziev: For the past four months, we have had the highest level visits. The second time our president visited on January 17, 18 and attended the Vibrant Gujarat investment summit. I would like to stress the intensity of visit at the highest level shows how close and how the dynamic relationship between the two countries are. Our relations are getting closer at various levels - political, economic, trade and cultural. In all areas, it is a comprehensive character. We had a country pavilion where we showed 'made in Uzbekistan' products. Our president gave a speech (at Vibrant Gujarat) to highlight key areas of cooperation. Our president highlighted the importance of connectivity between India and Uzbekistan as a means to expand investment. The idea is to establish a railway line project that can connect Uzbekistan and India via Afghanistan through the Chabahar port. We believe in expanding connectivity through which trade options will increase. Regional cooperation was also highlighted. WION: How do you see investment ties? Farhod Arziev: Investment and economic cooperation is an important part of Uzbek-India dialogue. The investment was an important part of the agenda of our President when he came on the state visit in last year in October. This time in his talks with PM Modi, important investment cooperation was highlighted separately. And I am happy to inform you as part of the visit, a very important and strategic agreement on the supply of Uzbek uranium to India and exchange of documents took place in front of two leaders in Vibrant Gujarat summit hall. And also to encourage investment project we have signed an agreement between EXIM bank of India and state investment committee of Uzbekistan. They have inked framework agreement on the line of credit. We are talking about a soft loan. We are getting a line of credit at the volume of $200 million to implement social and infrastructure project. We working with the private sector in India.

Rail line through Afghanistan can connect Uzbekistan with Chabahar: Uzbekistan ambassador Arziev

Around 65 people were killed in a Taliban-claimed attack on an Afghan intelligence base, a local official said Tuesday, raising the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-taliban-kill-12-in-car-bomb-attack-on-military-base-officials-191737">toll substantially from 12</a> announced previously.

Militants detonated a vehicle packed with explosives at the training facility before gunmen arrived in a car and opened fire.&nbsp;

"We took about 65 bodies out of the rubble yesterday," Mohammad Sardar Bakhyari, deputy head of the provincial council in Wardak province, where the attack occurred on Monday in the latest blow to beleaguered security forces. &nbsp;

A senior security official who spoke on condition of anonymity gave an even higher toll of at least 70 killed.

On Monday provincial officials told AFP just 12 people had been killed in the attack. Figures given by officials to other media ranged from 12 dead to more than 100 killed.

Bakhyari's announcement came after nearly a day of confusion surrounding the toll.

On Monday provincial officials told AFP just 12 people had been killed in the attack. Figures given by officials to other media ranged from 12 dead to more than 100 killed.

The attack was on a training facility for the NDS, the Afghan intelligence agency, meaning that any toll will likely be difficult to confirm.

It saw militants ram a Humvee filled with explosives into the National Directorate of Security (NDS) base in Maidan Shahr, the capital of Wardak, which lies about 50 kilometres south of Kabul.

The attack caused the roof to partially collapse, images from the scene show.&nbsp;

"Then at least three other attackers in a Toyota car who were following the Humvee entered the compound," Wardak provincial council member Abdul Wahid Akbarzai told AFP Tuesday.

The attackers were killed quickly, he said, but most of the casualties were caused by the roof collapse.&nbsp;

"It is a big loss," council head Akhtar Mohammad Tahiri said. "The NDS forces are better trained and equipped than the Afghan police and army soldiers who have been dying in record numbers."&nbsp;

He added the militants were dressed in uniforms used by Afghan special forces.

The attack comes days after a Taliban suicide bomber targeted the convoy of Logar province's governor, killing at least seven security guards. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Fights between security forces and Taliban fighters have continued to intensify across the country during the freezing Afghan winter, which traditionally experiences a reduction in combat.

The recent skirmishes come as the Taliban announced a resumption of talks with US officials in Qatar as the two sides discuss a possible peace deal that could pave the way for the insurgents participation in the next government.

Washington has not confirmed their claim that the talks are continuing.

US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has headed a flurry of diplomatic activity in recent months seeking to bring the Taliban to the table for talks.

However, the insurgents threatened to suspend the fledgeling process last week.

The Taliban -- who have been waging a 17-year war against the Western-backed Afghan government -- later claimed responsibility for the assault.

Around 65 people were killed in a Taliban-claimed attack on an Afghan intelligence base, a local official said Tuesday, raising the toll substantially from 12 announced previously.

Around 65 people were killed in a Taliban-claimed attack on an Afghan intelligence base, a local official said Tuesday, raising the toll substantially from 12 announced previously. Militants detonated a vehicle packed with explosives at the training facility before gunmen arrived in a car and opened fire. "We took about 65 bodies out of the rubble yesterday," Mohammad Sardar Bakhyari, deputy head of the provincial council in Wardak province, where the attack occurred on Monday in the latest blow to beleaguered security forces. A senior security official who spoke on condition of anonymity gave an even higher toll of at least 70 killed. On Monday provincial officials told AFP just 12 people had been killed in the attack. Figures given by officials to other media ranged from 12 dead to more than 100 killed. Bakhyari's announcement came after nearly a day of confusion surrounding the toll. On Monday provincial officials told AFP just 12 people had been killed in the attack. Figures given by officials to other media ranged from 12 dead to more than 100 killed. The attack was on a training facility for the NDS, the Afghan intelligence agency, meaning that any toll will likely be difficult to confirm. It saw militants ram a Humvee filled with explosives into the National Directorate of Security (NDS) base in Maidan Shahr, the capital of Wardak, which lies about 50 kilometres south of Kabul. The attack caused the roof to partially collapse, images from the scene show. "Then at least three other attackers in a Toyota car who were following the Humvee entered the compound," Wardak provincial council member Abdul Wahid Akbarzai told AFP Tuesday. The attackers were killed quickly, he said, but most of the casualties were caused by the roof collapse. "It is a big loss," council head Akhtar Mohammad Tahiri said. "The NDS forces are better trained and equipped than the Afghan police and army soldiers who have been dying in record numbers." He added the militants were dressed in uniforms used by Afghan special forces. The attack comes days after a Taliban suicide bomber targeted the convoy of Logar province's governor, killing at least seven security guards. Fights between security forces and Taliban fighters have continued to intensify across the country during the freezing Afghan winter, which traditionally experiences a reduction in combat. The recent skirmishes come as the Taliban announced a resumption of talks with US officials in Qatar as the two sides discuss a possible peace deal that could pave the way for the insurgents participation in the next government. Washington has not confirmed their claim that the talks are continuing. US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has headed a flurry of diplomatic activity in recent months seeking to bring the Taliban to the table for talks. However, the insurgents threatened to suspend the fledgeling process last week. The Taliban -- who have been waging a 17-year war against the Western-backed Afghan government -- later claimed responsibility for the assault.

65 killed in Taliban attack on Afghan intelligence base: Official

Eighteen years ago, at the height of the Taliban's power in Afghanistan, Roshan Mashal secretly taught her daughters to read and write alongside a dozen local girls who smuggled school books to her house in potato sacks.

Mashal's daughters have since gained university degrees in economics and medicine. But she now fears the looming prospect that the hardline Islamist group, whose rule barred women from education, could once again become part of the government.

"They say they have changed, but I have concerns," she said in an interview in her office in Kabul. "There is no trust ... we don't want peace to come with women losing all the achievements of the last 17 years."

As talks to end Afghanistan's long war pick up momentum, women such as Mashal fear the freedoms eked out since US-backed Afghan forces overthrew the Taliban in 2001 are about to slide backwards and complain their voices are being sidelined.

An aide to Rula Ghani, the wife of Afghanistan's president, said the first lady had launched a survey of women in 34 provinces in a bid to amplify their voices in the peace process, with a report summarizing their views slated for February.

"The war was started by men, the war will be ended by men," said the aide. "But it's the women and children who suffer the most and they have a right to define peace."

Almost two decades of war have implicated both sides in the suffering of women. The United Nations last year expressed alarm at the increased use of air strikes by US and Afghan forces, which caused a rising death toll among women and children.

CHANGED TIMES

Afghanistan is still not an easy place to be a woman, with forced marriages, domestic violence and high maternal mortality rates prevalent nationwide, and particularly in rural areas, according to gender equality advocates.

But access to public life has improved, especially in cities such as the capital Kabul, where many women work outside the home and more than a quarter of the parliament is female.

But women lawmakers and some foreign diplomats fear enshrining gender equality may take a backseat in any peace deal to the intense international focus on ending the fighting and eliminating the country's potential as a haven for militants to launch attacks overseas.

"That is the threshold. The question is how much they will accept the position of women deteriorating in the process," said a senior Western diplomat in Kabul whose country funds projects to empower women. "There may be some backsliding, but hopefully not all the way back."

Between 1996 and 2001, under the Taliban government that called itself the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, women were banned from work, required to wear the full-length burqa that covered their faces, and not allowed to leave the house without a male relative.

The Taliban say they have changed, and that they would allow women to be educated, though they say schools should be segregated by gender and women required to wear loose clothing.

"We want Afghanistan to move forward with its present achievements and developments. But there are some reforms and changes the Emirate will struggle for," spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid told Reuters last month.

That is not enough to assuage the fears of women such as Karima Rahimyaar. She is the main provider for her family after her first husband was shot and killed by the Taliban in Kunduz province in 1996 and her second was injured and left unable to work after being imprisoned by them around three years ago.

She regularly comforts her university-aged daughters, who feel sick when they hear gunshots or mention of the Taliban.

"It is very difficult for me," she said.

Like many Afghans, she is desperate for peace and wants an end to the near-daily attacks across the country, which claimed the life of her 32-year-old son, a police officer, in 2016.

But not, she says, at the expense of women's rights.

"If there are no agreements and commitments, women will be inside the home and they will be deprived of everything," she said.

FIGHTING FOR A VOICE

Wazhma Frogh, a member of Afghanistan's High Peace Council, tasked with negotiating with the Taliban, said that she and the 11 other female members of the group had to fight to have their perspective heard.

"To get access is difficult," she said, saying that at times women had to raise their voices in meetings to avoid being ignored and that gatherings were sometimes held late at night in venues women did not feel comfortable travelling to.

Though the Taliban is refusing to include the Afghan government in formal talks, Frogh and other members have informally met with the insurgent group and with US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad.

Meanwhile, young women such as Zuhal Babakarkhil, one of the fast-growing segment of the population who has reached adulthood since the fall of the Taliban, say Afghan society has changed.

"In Afghanistan, the women are no more the women from 20 years back," said the 28-year-old, who was in her first year of school when the Taliban took power and whose family fled overseas.

She now lives in Kabul, plays cricket and promotes higher education among girls. She says that social media such as Whatsapp and Facebook gives women access to organising networks at home and abroad that would be tough to curtail.

She said she has no intention to leave Afghanistan, despite her worries about the Taliban returning.

"We did it before ... but certainly this is not the way, to escape anymore," she said. "We are not leaving our home country. We will definitely stand up for our rights."

Eighteen years ago, at the height of the Taliban's power in Afghanistan, Roshan Mashal secretly taught her daughters to read and write alongside a dozen local girls who smuggled school books to her house in potato sacks.

Eighteen years ago, at the height of the Taliban's power in Afghanistan, Roshan Mashal secretly taught her daughters to read and write alongside a dozen local girls who smuggled school books to her house in potato sacks. Mashal's daughters have since gained university degrees in economics and medicine. But she now fears the looming prospect that the hardline Islamist group, whose rule barred women from education, could once again become part of the government. "They say they have changed, but I have concerns," she said in an interview in her office in Kabul. "There is no trust ... we don't want peace to come with women losing all the achievements of the last 17 years." As talks to end Afghanistan's long war pick up momentum, women such as Mashal fear the freedoms eked out since US-backed Afghan forces overthrew the Taliban in 2001 are about to slide backwards and complain their voices are being sidelined. An aide to Rula Ghani, the wife of Afghanistan's president, said the first lady had launched a survey of women in 34 provinces in a bid to amplify their voices in the peace process, with a report summarizing their views slated for February. "The war was started by men, the war will be ended by men," said the aide. "But it's the women and children who suffer the most and they have a right to define peace." Almost two decades of war have implicated both sides in the suffering of women. The United Nations last year expressed alarm at the increased use of air strikes by US and Afghan forces, which caused a rising death toll among women and children. CHANGED TIMES Afghanistan is still not an easy place to be a woman, with forced marriages, domestic violence and high maternal mortality rates prevalent nationwide, and particularly in rural areas, according to gender equality advocates. But access to public life has improved, especially in cities such as the capital Kabul, where many women work outside the home and more than a quarter of the parliament is female. But women lawmakers and some foreign diplomats fear enshrining gender equality may take a backseat in any peace deal to the intense international focus on ending the fighting and eliminating the country's potential as a haven for militants to launch attacks overseas. "That is the threshold. The question is how much they will accept the position of women deteriorating in the process," said a senior Western diplomat in Kabul whose country funds projects to empower women. "There may be some backsliding, but hopefully not all the way back." Between 1996 and 2001, under the Taliban government that called itself the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, women were banned from work, required to wear the full-length burqa that covered their faces, and not allowed to leave the house without a male relative. The Taliban say they have changed, and that they would allow women to be educated, though they say schools should be segregated by gender and women required to wear loose clothing. "We want Afghanistan to move forward with its present achievements and developments. But there are some reforms and changes the Emirate will struggle for," spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid told Reuters last month. That is not enough to assuage the fears of women such as Karima Rahimyaar. She is the main provider for her family after her first husband was shot and killed by the Taliban in Kunduz province in 1996 and her second was injured and left unable to work after being imprisoned by them around three years ago. She regularly comforts her university-aged daughters, who feel sick when they hear gunshots or mention of the Taliban. "It is very difficult for me," she said. Like many Afghans, she is desperate for peace and wants an end to the near-daily attacks across the country, which claimed the life of her 32-year-old son, a police officer, in 2016. But not, she says, at the expense of women's rights. "If there are no agreements and commitments, women will be inside the home and they will be deprived of everything," she said. FIGHTING FOR A VOICE Wazhma Frogh, a member of Afghanistan's High Peace Council, tasked with negotiating with the Taliban, said that she and the 11 other female members of the group had to fight to have their perspective heard. "To get access is difficult," she said, saying that at times women had to raise their voices in meetings to avoid being ignored and that gatherings were sometimes held late at night in venues women did not feel comfortable travelling to. Though the Taliban is refusing to include the Afghan government in formal talks, Frogh and other members have informally met with the insurgent group and with US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad. Meanwhile, young women such as Zuhal Babakarkhil, one of the fast-growing segment of the population who has reached adulthood since the fall of the Taliban, say Afghan society has changed. "In Afghanistan, the women are no more the women from 20 years back," said the 28-year-old, who was in her first year of school when the Taliban took power and whose family fled overseas. She now lives in Kabul, plays cricket and promotes higher education among girls. She says that social media such as Whatsapp and Facebook gives women access to organising networks at home and abroad that would be tough to curtail. She said she has no intention to leave Afghanistan, despite her worries about the Taliban returning. "We did it before ... but certainly this is not the way, to escape anymore," she said. "We are not leaving our home country. We will definitely stand up for our rights."

As Taliban talks gather pace, Afghan women fear clock turning back

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-taliban-says-post-occupation-discussed-with-iran-187725">Afghan Taliban</a> killed at least 12 security force members in a car bomb attack on a military base in the southern province of Maidan Wardak on Monday, officials said.

More than 28 security officials were wounded in the attack at the sprawling military base when the militants detonated the car bomb and two gunmen entered the compound, government officials said.

The Taliban claimed responsibility.

The Afghan Taliban killed at least 12 security force members in a car bomb attack on a military base in the southern province of Maidan Wardak on Monday, officials said.

The Afghan Taliban killed at least 12 security force members in a car bomb attack on a military base in the southern province of Maidan Wardak on Monday, officials said. More than 28 security officials were wounded in the attack at the sprawling military base when the militants detonated the car bomb and two gunmen entered the compound, government officials said. The Taliban claimed responsibility.

Afghan Taliban kill 12 in car bomb attack on military base: Officials

Talibans attack military base in Afghanistan; 100 killed

To all appearances, India's Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat set the cat among the pigeons in the second week of January when he advocated that India should talk to the Taliban “without preconditions” in the interest of peace and stability in the region.'&nbsp;

This was tom-tommed as a big shift from the government of India's long-standing policy that the peace process in Afghanistan should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, Afghan-controlled and with the participation of the government in Kabul. It made a splash because the Taliban was talking to the US ahead of the latter's plan to pull out from its 17-year-long military engagement in Afghanistan which has cost over a trillion dollars and claimed tens of thousands of lives besides turning it into a terrorist hub.&nbsp;

However, General Rawat was only taking forward the ball set rolling exactly two months before. The policy shift was already public by November 8, when two former diplomats, Amar Sinha and TCA Raghavan went to Russia for the Moscow format of talks on the Afghan peace process. Technically, Sinha and Raghavan did not represent Government of India (GoI) – their participation was “non-official”, in Track II mode. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Raghavan, who was India's High Commissioner to Pakistan, is Director-General of the GoI think tank, Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA). Sinha, a former Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, was Ambassador to Afghanistan. There was nothing really unofficial about their non-official presence in the Moscow format of talks where the Taliban and Afghanistan's High Peace Council delegations were also present.&nbsp;

By the time General Rawat stood up to say his piece, official India had already held at least one round of non-official talks. Just a day before General Rawat spoke, the Taliban had called off talks with the US as they did not want the Afghan government to be in the talks. The Taliban did this a day before the fourth round of talks with US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad. &nbsp;

Besides the US, Russia and China, the Taliban's old supporters, namely, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Pakistan were also back in the game as stakeholders in the peace process. Iran also joined the game. It went claimed “influence” over the Taliban and offered to use that influence in India's favour.&nbsp;

In the nearly two decades since the Taliban hosted the hijacked Indian Airlines plane in Kandahar -- when external affairs minister Jaswant Singh went to Taliban territory to get the hostages released in return for two Pakistani terrorists – GoI has also developed lines to the Taliban. &nbsp;

It is obvious that the Taliban holds the whip hand in the Afghan peace process. It is set on talking to the US – on its own terms – because the US is the occupation force to be sent packing. US General Austin Miller's narrow escape from the October 18 shooting, which killed Kandahar police chief General Abdul Raziq among others in a room, seems to have convinced the Americans that they can no longer continue their military occupation. This is underscored by the perception that the Taliban “allowed” General Miller to “escape” – to let the US know that they can pick their targets when they choose to. &nbsp;

With the US bowing to the Taliban's terms, others, including India, cannot risk lagging behind. The Taliban's tough talk and a tougher line on talking terms is suspected to be based on the covert support of some powerful country. That apart, there is a growing perception, including in New Delhi, that the Taliban is involved in many behind-the-scene engagements; and, these are what enable it to call the shots. &nbsp;

Thus, negotiating India's place in the peace process is as much a diplomatic and strategic minefield as Afghanistan was during the worst phase of America's war in that country.&nbsp;

&nbsp; 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

To all appearances, India's Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat set the cat among the pigeons in the second week of January when he advocated that India should talk to the Taliban “without preconditions” in the interest of peace and stability in the region.

To all appearances, India's Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat set the cat among the pigeons in the second week of January when he advocated that India should talk to the Taliban “without preconditions” in the interest of peace and stability in the region.' This was tom-tommed as a big shift from the government of India's long-standing policy that the peace process in Afghanistan should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, Afghan-controlled and with the participation of the government in Kabul. It made a splash because the Taliban was talking to the US ahead of the latter's plan to pull out from its 17-year-long military engagement in Afghanistan which has cost over a trillion dollars and claimed tens of thousands of lives besides turning it into a terrorist hub. However, General Rawat was only taking forward the ball set rolling exactly two months before. The policy shift was already public by November 8, when two former diplomats, Amar Sinha and TCA Raghavan went to Russia for the Moscow format of talks on the Afghan peace process. Technically, Sinha and Raghavan did not represent Government of India (GoI) – their participation was “non-official”, in Track II mode. Raghavan, who was India's High Commissioner to Pakistan, is Director-General of the GoI think tank, Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA). Sinha, a former Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, was Ambassador to Afghanistan. There was nothing really unofficial about their non-official presence in the Moscow format of talks where the Taliban and Afghanistan's High Peace Council delegations were also present. By the time General Rawat stood up to say his piece, official India had already held at least one round of non-official talks. Just a day before General Rawat spoke, the Taliban had called off talks with the US as they did not want the Afghan government to be in the talks. The Taliban did this a day before the fourth round of talks with US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad. Besides the US, Russia and China, the Taliban's old supporters, namely, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Pakistan were also back in the game as stakeholders in the peace process. Iran also joined the game. It went claimed “influence” over the Taliban and offered to use that influence in India's favour. In the nearly two decades since the Taliban hosted the hijacked Indian Airlines plane in Kandahar -- when external affairs minister Jaswant Singh went to Taliban territory to get the hostages released in return for two Pakistani terrorists – GoI has also developed lines to the Taliban. It is obvious that the Taliban holds the whip hand in the Afghan peace process. It is set on talking to the US – on its own terms – because the US is the occupation force to be sent packing. US General Austin Miller's narrow escape from the October 18 shooting, which killed Kandahar police chief General Abdul Raziq among others in a room, seems to have convinced the Americans that they can no longer continue their military occupation. This is underscored by the perception that the Taliban “allowed” General Miller to “escape” – to let the US know that they can pick their targets when they choose to. With the US bowing to the Taliban's terms, others, including India, cannot risk lagging behind. The Taliban's tough talk and a tougher line on talking terms is suspected to be based on the covert support of some powerful country. That apart, there is a growing perception, including in New Delhi, that the Taliban is involved in many behind-the-scene engagements; and, these are what enable it to call the shots. Thus, negotiating India's place in the peace process is as much a diplomatic and strategic minefield as Afghanistan was during the worst phase of America's war in that country. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

What lies behind the Taliban's tough line

Car bomb attack kills eight security force members in Afghanistan

A car bomb attack on a convoy of the governor of Afghanistan's southern Logar province killed at least eight Afghan security force members on Sunday morning but left the provincial chief unharmed, local officials said.

Shahpoor Ahmadzai, the spokesman for Logar's provincial police, said the bomber detonated an explosives-packed car close to the governor's convoy on a major highway between Logar and the capital Kabul.

"Unfortunately 10 others are wounded, and the number of casualties may rise," Ahmadzai said, adding that the provincial chief of the country's intelligence agency was also in the convoy but unhurt in the attack.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, said in a statement that the group was responsible for the blast and that a "large number" of Afghan special forces had been killed or wounded.

Logar, located around 75 km (46 miles) from Kabul, is known as a strategic gateway to the capital and is vulnerable to attacks due to the Taliban's active presence in most areas of the province.

The militant group has ramped up attacks in strategic provinces in recent months in their battle to expel foreign forces, topple the Western-backed government and restore their version of hardline Islamic law, even as peace talks with the United States ramp up.

'Unfortunately, 10 others are wounded, and the number of casualties may rise,' said Shahpoor Ahmadzai, the spokesman for Logar's provincial police.

A car bomb attack on a convoy of the governor of Afghanistan's southern Logar province killed at least eight Afghan security force members on Sunday morning but left the provincial chief unharmed, local officials said. Shahpoor Ahmadzai, the spokesman for Logar's provincial police, said the bomber detonated an explosives-packed car close to the governor's convoy on a major highway between Logar and the capital Kabul. "Unfortunately 10 others are wounded, and the number of casualties may rise," Ahmadzai said, adding that the provincial chief of the country's intelligence agency was also in the convoy but unhurt in the attack. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, said in a statement that the group was responsible for the blast and that a "large number" of Afghan special forces had been killed or wounded. Logar, located around 75 km (46 miles) from Kabul, is known as a strategic gateway to the capital and is vulnerable to attacks due to the Taliban's active presence in most areas of the province. The militant group has ramped up attacks in strategic provinces in recent months in their battle to expel foreign forces, topple the Western-backed government and restore their version of hardline Islamic law, even as peace talks with the United States ramp up.

Car bomb attack kills 8 security force members in Afghanistan's south

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