US&nbsp;President Donald <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-indian-pm-for-library-in-afghanistan-187955">Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> discussed reducing the US&nbsp;trade deficit with India and increasing their cooperation in Afghanistan in a telephone call on Monday, the White House said.

"The leaders agreed to strengthen the US-India strategic partnership in 2019 and exchanged perspectives on how to reduce the US&nbsp;trade deficit with India, expand security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and increase cooperation in Afghanistan," the White House said in a statement.

The United States has slapped tariffs on imports of steel and aluminium from India, part of Trump's drive to reduce the US&nbsp;trade deficit and boost American manufacturing jobs.

India has threatened to retaliate but said it would not take action until the end of this month.

In Afghanistan, Trump is planning to withdraw more than 5,000 of the 14,000 US&nbsp;troops there, a US&nbsp;official said last month.

With a reduced military presence in Afghanistan, the United States would almost certainly have to curtail its missions, which include training and advising Afghan forces and waging an air campaign against the Taliban and other militant groups.

US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed reducing the US trade deficit with India and increasing their cooperation in Afghanistan in a telephone call on Monday, the White House said.

US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed reducing the US trade deficit with India and increasing their cooperation in Afghanistan in a telephone call on Monday, the White House said. "The leaders agreed to strengthen the US-India strategic partnership in 2019 and exchanged perspectives on how to reduce the US trade deficit with India, expand security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and increase cooperation in Afghanistan," the White House said in a statement. The United States has slapped tariffs on imports of steel and aluminium from India, part of Trump's drive to reduce the US trade deficit and boost American manufacturing jobs. India has threatened to retaliate but said it would not take action until the end of this month. In Afghanistan, Trump is planning to withdraw more than 5,000 of the 14,000 US troops there, a US official said last month. With a reduced military presence in Afghanistan, the United States would almost certainly have to curtail its missions, which include training and advising Afghan forces and waging an air campaign against the Taliban and other militant groups.

Trump and PM Modi discuss trade, Afghanistan in phone call: White House

The Taliban on Tuesday cancelled the planned peace talks with the US officials in Qatar over an agenda disagreement.

The meeting was cancelled even after the change&nbsp;in the&nbsp;venue of the meet on the demands of the&nbsp;Taliban. The Taliban had earlier demanded a shift in the venue of the talks to Qatar.

"Both sides have agreed to not meet in Qatar," senior Taliban members based in Afghanistan told Reuters.

The meeting between the leaders of the two groups aimed at&nbsp;a discussion to end the possible ceasefire in 2019 and the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-urge-us-to-exit-afghanistan-or-face-soviet-style-defeat-186871">withdrawal of foreign forces</a>.

Talks had been planned for two days starting Wednesday in Qatar, senior Taliban members earlier told Reuters. The Taliban had rejected requests from regional powers to allow <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-launches-brutal-attack-on-afghan-army-182317">Afghan officials </a>to take part in the discussion.

The Taliban regards the United States as its main adversary in the Afghan war and views direct talks with Washington as a legitimate effort to seek the withdrawal of foreign troops before engaging with the Afghan government.

The war in Afghanistan is America's longest overseas military intervention. It has cost Washington nearly a trillion dollars and killed tens of thousands of people.

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict have intensified since Taliban representatives began meeting with Khalilzad, an Afghan-born, US diplomat last year. Officials from the warring sides have met at least three times, but fighting has not subsided.

The leaders of the Taliban have already refused to hold direct talks with Afghanistan government.

(With inputs from Reuters)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Taliban on Tuesday cancelled the planned peace talks with the US officials in Qatar over an agenda disagreement. The meeting was cancelled even after the change in the venue of the meet on the demands of the Taliban.

The Taliban on Tuesday cancelled the planned peace talks with the US officials in Qatar over an agenda disagreement. The meeting was cancelled even after the change in the venue of the meet on the demands of the Taliban. The Taliban had earlier demanded a shift in the venue of the talks to Qatar. "Both sides have agreed to not meet in Qatar," senior Taliban members based in Afghanistan told Reuters. The meeting between the leaders of the two groups aimed at a discussion to end the possible ceasefire in 2019 and the withdrawal of foreign forces. Talks had been planned for two days starting Wednesday in Qatar, senior Taliban members earlier told Reuters. The Taliban had rejected requests from regional powers to allow Afghan officials to take part in the discussion. The Taliban regards the United States as its main adversary in the Afghan war and views direct talks with Washington as a legitimate effort to seek the withdrawal of foreign troops before engaging with the Afghan government. The war in Afghanistan is America's longest overseas military intervention. It has cost Washington nearly a trillion dollars and killed tens of thousands of people. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict have intensified since Taliban representatives began meeting with Khalilzad, an Afghan-born, US diplomat last year. Officials from the warring sides have met at least three times, but fighting has not subsided. The leaders of the Taliban have already refused to hold direct talks with Afghanistan government. (With inputs from Reuters)

Taliban call off peace talks with US officials

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-threaten-oil-fields-in-northern-afghanistan-188295">Taliban insurgents have stormed</a> security posts in west Afghanistan, killing 21 police and pro-government militia members, officials said on Monday, the latest in a surge of attacks that has cast doubt on tentative steps towards talks.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-kill-21-afghan-security-forces-threaten-city-official-188002">The Taliban attacked the checkpoints </a>in two different parts of Badghis province, which is on the border with Turkmenistan, late on Sunday, provincial officials said.

Abdul Aziz Bek, head of the Badghis provincial council, said 14 policemen and seven members of pro-government militias were killed, while nine were injured.

A second government official, Jamshid Shahabi, a spokesman for the Badghis provincial governor, said more than 15 Taliban militants were killed and 10 wounded in the clashes.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks, among the most deadly in the province in many months.

Qari Yousuf Ahmadi, a Taliban spokesman, said in a statement they killed 34 members of the security forces and pro-government militias and seized many weapons and ammunition.

Leaders of the hardline Islamist group and the US&nbsp;officials are scheduled to meet this month to discuss the withdrawal of foreign forces and a possible ceasefire.

Officials from the warring sides have met at least three times in recent months to try to agree on a way to end the 17-year war. But in the meantime, both sides are keeping up their attacks.

The Taliban say they are fighting to topple the Western-backed government and restore strict Islamic law after their ouster in 2001.

The United States and its allies say they want to stop Afghanistan from becoming a haven for international Islamist militants plotting attacks in the West. 
&nbsp;

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks, among the most deadly in the province in many months.

Taliban insurgents have stormed security posts in west Afghanistan, killing 21 police and pro-government militia members, officials said on Monday, the latest in a surge of attacks that has cast doubt on tentative steps towards talks. The Taliban attacked the checkpoints in two different parts of Badghis province, which is on the border with Turkmenistan, late on Sunday, provincial officials said. Abdul Aziz Bek, head of the Badghis provincial council, said 14 policemen and seven members of pro-government militias were killed, while nine were injured. A second government official, Jamshid Shahabi, a spokesman for the Badghis provincial governor, said more than 15 Taliban militants were killed and 10 wounded in the clashes. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks, among the most deadly in the province in many months. Qari Yousuf Ahmadi, a Taliban spokesman, said in a statement they killed 34 members of the security forces and pro-government militias and seized many weapons and ammunition. Leaders of the hardline Islamist group and the US officials are scheduled to meet this month to discuss the withdrawal of foreign forces and a possible ceasefire. Officials from the warring sides have met at least three times in recent months to try to agree on a way to end the 17-year war. But in the meantime, both sides are keeping up their attacks. The Taliban say they are fighting to topple the Western-backed government and restore strict Islamic law after their ouster in 2001. The United States and its allies say they want to stop Afghanistan from becoming a haven for international Islamist militants plotting attacks in the West.

Taliban storm security posts in west Afghanistan, kill 21

The Union Cabinet Monday cleared the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/protests-against-citizenship-bill-rock-assam-cm-asks-the-public-to-keep-calm-188444"> redrafted Citizenship Amendment Bill</a>, which seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, officials said.

A meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the bill and it is expected to be tabled in Lok Sabha Tuesday, an official privy to the development said.

The move came within hours of the presentation in Lok Sabha of a report of the Joint Parliamentary Committee examining the bill that was first introduced in Parliament in 2016.

Large sections of people in Assam and other northeastern states have been protesting against the bill, saying it would nullify the 1985 Assam Accord under which any foreign national, irrespective of religion, who had entered the state after 1971 should be deported.

The fresh bill seeks to amend the Citizenship Act 1955 to grant Indian nationality to people from minority communities — Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians — from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan after six years of residence in India instead of 12 even if they don't possess any proper documentation.

This was an election promise of the BJP in 2014.

Eight influential students' bodies of the Northeast, besides more than 40 socio-cultural organisations of Assam, have called an 11-hour 'bandh' Tuesday in protest against the central government's move to amend the Citizenship Act.

The JPC report was prepared with a majority vote as opposition members have opposed the move to grant citizenship on the basis of religion saying it is against the Constitution.

The Congress, Trinamool Congress, CPI-M, and a few other parties have been steadfastly opposing the bill claiming that citizenship can't be given on the basis of religion as India is a secular nation.

Some opposition members have even given dissent notes in the report.

Interestingly, BJP's ally Shiv Sena and JD-U have announced that they would oppose the bill in Parliament.

Speaking in Silchar in Assam on Friday, the prime minister reiterated the Centre's commitment to pass the Citizenship Amendment Bill.

"The Citizenship Bill is an atonement of the wrong that was done during India's Partition. I hope this bill is passed soon in Parliament. India will safeguard all who had been victims of the Partition," he said.

A meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the bill and it is expected to be tabled in Lok Sabha Tuesday, an official privy to the development said.

The Union Cabinet Monday cleared the redrafted Citizenship Amendment Bill, which seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, officials said. A meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the bill and it is expected to be tabled in Lok Sabha Tuesday, an official privy to the development said. The move came within hours of the presentation in Lok Sabha of a report of the Joint Parliamentary Committee examining the bill that was first introduced in Parliament in 2016. Large sections of people in Assam and other northeastern states have been protesting against the bill, saying it would nullify the 1985 Assam Accord under which any foreign national, irrespective of religion, who had entered the state after 1971 should be deported. The fresh bill seeks to amend the Citizenship Act 1955 to grant Indian nationality to people from minority communities — Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians — from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan after six years of residence in India instead of 12 even if they don't possess any proper documentation. This was an election promise of the BJP in 2014. Eight influential students' bodies of the Northeast, besides more than 40 socio-cultural organisations of Assam, have called an 11-hour 'bandh' Tuesday in protest against the central government's move to amend the Citizenship Act. The JPC report was prepared with a majority vote as opposition members have opposed the move to grant citizenship on the basis of religion saying it is against the Constitution. The Congress, Trinamool Congress, CPI-M, and a few other parties have been steadfastly opposing the bill claiming that citizenship can't be given on the basis of religion as India is a secular nation. Some opposition members have even given dissent notes in the report. Interestingly, BJP's ally Shiv Sena and JD-U have announced that they would oppose the bill in Parliament. Speaking in Silchar in Assam on Friday, the prime minister reiterated the Centre's commitment to pass the Citizenship Amendment Bill. "The Citizenship Bill is an atonement of the wrong that was done during India's Partition. I hope this bill is passed soon in Parliament. India will safeguard all who had been victims of the Partition," he said.

Union Cabinet clears Citizenship Amendment Bill, to be introduced in Lok Sabha Tuesday

Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday agreed to work jointly towards <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-role-in-afghanistan-peace-process-crucial-pakistan-183213">stabilising peace and security in Afghanistan</a>.

According to Xinhua news agency, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held bilateral talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on Sunday.&nbsp;

Both the leaders promised to make joint efforts towards eradicating terrorism and resolved to facilitate the Afghan-owned and Afghan-led reconciliation process.

A press statement released by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday said that this was the third interaction between the leadership of Pakistan and UAE in less than three months, "which is a testimony to the special nature of our brotherly relations with this important Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country."

UAE is Pakistan's largest trading partner in the Middle East and a major source of investments. It is home to more than 1.6 million expatriate community which contributes around $ 4.5 billion annually to the GDP.

"Pakistan and UAE are already working closely to transform the existing special relations into a 'Long-Term Strategic Economic Partnership', as agreed between the two leaders during the Prime Minister's visit to UAE on November 18, 2018," the statement read.

In addition, UAE also announced a generous $ three billion support to help Pakistan overcome its balance of payment crisis while the provision to provide deferred payment for oil facility is under discussion.

"UAE is our major development partner, with a tremendous contribution in education, health, energy, and infrastructure development. The most valuable support extended under UAE Pakistan Assistance Programme has been in the field of polio and education, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Muhamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan," Pakistan`s Foreign Ministry said.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi embarked on his official visit to Pakistan on January 6, at the invitation of Prime Minister Khan. The Crown Prince had last visited Pakistan in January 2007.

The Crown Prince had a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Khan, followed by delegation level talks. 
&nbsp;

According to Xinhua news agency, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held bilateral talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on Sunday.

Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday agreed to work jointly towards stabilising peace and security in Afghanistan. According to Xinhua news agency, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held bilateral talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on Sunday. Both the leaders promised to make joint efforts towards eradicating terrorism and resolved to facilitate the Afghan-owned and Afghan-led reconciliation process. A press statement released by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday said that this was the third interaction between the leadership of Pakistan and UAE in less than three months, "which is a testimony to the special nature of our brotherly relations with this important Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country." UAE is Pakistan's largest trading partner in the Middle East and a major source of investments. It is home to more than 1.6 million expatriate community which contributes around $ 4.5 billion annually to the GDP. "Pakistan and UAE are already working closely to transform the existing special relations into a 'Long-Term Strategic Economic Partnership', as agreed between the two leaders during the Prime Minister's visit to UAE on November 18, 2018," the statement read. In addition, UAE also announced a generous $ three billion support to help Pakistan overcome its balance of payment crisis while the provision to provide deferred payment for oil facility is under discussion. "UAE is our major development partner, with a tremendous contribution in education, health, energy, and infrastructure development. The most valuable support extended under UAE Pakistan Assistance Programme has been in the field of polio and education, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Muhamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan," Pakistan`s Foreign Ministry said. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi embarked on his official visit to Pakistan on January 6, at the invitation of Prime Minister Khan. The Crown Prince had last visited Pakistan in January 2007. The Crown Prince had a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Khan, followed by delegation level talks.

Pakistan, UAE to closely work on Afghanistan peace reconciliation

The death toll in the gold mine collapse in northeastern Afghanistan rose to 40 on Sunday.

Reports also suggested that 10 other miners were injured in the incident which took place&nbsp;in the north-eastern Badakhshan province at around 11 am.

"Ten other miners were injured in the incident which happened as they searched for gold in the Kohestan district of Badakhshan province,"&nbsp;CNN quoted Afghan parliament member Fawzia Koofi as saying.

According to local news reports, the miners were working at the site when the accident took place.

The spokesman for Badakhshan governor, Nek Mohammad Nazari said 15 miners, who were injured in the accident, were rushed to a hospital.

Villagers had dug a 60-metre (200-feet) deep shaft in a riverbed to search for gold.&nbsp;

It was not clear why the shaft collapsed, but the provincial governor's spokesman Nik Mohammad Nazari told AFP the miners were not professionals.

"The villagers have been involved in this business for decades with no government control over them," Nazari said.&nbsp;

(With input from agencies)

The death toll in the gold mine collapse in northeastern Afghanistan rose to 40 on Sunday. Reports also suggested that 10 other miners were injured in the incident which took place in the north-eastern Badakhshan province at around 11 am.

The death toll in the gold mine collapse in northeastern Afghanistan rose to 40 on Sunday. Reports also suggested that 10 other miners were injured in the incident which took place in the north-eastern Badakhshan province at around 11 am. "Ten other miners were injured in the incident which happened as they searched for gold in the Kohestan district of Badakhshan province," CNN quoted Afghan parliament member Fawzia Koofi as saying. According to local news reports, the miners were working at the site when the accident took place. The spokesman for Badakhshan governor, Nek Mohammad Nazari said 15 miners, who were injured in the accident, were rushed to a hospital. Villagers had dug a 60-metre (200-feet) deep shaft in a riverbed to search for gold. It was not clear why the shaft collapsed, but the provincial governor's spokesman Nik Mohammad Nazari told AFP the miners were not professionals. "The villagers have been involved in this business for decades with no government control over them," Nazari said. (With input from agencies)

Death toll mounts to 40 in Afghanistan mine collapse

At least 30 people were killed when a gold mine collapsed in northeastern Afghanistan on Sunday, officials said, in the latest tragedy to strike the war-torn country.&nbsp;

Another seven were injured in the incident in Kohistan district of Badakhshan province, district governor Mohammad Rustam Raghi told AFP.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> TOLO news: 30 killed and 15 injured in a gold mine collapse in Kohistan district in Badakhshan province, Afghanistan. <a href="https://t.co/Hl3Cn4XSm8">https://t.co/Hl3Cn4XSm8</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1081873938089689088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Villagers had dug a 60-metre (200-feet) deep shaft in a riverbed to search for gold. They were inside when the walls fell in.

It was not clear why the shaft collapsed, but the provincial governor's spokesman Nik Mohammad Nazari told AFP the miners were not professionals.

"The villagers have been involved in this business for decades with no government control over them," Nazari said.&nbsp;

"We have sent a rescue team to the area, but villagers have already started removing bodies from the site."&nbsp;

At least 30 people were killed when a gold mine collapsed in northeastern Afghanistan on Sunday, officials said, in the latest tragedy to strike the war-torn country.

At least 30 people were killed when a gold mine collapsed in northeastern Afghanistan on Sunday, officials said, in the latest tragedy to strike the war-torn country. Another seven were injured in the incident in Kohistan district of Badakhshan province, district governor Mohammad Rustam Raghi told AFP. #UPDATE TOLO news: 30 killed and 15 injured in a gold mine collapse in Kohistan district in Badakhshan province, Afghanistan. https://t.co/Hl3Cn4XSm8 — ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2019 × Villagers had dug a 60-metre (200-feet) deep shaft in a riverbed to search for gold. They were inside when the walls fell in. It was not clear why the shaft collapsed, but the provincial governor's spokesman Nik Mohammad Nazari told AFP the miners were not professionals. "The villagers have been involved in this business for decades with no government control over them," Nazari said. "We have sent a rescue team to the area, but villagers have already started removing bodies from the site."

30 killed in gold mine collapse in Afghanistan: Officials

Chabahar is back in the news after a hiatus of about two years. The contexts of its importance are several but the first one in the current milieu is the fact that despite President Donald Trump’s avowed sanctions on everything related to Iran, India’s Chabahar-based relationship with Tehran has received a waiver. That puts on course the fructification of efforts which commenced many summers ago but got an impetus with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tehran in May 2016, leading to the signing of the trilateral tripartite agreement between India, Iran and Afghanistan.

The US provided an “exception” from certain sanctions, to the Iranian port of Chabahar that India has developed and used for reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. This exemption is in addition to temporary freedom from sanctions that the US announced for India and seven major importers of Iranian crude oil.

Why is Chabahar strategically important, for India, the US, Iran and Afghanistan? That will answer many questions. It starts with the fact that its geostrategic location, outside the Persian Gulf and yet on the Iranian coastline, puts it slightly out of harm’s way in the event of the Straits of Hormuz being forcibly closed; although, it is well appreciated that such a closure will no doubt presuppose an adverse effect on all of Iran’s port facilities.

To access Central Asia, often referred to as the heart of Asia, and Afghanistan, there are only two routes from the Indian Ocean. The first is from Pakistan’s Gwadar or Karachi ports and the second is from Chabahar which lies on the southeastern coast of Iran in the Sistan-Baluchistan province. Why the US agreed to waive sanctions for activities connected with the development of the port is simply because India is the nation providing alternatives for establishing communication arteries to Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan.

For 17 years, the US has fought in Afghanistan and depended on a single artery for its logistics; through Karachi and Pakistan-Baluchistan into Afghan territory. Due to its animosity with Iran, the clearly viable alternative via Chabahar through Iranian territory, to West Afghanistan could not be exploited. The lack of development of Chabahar placed Afghanistan in a predicament because of its reliance on Karachi with all strings in the hands of none-too-friendly Pakistan.

India’s stakes in Afghanistan being high, the realization perhaps came late that Chabahar had serious transformational strategic potential to bypass Pakistan. Once India demonstrated its deep interest and the tripartite agreement with Iran and Afghanistan was signed in mid-2016, the movement of a consignment of wheat from Kandla port in Gujarat to Kabul via Chabahar went through smoothly; that experiment spurred further movement on Chabahar.

With portents of conflict termination in Afghanistan, the US too realised the important role India could play at this stage, such that all eggs were not in Pakistan’s basket. Otherwise all Pakistan needed to do in order to bring down the Afghan National Unity Government (NUG) was to establish a blockade from Karachi and the landlocked state of Afghanistan would have few options.

The tripartite agreement resolved that problem and increased India’s significance in Afghanistan. With India’s access via Chabahar, the viability of maintaining Afghanistan as a state under current dispensation, with minimal US presence, exponentially increases and there is considerable risk reduction. The joint Indian and US strategic interests in Afghanistan aim at the dilution of Pakistani influence and capability.

For the US the option of India in control is far more positive than leaving this to the stranglehold of China, Russia and Pakistan with the latter continuing to improve relations with Iran. For the Afghan NUG, this is as blissful a situation as it can expect with reduction of dependence on Pakistan and an avenue open to trade and assistance from India.

The Indian firm India Ports Global Limited has formally taken over operations at the Shahid Beheshti port in Chabahar. The routes for trade and transit corridors between the three countries have been finalised but this will remain work in progress as subsequent infrastructure caters for railway connectivity and eventual linkage to the INSTC.

While India has successfully completed a major geostrategic venture on one flank of the Persian Gulf, it needs to be mindful of the fact that its interests are divided on both sides of the Gulf. That is where the last few years of straddling diplomacy, which the Ministry of External Affairs has done with a fair degree of aplomb, will hopefully pay a dividend. India remains one of those unique countries which the Prime Minister of Israel and the President of Iran visited within two weeks of each other.

India has long and extremely important relationships with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait which are as strategic as any of its relationships. The world of multilateralism is a sphere in which India is getting increasingly competent. That is why it needs to believe that Chabahar is the opening to the long-awaited strategic and civilisational relationship with Iran which need not be at the cost of the same which must be pursued with the Arab Gulf countries with equal vigour. 2018 was a good year for this, 2019 promises to be better.

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-iran-a-port-of-call-for-india-2704295">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Chabahar is back in the news after a hiatus of about two years. The contexts of its importance are several but the first one in the current milieu is the fact that despite President Donald Trump’s avowed sanctions on everything related to Iran, India’s Chabahar-based relationship with Tehran has received a waiver.

Chabahar is back in the news after a hiatus of about two years. The contexts of its importance are several but the first one in the current milieu is the fact that despite President Donald Trump’s avowed sanctions on everything related to Iran, India’s Chabahar-based relationship with Tehran has received a waiver. That puts on course the fructification of efforts which commenced many summers ago but got an impetus with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tehran in May 2016, leading to the signing of the trilateral tripartite agreement between India, Iran and Afghanistan. The US provided an “exception” from certain sanctions, to the Iranian port of Chabahar that India has developed and used for reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. This exemption is in addition to temporary freedom from sanctions that the US announced for India and seven major importers of Iranian crude oil. Why is Chabahar strategically important, for India, the US, Iran and Afghanistan? That will answer many questions. It starts with the fact that its geostrategic location, outside the Persian Gulf and yet on the Iranian coastline, puts it slightly out of harm’s way in the event of the Straits of Hormuz being forcibly closed; although, it is well appreciated that such a closure will no doubt presuppose an adverse effect on all of Iran’s port facilities. To access Central Asia, often referred to as the heart of Asia, and Afghanistan, there are only two routes from the Indian Ocean. The first is from Pakistan’s Gwadar or Karachi ports and the second is from Chabahar which lies on the southeastern coast of Iran in the Sistan-Baluchistan province. Why the US agreed to waive sanctions for activities connected with the development of the port is simply because India is the nation providing alternatives for establishing communication arteries to Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan. For 17 years, the US has fought in Afghanistan and depended on a single artery for its logistics; through Karachi and Pakistan-Baluchistan into Afghan territory. Due to its animosity with Iran, the clearly viable alternative via Chabahar through Iranian territory, to West Afghanistan could not be exploited. The lack of development of Chabahar placed Afghanistan in a predicament because of its reliance on Karachi with all strings in the hands of none-too-friendly Pakistan. India’s stakes in Afghanistan being high, the realization perhaps came late that Chabahar had serious transformational strategic potential to bypass Pakistan. Once India demonstrated its deep interest and the tripartite agreement with Iran and Afghanistan was signed in mid-2016, the movement of a consignment of wheat from Kandla port in Gujarat to Kabul via Chabahar went through smoothly; that experiment spurred further movement on Chabahar. With portents of conflict termination in Afghanistan, the US too realised the important role India could play at this stage, such that all eggs were not in Pakistan’s basket. Otherwise all Pakistan needed to do in order to bring down the Afghan National Unity Government (NUG) was to establish a blockade from Karachi and the landlocked state of Afghanistan would have few options. The tripartite agreement resolved that problem and increased India’s significance in Afghanistan. With India’s access via Chabahar, the viability of maintaining Afghanistan as a state under current dispensation, with minimal US presence, exponentially increases and there is considerable risk reduction. The joint Indian and US strategic interests in Afghanistan aim at the dilution of Pakistani influence and capability. For the US the option of India in control is far more positive than leaving this to the stranglehold of China, Russia and Pakistan with the latter continuing to improve relations with Iran. For the Afghan NUG, this is as blissful a situation as it can expect with reduction of dependence on Pakistan and an avenue open to trade and assistance from India. The Indian firm India Ports Global Limited has formally taken over operations at the Shahid Beheshti port in Chabahar. The routes for trade and transit corridors between the three countries have been finalised but this will remain work in progress as subsequent infrastructure caters for railway connectivity and eventual linkage to the INSTC. While India has successfully completed a major geostrategic venture on one flank of the Persian Gulf, it needs to be mindful of the fact that its interests are divided on both sides of the Gulf. That is where the last few years of straddling diplomacy, which the Ministry of External Affairs has done with a fair degree of aplomb, will hopefully pay a dividend. India remains one of those unique countries which the Prime Minister of Israel and the President of Iran visited within two weeks of each other. India has long and extremely important relationships with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait which are as strategic as any of its relationships. The world of multilateralism is a sphere in which India is getting increasingly competent. That is why it needs to believe that Chabahar is the opening to the long-awaited strategic and civilisational relationship with Iran which need not be at the cost of the same which must be pursued with the Arab Gulf countries with equal vigour. 2018 was a good year for this, 2019 promises to be better. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Iran: A port of call for India

Afghanistan's National Security Advisor (NSA)<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-trumps-jibe-india-says-developmental-assistance-transforming-afghanistan-188038"> Hamdullah Mohib on Friday met India's </a>NSA Ajit Doval at Hyderabad House in which both sides had a detailed exchange of views about the recent developments in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

NSA Mohib appreciated assistance provided by India for economic development and reconstruction of Afghanistan and also for human resource development, including training of Afghan national defence and security forces in India.&nbsp;

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Held productive meetings in India with my counterpart NSA Ajit Doval and other security officials on regional stability, the democratic progress and ongoing peace efforts in Afghanistan, and bilateral security cooperation. <a href="https://t.co/KfuDi47GIo">pic.twitter.com/KfuDi47GIo</a>
— Hamdullah Mohib (@hmohib) <a href="https://twitter.com/hmohib/status/1081165135580823552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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This comes just a day after US president Donald<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-indian-pm-for-library-in-afghanistan-187955"> Trump mocked Prime Minister Modi </a>and India's aid to Afghanistan and said, “I could give you an example where I get along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi. But he is constantly telling me, he built a library in Afghanistan. Library! We are supposed to say, oh thank you for the library. Don’t know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan."

Mohib briefed the Indian side about the security situation, the holding of Parliamentary elections, scheduled presidential elections and efforts of the Afghanistan government towards peace and reconciliation.&nbsp;

In a tweet, Hamdullah Mohib said: "Held productive meetings in India with my counterpart NSA Ajit Doval and other security officials on regional stability, the democratic progress and ongoing peace efforts in Afghanistan&nbsp;and bilateral security cooperation."

NSA Doval conveyed India's continued support to Afghanistan in its efforts to bring peace, security and prosperity in the country. He reiterated New Delhi's stand on the Afghan peace process that it should be "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled. "

According to a release by the ministry of external affairs, India called on regional and international partners of Afghanistan "to work keeping in mind the priorities, wishes and desire of the Afghan people."

The release added&nbsp;that "India welcomes the fact that the people of Afghanistan have time and again reposed faith in democratic governance and the forthcoming presidential elections in Afghanistan will further deepen the roots of democracy in Afghanistan."

The NSA meet happens when the situation in Afghanistan is rapidly evolving with Russia, Iran, Pakistan and US all engaged in talks with Taliban, though the Afghan government is not pleased with talks involving the terror group.&nbsp;

The US media has been reporting that US may withdraw 7,000 troops from Afghanistan though it has not been confirmed by the Pentagon. Top Indian government sources last week told WION that New Delhi is "closely watching" recent development in Afghanistan regarding the peace initiatives and does not find any reason to be concerned about changes in US policy on Afghanistan.

Last year India participated in the Moscow talks on Afghanistan in which the Taliban also took part. India participated at non-official level sending 2 former diplomats-- Amar Sinha, India's former envoy to Afghanistan &amp; TCA Raghavan at the non-official level at the Moscow talks.

Mohib is the first high-level member of the Afghan government to visit India.

The Afghan NSA has invited NSA Doval to visit Afghanistan and the invitation has been accepted.

Next week former Afghan President Hamid Karzai and United State's special representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will visit India for Raisina Dialogue. This will the first official visit by Zalmay to India in his capacity as the special representative of US for Afghanistan and he will be meeting Indian leadership.

Afghanistan's National Security Advisor (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib on Friday met India's NSA Ajit Doval at Hyderabad House in which both sides had a detailed exchange of views about the recent developments in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan's National Security Advisor (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib on Friday met India's NSA Ajit Doval at Hyderabad House in which both sides had a detailed exchange of views about the recent developments in Afghanistan. NSA Mohib appreciated assistance provided by India for economic development and reconstruction of Afghanistan and also for human resource development, including training of Afghan national defence and security forces in India. Held productive meetings in India with my counterpart NSA Ajit Doval and other security officials on regional stability, the democratic progress and ongoing peace efforts in Afghanistan, and bilateral security cooperation. pic.twitter.com/KfuDi47GIo — Hamdullah Mohib (@hmohib) January 4, 2019 × This comes just a day after US president Donald Trump mocked Prime Minister Modi and India's aid to Afghanistan and said, “I could give you an example where I get along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi. But he is constantly telling me, he built a library in Afghanistan. Library! We are supposed to say, oh thank you for the library. Don’t know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan." Mohib briefed the Indian side about the security situation, the holding of Parliamentary elections, scheduled presidential elections and efforts of the Afghanistan government towards peace and reconciliation. In a tweet, Hamdullah Mohib said: "Held productive meetings in India with my counterpart NSA Ajit Doval and other security officials on regional stability, the democratic progress and ongoing peace efforts in Afghanistan and bilateral security cooperation." NSA Doval conveyed India's continued support to Afghanistan in its efforts to bring peace, security and prosperity in the country. He reiterated New Delhi's stand on the Afghan peace process that it should be "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled. " According to a release by the ministry of external affairs, India called on regional and international partners of Afghanistan "to work keeping in mind the priorities, wishes and desire of the Afghan people." The release added that "India welcomes the fact that the people of Afghanistan have time and again reposed faith in democratic governance and the forthcoming presidential elections in Afghanistan will further deepen the roots of democracy in Afghanistan." The NSA meet happens when the situation in Afghanistan is rapidly evolving with Russia, Iran, Pakistan and US all engaged in talks with Taliban, though the Afghan government is not pleased with talks involving the terror group. The US media has been reporting that US may withdraw 7,000 troops from Afghanistan though it has not been confirmed by the Pentagon. Top Indian government sources last week told WION that New Delhi is "closely watching" recent development in Afghanistan regarding the peace initiatives and does not find any reason to be concerned about changes in US policy on Afghanistan. Last year India participated in the Moscow talks on Afghanistan in which the Taliban also took part. India participated at non-official level sending 2 former diplomats-- Amar Sinha, India's former envoy to Afghanistan & TCA Raghavan at the non-official level at the Moscow talks. Mohib is the first high-level member of the Afghan government to visit India. The Afghan NSA has invited NSA Doval to visit Afghanistan and the invitation has been accepted. Next week former Afghan President Hamid Karzai and United State's special representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will visit India for Raisina Dialogue. This will the first official visit by Zalmay to India in his capacity as the special representative of US for Afghanistan and he will be meeting Indian leadership.

Day after Trump's jibe at Modi, Afghan government thanks India's assistance

Afghan national security advisor Hamdullah Mohib on a 3-day India visit

Taliban fighters are threatening major oil wells near the northern <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-says-hopes-for-peace-in-afghanistan-are-well-founded-179048">Afghan city</a> of Sar-e Pul following days of fighting in which dozens of members of the security forces have been killed and wounded, officials and residents said on Friday.

"The security situation in Sar-e Pul province is alarming," said Zabiullah Amani, the provincial governor’s spokesman.

"We have had promises that reinforcements would be sent to the city but nothing has been done yet," he said.

About 40 members of the security forces were killed or wounded near Sar-e Pul on Tuesday during hours of fighting that underlined the heavy pressure Afghan government forces are facing even as moves towards peace have intensified.

"The Taliban have been launching major attacks for some time with the aim of securing these oil fields and we’ve set up a special protection force but they don’t have advanced equipment," Amani said.

The wells in the Angot field, about 11 km east of Sar-e Pul city and Kashkari, 12 km to the south, were developed during the Soviet presence in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/understanding-the-afghanistan-parliamentary-elections-171961&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjsgIffoNTfAhVMKY8KHUicBus4ChAWCBowBw&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3ro4XJX4Jf0EBV5UW_fTrF">Afghanistan</a>.

Amani said eight wells were active, with millions of dollars' worth of military equipment, including armoured vehicles stored close by.

"These wells are economically important, not just for the province of Sar-e Pul but for the whole of Afghanistan," he said.

The capture of the wells would deliver a blow to the government and bolster Taliban finances, adding to revenues from taxation, mining and opium.

An aide to interior minister Amrullah Saleh said additional forces had been sent to the oil fields from neighbouring districts and a team from Kabul would be sent in coming days.

"As of now, the area is secure but we cannot deny the threat warning," he said, adding that companies operating the wells had been alerted.

The fighting comes as another round of talks is expected between US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban representatives to try to work out the basis for peace talks to end the 17-year Afghan war.

With US intentions unclear following reports that President Donald Trump is preparing to withdraw almost half of the estimated 14,000 US troops from Afghanistan, pressure on Afghan forces has been mounting.

Hekmat Haidari, a resident of Sar-e Pul city, said the situation in the province had been deteriorating sharply over recent days as the Taliban have stepped up operations.

"The oil wells in this province are a major source of income for Afghanistan and specially for Sar-e Pul province and the Taliban are trying to capture these wells or to destroy them," he said.

Taliban fighters are threatening major oil wells near the northern Afghan city of Sar-e Pul following days of fighting in which dozens of members of the security forces have been killed and wounded, officials and residents said on Friday.

Taliban fighters are threatening major oil wells near the northern Afghan city of Sar-e Pul following days of fighting in which dozens of members of the security forces have been killed and wounded, officials and residents said on Friday. "The security situation in Sar-e Pul province is alarming," said Zabiullah Amani, the provincial governor’s spokesman. "We have had promises that reinforcements would be sent to the city but nothing has been done yet," he said. About 40 members of the security forces were killed or wounded near Sar-e Pul on Tuesday during hours of fighting that underlined the heavy pressure Afghan government forces are facing even as moves towards peace have intensified. "The Taliban have been launching major attacks for some time with the aim of securing these oil fields and we’ve set up a special protection force but they don’t have advanced equipment," Amani said. The wells in the Angot field, about 11 km east of Sar-e Pul city and Kashkari, 12 km to the south, were developed during the Soviet presence in Afghanistan. Amani said eight wells were active, with millions of dollars' worth of military equipment, including armoured vehicles stored close by. "These wells are economically important, not just for the province of Sar-e Pul but for the whole of Afghanistan," he said. The capture of the wells would deliver a blow to the government and bolster Taliban finances, adding to revenues from taxation, mining and opium. An aide to interior minister Amrullah Saleh said additional forces had been sent to the oil fields from neighbouring districts and a team from Kabul would be sent in coming days. "As of now, the area is secure but we cannot deny the threat warning," he said, adding that companies operating the wells had been alerted. The fighting comes as another round of talks is expected between US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban representatives to try to work out the basis for peace talks to end the 17-year Afghan war. With US intentions unclear following reports that President Donald Trump is preparing to withdraw almost half of the estimated 14,000 US troops from Afghanistan, pressure on Afghan forces has been mounting. Hekmat Haidari, a resident of Sar-e Pul city, said the situation in the province had been deteriorating sharply over recent days as the Taliban have stepped up operations. "The oil wells in this province are a major source of income for Afghanistan and specially for Sar-e Pul province and the Taliban are trying to capture these wells or to destroy them," he said.

Taliban threaten oil fields in northern Afghanistan

Afghanistan's National Security Advisor (NSA) <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-trumps-jibe-india-says-developmental-assistance-transforming-afghanistan-188038">Hamdullah Mohib on Friday met India's</a> NSA Ajit Doval at Hyderabad house. Mohib's visit is the first high-level engagement of the Afghan government with&nbsp;India.&nbsp;

The NSAs meeting comes just a day after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-neighbours-fear-refugee-crisis-if-us-pulls-out-187705">US president Donald Trump mocked</a> Prime Minister Modi and India's aid to Afghanistan.

He said, “I could give you an example where I get along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi. But he is constantly telling me, he built a library in Afghanistan. Library! That’s like five hours of what we spend (in Afghanistan). And he (Modi) tells me. He is very smart. We are supposed to say, oh thank you for the library. Don’t know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan. But it’s one of those things. I don’t like being taken advantage of."

India slammed the comments with top government sources telling WION, "India firmly believes in the critical role that developmental assistance can play in transforming human lives." New Delhi also rejected any American demand for Indian troops on the ground saying it "does not send its armed forces abroad except under the specific mandate of UN Peacekeeping Operations."

The meet also happens when the situation in Afghanistan is rapidly evolving with Russia, Iran, Pakistan and US all engaged in talks with the Taliban.

The US media has been reporting that US may withdraw 7,000 troops from Afghanistan though it has not been confirmed by the Pentagon. Top Indian government sources last week told WION that New Delhi is "closely watching" recent developments in Afghanistan regarding the peace initiatives and does not find any reason to be concerned about changes in US policy on Afghanistan.

India's official policy on the Afghan peace process is that it should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with the participation of the government of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Last year India had participated in the Moscow talks on Afghanistan in which the Taliban also took part. India participated at a non-official level sending two former diplomats - Amar Sinha, India's former envoy to Afghanistan and TCA Raghavan at the non-official level at the Moscow talks.&nbsp;

Next week former Afghan President Hamid Karzai and United State's special representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will visit India for Raisina Dialogue.

This will be the first official visit by Zalmay to India in his capacity as the special representative of US for Afghanistan and he will be meeting the Indian leadership.

Afghanistan's National Security Advisor (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib on Friday met India's NSA Ajit Doval at Hyderabad house. Mohib's visit is the first high-level engagement of the Afghan government with India.

Afghanistan's National Security Advisor (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib on Friday met India's NSA Ajit Doval at Hyderabad house. Mohib's visit is the first high-level engagement of the Afghan government with India. The NSAs meeting comes just a day after US president Donald Trump mocked Prime Minister Modi and India's aid to Afghanistan. He said, “I could give you an example where I get along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi. But he is constantly telling me, he built a library in Afghanistan. Library! That’s like five hours of what we spend (in Afghanistan). And he (Modi) tells me. He is very smart. We are supposed to say, oh thank you for the library. Don’t know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan. But it’s one of those things. I don’t like being taken advantage of." India slammed the comments with top government sources telling WION, "India firmly believes in the critical role that developmental assistance can play in transforming human lives." New Delhi also rejected any American demand for Indian troops on the ground saying it "does not send its armed forces abroad except under the specific mandate of UN Peacekeeping Operations." The meet also happens when the situation in Afghanistan is rapidly evolving with Russia, Iran, Pakistan and US all engaged in talks with the Taliban. The US media has been reporting that US may withdraw 7,000 troops from Afghanistan though it has not been confirmed by the Pentagon. Top Indian government sources last week told WION that New Delhi is "closely watching" recent developments in Afghanistan regarding the peace initiatives and does not find any reason to be concerned about changes in US policy on Afghanistan. India's official policy on the Afghan peace process is that it should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with the participation of the government of Afghanistan. Last year India had participated in the Moscow talks on Afghanistan in which the Taliban also took part. India participated at a non-official level sending two former diplomats - Amar Sinha, India's former envoy to Afghanistan and TCA Raghavan at the non-official level at the Moscow talks. Next week former Afghan President Hamid Karzai and United State's special representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will visit India for Raisina Dialogue. This will be the first official visit by Zalmay to India in his capacity as the special representative of US for Afghanistan and he will be meeting the Indian leadership.

Afghanistan's NSA Hamdullah Mohib meets India's NSA Ajit Doval in Delhi

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for funding a library in Afghanistan, suggesting it was of no use.

Trump brought up India's aid during a rambling press appearance at a cabinet meeting as he defended his push for the United States to invest less overseas.

While stating that he got along with Modi, Trump said the Indian leader was "constantly telling me he built a library in Afghanistan."

"You know what that is? That's like five hours of what we spend," Trump said.

"And we're supposed to say, 'Oh, thank you for the library.' I don't know who's using it in Afghanistan," Trump said.

It was unclear to which project Trump was referring, but India has committed $3 billion in assistance to Afghanistan since US-led forces toppled the extremist Taliban regime after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Projects have included the reconstruction of an elite high school in Kabul and scholarships to India for 1,000 Afghan students each year.

Inaugurating the Afghan parliament building in 2015 after reconstruction financed by India, Modi promised to promote programs "empowering Afghan youth with modern education and professional skills."

India has been one of the most enthusiastic countries over the US mission in Afghanistan, where the former Taliban regime sheltered fiercely anti-Indian militants.

But India's role has alarmed its arch-rival Pakistan, whose intelligence service's continued ties to extremists in Afghanistan has been seen by analysts in part as a way to counter New Delhi.

Trump last month moved to pull all 2,000 US troops out of Syria and cut by half the 14,000-strong force in Afghanistan, calling for less spending overseas.

Alluding in Wednesday's remarks to the 1979-1989 Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, Trump said: "Russia used to be the Soviet Union. Afghanistan made it Russia because they went bankrupt fighting in Afghanistan."

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for funding a library in Afghanistan, suggesting it was of no use. Trump brought up India's aid during a rambling press appearance at a cabinet meeting as he defended his push for the United States to invest less overseas.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for funding a library in Afghanistan, suggesting it was of no use. Trump brought up India's aid during a rambling press appearance at a cabinet meeting as he defended his push for the United States to invest less overseas. While stating that he got along with Modi, Trump said the Indian leader was "constantly telling me he built a library in Afghanistan." "You know what that is? That's like five hours of what we spend," Trump said. "And we're supposed to say, 'Oh, thank you for the library.' I don't know who's using it in Afghanistan," Trump said. It was unclear to which project Trump was referring, but India has committed $3 billion in assistance to Afghanistan since US-led forces toppled the extremist Taliban regime after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Projects have included the reconstruction of an elite high school in Kabul and scholarships to India for 1,000 Afghan students each year. Inaugurating the Afghan parliament building in 2015 after reconstruction financed by India, Modi promised to promote programs "empowering Afghan youth with modern education and professional skills." India has been one of the most enthusiastic countries over the US mission in Afghanistan, where the former Taliban regime sheltered fiercely anti-Indian militants. But India's role has alarmed its arch-rival Pakistan, whose intelligence service's continued ties to extremists in Afghanistan has been seen by analysts in part as a way to counter New Delhi. Trump last month moved to pull all 2,000 US troops out of Syria and cut by half the 14,000-strong force in Afghanistan, calling for less spending overseas. Alluding in Wednesday's remarks to the 1979-1989 Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, Trump said: "Russia used to be the Soviet Union. Afghanistan made it Russia because they went bankrupt fighting in Afghanistan."

Watch: Trump mocks PM Modi for library in Afghanistan, says 'I don't know who's using it'

India has reacted to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-indian-pm-for-library-in-afghanistan-187955">US President Donald Trump's jibe&nbsp;</a> at Prime Minister Narendra Modi mocking India's development aid to Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Top sources speaking to WION said: "India firmly believes in the critical role that developmental assistance can play in transforming human lives. India plays a significant role in Afghanistan as a development partner. This partnership is built on the specific needs and requirements worked out with the government of Afghanistan. It is aimed at the welfare of the people of Afghanistan and for a tangible improvement in the lives of its people."&nbsp;

The sources further added that "India seeks to build capacities and capabilities of Afghan nationals and its institutions for governance and delivery of public service, develop socio-economic infrastructure, secure lives and promote livelihood."&nbsp;

Sources ruled out India sending troops to the country saying we "do not send armed forces abroad except under the specific mandate of UN Peacekeeping Operations."&nbsp;

The US president in his first cabinet meet of the year had said that even though he gets "along very well with India and prime minister Modi", PM Modi "is constantly telling me, he built a library in Afghanistan" and added "don’t know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan".&nbsp;

India's development partnership is premised on five pillars - infrastructure, capacity building, humanitarian assistance, economic development and connectivity.&nbsp;

On the infrastructure front, India is building a 218 km road from Zaranj to Delaram for facilitating movement of goods and services to the Iranian border.&nbsp;

The highway will connect Iran with the Garland highway, which links Kabul, Kandahar, Mazar-e-Sharif Herat and Kunduz. The construction of 220kV DC transmission line from Pul-e-Khumri to Kabul and a 220/110/20 kV sub-station at Chimtala will not only bring electricity and light to smaller towns and villages but also provide a key element of security for Afghan and US forces.&nbsp;

The India prime minister along with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had inaugurated the India-Afghanistan friendship dam (Salma Dam). The dam has an installed capacity of 42 MW and supplies water for irrigating 75,000 hectares of land. Since its inauguration in 2016, the project has been generating electricity and releasing water for irrigation. The new Afghan parliament is also built with Indian support.&nbsp;

On capacity building, more than 3,500 Afghans are undergoing various training programmes in India. New Delhi also offers 500 Indian technical and economic cooperation (ITEC) slots to Afghanistan annually.&nbsp;

As far as humanitarian assistance is concerned, India has supplied of 1.1 million MT of wheat to Afghanistan. The Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health IGICH - a 400-bed hospital is the main hospital in Afghanistan and caters to the well-being of children from all across Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Also, the direct air freight corridor between India and Afghanistan established in 2017 has increased the market for Afghan good in India.

India has reacted to US President Donald Trump's jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi mocking India's development aid to Afghanistan. Top sources speaking to WION said: "India firmly believes in the critical role that developmental assistance can play in transforming human lives.

India has reacted to US President Donald Trump's jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi mocking India's development aid to Afghanistan. Top sources speaking to WION said: "India firmly believes in the critical role that developmental assistance can play in transforming human lives. India plays a significant role in Afghanistan as a development partner. This partnership is built on the specific needs and requirements worked out with the government of Afghanistan. It is aimed at the welfare of the people of Afghanistan and for a tangible improvement in the lives of its people." The sources further added that "India seeks to build capacities and capabilities of Afghan nationals and its institutions for governance and delivery of public service, develop socio-economic infrastructure, secure lives and promote livelihood." Sources ruled out India sending troops to the country saying we "do not send armed forces abroad except under the specific mandate of UN Peacekeeping Operations." The US president in his first cabinet meet of the year had said that even though he gets "along very well with India and prime minister Modi", PM Modi "is constantly telling me, he built a library in Afghanistan" and added "don’t know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan". India's development partnership is premised on five pillars - infrastructure, capacity building, humanitarian assistance, economic development and connectivity. On the infrastructure front, India is building a 218 km road from Zaranj to Delaram for facilitating movement of goods and services to the Iranian border. The highway will connect Iran with the Garland highway, which links Kabul, Kandahar, Mazar-e-Sharif Herat and Kunduz. The construction of 220kV DC transmission line from Pul-e-Khumri to Kabul and a 220/110/20 kV sub-station at Chimtala will not only bring electricity and light to smaller towns and villages but also provide a key element of security for Afghan and US forces. The India prime minister along with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had inaugurated the India-Afghanistan friendship dam (Salma Dam). The dam has an installed capacity of 42 MW and supplies water for irrigating 75,000 hectares of land. Since its inauguration in 2016, the project has been generating electricity and releasing water for irrigation. The new Afghan parliament is also built with Indian support. On capacity building, more than 3,500 Afghans are undergoing various training programmes in India. New Delhi also offers 500 Indian technical and economic cooperation (ITEC) slots to Afghanistan annually. As far as humanitarian assistance is concerned, India has supplied of 1.1 million MT of wheat to Afghanistan. The Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health IGICH - a 400-bed hospital is the main hospital in Afghanistan and caters to the well-being of children from all across Afghanistan. Also, the direct air freight corridor between India and Afghanistan established in 2017 has increased the market for Afghan good in India.

After Trump's jibe, India says developmental assistance transforming Afghanistan

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/iran-says-afghan-taliban-were-in-tehran-for-peace-talks-187561">The Taliban discussed</a> Afghanistan's "post-occupation situation" with Iran in their latest meeting, the group said Tuesday, as Tehran makes a more concerted and open push for peace ahead of a possible US drawdown.

The remarks come after Iran confirmed Monday that the Taliban had visited Tehran for the second round of talks in just a few days that are aimed at ending the 17-year conflict.

The Taliban delegation discussed with Iran "the post-occupation situation, restoration of peace and security in Afghanistan and the region", the militants said in a statement posted on social media and emailed to journalists.

It signals growing confidence among the Taliban for US troops to pull out of Afghanistan, after US officials last month told various media outlets that President Donald Trump had decided to slash the number of boots on the ground.

There have been reports in the past of talks between Iran and the Taliban, but they have typically been denied by Tehran.

Tehran's peace push will be viewed with concern by hawks in Washington, who fear that Trump's planned withdrawal of troops from Syria and Afghanistan will cede regional influence to Iran.

The Taliban also met with the United States, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in the United Arab Emirates earlier in December as part of a flurry of diplomatic efforts to end the war.

But the Taliban refused to meet a delegation from Afghanistan. The group said Saturday its representatives would not meet "with those of the Kabul administration" at the next meeting expected to be held in Saudi Arabia later this month.

Iran's deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi will travel to Afghanistan in the next two weeks, the foreign ministry said, without giving further details.

Iran and Afghanistan share a nearly 600-mile (960-kilometre) border and have had a complex relationship in recent years.

Tehran has long supported its co-religionists in Afghanistan, the Shia Hazara minority, who were violently persecuted by the Taliban during its rule in the 1990s. Iran worked alongside the United States and Western powers to help drive out the Taliban after the US-led invasion in 2001.

But there have been allegations, from Western and Afghan sources, that Iran's Revolutionary Guards have in recent years established ties with the Taliban aimed at driving out US forces from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The Taliban delegation discussed with Iran 'the post-occupation situation, restoration of peace and security in Afghanistan and the region', the militants said.

The Taliban discussed Afghanistan's "post-occupation situation" with Iran in their latest meeting, the group said Tuesday, as Tehran makes a more concerted and open push for peace ahead of a possible US drawdown. The remarks come after Iran confirmed Monday that the Taliban had visited Tehran for the second round of talks in just a few days that are aimed at ending the 17-year conflict. The Taliban delegation discussed with Iran "the post-occupation situation, restoration of peace and security in Afghanistan and the region", the militants said in a statement posted on social media and emailed to journalists. It signals growing confidence among the Taliban for US troops to pull out of Afghanistan, after US officials last month told various media outlets that President Donald Trump had decided to slash the number of boots on the ground. There have been reports in the past of talks between Iran and the Taliban, but they have typically been denied by Tehran. Tehran's peace push will be viewed with concern by hawks in Washington, who fear that Trump's planned withdrawal of troops from Syria and Afghanistan will cede regional influence to Iran. The Taliban also met with the United States, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in the United Arab Emirates earlier in December as part of a flurry of diplomatic efforts to end the war. But the Taliban refused to meet a delegation from Afghanistan. The group said Saturday its representatives would not meet "with those of the Kabul administration" at the next meeting expected to be held in Saudi Arabia later this month. Iran's deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi will travel to Afghanistan in the next two weeks, the foreign ministry said, without giving further details. Iran and Afghanistan share a nearly 600-mile (960-kilometre) border and have had a complex relationship in recent years. Tehran has long supported its co-religionists in Afghanistan, the Shia Hazara minority, who were violently persecuted by the Taliban during its rule in the 1990s. Iran worked alongside the United States and Western powers to help drive out the Taliban after the US-led invasion in 2001. But there have been allegations, from Western and Afghan sources, that Iran's Revolutionary Guards have in recent years established ties with the Taliban aimed at driving out US forces from Afghanistan.

Afghan Taliban says 'post-occupation' discussed with Iran

Afghanistan's neighbours, caught off-guard by reports of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-orders-to-pull-out-top-us-commander-in-afghanistan-186177">US plans to withdraw thousands of troops</a>, have begun preparing for the risk that a pullout could send hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing across their borders, diplomats say.

Alarmed by the possibility of a chaotic withdrawal, diplomats from neighbouring countries who have been in talks with US officials in Kabul said they were reassessing policies and would ramp up border preparations.

"At this point, there is no clarity about the withdrawal, but we have to keep a clear action plan ready," said a senior Asian diplomat based in Kabul. "The situation can turn from bad to worse very quickly."&nbsp;

A White House spokesman last week said US President Donald Trump had not issued orders to the Pentagon to withdraw troops from Afghanistan.

But the administration has not denied reports that the United States plans to pull out almost half of the 14,000-strong force currently deployed.

The reports come amid an intensification of moves towards peace negotiations in Afghanistan. US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met Taliban representatives last month and discussed issues around a future troop withdrawal as well as proposals for a ceasefire.

But even among regional powers such as Iran, Pakistan or Russia that have long been suspicious that the United States wants permanent military bases in South Asia, there is no appetite for a sudden US withdrawal, say analysts.

"While the news of a potential US drawdown may be a reason for cautious optimism in the region, they don't want an abrupt withdrawal," said Graeme Smith, a consultant for the International Crisis Group.

"All sides recognise that a precipitous pullout could spark a new civil war that destabilises the region. The neighbours do not enjoy surprises, and the uncertain signals from Washington are causing anxiety."

The United States, which sent troops to Afghanistan in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington and at the peak of the deployment had more than 100,000 troops in the country, withdrew most of its forces in 2014, but still keeps around 14,000 troops there as part of a NATO-led mission aiding the Afghan security forces and hunting militants.

The top US general in Afghanistan said 2019 was going to be an interesting year.

"The policy review is going on in multiple capitals, peace talks out there, regional players pressing for peace, the Taliban talking about peace, the Afghan government talking about peace," said General Scott Miller, the US commander of Afghanistan`s NATO-led force, at the Resolute Support mission headquarters in Kabul.

BORDER SECURITY

Pakistan, which was already working to fence its 1,400 km (870 miles) frontier with Afghanistan and deploy a 50,000-strong paramilitary force along the border, is preparing for a fresh influx of refugees in the event of a disorder.

"Camps will be set up near the border to manage a fresh wave of Afghan refugees and illegal migrants and Afghans will not be allowed to set up illegal homes in Pakistan," said an official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Afghanistan, which shares borders with Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China, is already the world`s second-biggest source of refugees, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) estimates that approximately 1.4 million undocumented Afghans live in Pakistan and possibly 1.2 million in Iran.

While thousands of undocumented Afghans were driven out of Iran by recent political and economic turbulence, Iranian officials in Kabul said they fear a sudden US troop withdrawal could reverse that trend.

"We are working closely with the Afghan government to stop Afghans from entering our country. We don't want to use violence to stop them, but a sudden US pullout will lead to a crisis," said an Iranian official.

Afghanistan does not share a land border with Turkey, but Afghans enter Turkey from Iran to work as shepherds, farmers or in the construction sector. Many use it as a transit point to try to enter Europe.

"We have not closed our door but the number of illegal migrants is increasing on a daily basis," said Mehmet Ozgur Sak, the second secretary at the Turkish embassy in Kabul.&nbsp;

In 2018, Turkish police say they intercepted 90,000 Afghans who were trying to enter the country with fake documents or with the help of traffickers, double the number in 2017.

As negotiations over the future of the country gather momentum, the Taliban have been trying to reassure Afghans that they have nothing to fear after foreign forces leave.

But there are Afghans who refuse to trust the Taliban`s new stance. Sayed Rafi Sadat, a student in western Herat province, said the Taliban would impose harsh laws to destroy democracy.

"If US troops withdraw then there is no hope for the future and we will have to leave the country," he said.

A White House spokesman last week said US President Donald Trump had not issued orders to the Pentagon to withdraw troops from Afghanistan.

Afghanistan's neighbours, caught off-guard by reports of US plans to withdraw thousands of troops, have begun preparing for the risk that a pullout could send hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing across their borders, diplomats say. Alarmed by the possibility of a chaotic withdrawal, diplomats from neighbouring countries who have been in talks with US officials in Kabul said they were reassessing policies and would ramp up border preparations. "At this point, there is no clarity about the withdrawal, but we have to keep a clear action plan ready," said a senior Asian diplomat based in Kabul. "The situation can turn from bad to worse very quickly." A White House spokesman last week said US President Donald Trump had not issued orders to the Pentagon to withdraw troops from Afghanistan. But the administration has not denied reports that the United States plans to pull out almost half of the 14,000-strong force currently deployed. The reports come amid an intensification of moves towards peace negotiations in Afghanistan. US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met Taliban representatives last month and discussed issues around a future troop withdrawal as well as proposals for a ceasefire. But even among regional powers such as Iran, Pakistan or Russia that have long been suspicious that the United States wants permanent military bases in South Asia, there is no appetite for a sudden US withdrawal, say analysts. "While the news of a potential US drawdown may be a reason for cautious optimism in the region, they don't want an abrupt withdrawal," said Graeme Smith, a consultant for the International Crisis Group. "All sides recognise that a precipitous pullout could spark a new civil war that destabilises the region. The neighbours do not enjoy surprises, and the uncertain signals from Washington are causing anxiety." The United States, which sent troops to Afghanistan in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington and at the peak of the deployment had more than 100,000 troops in the country, withdrew most of its forces in 2014, but still keeps around 14,000 troops there as part of a NATO-led mission aiding the Afghan security forces and hunting militants. The top US general in Afghanistan said 2019 was going to be an interesting year. "The policy review is going on in multiple capitals, peace talks out there, regional players pressing for peace, the Taliban talking about peace, the Afghan government talking about peace," said General Scott Miller, the US commander of Afghanistan`s NATO-led force, at the Resolute Support mission headquarters in Kabul. BORDER SECURITY Pakistan, which was already working to fence its 1,400 km (870 miles) frontier with Afghanistan and deploy a 50,000-strong paramilitary force along the border, is preparing for a fresh influx of refugees in the event of a disorder. "Camps will be set up near the border to manage a fresh wave of Afghan refugees and illegal migrants and Afghans will not be allowed to set up illegal homes in Pakistan," said an official, speaking on condition of anonymity. Afghanistan, which shares borders with Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China, is already the world`s second-biggest source of refugees, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) estimates that approximately 1.4 million undocumented Afghans live in Pakistan and possibly 1.2 million in Iran. While thousands of undocumented Afghans were driven out of Iran by recent political and economic turbulence, Iranian officials in Kabul said they fear a sudden US troop withdrawal could reverse that trend. "We are working closely with the Afghan government to stop Afghans from entering our country. We don't want to use violence to stop them, but a sudden US pullout will lead to a crisis," said an Iranian official. Afghanistan does not share a land border with Turkey, but Afghans enter Turkey from Iran to work as shepherds, farmers or in the construction sector. Many use it as a transit point to try to enter Europe. "We have not closed our door but the number of illegal migrants is increasing on a daily basis," said Mehmet Ozgur Sak, the second secretary at the Turkish embassy in Kabul. In 2018, Turkish police say they intercepted 90,000 Afghans who were trying to enter the country with fake documents or with the help of traffickers, double the number in 2017. As negotiations over the future of the country gather momentum, the Taliban have been trying to reassure Afghans that they have nothing to fear after foreign forces leave. But there are Afghans who refuse to trust the Taliban`s new stance. Sayed Rafi Sadat, a student in western Herat province, said the Taliban would impose harsh laws to destroy democracy. "If US troops withdraw then there is no hope for the future and we will have to leave the country," he said.

Afghanistan's neighbours fear refugee crisis if US pulls out

The Taliban have rejected Kabul's offer of talks next month in Saudi Arabia where the militants, fighting to restore strict Islamic law in Afghanistan, will meet US officials to further peace efforts, a Taliban leader said on Sunday.

Representatives from the Taliban, the United States and regional countries met this month in the United Arab Emirates for talks to end the 17-year war in Afghanistan.

But the Taliban have refused to hold formal talks with the Western-backed Afghan government.

"We will meet the US officials in Saudi Arabia in January next year and we will start our talks that remained incomplete in Abu Dhabi," a member of the Taliban’s decision-making Leadership Council told Reuters. "However, we have made it clear to all the stakeholders that we will not talk to the Afghan government."

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid also said the leaders of the group would not talk to the Afghan government.

The militants have insisted on first reaching an agreement with the United States, which the group sees as the main force in Afghanistan since U.S.-led forces toppled the Taliban government in 2001.&nbsp;

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict have intensified after Taliban representatives started meeting US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad this year. Officials from the warring sides have met at least three times to discuss the withdrawal of international forces and a ceasefire in 2019.&nbsp;

But the United States has insisted that any final settlement must be led by the Afghans.

According to data from the NATO-led Resolute Support mission published in November, the government of President Ashraf Ghani has control or influence over 65 per cent of the population but only 55.5 per cent of Afghanistan’s 407 districts, less than at any time since 2001. The Taliban say they control 70 per cent of the country.

A close aide to Ghani said the government would keep trying to establish a direct line of diplomatic communication with the Taliban.

"Talks should be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned," the aide said on condition of anonymity. "It is important that the Taliban acknowledge this fact."&nbsp; 
US President Donald Trump has announced a pullout of American troops from Syria, a decision that prompted the resignation of Defense Secretary James Mattis, and there have been reports that he is considering a partial pullout from Afghanistan.

The Taliban have rejected Kabul's offer of talks next month in Saudi Arabia where the militants, fighting to restore strict Islamic law in Afghanistan, will meet US officials to further peace efforts, a Taliban leader said on Sunday.

The Taliban have rejected Kabul's offer of talks next month in Saudi Arabia where the militants, fighting to restore strict Islamic law in Afghanistan, will meet US officials to further peace efforts, a Taliban leader said on Sunday. Representatives from the Taliban, the United States and regional countries met this month in the United Arab Emirates for talks to end the 17-year war in Afghanistan. But the Taliban have refused to hold formal talks with the Western-backed Afghan government. "We will meet the US officials in Saudi Arabia in January next year and we will start our talks that remained incomplete in Abu Dhabi," a member of the Taliban’s decision-making Leadership Council told Reuters. "However, we have made it clear to all the stakeholders that we will not talk to the Afghan government." Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid also said the leaders of the group would not talk to the Afghan government. The militants have insisted on first reaching an agreement with the United States, which the group sees as the main force in Afghanistan since U.S.-led forces toppled the Taliban government in 2001. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict have intensified after Taliban representatives started meeting US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad this year. Officials from the warring sides have met at least three times to discuss the withdrawal of international forces and a ceasefire in 2019. But the United States has insisted that any final settlement must be led by the Afghans. According to data from the NATO-led Resolute Support mission published in November, the government of President Ashraf Ghani has control or influence over 65 per cent of the population but only 55.5 per cent of Afghanistan’s 407 districts, less than at any time since 2001. The Taliban say they control 70 per cent of the country. A close aide to Ghani said the government would keep trying to establish a direct line of diplomatic communication with the Taliban. "Talks should be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned," the aide said on condition of anonymity. "It is important that the Taliban acknowledge this fact." US President Donald Trump has announced a pullout of American troops from Syria, a decision that prompted the resignation of Defense Secretary James Mattis, and there have been reports that he is considering a partial pullout from Afghanistan.

Taliban dismiss Afghanistan's peace talks offer

The spokesperson for the Islamic State militant group in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region has been killed in an airstrike by the United States forces, the Afghan defense ministry said Thursday.

Sultan Aziz, the outfit's spokesperson for the so-called Khorasan province, which includes Afghanistan, Pakistan and parts of Iran, was hit in Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan, the ministry's 201st Selab Military Corps said in a statement.

"(He) was killed in Pachir-Agam district of Nangarhar province two days ago by the US drone strike," the statement said.

According to the statement, Aziz was also in-charge of recruiting fighters to carry out "deadly terrorist attacks against civilians."

Nangarhar, bordering Pakistan, has been a known bastion of the Islamic State since the group sprung up in Afghanistan in 2015.

Although over the last two years, the presence of its fighters has considerably reduced in other Afghan provinces, the group continues to remain active in Nangarhar and has claimed among the bloodiest attacks in the country.

According to the latest United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) report, between January 1 and September 30 this year, Nangarhar, for the first time, overtook Kabul as the province with the highest civilian casualties with 554 dead and 940 wounded.

Across the country, 25 per cent of all casualties during this period were attributed to the Islamic State, while the Taliban was held responsible for 35 per cent.

The spokesperson for the Islamic State militant group in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region has been killed in an airstrike by the United States forces, the Afghan defense ministry said Thursday.

The spokesperson for the Islamic State militant group in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region has been killed in an airstrike by the United States forces, the Afghan defense ministry said Thursday. Sultan Aziz, the outfit's spokesperson for the so-called Khorasan province, which includes Afghanistan, Pakistan and parts of Iran, was hit in Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan, the ministry's 201st Selab Military Corps said in a statement. "(He) was killed in Pachir-Agam district of Nangarhar province two days ago by the US drone strike," the statement said. According to the statement, Aziz was also in-charge of recruiting fighters to carry out "deadly terrorist attacks against civilians." Nangarhar, bordering Pakistan, has been a known bastion of the Islamic State since the group sprung up in Afghanistan in 2015. Although over the last two years, the presence of its fighters has considerably reduced in other Afghan provinces, the group continues to remain active in Nangarhar and has claimed among the bloodiest attacks in the country. According to the latest United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) report, between January 1 and September 30 this year, Nangarhar, for the first time, overtook Kabul as the province with the highest civilian casualties with 554 dead and 940 wounded. Across the country, 25 per cent of all casualties during this period were attributed to the Islamic State, while the Taliban was held responsible for 35 per cent.

US drone strike kills Islamic State spokesperson in Afghanistan

The Taliban warned the United States Thursday it would face the same fate as the Soviet Union in the 1980s if it did not leave Afghanistan, as Washington considers slashing troop numbers.

In a taunting message sent on the 39th anniversary of the Soviet invasion of the war-torn country, the Taliban said US forces faced "humiliation" and could "learn a great deal" from the experience of their Cold War foe.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-outlines-plan-to-confidence-building-measures-with-afghan-taliban-offers-safety-network-to-rebels-186849">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-outlines-plan-to-confidence-building-measures-with-afghan-taliban-offers-safety-network-to-rebels-186849"> offers to release Afghan Taliban captives, jobs in return of ceasefire</a>

The Soviets pulled out of Afghanistan in 1989, ending a decade-long occupation and precipitating a bloody civil war and the emergence of the Taliban.

"Take heed from the Soviet defeat in Afghanistan and abandon thoughts of testing the mettle of the already proven Afghans," Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said in a statement in English, Dari and Pashto.

Mujahid said any future relations between the Taliban and the United States should be based on "sound diplomatic and economic principles" rather than conflict.

The Taliban have not formally responded to the news that Trump had decided to withdraw roughly half of the 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

But a senior commander told AFP that the group was "more than happy". The Taliban have long insisted on the withdrawal of foreign troops as a condition for engaging in peace talks.

The White House has so far not confirmed the widely-publicised move that left foreign diplomats and Afghan officials in Kabul stunned and dismayed.&nbsp;

It came last week as US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with the Taliban in Abu Dhabi, part of efforts to bring the militants to the negotiating table with Kabul.

That was the latest in a series of meetings between US officials and representatives of the Talian that began in the summer.

There are fears Trump's decision could undermine Khalilzad's negotiating position, embolden the Taliban, and further erode morale among Afghan forces, which are suffering record losses.

The Taliban warned the United States Thursday it would face the same fate as the Soviet Union in the 1980s if it did not leave Afghanistan, as Washington considers slashing troop numbers.

The Taliban warned the United States Thursday it would face the same fate as the Soviet Union in the 1980s if it did not leave Afghanistan, as Washington considers slashing troop numbers. In a taunting message sent on the 39th anniversary of the Soviet invasion of the war-torn country, the Taliban said US forces faced "humiliation" and could "learn a great deal" from the experience of their Cold War foe. Also read: US offers to release Afghan Taliban captives, jobs in return of ceasefire The Soviets pulled out of Afghanistan in 1989, ending a decade-long occupation and precipitating a bloody civil war and the emergence of the Taliban. "Take heed from the Soviet defeat in Afghanistan and abandon thoughts of testing the mettle of the already proven Afghans," Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said in a statement in English, Dari and Pashto. Mujahid said any future relations between the Taliban and the United States should be based on "sound diplomatic and economic principles" rather than conflict. The Taliban have not formally responded to the news that Trump had decided to withdraw roughly half of the 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan. But a senior commander told AFP that the group was "more than happy". The Taliban have long insisted on the withdrawal of foreign troops as a condition for engaging in peace talks. The White House has so far not confirmed the widely-publicised move that left foreign diplomats and Afghan officials in Kabul stunned and dismayed. It came last week as US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with the Taliban in Abu Dhabi, part of efforts to bring the militants to the negotiating table with Kabul. That was the latest in a series of meetings between US officials and representatives of the Talian that began in the summer. There are fears Trump's decision could undermine Khalilzad's negotiating position, embolden the Taliban, and further erode morale among Afghan forces, which are suffering record losses.

Taliban urge US to exit Afghanistan or face Soviet-style defeat

India is "closely watching" recent development in Afghanistan regarding the peace initiatives and does not find any reason to be concerned about changes in US policy on Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Sources have told WION that the "basis of US South Asia policy was not India front and centre but the US in Afghanistan". US South Asia policy under Trump administration had called for greater participation of India, something that had miffed Pakistan.

India's official policy on the Afghan peace process is that it should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with the participation of the Government of Afghanistan.

On recent participation of New Delhi at the non-official level during Moscow format talks on Afghanistan, sources said "We haven't spoken to the Taliban and that is our policy&nbsp;but India would like to be in all the processes since we have a legitimate interest in Afghanistan".

India sent 2 former diplomats-- Amar Sinha, India's former envoy to Afghanistan &amp; TCA Raghavan at the non-official level at the Moscow talks.

US special representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will be visiting India in January during which he will be meeting Indian leadership and brief them about developments in Afghanistan.

Recent months have seen hectic parleys on peace in Afghanistan. Earlier this month Foreign Ministers of China, Afghanistan &amp; Pakistan meet in Kabul and earlier this week Pakistani FM Shah Mehmood Qureshi was in Kabul, his 2nd visit to the country in one month. Iran, US, Russia have been engaging with the Taliban.

The development coming even as US media reported that US President Donald Trump may withdraw 7000 troops from Afghanistan, something that still is to be confirmed by Pentagon.

India is "closely watching" recent development in Afghanistan regarding the peace initiatives and does not find any reason to be concerned about changes in US policy on Afghanistan.

India is "closely watching" recent development in Afghanistan regarding the peace initiatives and does not find any reason to be concerned about changes in US policy on Afghanistan. Sources have told WION that the "basis of US South Asia policy was not India front and centre but the US in Afghanistan". US South Asia policy under Trump administration had called for greater participation of India, something that had miffed Pakistan. India's official policy on the Afghan peace process is that it should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with the participation of the Government of Afghanistan. On recent participation of New Delhi at the non-official level during Moscow format talks on Afghanistan, sources said "We haven't spoken to the Taliban and that is our policy but India would like to be in all the processes since we have a legitimate interest in Afghanistan". India sent 2 former diplomats-- Amar Sinha, India's former envoy to Afghanistan & TCA Raghavan at the non-official level at the Moscow talks. US special representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will be visiting India in January during which he will be meeting Indian leadership and brief them about developments in Afghanistan. Recent months have seen hectic parleys on peace in Afghanistan. Earlier this month Foreign Ministers of China, Afghanistan & Pakistan meet in Kabul and earlier this week Pakistani FM Shah Mehmood Qureshi was in Kabul, his 2nd visit to the country in one month. Iran, US, Russia have been engaging with the Taliban. The development coming even as US media reported that US President Donald Trump may withdraw 7000 troops from Afghanistan, something that still is to be confirmed by Pentagon.

India closely watching developments in Afghanistan

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/understanding-the-afghanistan-parliamentary-elections-171961">Afghanistan's election</a> organisers are again considering postponing April's presidential ballot for two months, an official said Thursday, in an attempt to avoid a repeat of October's shambolic legislative vote.

The remarks come at a sensitive time for Afghanistan as the Taliban step up their bloody offensive and President Donald Trump's plan to slash American troop numbers threatens to derail US-led peace efforts.

The Independent Election Commission, which was skewered over its handling of the parliamentary vote, was meeting with "relevant sides", including potential candidates, to discuss delaying the ballot.

"The purpose is reform and to avoid problems which occurred in the parliamentary election," IEC spokesman Zabi Sadat told AFP.

"No decision is final yet, but we will make an announcement soon."

The IEC is still finalising results of the parliamentary vote held two months ago and observers have expressed concern that it would struggle to organise a presidential election in April.

The IEC has already mulled delaying the poll once, but vowed in November to hold it on time "on the demand of the people and parties".

Presidential, provincial council and district council elections are scheduled to take place across the country in 2019.

A parliamentary poll, which was held in 33 out of Afghanistan's 34 provinces in October, also needs to be carried out in Ghazni where voting was delayed following protests.

The Afghan constitution requires the presidential election take place no later than April 22.

While there has been no official announcement of a US drawdown, the mere suggestion of the United States reducing its military presence has rattled the Afghan capital.&nbsp;

Trump's decision to pull out some 7,000 US forces apparently came last week as US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with the Taliban in Abu Dhabi, part of efforts to bring the militants to the negotiating table with Kabul.

There are fears the hasty move could undermine Khalilzad's negotiating position, embolden the Taliban, and further erode morale among Afghan forces, which are suffering record losses.

Many Afghans are worried that President Ashraf Ghani's fragile unity government would collapse if US troops pulled out, enabling the Taliban to return to power and potentially sparking another bloody civil war.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's election organisers are again considering postponing April's presidential ballot for two months, an official said Thursday, in an attempt to avoid a repeat of October's shambolic legislative vote.

Afghanistan's election organisers are again considering postponing April's presidential ballot for two months, an official said Thursday, in an attempt to avoid a repeat of October's shambolic legislative vote. The remarks come at a sensitive time for Afghanistan as the Taliban step up their bloody offensive and President Donald Trump's plan to slash American troop numbers threatens to derail US-led peace efforts. The Independent Election Commission, which was skewered over its handling of the parliamentary vote, was meeting with "relevant sides", including potential candidates, to discuss delaying the ballot. "The purpose is reform and to avoid problems which occurred in the parliamentary election," IEC spokesman Zabi Sadat told AFP. "No decision is final yet, but we will make an announcement soon." The IEC is still finalising results of the parliamentary vote held two months ago and observers have expressed concern that it would struggle to organise a presidential election in April. The IEC has already mulled delaying the poll once, but vowed in November to hold it on time "on the demand of the people and parties". Presidential, provincial council and district council elections are scheduled to take place across the country in 2019. A parliamentary poll, which was held in 33 out of Afghanistan's 34 provinces in October, also needs to be carried out in Ghazni where voting was delayed following protests. The Afghan constitution requires the presidential election take place no later than April 22. While there has been no official announcement of a US drawdown, the mere suggestion of the United States reducing its military presence has rattled the Afghan capital. Trump's decision to pull out some 7,000 US forces apparently came last week as US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with the Taliban in Abu Dhabi, part of efforts to bring the militants to the negotiating table with Kabul. There are fears the hasty move could undermine Khalilzad's negotiating position, embolden the Taliban, and further erode morale among Afghan forces, which are suffering record losses. Many Afghans are worried that President Ashraf Ghani's fragile unity government would collapse if US troops pulled out, enabling the Taliban to return to power and potentially sparking another bloody civil war.

Afghan election organisers mull delaying presidential vote

As far as Gulf leaders are concerned, President Donald J Trump demonstrated with his announced US troop withdrawals from Syria and Afghanistan that his insistence that the “world is a dangerous place” has never been truer.

The troop withdrawals coupled with Trump’s praising of Saudi Arabia’s alleged willingness to foot the reconstruction bill in Syria emphasised his lack of geopolitical interest in the Middle East.

If former US president Barak Obama’s seeming unwillingness to wholeheartedly support embattled Arab leaders during the 2011 Arab popular revolts that toppled the heads of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen, was at the root of at times reckless greater assertiveness displayed since then by the leaders of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Trump’s moves literally threaten to leave them hanging in the air.

A similar conclusion can be drawn for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who appears to have successfully persuaded Trump to postpone publication of his Israeli-Palestinian peace plan until after Israel’s April 9 early elections because it portends to be less favourable to Israel than expected.

Despite Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the plan reportedly sees the city as the capital of both the Jewish and a Palestinian state.

The troop withdrawals and the peace plan confirm Middle Eastern leaders’, particularly those in the Gulf, worst fears: they are left without a reliable ally that will unconditionally protect their interests and they have no one to turn to who could fully replace the United States as their unquestioned protector.

The resignation of US defence secretary Jim Mattis deepens the crisis for Gulf leaders. “Mattis’ departure means the loss of a key interlocutor at the Department of Defense, the Cabinet-level agency with which the Gulf countries deal most. It also means losing a senior figure who views Middle Eastern strategic realities in terms very similar to their own. The fact that Mattis resigned over policy disagreements with the president does not bode well for future trends in Washington from a Gulf Arab perspective,” said Middle East scholar Hussein Ibish.

Trump has proven to be unreliable. His granting of waivers to Iran’s major oil buyers as well as for Indian investment in the Iranian port of Chabahar, viewed by Saudi Arabia and the UAE as a threat to their geopolitical and economic interests, was the writing on the wall despite the harsh sanctions imposed on Iran by the president. Syria and Afghanistan cement the fact that Trump is both unpredictable and unreliable.

The world’s other three major powers, Europe, Russia and China, have at best aspects of what the United States has to offer but lack the ability and/or interest to fully replace the United States as the Gulf leaders’ protector in the way that Trump seemed to do at the outset of his presidency.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE already have fundamental differences over Iran with the three powers who oppose US sanctions and want to salvage the 2015 international agreement that curbed the Islamic republic’s nuclear program. Similarly, the three world powers have refused to back the 18-month old Saudi-UAE-led economic and diplomatic boycott of Qatar and call for a speedy resolution of the crisis.

Russia, moreover, is keen to sell weaponry to the Gulf, who are among the world’s biggest buyers, exploit vacuums created by US policy, and capitalise as a non-OPEC producer in enabling Gulf efforts to manipulate production and world oil prices but is not eager to inherit the US defence umbrella for the region.

Said Russia and energy expert Li-Chen Sim: “The Gulf is not a key focus of Russian foreign policy… I don’t see the Russians taking any advantage of the problems between the Saudis and the Americans to play a larger security role.” Sim was referring to US Congressional blaming of Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and condemnation of Saudi conduct of the war in Yemen.

By the same token, China has neither the ability nor the appetite to replace the United States in the Gulf. On the contrary, China has preferred to benefit from US regional protection, prompting US assertions that the Chinese were free-riders. As is evident across Eurasia in projects related to China’s infrastructure and energy-driven Belt and Road initiative, Chinese support does not come without strings. The same is true for Europe.

China’s brutal crackdown on Turkic Muslims that is expanding to other Muslim groups in the country, moreover, represents a potential black swan in China-Gulf relations.

The impact of Saudi and UAE uncertainty with no one world power available to cater to all their needs is reflected in apparent efforts to rebuild bridges with Syrian president Bashar al-Assad whose ouster they sought for much of the Syrian civil war.

A recent visit to Damascus by embattled Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir, the first by an Arab leader since the civil war erupted in 2011, was widely seen as the beginning of a thaw in Syrian-Arab relations.

Ali Mamlouk, the head of Syrian air force intelligence and a close associate of Al-Assad, met in Cairo days later with Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel.

The UAE is, according to unconfirmed reports, refurbishing its embassy in Damascus that has been empty since Gulf states broke off relations with Syria early on in the civil war.

Adding to Gulf leaders’ uncertainty, Trump left many guessing when he this week thanked Saudi Arabia on Twitter for agreeing to “to spend the necessary money needed to help rebuild Syria, instead of the United States.”

With Saudi Arabia refraining from comment, it was not clear what Trump was referring to. Saudi Arabia transferred in October in the immediate wake of the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi $100 million to the US to help stabilise parts of Syria.

The vacuum created by Trump risks fuelling greater Gulf assertiveness with potentially messy consequences.

A close associate of Tunisian president Beji Caid Essebsi asserted earlier this year that the UAE had offered Tunisia financial assistance if Essebsi followed the example of Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, who imposed a brutal autocracy after staging in 2013 a military coup to topple Mohammed Morsi, Egypt’s only democratically elected president.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia this month pledged $830 million in aid for Tunisia following Prince Mohammed’s controversial visit last month as part of a tour designed to demonstrate that his position remained strong despite Khashoggi’s killing.

Trump described the world as a dangerous place in shrugging off allegations that Prince Mohammed may have been responsible for the killing of Jamal Khashoggi. Gulf leaders are likely to share that perception in response to the president’s seeming unwillingness to fully take their interests into account.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

As far as Gulf leaders are concerned, President Donald J Trump demonstrated with his announced US troop withdrawals from Syria and Afghanistan that his insistence that the “world is a dangerous place” has never been truer.

As far as Gulf leaders are concerned, President Donald J Trump demonstrated with his announced US troop withdrawals from Syria and Afghanistan that his insistence that the “world is a dangerous place” has never been truer. The troop withdrawals coupled with Trump’s praising of Saudi Arabia’s alleged willingness to foot the reconstruction bill in Syria emphasised his lack of geopolitical interest in the Middle East. If former US president Barak Obama’s seeming unwillingness to wholeheartedly support embattled Arab leaders during the 2011 Arab popular revolts that toppled the heads of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen, was at the root of at times reckless greater assertiveness displayed since then by the leaders of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Trump’s moves literally threaten to leave them hanging in the air. A similar conclusion can be drawn for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who appears to have successfully persuaded Trump to postpone publication of his Israeli-Palestinian peace plan until after Israel’s April 9 early elections because it portends to be less favourable to Israel than expected. Despite Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the plan reportedly sees the city as the capital of both the Jewish and a Palestinian state. The troop withdrawals and the peace plan confirm Middle Eastern leaders’, particularly those in the Gulf, worst fears: they are left without a reliable ally that will unconditionally protect their interests and they have no one to turn to who could fully replace the United States as their unquestioned protector. The resignation of US defence secretary Jim Mattis deepens the crisis for Gulf leaders. “Mattis’ departure means the loss of a key interlocutor at the Department of Defense, the Cabinet-level agency with which the Gulf countries deal most. It also means losing a senior figure who views Middle Eastern strategic realities in terms very similar to their own. The fact that Mattis resigned over policy disagreements with the president does not bode well for future trends in Washington from a Gulf Arab perspective,” said Middle East scholar Hussein Ibish. Trump has proven to be unreliable. His granting of waivers to Iran’s major oil buyers as well as for Indian investment in the Iranian port of Chabahar, viewed by Saudi Arabia and the UAE as a threat to their geopolitical and economic interests, was the writing on the wall despite the harsh sanctions imposed on Iran by the president. Syria and Afghanistan cement the fact that Trump is both unpredictable and unreliable. The world’s other three major powers, Europe, Russia and China, have at best aspects of what the United States has to offer but lack the ability and/or interest to fully replace the United States as the Gulf leaders’ protector in the way that Trump seemed to do at the outset of his presidency. Saudi Arabia and the UAE already have fundamental differences over Iran with the three powers who oppose US sanctions and want to salvage the 2015 international agreement that curbed the Islamic republic’s nuclear program. Similarly, the three world powers have refused to back the 18-month old Saudi-UAE-led economic and diplomatic boycott of Qatar and call for a speedy resolution of the crisis. Russia, moreover, is keen to sell weaponry to the Gulf, who are among the world’s biggest buyers, exploit vacuums created by US policy, and capitalise as a non-OPEC producer in enabling Gulf efforts to manipulate production and world oil prices but is not eager to inherit the US defence umbrella for the region. Said Russia and energy expert Li-Chen Sim: “The Gulf is not a key focus of Russian foreign policy… I don’t see the Russians taking any advantage of the problems between the Saudis and the Americans to play a larger security role.” Sim was referring to US Congressional blaming of Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and condemnation of Saudi conduct of the war in Yemen. By the same token, China has neither the ability nor the appetite to replace the United States in the Gulf. On the contrary, China has preferred to benefit from US regional protection, prompting US assertions that the Chinese were free-riders. As is evident across Eurasia in projects related to China’s infrastructure and energy-driven Belt and Road initiative, Chinese support does not come without strings. The same is true for Europe. China’s brutal crackdown on Turkic Muslims that is expanding to other Muslim groups in the country, moreover, represents a potential black swan in China-Gulf relations. The impact of Saudi and UAE uncertainty with no one world power available to cater to all their needs is reflected in apparent efforts to rebuild bridges with Syrian president Bashar al-Assad whose ouster they sought for much of the Syrian civil war. A recent visit to Damascus by embattled Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir, the first by an Arab leader since the civil war erupted in 2011, was widely seen as the beginning of a thaw in Syrian-Arab relations. Ali Mamlouk, the head of Syrian air force intelligence and a close associate of Al-Assad, met in Cairo days later with Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel. The UAE is, according to unconfirmed reports, refurbishing its embassy in Damascus that has been empty since Gulf states broke off relations with Syria early on in the civil war. Adding to Gulf leaders’ uncertainty, Trump left many guessing when he this week thanked Saudi Arabia on Twitter for agreeing to “to spend the necessary money needed to help rebuild Syria, instead of the United States.” With Saudi Arabia refraining from comment, it was not clear what Trump was referring to. Saudi Arabia transferred in October in the immediate wake of the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi $100 million to the US to help stabilise parts of Syria. The vacuum created by Trump risks fuelling greater Gulf assertiveness with potentially messy consequences. A close associate of Tunisian president Beji Caid Essebsi asserted earlier this year that the UAE had offered Tunisia financial assistance if Essebsi followed the example of Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, who imposed a brutal autocracy after staging in 2013 a military coup to topple Mohammed Morsi, Egypt’s only democratically elected president. Saudi Arabia this month pledged $830 million in aid for Tunisia following Prince Mohammed’s controversial visit last month as part of a tour designed to demonstrate that his position remained strong despite Khashoggi’s killing. Trump described the world as a dangerous place in shrugging off allegations that Prince Mohammed may have been responsible for the killing of Jamal Khashoggi. Gulf leaders are likely to share that perception in response to the president’s seeming unwillingness to fully take their interests into account. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

US withdrawal of troops: Middle Eastern leaders left without a reliable ally

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-ashraf-ghani-meets-pakistan-foreign-minister-qureshi-186178">Senior Chinese and Pakistani diplomats </a>discussed on Tuesday "new changes" to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/strongly-support-afghan-led-afghan-owned-peace-process-china-pakistan-186354">the situation in Afghanistan</a>, China`s foreign ministry said, amid plans by the United States to withdraw about half of the 14,000 US troops based in the country.

US officials have told Reuters that President Donald Trump has issued verbal orders to plan for a drawdown of close to 7,000 US troops. The White House and the Pentagon have not yet commented publicly.

China, a close ally of Pakistan, has been deepening its economic and political ties with Kabul and is using its influence to try to bring the two uneasy neighbours closer.

Meeting in Beijing, the Chinese government`s top diplomat State Councillor Wang Yi and Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had a "deep discussion about new changes to the situation in Afghanistan and reached a broad consensus", China`s Foreign Ministry said.

"Both sides believe that military means cannot resolve the Afghanistan issue, and promoting political reconciliation is the only realistic way," the ministry said in its short statement.

"The two sides welcome the various efforts made by all parties and are willing to maintain close communication and strategic coordination."

There was no direct mention of the planned US troop drawdown.&nbsp;

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, speaking at a daily news briefing, reiterated the statement and did not answer a question on whether the meeting was connected to the US troop withdrawal.

Wang visited Kabul earlier this month, where he pledged to help Afghanistan and Pakistan overcome their longstanding suspicions of each other.

China has long worried about the effect of instability in Afghanistan on China`s violence-prone far western region of Xinjiang, home to the mostly Muslim Uighur people and where China says it faces a threat from Islamist militants.

Senior Chinese and Pakistani diplomats discussed on Tuesday "new changes" to the situation in Afghanistan, China`s foreign ministry said, amid plans by the United States to withdraw about half of the 14,000 US troops based in the country.

Senior Chinese and Pakistani diplomats discussed on Tuesday "new changes" to the situation in Afghanistan, China`s foreign ministry said, amid plans by the United States to withdraw about half of the 14,000 US troops based in the country. US officials have told Reuters that President Donald Trump has issued verbal orders to plan for a drawdown of close to 7,000 US troops. The White House and the Pentagon have not yet commented publicly. China, a close ally of Pakistan, has been deepening its economic and political ties with Kabul and is using its influence to try to bring the two uneasy neighbours closer. Meeting in Beijing, the Chinese government`s top diplomat State Councillor Wang Yi and Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had a "deep discussion about new changes to the situation in Afghanistan and reached a broad consensus", China`s Foreign Ministry said. "Both sides believe that military means cannot resolve the Afghanistan issue, and promoting political reconciliation is the only realistic way," the ministry said in its short statement. "The two sides welcome the various efforts made by all parties and are willing to maintain close communication and strategic coordination." There was no direct mention of the planned US troop drawdown. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, speaking at a daily news briefing, reiterated the statement and did not answer a question on whether the meeting was connected to the US troop withdrawal. Wang visited Kabul earlier this month, where he pledged to help Afghanistan and Pakistan overcome their longstanding suspicions of each other. China has long worried about the effect of instability in Afghanistan on China`s violence-prone far western region of Xinjiang, home to the mostly Muslim Uighur people and where China says it faces a threat from Islamist militants.

China, Pakistan discuss 'new changes' to situation in Afghanistan

Iran has been holding talks with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/8-taliban-militants-killed-in-afghanistan-185979">Afghanistan's Taliban</a> with the knowledge of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/death-toll-in-kabul-attack-rises-to-43-health-ministry-186264">the Afghan government</a>, a senior Iranian security official was quoted by the official news agency IRNA as saying on Wednesday during a visit to Kabul.

The news came days after reports last week of talks between US and Taliban officials over proposals for a ceasefire in Afghanistan and a future withdrawal of foreign troops ahead of possible peace negotiations.

Talks between Iran and the Taliban were held "to help curb the security problems in Afghanistan," Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, was quoted by IRNA as saying.

"All contacts and talks with the Taliban group have been with the knowledge of Afghanistan's government and this process will continue," he said. He gave no further details.

Majority-Shi'ite Iran has long had close ties to Shi'ites in neighbouring Afghanistan whose militias have fought the Taliban's Sunni militants.

But in recent months Afghan officials have accused Tehran, which the United States says is trying to extend its influence in western Afghanistan, of providing the Taliban with money, weapons and explosives. Iran denies that.

Earlier this month, Afghan forces abandoned a remote western district bordering Iran, leaving the area to the Taliban after the government failed to resupply troops stationed there.

In November, the United States displayed pieces of what it said were Iranian weapons supplied to militants in Yemen and Afghanistan, a move by Washington to pressure Tehran to curb its regional activities. Iran denies supplying arms to the militants.

In October, the United States accused Iran of providing military training, financing and weapons to the Taliban and targeted sanctions against eight individuals, including two linked to the Quds Force of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. Tehran denies the accusations. 
&nbsp;

Iran has been holding talks with Afghanistan's Taliban with the knowledge of the Afghan government, a senior Iranian security official was quoted by the official news agency IRNA as saying on Wednesday during a visit to Kabul.

Iran has been holding talks with Afghanistan's Taliban with the knowledge of the Afghan government, a senior Iranian security official was quoted by the official news agency IRNA as saying on Wednesday during a visit to Kabul. The news came days after reports last week of talks between US and Taliban officials over proposals for a ceasefire in Afghanistan and a future withdrawal of foreign troops ahead of possible peace negotiations. Talks between Iran and the Taliban were held "to help curb the security problems in Afghanistan," Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, was quoted by IRNA as saying. "All contacts and talks with the Taliban group have been with the knowledge of Afghanistan's government and this process will continue," he said. He gave no further details. Majority-Shi'ite Iran has long had close ties to Shi'ites in neighbouring Afghanistan whose militias have fought the Taliban's Sunni militants. But in recent months Afghan officials have accused Tehran, which the United States says is trying to extend its influence in western Afghanistan, of providing the Taliban with money, weapons and explosives. Iran denies that. Earlier this month, Afghan forces abandoned a remote western district bordering Iran, leaving the area to the Taliban after the government failed to resupply troops stationed there. In November, the United States displayed pieces of what it said were Iranian weapons supplied to militants in Yemen and Afghanistan, a move by Washington to pressure Tehran to curb its regional activities. Iran denies supplying arms to the militants. In October, the United States accused Iran of providing military training, financing and weapons to the Taliban and targeted sanctions against eight individuals, including two linked to the Quds Force of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. Tehran denies the accusations.

Iran in talks with Afghan Taliban: Report

Gunmen killed 28 and injured more than 20 others in raid on Afghan government building

Gunmen who raided a government building in the Afghan capital killed at least 28 people - mostly government employees - and wounded more than 20 others in a seven-hour standoff with police that ended on Monday night, Afghan authorities said.

Others killed included a policeman and three of the attackers who were shot dead by Afghan security forces, Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danish said.

The attack began in the afternoon when a suicide bomber blew himself up in a car outside the public works ministry. Militants then stormed the building of the National Authority for Disabled People and Martyrs’ Families, taking civilians hostage as they fought a gun battle against Afghan soldiers.

Afghan security forces went from floor to floor of the building in an operation to rescue over 350 people inside, but had to exercise restraint in their operations against the attackers given the number of employees there, a senior security official said.

No militant group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Ambulances raced to the scene during a lull in the shooting, a witness who lives nearby told Reuters. At least 20 people wounded in the clashes were taken to hospital.

An official working in another government building close by said employees had locked themselves in their offices after hearing the explosions and gunfire. During the standoff, the building's second floor caught fire, local news channels reported.

Attacks on government offices are frequent and are generally carried out by the Islamist Taliban, who are fighting to expel foreign forces from strategic provinces, topple the Western-backed government and restore their version of hardline Islamic law.

The 17-year-old war with the Taliban has seen both fighting and diplomacy intensify in recent months.

On Thursday, an official said US&nbsp;President Donald Trump was planning to withdraw at least 5,000 of the 14,000 US&nbsp;troops in Afghanistan, a day after Trump unexpectedly announced that U.S. troops in Syria would be withdrawn.

The United States went to war in Afghanistan in 2001 in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, seeking to oust the Taliban militants harbouring Saudi-raised militant Osama bin Laden, who led plans to carry out the attacks.

At present, American troops make up the bulk of the Resolute Support mission to train and advise Afghan forces fighting the Taliban and the Islamic State militant group. Others are part of a US-led counter-terrorism mission.

The prospect of a US&nbsp;drawdown has triggered widespread uncertainty in war-torn Afghanistan.

With security deteriorating, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday replaced his defence and interior ministers with two uncompromising opponents of the Taliban.

Gunmen who raided a government building in the Afghan capital killed at least 28 people - mostly government employees - and wounded more than 20 others in a seven-hour standoff with police that ended on Monday night, Afghan authorities said.

Gunmen who raided a government building in the Afghan capital killed at least 28 people - mostly government employees - and wounded more than 20 others in a seven-hour standoff with police that ended on Monday night, Afghan authorities said. Others killed included a policeman and three of the attackers who were shot dead by Afghan security forces, Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danish said. The attack began in the afternoon when a suicide bomber blew himself up in a car outside the public works ministry. Militants then stormed the building of the National Authority for Disabled People and Martyrs’ Families, taking civilians hostage as they fought a gun battle against Afghan soldiers. Afghan security forces went from floor to floor of the building in an operation to rescue over 350 people inside, but had to exercise restraint in their operations against the attackers given the number of employees there, a senior security official said. No militant group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Ambulances raced to the scene during a lull in the shooting, a witness who lives nearby told Reuters. At least 20 people wounded in the clashes were taken to hospital. An official working in another government building close by said employees had locked themselves in their offices after hearing the explosions and gunfire. During the standoff, the building's second floor caught fire, local news channels reported. Attacks on government offices are frequent and are generally carried out by the Islamist Taliban, who are fighting to expel foreign forces from strategic provinces, topple the Western-backed government and restore their version of hardline Islamic law. The 17-year-old war with the Taliban has seen both fighting and diplomacy intensify in recent months. On Thursday, an official said US President Donald Trump was planning to withdraw at least 5,000 of the 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan, a day after Trump unexpectedly announced that U.S. troops in Syria would be withdrawn. The United States went to war in Afghanistan in 2001 in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, seeking to oust the Taliban militants harbouring Saudi-raised militant Osama bin Laden, who led plans to carry out the attacks. At present, American troops make up the bulk of the Resolute Support mission to train and advise Afghan forces fighting the Taliban and the Islamic State militant group. Others are part of a US-led counter-terrorism mission. The prospect of a US drawdown has triggered widespread uncertainty in war-torn Afghanistan. With security deteriorating, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday replaced his defence and interior ministers with two uncompromising opponents of the Taliban.

Gunmen kill at least 28 in raid on Afghan government building

Leaders of India, Afghanistan and Iran met for the first congregation of the follow-up Committee for implementation of the trilateral Chabahar Agreement between the three countries.

The first meeting of the Follow-up Committee between the three South-Asian nations was held at the level of Joint Secretary/ Director General on December 24 in the port city of Chabahar in Iran, stated a press release from MEA.

While positive and constructive discussions were held between the three sides on full operationalisation of the Trilateral Transit Agreement for international transit and transport through the Chabahar Port, India Ports Global Limited company also opened its first office and took over operations at the Shaheed Behesti port at Chabahar.

India also attained mileage with the meeting as the three nations also agreed to finalise at the earliest the Protocol to harmonize transit, roads, customs, and consular matters.

India, Afghanistan and Iran also agreed to allow cargo movement at Chabahar using TIR Convention provisions.It was decided to hold an event to promote and popularize the potential of Chabahar on 26 February 2019.

Also, a study would be initiated for determining measures to make the route attractive, decrease logistic costs and pave the way for smooth operationalisation of the Chabahar Agreement.

The next Follow-up Committee meeting, followed by the 2nd Coordination Council Meeting the level of Secretaries/ Deputy Ministers, will held in India in 2019.

Leaders of India, Afghanistan and Iran met for the first congregation of the follow-up Committee for implementation of the trilateral Chabahar Agreement between the three countries.

Leaders of India, Afghanistan and Iran met for the first congregation of the follow-up Committee for implementation of the trilateral Chabahar Agreement between the three countries. The first meeting of the Follow-up Committee between the three South-Asian nations was held at the level of Joint Secretary/ Director General on December 24 in the port city of Chabahar in Iran, stated a press release from MEA. While positive and constructive discussions were held between the three sides on full operationalisation of the Trilateral Transit Agreement for international transit and transport through the Chabahar Port, India Ports Global Limited company also opened its first office and took over operations at the Shaheed Behesti port at Chabahar. India also attained mileage with the meeting as the three nations also agreed to finalise at the earliest the Protocol to harmonize transit, roads, customs, and consular matters. India, Afghanistan and Iran also agreed to allow cargo movement at Chabahar using TIR Convention provisions.It was decided to hold an event to promote and popularize the potential of Chabahar on 26 February 2019. Also, a study would be initiated for determining measures to make the route attractive, decrease logistic costs and pave the way for smooth operationalisation of the Chabahar Agreement. The next Follow-up Committee meeting, followed by the 2nd Coordination Council Meeting the level of Secretaries/ Deputy Ministers, will held in India in 2019.

India, Afghanistan and Iran meet for Chabahar Agreement

Asserting that India should adopt a "clear-cut roadmap" to tackle the Kashmir issue, former DGP of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-slams-farooq-abdullah-over-promising-regional-autonomy-in-jammu-kashmir-if-his-party-comes-to-power-185789">Jammu &amp; Kashmir</a> K Rajendra Kumar has said the US pulling out troops from Afghanistan will have implications in the Valley and terrorist outfits may feel emboldened.

Kumar was delivering the Lalitaditya Memorial Lecture in Pune, organised by Sarhad organisation. During his speech, he also said that there is a need to send a stern <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-raised-kashmir-issue-with-un-chief-says-un-spokesman-185764">message to Pakistan </a>for its support to militancy.

"A stern message needs to be sent to Pakistan in terms of retaliation. We need to make it more costly for Pakistan because today Pakistan is not feeling the pinch it should feel," said Kumar.

He said India should deal strongly with Pakistan as far as training camps and terrorist launchpads are concerned.

"Now USA is existing Afghanistan. It has its implications in Kashmir. It is a matter of time that we will be feeling its implications in the Valley. After the US withdrawal, the terrorists organisations would feel pumped up, emboldened," he said.

Seeing America's withdrawal as a "sign of victory", terrorist outfits can feel that New Delhi can also be defeated, so there is an urgent need for India to adopt a "clear-cut roadmap" to deal with terrorism in Kashmir, he asserted.

The US is planning to withdraw 7,000 troops from Afghanistan. The American troops contribute to training and advising local forces fighting the Taliban and the Islamic State group.

Underlying Pakistan's active role in spreading terrorism in the Valley, the former IPS officer said Pakistan is not only sponsoring terrorism but also sending its nationals to Kashmir in the garb of fighting jihad.

"No matter which government is in power, Pakistan continues to sponsor terrorism in the Valley," he said.

He said militancy in Kashmir started with local terrorist organisations but now it is tilting towards Islamic extremism.

"The Valley has a rich history of Sufism but over the years it has moved towards Wahabism," he said, adding that efforts should be made to take Kashmir back to Sufism.

Suggesting measures, he said the state needs stringent laws to deal with anti-national forces, a concrete policy to encourage youths to give up militancy.

The surrender policy must ensure that youth who give up militancy are gainfully employed and discouraged from returning to the menace, he said.&nbsp;

He also called for political outreach and empowerment of the civil society.

He said social media has played a destructive role in inciting sentiments of the youth.

Asserting that India should adopt a "clear-cut roadmap" to tackle the Kashmir issue, former DGP of Jammu & Kashmir K Rajendra Kumar has said the US pulling out troops from Afghanistan will have implications in the Valley and terrorist outfits may feel emboldened.

Asserting that India should adopt a "clear-cut roadmap" to tackle the Kashmir issue, former DGP of Jammu & Kashmir K Rajendra Kumar has said the US pulling out troops from Afghanistan will have implications in the Valley and terrorist outfits may feel emboldened. Kumar was delivering the Lalitaditya Memorial Lecture in Pune, organised by Sarhad organisation. During his speech, he also said that there is a need to send a stern message to Pakistan for its support to militancy. "A stern message needs to be sent to Pakistan in terms of retaliation. We need to make it more costly for Pakistan because today Pakistan is not feeling the pinch it should feel," said Kumar. He said India should deal strongly with Pakistan as far as training camps and terrorist launchpads are concerned. "Now USA is existing Afghanistan. It has its implications in Kashmir. It is a matter of time that we will be feeling its implications in the Valley. After the US withdrawal, the terrorists organisations would feel pumped up, emboldened," he said. Seeing America's withdrawal as a "sign of victory", terrorist outfits can feel that New Delhi can also be defeated, so there is an urgent need for India to adopt a "clear-cut roadmap" to deal with terrorism in Kashmir, he asserted. The US is planning to withdraw 7,000 troops from Afghanistan. The American troops contribute to training and advising local forces fighting the Taliban and the Islamic State group. Underlying Pakistan's active role in spreading terrorism in the Valley, the former IPS officer said Pakistan is not only sponsoring terrorism but also sending its nationals to Kashmir in the garb of fighting jihad. "No matter which government is in power, Pakistan continues to sponsor terrorism in the Valley," he said. He said militancy in Kashmir started with local terrorist organisations but now it is tilting towards Islamic extremism. "The Valley has a rich history of Sufism but over the years it has moved towards Wahabism," he said, adding that efforts should be made to take Kashmir back to Sufism. Suggesting measures, he said the state needs stringent laws to deal with anti-national forces, a concrete policy to encourage youths to give up militancy. The surrender policy must ensure that youth who give up militancy are gainfully employed and discouraged from returning to the menace, he said. He also called for political outreach and empowerment of the civil society. He said social media has played a destructive role in inciting sentiments of the youth.

US withdrawal from Afghanistan will have implications in Kashmir: Former J&K DGP K Rajendra Kumar

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met his Chinese counterpart, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in Beijing on December 25. A statement issued by the two sides said they conducted an in-depth exchange of views on the "entire spectrum of bilateral relations and regional matters" including the situation in Afghanistan.

The statement quoted Qureshi as saying the "All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership" between Pakistan and China "is deeply rooted in mutual trust and respect".&nbsp;

While discussing the evolving political dynamic in Afghanistan, the two sides underscored their commonality of views on the matter. Qureshi said that as neighbouring countries and friends of Afghanistan, Pakistan and China strongly support the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.&nbsp;

He also appreciated China’s role in the furtherance of peace and development in Afghanistan, particularly through the China-Afghanistan-Pakistan trilateral mechanism.

Qureshi added that CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) has added an important dimension to bilateral ties.&nbsp;

Yi in return thanked Pakistan for its efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

He said China attaches "paramount importance" to its relations with Pakistan and underlined that the "time-tested partnership between the two countries is based on mutual respect, trust and the strong bonds of friendship".&nbsp;

Both leaders agreed that the "highly successful" visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had set the tone for further expanding that friendship.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met his Chinese counterpart, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in Beijing on December 25. A statement issued by the two sides said they conducted an in-depth exchange of views on the "entire spectrum of bilateral relations and regional matters" including the situation in Afghanistan.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met his Chinese counterpart, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in Beijing on December 25. A statement issued by the two sides said they conducted an in-depth exchange of views on the "entire spectrum of bilateral relations and regional matters" including the situation in Afghanistan. The statement quoted Qureshi as saying the "All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership" between Pakistan and China "is deeply rooted in mutual trust and respect". While discussing the evolving political dynamic in Afghanistan, the two sides underscored their commonality of views on the matter. Qureshi said that as neighbouring countries and friends of Afghanistan, Pakistan and China strongly support the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. He also appreciated China’s role in the furtherance of peace and development in Afghanistan, particularly through the China-Afghanistan-Pakistan trilateral mechanism. Qureshi added that CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) has added an important dimension to bilateral ties. Yi in return thanked Pakistan for its efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. He said China attaches "paramount importance" to its relations with Pakistan and underlined that the "time-tested partnership between the two countries is based on mutual respect, trust and the strong bonds of friendship". Both leaders agreed that the "highly successful" visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had set the tone for further expanding that friendship.

Strongly support Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace process: China, Pakistan

Gunmen entered a Kabul government&nbsp;compound in Afghanistan after detonating a car bomb, officials said.

The attack occurred outside Afghanistan's ministry of public works.&nbsp;Afghan security forces have killed two of the attackers and freed 200 employees trapped inside one of the buildings occupied by the gunmen, the government said.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's ministry of labour said a number of gunmen had entered the compound.

"There are still some hostages with the enemy and a clearance operation is ongoing," Interior ministry deputy spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said.

It is still not known who is responsible for the latest attack.

At least four people have been wounded, health ministry spokesman Wahid Majroh said.

Today's attack was the biggest in Kabul since November 28 when the Taliban detonated a car bomb outside the compound of British security firm G4S, killing at least 10 people. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Gunmen entered a Kabul government compound in Afghanistan after detonating a car bomb, officials said. The attack occurred outside Afghanistan's ministry of public works.

Gunmen entered a Kabul government compound in Afghanistan after detonating a car bomb, officials said. The attack occurred outside Afghanistan's ministry of public works. Afghan security forces have killed two of the attackers and freed 200 employees trapped inside one of the buildings occupied by the gunmen, the government said. Afghanistan's ministry of labour said a number of gunmen had entered the compound. "There are still some hostages with the enemy and a clearance operation is ongoing," Interior ministry deputy spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said. It is still not known who is responsible for the latest attack. At least four people have been wounded, health ministry spokesman Wahid Majroh said. Today's attack was the biggest in Kabul since November 28 when the Taliban detonated a car bomb outside the compound of British security firm G4S, killing at least 10 people.

Afghanistan: Car bomb attack in Kabul; 2 gunmen killed

By Scott Lucas

The last adult in the Trump White House playground has gone – and the president is throwing his toys around.

James Mattis, as defence secretary, was one of three retired generals in the Trump administration whose hope was to contain an ill-informed, temperamental, and unpredictable president. Now they’re all gone: national security adviser HR McMaster, pushed out early this year; White House chief of staff John Kelly, giving up at the end of December; and now Mattis, who resigned after losing hope that Trump can be restrained from impulsive actions, defying his advisers, threatening US allies and even embracing American foes.

The catalyst for Mattis’s departure was Trump’s abrupt decision to withdraw all 2,000 US troops from Syria. But the list of his concerns about Trump is far longer. They include the president’s views on the American presence in Afghanistan and his hostility towards NATO allies, as well as Trump’s affinity for Vladimir Putin, even as Russia pursues an aggressive foreign policy and intervenes in US domestic affairs.

As Mattis put it in his resignation letter, a message of rebuke to Trump: "My views on treating allies with respect and also being clear-eyed about both malign actors and strategic competitors are strongly held and informed by over four decades of immersion in these issues."

With Trump willing to toss aside alliances and shred international arrangements, this could be the most serious challenge to US foreign policy and American partners since 1945. But what does it mean in specific areas?

Syria 
 
American policy has never been clear or decisive over Syria’s 93-month conflict. But Trump’s impulsive order for withdrawal threatens a new cycle of violence.

Since the autumn of 2015, Washington has worked with Kurdish groups to push back the Islamic State in northern and eastern Syria. Those groups, through the Syrian Democratic Forces, have reduced Islamic State to a pocket of territory near the Iraqi border. But Trump’s tweet that the battle against the group is “won” is simply wrong. IS could be resurgent if the opportunity presents itself.

Trump is also abandoning Syria’s Kurds to the predatory ambitions of others in the region. The Assad regime, propped up by Russia, has vowed to regain the one-third of the country controlled by Kurdish factions. Turkey has pledged offensives both west and east of the Euphrates River. Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has said “terrorists” – Kurdish fighters – will be erased.

US support for the Kurds was never a benevolent mission. Beyond the anti-IS campaign, the American presence was a buffer against the influence of Iran – a key ally of the Assad regime. Now that buffer disappears, and American policy against IS has been thrown into disarray.

Afghanistan 
 
The Pentagon was already planning to pull out half of&nbsp;the 14,000 US troops currently in Afghanistan, but Trump’s shift on Syria may have an even more unsettling effect.

Even with the full complement of American forces and international partners, defeat of the Taliban has been a mirage. The insurgents have rebuilt their influence to control almost half the fragmented country. The focus has shifted from military victory to negotiation for political resolution.

But Trump has complicated the tactics with his impulsive interventions – leading to his being called an “idiot” by both McMaster and Kelly, and a “moron” by the then-secretary of state Rex Tillerson. He has angered Pakistan, an essential part of the negotiating process, by slashing US military aid, and his declarations about a full withdrawal have emboldened the Taliban rather than brought them to the table.

Russia 
 
The loss of Mattis will likely deepen the split personality of the Trump administration towards Russia. Most of Trump’s advisers view Moscow with concern and favour a firm line that includes sanctions and opposition to Russian ventures in areas such as Ukraine and the Baltic States.

But Trump’s admiration for Putin has led to his foot-dragging over Russia and even undermining of the American position. He has held out against enforcing sanctions until a combination of Congress and US agencies forced his compliance. With Putin standing next to him at a press conference in July, Trump failed to make a statement on Russia’s annexation of Crimea and sided with the Russian leader over the American officials who concluded that Moscow interfered in the 2016 election.

Putin is already revelling in the chaos within the administration. Asked about Trump’s announcement on withdrawal from Syria, he said: “On this, Donald is right. I agree with him.”

NATO 
 
The US deployment in Afghanistan is part of a NATO-led mission to train, advise and assist Afghan security forces. But Trump’s threat to NATO is far more than an Afghan draw down.

The president has repeatedly bashed the alliance with his false insistence – the outcome of his lack of knowledge – that NATO “owes” money to the US. During his campaign, he labelled the organisation “obsolete” and at last July’s summit he was still threatening to withdraw the US from the bloc after 69 years. Meanwhile, Trump was casting insults at individual members, notably Germany.

Mattis was an assurance that the US institutional relationships with NATO and its members, the linchpin of the alliance, would continue despite the president. But the general’s departure, and the prospect that Trump will want a “yes man” to replace him, could renew uncertainties.

Into the void 
 
The replacement for Mattis is not yet apparent. But it is a marker of the decay of US policy that the question could be close to irrelevant, be the candidate former general and Fox TV pundit Jack Keane or Trump loyalist and defence hawk Senator Tom Cotton. For Trump is now beyond advice and guidance. US foreign policy rests on the whim of this man: angry and frustrated by investigations closing in on him, but bunkered in the self-confidence that he is smarter than anyone else in the room.

(Scott Lucas is Professor of International Politics, University of Birmingham)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/james-mattis-what-defence-secretarys-resignation-means-for-syria-afghanistan-and-nato-as-trump-leans-in-to-putin-109204">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
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By Scott Lucas The last adult in the Trump White House playground has gone – and the president is throwing his toys around. James Mattis, as defence secretary, was one of three retired generals in the Trump administration whose hope was to contain an ill-informed, temperamental, and unpredictable president.

By Scott Lucas The last adult in the Trump White House playground has gone – and the president is throwing his toys around. James Mattis, as defence secretary, was one of three retired generals in the Trump administration whose hope was to contain an ill-informed, temperamental, and unpredictable president. Now they’re all gone: national security adviser HR McMaster, pushed out early this year; White House chief of staff John Kelly, giving up at the end of December; and now Mattis, who resigned after losing hope that Trump can be restrained from impulsive actions, defying his advisers, threatening US allies and even embracing American foes. The catalyst for Mattis’s departure was Trump’s abrupt decision to withdraw all 2,000 US troops from Syria. But the list of his concerns about Trump is far longer. They include the president’s views on the American presence in Afghanistan and his hostility towards NATO allies, as well as Trump’s affinity for Vladimir Putin, even as Russia pursues an aggressive foreign policy and intervenes in US domestic affairs. As Mattis put it in his resignation letter, a message of rebuke to Trump: "My views on treating allies with respect and also being clear-eyed about both malign actors and strategic competitors are strongly held and informed by over four decades of immersion in these issues." With Trump willing to toss aside alliances and shred international arrangements, this could be the most serious challenge to US foreign policy and American partners since 1945. But what does it mean in specific areas? Syria American policy has never been clear or decisive over Syria’s 93-month conflict. But Trump’s impulsive order for withdrawal threatens a new cycle of violence. Since the autumn of 2015, Washington has worked with Kurdish groups to push back the Islamic State in northern and eastern Syria. Those groups, through the Syrian Democratic Forces, have reduced Islamic State to a pocket of territory near the Iraqi border. But Trump’s tweet that the battle against the group is “won” is simply wrong. IS could be resurgent if the opportunity presents itself. Trump is also abandoning Syria’s Kurds to the predatory ambitions of others in the region. The Assad regime, propped up by Russia, has vowed to regain the one-third of the country controlled by Kurdish factions. Turkey has pledged offensives both west and east of the Euphrates River. Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has said “terrorists” – Kurdish fighters – will be erased. US support for the Kurds was never a benevolent mission. Beyond the anti-IS campaign, the American presence was a buffer against the influence of Iran – a key ally of the Assad regime. Now that buffer disappears, and American policy against IS has been thrown into disarray. Afghanistan The Pentagon was already planning to pull out half of the 14,000 US troops currently in Afghanistan, but Trump’s shift on Syria may have an even more unsettling effect. Even with the full complement of American forces and international partners, defeat of the Taliban has been a mirage. The insurgents have rebuilt their influence to control almost half the fragmented country. The focus has shifted from military victory to negotiation for political resolution. But Trump has complicated the tactics with his impulsive interventions – leading to his being called an “idiot” by both McMaster and Kelly, and a “moron” by the then-secretary of state Rex Tillerson. He has angered Pakistan, an essential part of the negotiating process, by slashing US military aid, and his declarations about a full withdrawal have emboldened the Taliban rather than brought them to the table. Russia The loss of Mattis will likely deepen the split personality of the Trump administration towards Russia. Most of Trump’s advisers view Moscow with concern and favour a firm line that includes sanctions and opposition to Russian ventures in areas such as Ukraine and the Baltic States. But Trump’s admiration for Putin has led to his foot-dragging over Russia and even undermining of the American position. He has held out against enforcing sanctions until a combination of Congress and US agencies forced his compliance. With Putin standing next to him at a press conference in July, Trump failed to make a statement on Russia’s annexation of Crimea and sided with the Russian leader over the American officials who concluded that Moscow interfered in the 2016 election. Putin is already revelling in the chaos within the administration. Asked about Trump’s announcement on withdrawal from Syria, he said: “On this, Donald is right. I agree with him.” NATO The US deployment in Afghanistan is part of a NATO-led mission to train, advise and assist Afghan security forces. But Trump’s threat to NATO is far more than an Afghan draw down. The president has repeatedly bashed the alliance with his false insistence – the outcome of his lack of knowledge – that NATO “owes” money to the US. During his campaign, he labelled the organisation “obsolete” and at last July’s summit he was still threatening to withdraw the US from the bloc after 69 years. Meanwhile, Trump was casting insults at individual members, notably Germany. Mattis was an assurance that the US institutional relationships with NATO and its members, the linchpin of the alliance, would continue despite the president. But the general’s departure, and the prospect that Trump will want a “yes man” to replace him, could renew uncertainties. Into the void The replacement for Mattis is not yet apparent. But it is a marker of the decay of US policy that the question could be close to irrelevant, be the candidate former general and Fox TV pundit Jack Keane or Trump loyalist and defence hawk Senator Tom Cotton. For Trump is now beyond advice and guidance. US foreign policy rests on the whim of this man: angry and frustrated by investigations closing in on him, but bunkered in the self-confidence that he is smarter than anyone else in the room. (Scott Lucas is Professor of International Politics, University of Birmingham) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

What James Mattis's resignation means for Syria, Afghanistan and NATO

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Afghanistan, News on Afghanistan, stories on Afghanistan, articles on Afghanistan, Afghanistan stories at Wion, Afghanistan news, Afghanistan latest news

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