Afghanistan's parliament descended into chaos on Sunday when lawmakers brawled over the appointment of a new speaker, an inauspicious start to the assembly which was sitting for the first time since chaotic elections last year.

Results of last October's parliamentary election were only finalised earlier this month after repeated technical and organisational problems and widespread accusations of fraud.

Sunday's incident underscored the turmoil in Afghan politics ahead of presidential elections that are taking place in the shadow of talks between US diplomats and the Taliban about a possible settlement of an 18-year conflict.

On Saturday, Mir Rahman Rahmani, a top businessman, ran for the speakership of the 247-seat house but fell short of a majority by a single vote, triggering a clash between supporters, who declared him the winner, and opponents, who said he had not secured the necessary 124 votes.

"We will never accept the new speaker and there must be re-election with new candidates," said Mariam Sama, a lawmaker from Kabul.

Video footage widely shared on social media showed a brawl among lawmakers, with members of parliament seen blocking the speaker's seat and calling for a re-run of the vote.

Rahmani is the father of Ajmal Rahmani, a rich businessman popularly known as "Armoured Ajmal" after his business selling bulletproof vehicles to the Kabul elite.

"He has secured a majority of the votes and one vote is not an issue, so he is our new chairman," said Nahid Farid, a lawmaker from Herat who supports Rahmani.

The repeatedly delayed parliamentary vote on October&nbsp;20 was marred by widespread allegations of fraud, vote rigging, inaccurate voter lists and technical problems with biometric verification equipment.

Afghanistan's parliament descended into chaos on Sunday when lawmakers brawled over the appointment of a new speaker, an inauspicious start to the assembly which was sitting for the first time since chaotic elections last year.

Afghanistan's parliament descended into chaos on Sunday when lawmakers brawled over the appointment of a new speaker, an inauspicious start to the assembly which was sitting for the first time since chaotic elections last year. Results of last October's parliamentary election were only finalised earlier this month after repeated technical and organisational problems and widespread accusations of fraud. Sunday's incident underscored the turmoil in Afghan politics ahead of presidential elections that are taking place in the shadow of talks between US diplomats and the Taliban about a possible settlement of an 18-year conflict. On Saturday, Mir Rahman Rahmani, a top businessman, ran for the speakership of the 247-seat house but fell short of a majority by a single vote, triggering a clash between supporters, who declared him the winner, and opponents, who said he had not secured the necessary 124 votes. "We will never accept the new speaker and there must be re-election with new candidates," said Mariam Sama, a lawmaker from Kabul. Video footage widely shared on social media showed a brawl among lawmakers, with members of parliament seen blocking the speaker's seat and calling for a re-run of the vote. Rahmani is the father of Ajmal Rahmani, a rich businessman popularly known as "Armoured Ajmal" after his business selling bulletproof vehicles to the Kabul elite. "He has secured a majority of the votes and one vote is not an issue, so he is our new chairman," said Nahid Farid, a lawmaker from Herat who supports Rahmani. The repeatedly delayed parliamentary vote on October 20 was marred by widespread allegations of fraud, vote rigging, inaccurate voter lists and technical problems with biometric verification equipment.

First session of Afghan parliament ends in brawl over new speaker

Election officials in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gifts-two-mi-24-attack-helicopters-to-afghan-air-force-219184&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj2pK-dkaDiAhXWknAKHWnzC_EQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw31bUNjDEouRH8c1khzpZB7">Afghanistan </a>should do more to ensure delayed presidential polls can take place in September, the US embassy in Kabul said Thursday.

The election was initially slated for April 20, but as the date drew closer it grew obvious that overwhelmed poll officials were unprepared -- owing to them still tallying results from a nationwide parliamentary ballot in October.

Amid the push to finalise those results, officials first delayed the presidential election until July 20, and then again to September 28.

Final results were only announced this week.

In a statement, the US embassy urged the Independent Election Commission and Afghan authorities "do their part to take the decisions and actions necessary to give the Afghan people their voice at the ballot box this year."

Among its recommendations, the embassy said the election commission should present a clear plan and budget request, as well as hire and train sufficient staff to complete voter registration and preparations.

"The Afghan people deserve the opportunity to choose their next leadership through transparent elections in September," the statement read.

"We are prepared to continue supporting this process'', it added.

The embassy statement comes after Alice Wells, the principal deputy assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian affairs, met with Afghan leaders in Kabul this week, when she stressed the importance of holding the September election.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/ashraf-ghanis-special-envoy-reaches-delhi-as-india-increases-engagement-with-other-forces-on-afghan-peace-process-219148&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjG8qmCkaDiAhXEheYKHT83BEoQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Bq2l5xL9CKZOLaqFsG-4x">Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's</a> term technically expires May 22, and his opponents have said his administration should make way for a caretaker government until presidential elections can be held.

The supreme court, however, has said he can remain in power until the next election.

The delayed elections come as the United States tries to negotiate a peace deal with the Taliban, and some had speculated the polls were being deliberately stalled to create more space for those talks.

Negotiations, however, appear to be making slow progress, with the two sides at loggerheads over several key issues.

Election officials in Afghanistan should do more to ensure delayed presidential polls can take place in September, the US embassy in Kabul said Thursday. The election was initially slated for April 20, but as the date drew closer it grew obvious that overwhelmed poll officials were unprepared -- owing to them still tallying results from a nationwide parliamentary ballot in October.

Election officials in Afghanistan should do more to ensure delayed presidential polls can take place in September, the US embassy in Kabul said Thursday. The election was initially slated for April 20, but as the date drew closer it grew obvious that overwhelmed poll officials were unprepared -- owing to them still tallying results from a nationwide parliamentary ballot in October. Amid the push to finalise those results, officials first delayed the presidential election until July 20, and then again to September 28. Final results were only announced this week. In a statement, the US embassy urged the Independent Election Commission and Afghan authorities "do their part to take the decisions and actions necessary to give the Afghan people their voice at the ballot box this year." Among its recommendations, the embassy said the election commission should present a clear plan and budget request, as well as hire and train sufficient staff to complete voter registration and preparations. "The Afghan people deserve the opportunity to choose their next leadership through transparent elections in September," the statement read. "We are prepared to continue supporting this process'', it added. The embassy statement comes after Alice Wells, the principal deputy assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian affairs, met with Afghan leaders in Kabul this week, when she stressed the importance of holding the September election. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's term technically expires May 22, and his opponents have said his administration should make way for a caretaker government until presidential elections can be held. The supreme court, however, has said he can remain in power until the next election. The delayed elections come as the United States tries to negotiate a peace deal with the Taliban, and some had speculated the polls were being deliberately stalled to create more space for those talks. Negotiations, however, appear to be making slow progress, with the two sides at loggerheads over several key issues.

Afghan election workers must prepare for presidential polls in September: US

Six <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-fighters-double-as-reporters-to-wage-afghan-digital-war-217700&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiH07PzlqDiAhUFuI8KHf7GCKMQFjAJegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1i-hr0wZtfNMFM9EBLJ21Y">Taliban </a>terrorists, including a key commander of the group, were killed in an anti-terrorism operation carried out by Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) in Balkh province on Thursday.

Afghan National Defense and Security Forces launched the anti-terrorism raid in surrounding areas of Balkh district, Balkh province.

The security forces received hostile fire from the militants.

''Six <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-intelligence-chief-caught-by-afghan-and-us-forces-in-baghlan-218333&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiH07PzlqDiAhUFuI8KHf7GCKMQFjAIegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3JHSqq_hYJnLA83FEVup1B">Taliban terrorists</a> were killed in the return fire by the security forces," Afghan Ministry of Interior Affairs said in a statement.

The key Taliban commander who was killed in the operation has been identified as Mullah Shader.

"A Taliban outfit member named Mohammad Sarwar was arrested and eight villages were cleared of the militants during the raid," the statement added.

The security forces also destroyed vehicles belonging to the militants, reported Xinhua.

The relatively peaceful Balkh province has been witnessing scenes of clashes between security forces and Taliban militants since early this year.

The Afghan National Defence and Security Forces have beefed up operations against anti-establishment armed militants who have carried out terror activities across Afghanistan.

So far, the Taliban has not released any statement regarding the operation.&nbsp;

Six Taliban terrorists, including a key commander of the group, were killed in an anti-terrorism operation carried out by Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) in Balkh province on Thursday.

Six Taliban terrorists, including a key commander of the group, were killed in an anti-terrorism operation carried out by Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) in Balkh province on Thursday. Afghan National Defense and Security Forces launched the anti-terrorism raid in surrounding areas of Balkh district, Balkh province. The security forces received hostile fire from the militants. ''Six Taliban terrorists were killed in the return fire by the security forces," Afghan Ministry of Interior Affairs said in a statement. The key Taliban commander who was killed in the operation has been identified as Mullah Shader. "A Taliban outfit member named Mohammad Sarwar was arrested and eight villages were cleared of the militants during the raid," the statement added. The security forces also destroyed vehicles belonging to the militants, reported Xinhua. The relatively peaceful Balkh province has been witnessing scenes of clashes between security forces and Taliban militants since early this year. The Afghan National Defence and Security Forces have beefed up operations against anti-establishment armed militants who have carried out terror activities across Afghanistan. So far, the Taliban has not released any statement regarding the operation.

Afghanistan: Key Taliban commander among 6 terrorists killed in anti-terrorism operation

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani's Special Representative for Regional Affairs for Consensus on Peace, Mohammad Umer Daudzai, has arrived in New Delhi and will hold a meeting with External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj.

Daudzai is also the CEO of the High Peace Council, established to negotiate peace with the Taliban.

The former interior minister was appointed the special envoy in December of 2018 and was tasked with creating a regional consensus on the Afghan peace process.

Ahead of the visit Sayed Ihsan Taheri, Director Media to the high peace council said, "Everyone knows that India is one of the fewer states truly supporting Afghan-led Peace Process."

His presence in Delhi is a major development in the backdrop of increased engagement by India with regional countries and world powers on the Afghan peace process. New Delhi backs an "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled" peace process.

India, Russia meet on Afghanistan

On Wednesday, Joint secretary at Ministry of external affair's Pakistan Afghanistan and Iran desk, Deepak Mittal met Russia's Special Representative on Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov in Moscow for bilateral Consultations on Afghanistan.

India last year had participated at Moscow talks on Afghanistan at a &nbsp;non-officially by sending two former envoys — Former Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha &amp; Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan.&nbsp;

India, Iran on Afghanistan

On Tuesday during Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif's 2 days India visit Afghanistan was discussed during his meetings with his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj.

Iran's Chabahar port plays a crucial role in India's connectivity plans with Afghanistan. During the meet, both sides expressed satisfaction at the operationalization of the interim contract on the &nbsp;Chabahar Port between India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO).

India, the US on Afghanistan

Last week US special representative on Afghanistan &nbsp;Zalmay Khalilzad visited India, his 2nd visit to New Delhi this year. A release from the US embassy on the visit said both sides "agreed that Afghan gains of the last 18 years must be preserved and built upon" and "Ambassador Khalilzad will continue to consult with Indian counterparts as the peace process moves forward."

While recognizing Indian contribution to Afghanistan's development, the release stated, "Afghanistan’s political future is for Afghans to decide through an inclusive and legitimate process."

India, China on Afghanistan

Chinese Special Envoy on Afghanistan Ambassador Deng Xijun also paid a visit to India last week on Friday during which he held discussions with Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.&nbsp;

Both sides agreed to "consult closely on the evolving situation in Afghanistan" and "carry forward" the decision taken by PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during informal Wuhan summit on joint cooperation in Afghanistan.

Since then both countries have jointly trained Afghan diplomats in New Delhi and Bejing.

India is the largest donor to the landlocked South Asian country in the region with development assistance exceeding $3 billion and has built several infrastructure projects in the country including the Afghan parliament and the India Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat province.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani's Special Representative for Regional Affairs for Consensus on Peace, Mohammad Umer Daudzai, has arrived in New Delhi and will hold a meeting with External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani's Special Representative for Regional Affairs for Consensus on Peace, Mohammad Umer Daudzai, has arrived in New Delhi and will hold a meeting with External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj. Daudzai is also the CEO of the High Peace Council, established to negotiate peace with the Taliban. The former interior minister was appointed the special envoy in December of 2018 and was tasked with creating a regional consensus on the Afghan peace process. Ahead of the visit Sayed Ihsan Taheri, Director Media to the high peace council said, "Everyone knows that India is one of the fewer states truly supporting Afghan-led Peace Process." His presence in Delhi is a major development in the backdrop of increased engagement by India with regional countries and world powers on the Afghan peace process. New Delhi backs an "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled" peace process. India, Russia meet on Afghanistan On Wednesday, Joint secretary at Ministry of external affair's Pakistan Afghanistan and Iran desk, Deepak Mittal met Russia's Special Representative on Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov in Moscow for bilateral Consultations on Afghanistan. India last year had participated at Moscow talks on Afghanistan at a non-officially by sending two former envoys — Former Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha & Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan. India, Iran on Afghanistan On Tuesday during Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif's 2 days India visit Afghanistan was discussed during his meetings with his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj. Iran's Chabahar port plays a crucial role in India's connectivity plans with Afghanistan. During the meet, both sides expressed satisfaction at the operationalization of the interim contract on the Chabahar Port between India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO). India, the US on Afghanistan Last week US special representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad visited India, his 2nd visit to New Delhi this year. A release from the US embassy on the visit said both sides "agreed that Afghan gains of the last 18 years must be preserved and built upon" and "Ambassador Khalilzad will continue to consult with Indian counterparts as the peace process moves forward." While recognizing Indian contribution to Afghanistan's development, the release stated, "Afghanistan’s political future is for Afghans to decide through an inclusive and legitimate process." India, China on Afghanistan Chinese Special Envoy on Afghanistan Ambassador Deng Xijun also paid a visit to India last week on Friday during which he held discussions with Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale. Both sides agreed to "consult closely on the evolving situation in Afghanistan" and "carry forward" the decision taken by PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during informal Wuhan summit on joint cooperation in Afghanistan. Since then both countries have jointly trained Afghan diplomats in New Delhi and Bejing. India is the largest donor to the landlocked South Asian country in the region with development assistance exceeding $3 billion and has built several infrastructure projects in the country including the Afghan parliament and the India Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat province.

Ashraf Ghani's special envoy reaches Delhi as India increases engagement with other forces on Afghan peace process

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-ghani-urges-taliban-to-accept-ramadan-ceasefire-offer-216621">Talks with the Taliban</a> on ending Afghanistan's war are making steady but slow progress, the chief US envoy involved in the negotiations said on Friday while signalling growing frustration with relentless militant violence.

The sixth round of talks ended on Thursday in Qatar with "some progress" on a draft agreement on the withdrawal of foreign troops, a Taliban official said.

The United States is seeking a Taliban guarantee they won't let militants use Afghanistan to stage attacks.

The talks, the most sustained effort to end the 18-year conflict - America's longest war - began last year.

The sixth round got going on April 30 in Qatar's capital, Doha, but wound up early in response to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-aid-groups-reel-after-nine-killed-in-taliban-attack-217275">Taliban attack on an aid group in the capital, Kabul</a>, on Wednesday, a senior official with knowledge of the talks said.

The chief US envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, did not say if the talks had ended early, in comments he posted on Twitter, but expressed frustration with Taliban violence that has shown no sign of easing.

"We made steady but slow progress on aspects of the framework for ending the Afghan war. We are getting into the 'nitty-gritty.' The devil is always in the details," Khalilzad said.

"However, the current pace of talks isn't sufficient when so much conflict rages and innocent people die. We need more and faster progress. Our proposal for all sides to reduce violence also remains on the table."

Nine people were killed and at least 20 were wounded when Taliban fighters set off a big bomb at the gate of the Counterpart International aid group's office in Kabul, and then battled Afghan security forces for seven hours.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said his fighters attacked the group because it promoted "Western culture", including the mixing of the genders.

Officials from the aid group were not available for comment.

The attack in Kabul triggered a sense of unease between the US and Taliban negotiators in Qatar, three senior officials said.

"The original plan was to continue the talks," said one of the officials, who declined to be identified. "It ended abruptly due to the attack."

''What's the point?"

Last year, US President Donald Trump's administration accelerated efforts to find a political settlement in Afghanistan and reduce the US troop presence there.

About 17,000 foreign troops are based in Afghanistan - most of them American - as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. Some US forces carry out counter-terrorism operations.

But the Taliban have repeatedly rejected calls for a ceasefire, and they also refuse to talk to the US-backed Afghan government, and have instead stepped up their attacks.

"They are clearly giving a message that they can continue war and peace talks at the same time and are engaged in negotiations from a position of strength," said a Western diplomat in Kabul.

But the level of violence was putting pressure on the US side to come up with a plan to end it, the diplomat said.

"There is no time left for fake bonhomie when people were dying every hour."

An aide to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani questioned the entire process, given the Taliban rejection of a ceasefire.

"He appeals for a reduction in violence but clearly the Taliban are not listening," the presidential aide said, referring to Khalilzad.

"So we wonder, what's the point of holding talks?"

Talks with the Taliban on ending Afghanistan's war are making steady but slow progress, the chief US envoy involved in the negotiations said on Friday while signalling growing frustration with relentless militant violence.

Talks with the Taliban on ending Afghanistan's war are making steady but slow progress, the chief US envoy involved in the negotiations said on Friday while signalling growing frustration with relentless militant violence. The sixth round of talks ended on Thursday in Qatar with "some progress" on a draft agreement on the withdrawal of foreign troops, a Taliban official said. The United States is seeking a Taliban guarantee they won't let militants use Afghanistan to stage attacks. The talks, the most sustained effort to end the 18-year conflict - America's longest war - began last year. The sixth round got going on April 30 in Qatar's capital, Doha, but wound up early in response to a Taliban attack on an aid group in the capital, Kabul, on Wednesday, a senior official with knowledge of the talks said. The chief US envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, did not say if the talks had ended early, in comments he posted on Twitter, but expressed frustration with Taliban violence that has shown no sign of easing. "We made steady but slow progress on aspects of the framework for ending the Afghan war. We are getting into the 'nitty-gritty.' The devil is always in the details," Khalilzad said. "However, the current pace of talks isn't sufficient when so much conflict rages and innocent people die. We need more and faster progress. Our proposal for all sides to reduce violence also remains on the table." Nine people were killed and at least 20 were wounded when Taliban fighters set off a big bomb at the gate of the Counterpart International aid group's office in Kabul, and then battled Afghan security forces for seven hours. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said his fighters attacked the group because it promoted "Western culture", including the mixing of the genders. Officials from the aid group were not available for comment. The attack in Kabul triggered a sense of unease between the US and Taliban negotiators in Qatar, three senior officials said. "The original plan was to continue the talks," said one of the officials, who declined to be identified. "It ended abruptly due to the attack." ''What's the point?" Last year, US President Donald Trump's administration accelerated efforts to find a political settlement in Afghanistan and reduce the US troop presence there. About 17,000 foreign troops are based in Afghanistan - most of them American - as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. Some US forces carry out counter-terrorism operations. But the Taliban have repeatedly rejected calls for a ceasefire, and they also refuse to talk to the US-backed Afghan government, and have instead stepped up their attacks. "They are clearly giving a message that they can continue war and peace talks at the same time and are engaged in negotiations from a position of strength," said a Western diplomat in Kabul. But the level of violence was putting pressure on the US side to come up with a plan to end it, the diplomat said. "There is no time left for fake bonhomie when people were dying every hour." An aide to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani questioned the entire process, given the Taliban rejection of a ceasefire. "He appeals for a reduction in violence but clearly the Taliban are not listening," the presidential aide said, referring to Khalilzad. "So we wonder, what's the point of holding talks?"

Relentless Taliban violence casts a pall over 'slow' Afghan talks

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has urged the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/clashes-in-farah-kill-20-army-personnel-216445">Taliban to accept the demand of a Ramadan ceasefire</a> offered by the government in an effort to fast track the peace and reconciliation process in the war-torn country.

He said that the ceasefire was on behalf of the grand council, the 'Grand Consultative Jirga for Peace'&nbsp;comprising over 3,200 delegates, adding that Ramadan is a month of peace and reconciliation.

"I once again call on the Taliban to respect this holy month and address the demand of Afghans for peace and reconciliation which was reflected at the Grand Consultative Jirga for Peace," Ghani was quoted by TOLOnews as saying.

"I want to assure the people that the resolution of the peace Jirga will make a big part of the peace policy of the government," he added.

Last week, the Taliban rejected a similar ceasefire agreement proposed by Ghani and US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad.

The militant group said they will not stop "jihad" as it will have more "benefits" during the Ramadan month.

In response, Khalilzad had lashed out at the Taliban for rejecting his call for laying down their arms and stopping the violence as a part of efforts to move forward the ongoing peace process.

"All sides laying down arms is the outcome of any peace process. All sides agreeing to reduce violence is a necessary step toward achieving that outcome and the morally responsible choice to make. We stand ready," he had tweeted.

Khalilzad`s remarks came after Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that Khalilzad should "forget about the idea of putting down our arms.

"Instead of such fantasies, he should ponder upon how to "end the use of force and incurring further human and financial losses for the Kabul administration," TOLOnews had quoted Mujahid as saying.

Last year, the Taliban had announced a surprise three-day ceasefire with the Afghan government for the duration of Eid al-Fitr, the religious holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.&nbsp;

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has urged the Taliban to accept the demand of a Ramadan ceasefire offered by the government in an effort to fast track the peace and reconciliation process in the war-torn country.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has urged the Taliban to accept the demand of a Ramadan ceasefire offered by the government in an effort to fast track the peace and reconciliation process in the war-torn country. He said that the ceasefire was on behalf of the grand council, the 'Grand Consultative Jirga for Peace' comprising over 3,200 delegates, adding that Ramadan is a month of peace and reconciliation. "I once again call on the Taliban to respect this holy month and address the demand of Afghans for peace and reconciliation which was reflected at the Grand Consultative Jirga for Peace," Ghani was quoted by TOLOnews as saying. "I want to assure the people that the resolution of the peace Jirga will make a big part of the peace policy of the government," he added. Last week, the Taliban rejected a similar ceasefire agreement proposed by Ghani and US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad. The militant group said they will not stop "jihad" as it will have more "benefits" during the Ramadan month. In response, Khalilzad had lashed out at the Taliban for rejecting his call for laying down their arms and stopping the violence as a part of efforts to move forward the ongoing peace process. "All sides laying down arms is the outcome of any peace process. All sides agreeing to reduce violence is a necessary step toward achieving that outcome and the morally responsible choice to make. We stand ready," he had tweeted. Khalilzad`s remarks came after Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that Khalilzad should "forget about the idea of putting down our arms. "Instead of such fantasies, he should ponder upon how to "end the use of force and incurring further human and financial losses for the Kabul administration," TOLOnews had quoted Mujahid as saying. Last year, the Taliban had announced a surprise three-day ceasefire with the Afghan government for the duration of Eid al-Fitr, the religious holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.

Afghan President Ghani urges Taliban to accept Ramadan ceasefire offer

Pakistan's internal assessment about the future of Afghanistan sees the neighbouring country engulfed in a 'civil war' again with the US and the Taliban failing to reach a peace deal, a media report said Monday.

The search for peace in the war-torn country remained elusive so far despite hectic efforts to end the bloodshed.

The US last week resumed peace talks with the Afghan Taliban in Doha, Qatar as part of ongoing efforts to seek a political end to the 18-year long conflict, the Express Tribune reported.

The Afghan Grand Council, commonly known as Loya Jirga, convened by President Ashraf Ghani ended on Friday with unanimous calls for peace with the Taliban. Ghani offered the Taliban ceasefire and promised to release 175 Taliban prisoners ahead of the holy month of Ramazan.

These developments may have renewed hopes for a peace deal but internal assessment by Pakistan presents a grim picture.

"We do not want to be pessimistic, but the situation on the ground suggests that there is a remote chance of the ongoing talks between the Taliban and the US leading to any peace deal," said a senior Pakistani official, who is part of the team dealing with Afghan affairs.

His perspective was part of a broader internal assessment of Pakistan about the future of Afghanistan.

The crux of that assessment, exclusively shared by a senior official with the paper, is that Afghanistan in all likelihood is heading towards 'civil war'.

The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that there were a number of factors which, according to Pakistan, might push Afghanistan towards further unrest.

The key factor includes the deepening divide within Afghan society on the future of their country.

Even at the recently held Loya Jirga, several prominent Afghan politicians - including Ghani's government partner Dr Abdullah Abdullah - boycotted the gathering of over 3,000 delegates.

Also, the Taliban are not willing to hold direct talks with the government.

"This speaks volume of the challenge Afghans have to deal with,"&nbsp;the official added.

The flip-flop approach by the US is also adding to the complexity of the Afghan problem. "People, who were all those years kept in Guantanamo Bay, today are sitting across the table with Americans to discuss the peace deal."

In the present situation, according to Pakistan's assessment, there are more chances of Afghanistan slipping into the civil war' than reaching a peace deal.

However, the official said the 'civil war' did not necessarily mean the Taliban would return to Kabul.

"After the Soviets left Afghanistan in 1989, it took the Taliban more than six years to overpower their adversaries," he recalled.

When asked whether Pakistan was concerned at being made a 'scapegoat' in case peace efforts collapsed, the official insisted that Islamabad could not be blamed for any failure.

"We have now very limited influence over the Taliban," the official claimed.

It is believed that in view of the grim perspective of any political solution, Pakistan is now trying to maintain a low profile in those talks.

Unlike, the earlier talks held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Pakistan is not directly taking part in the ongoing Doha parleys, although it has facilitated the process.

When asked if Pakistan was preparing to deal with possible negative fallout of no peace deal in the neighbouring country, the official said 'contingency plans' were being worked out.

One area that Pakistan has been working on for a couple of years is to fence the long and porous border with Afghanistan.

The fencing is primarily meant to ensure better border security and control the irregular movement of people, something that militants always take advantage of.

In the event of further instability, there is a fear of a new influx of refugees.

"The fencing," Pakistan believes, "can help manage the chaos as people are allowed to cross the border only on designated points.

"The absence of any political solution will likely jeopardise Pakistan's plan to ensure the return of more than 2.5 million registered and unregistered Afghan refugees," the official admitted.&nbsp;

Pakistan's internal assessment about the future of Afghanistan sees the neighbouring country engulfed in a 'civil war' again with the US and the Taliban failing to reach a peace deal, a media report said Monday.

Pakistan's internal assessment about the future of Afghanistan sees the neighbouring country engulfed in a 'civil war' again with the US and the Taliban failing to reach a peace deal, a media report said Monday. The search for peace in the war-torn country remained elusive so far despite hectic efforts to end the bloodshed. The US last week resumed peace talks with the Afghan Taliban in Doha, Qatar as part of ongoing efforts to seek a political end to the 18-year long conflict, the Express Tribune reported. The Afghan Grand Council, commonly known as Loya Jirga, convened by President Ashraf Ghani ended on Friday with unanimous calls for peace with the Taliban. Ghani offered the Taliban ceasefire and promised to release 175 Taliban prisoners ahead of the holy month of Ramazan. These developments may have renewed hopes for a peace deal but internal assessment by Pakistan presents a grim picture. "We do not want to be pessimistic, but the situation on the ground suggests that there is a remote chance of the ongoing talks between the Taliban and the US leading to any peace deal," said a senior Pakistani official, who is part of the team dealing with Afghan affairs. His perspective was part of a broader internal assessment of Pakistan about the future of Afghanistan. The crux of that assessment, exclusively shared by a senior official with the paper, is that Afghanistan in all likelihood is heading towards 'civil war'. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that there were a number of factors which, according to Pakistan, might push Afghanistan towards further unrest. The key factor includes the deepening divide within Afghan society on the future of their country. Even at the recently held Loya Jirga, several prominent Afghan politicians - including Ghani's government partner Dr Abdullah Abdullah - boycotted the gathering of over 3,000 delegates. Also, the Taliban are not willing to hold direct talks with the government. "This speaks volume of the challenge Afghans have to deal with," the official added. The flip-flop approach by the US is also adding to the complexity of the Afghan problem. "People, who were all those years kept in Guantanamo Bay, today are sitting across the table with Americans to discuss the peace deal." In the present situation, according to Pakistan's assessment, there are more chances of Afghanistan slipping into the civil war' than reaching a peace deal. However, the official said the 'civil war' did not necessarily mean the Taliban would return to Kabul. "After the Soviets left Afghanistan in 1989, it took the Taliban more than six years to overpower their adversaries," he recalled. When asked whether Pakistan was concerned at being made a 'scapegoat' in case peace efforts collapsed, the official insisted that Islamabad could not be blamed for any failure. "We have now very limited influence over the Taliban," the official claimed. It is believed that in view of the grim perspective of any political solution, Pakistan is now trying to maintain a low profile in those talks. Unlike, the earlier talks held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Pakistan is not directly taking part in the ongoing Doha parleys, although it has facilitated the process. When asked if Pakistan was preparing to deal with possible negative fallout of no peace deal in the neighbouring country, the official said 'contingency plans' were being worked out. One area that Pakistan has been working on for a couple of years is to fence the long and porous border with Afghanistan. The fencing is primarily meant to ensure better border security and control the irregular movement of people, something that militants always take advantage of. In the event of further instability, there is a fear of a new influx of refugees. "The fencing," Pakistan believes, "can help manage the chaos as people are allowed to cross the border only on designated points. "The absence of any political solution will likely jeopardise Pakistan's plan to ensure the return of more than 2.5 million registered and unregistered Afghan refugees," the official admitted.

Pakistan's assessment says Afghanistan could descend into new 'civil war': Report

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

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

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

US-Taliban peace talks paused for first day of Ramazan

At least 13 people are dead and dozens were severely injured after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-attack-a-police-headquarters-in-afghanistan-216098">Taliban suicide bomber and several gunmen attacked a police headquarters</a> in northern Afghanistan on Sunday.

The explosion was followed up by gunmen storming the police compound, according to Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

In a tweet, Zabihullah Mujahid said a suicide bomber had detonated a bomb inside an armoured personnel carrier, "flattening most of the building".

Faisal Sami, a senator from Baghlan province, put the toll at 12 killed and 60 wounded.

The attack occurred two days after President Ashraf Ghani offered the Taliban a ceasefire during the holy month of Ramadan, which begins Monday.

The insurgents rebuffed the offer that came at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talks-with-us-stumble-over-troop-withdrawal-taliban-216168">end of peace talks in Kabul</a>, and as the Taliban meet with the US at separate talks in Qatar.

At least 13 people are dead and dozens were severely injured after Taliban suicide bomber and several gunmen attacked a police headquarters in northern Afghanistan on Sunday.

At least 13 people are dead and dozens were severely injured after Taliban suicide bomber and several gunmen attacked a police headquarters in northern Afghanistan on Sunday. The explosion was followed up by gunmen storming the police compound, according to Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. In a tweet, Zabihullah Mujahid said a suicide bomber had detonated a bomb inside an armoured personnel carrier, "flattening most of the building". Faisal Sami, a senator from Baghlan province, put the toll at 12 killed and 60 wounded. The attack occurred two days after President Ashraf Ghani offered the Taliban a ceasefire during the holy month of Ramadan, which begins Monday. The insurgents rebuffed the offer that came at the end of peace talks in Kabul, and as the Taliban meet with the US at separate talks in Qatar.

At least 13 dead in Taliban attack on Afghan police compound

Talks between the Taliban and the US have become bogged down over the key issue of when foreign forces might leave Afghanistan, a Taliban spokesman told AFP on Sunday.

The Taliban and US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad have met repeatedly in the Qatari capital Doha in recent months in a bid to finally end Afghanistan's gruelling war.

Central to negotiations is the fundamental question of a timetable for when US and foreign forces might leave Afghanistan, after more than 17 years of conflict.&nbsp;

While Khalilzad in February sounded an optimistic tone, suggesting a deal was within reach by July, the two foes have hit a sticking point.

Before the US announces a withdrawal timeline, it is demanding the Taliban put in place security guarantees, a ceasefire and other commitments.

But the insurgents insist they won't do a thing until the US announces that timeline.

In an interview with AFP, Suhail Shaheen, the Taliban's political spokesman in Doha, said the two sides are grappling with "one point, and to narrow the differences and have an agreement on a timetable which is acceptable to both sides".

"That has not been achieved so far," Shaheen said.

Asked if that meant nothing would move forward until America announced a withdrawal timetable, Shaheen said: "In principal, yes", adding that the issue might not be resolved in this round of talks.

"If we are not able to finalise it in this round, then ... peace would be far away rather than being closer," Shaheen said.&nbsp;

It was not clear if the talks were to continue Monday, the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.

Peace mega-summit

Many Afghans are aghast at the prospect of the US making a deal with the Taliban, and see the United States as desperate to leave a country that has cost it more than $1 trillion and the lives of some 2,400 troops.&nbsp;

They fear an emboldened Taliban would try to seize power and reintroduce its extreme version of Islam, wiping out years of gains by women, the media and others.

Khalilzad has tried to reassure Afghans by meeting with representatives from across the diverse country, and stressing America will not quit until a permanent ceasefire is in place.&nbsp;

Thousands of tribal elders and other figures met in Kabul last week to express their red lines for a deal with the Taliban.

Women in Kabul scoff at the idea that the insurgents, who once stoned women to death on flimsy allegations of adultery, have adapted to more modern times.&nbsp;

But Shaheen insisted the Taliban do "not have any problem with women's rights," though he said they would be based on "Islamic values."

"We have a different culture and different values. Our values, Afghan values are different from that of Western values", he said.

At the end of last week's mega-summit, President Ashraf Ghani offered the Taliban a ceasefire.

The insurgents rebuffed the move, and on Sunday launched a suicide and gunman attack at a police station in northern Afghanistan, killing at least thirteen people.

Despite the ongoing peace talks, violence in Afghanistan continues.&nbsp;

US forces train Afghan partners on the ground and strike the Taliban from the air, sometimes killing hundreds of the insurgents in a week, in a bid to push the war to a political settlement.

The insurgents have steadfastly refused to talk to Ghani, who they view as a US puppet, and talks thus far have cut out his government.

The negotiations between the Taliban and the US are incredibly complex.

Taliban chief negotiator Abbas Stanakzai is leading a 13-member team, while Khalilzad has about two dozen officials with him. The Qatari government is also participating.&nbsp;

Negotiations move slowly, with interactions translated back and forth into Pashto and English, while negotiators often pause to confer with higher ups.&nbsp;

The central guarantee the US want from the Taliban is that they never again allow Afghanistan to be used as a safe haven for terror groups.&nbsp;

Shaheen said the Taliban was ready to provide the US with the security guarantees it seeks.

Khalilzad has repeatedly stressed that nothing would be finalised until all issues have been addressed.

Talks between the Taliban and the US have become bogged down over the key issue of when foreign forces might leave Afghanistan, a Taliban spokesman told AFP on Sunday.

Talks between the Taliban and the US have become bogged down over the key issue of when foreign forces might leave Afghanistan, a Taliban spokesman told AFP on Sunday. The Taliban and US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad have met repeatedly in the Qatari capital Doha in recent months in a bid to finally end Afghanistan's gruelling war. Central to negotiations is the fundamental question of a timetable for when US and foreign forces might leave Afghanistan, after more than 17 years of conflict. While Khalilzad in February sounded an optimistic tone, suggesting a deal was within reach by July, the two foes have hit a sticking point. Before the US announces a withdrawal timeline, it is demanding the Taliban put in place security guarantees, a ceasefire and other commitments. But the insurgents insist they won't do a thing until the US announces that timeline. In an interview with AFP, Suhail Shaheen, the Taliban's political spokesman in Doha, said the two sides are grappling with "one point, and to narrow the differences and have an agreement on a timetable which is acceptable to both sides". "That has not been achieved so far," Shaheen said. Asked if that meant nothing would move forward until America announced a withdrawal timetable, Shaheen said: "In principal, yes", adding that the issue might not be resolved in this round of talks. "If we are not able to finalise it in this round, then ... peace would be far away rather than being closer," Shaheen said. It was not clear if the talks were to continue Monday, the first day of the holy month of Ramadan. Peace mega-summit Many Afghans are aghast at the prospect of the US making a deal with the Taliban, and see the United States as desperate to leave a country that has cost it more than $1 trillion and the lives of some 2,400 troops. They fear an emboldened Taliban would try to seize power and reintroduce its extreme version of Islam, wiping out years of gains by women, the media and others. Khalilzad has tried to reassure Afghans by meeting with representatives from across the diverse country, and stressing America will not quit until a permanent ceasefire is in place. Thousands of tribal elders and other figures met in Kabul last week to express their red lines for a deal with the Taliban. Women in Kabul scoff at the idea that the insurgents, who once stoned women to death on flimsy allegations of adultery, have adapted to more modern times. But Shaheen insisted the Taliban do "not have any problem with women's rights," though he said they would be based on "Islamic values." "We have a different culture and different values. Our values, Afghan values are different from that of Western values", he said. At the end of last week's mega-summit, President Ashraf Ghani offered the Taliban a ceasefire. The insurgents rebuffed the move, and on Sunday launched a suicide and gunman attack at a police station in northern Afghanistan, killing at least thirteen people. Despite the ongoing peace talks, violence in Afghanistan continues. US forces train Afghan partners on the ground and strike the Taliban from the air, sometimes killing hundreds of the insurgents in a week, in a bid to push the war to a political settlement. The insurgents have steadfastly refused to talk to Ghani, who they view as a US puppet, and talks thus far have cut out his government. The negotiations between the Taliban and the US are incredibly complex. Taliban chief negotiator Abbas Stanakzai is leading a 13-member team, while Khalilzad has about two dozen officials with him. The Qatari government is also participating. Negotiations move slowly, with interactions translated back and forth into Pashto and English, while negotiators often pause to confer with higher ups. The central guarantee the US want from the Taliban is that they never again allow Afghanistan to be used as a safe haven for terror groups. Shaheen said the Taliban was ready to provide the US with the security guarantees it seeks. Khalilzad has repeatedly stressed that nothing would be finalised until all issues have been addressed.

Talks with US stumble over troop withdrawal: Taliban

A Taliban suicide bomber and several gunmen attacked a police headquarters in northern Afghanistan on Sunday, killing at least four people and wounding 40 more, according to the insurgents and Afghan officials.

The attack occurred two days after President Ashraf Ghani offered the Taliban a ceasefire during the holy month of Ramadan, which begins Monday.

The insurgents rebuffed the offer that came at the end of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dont-tell-us-to-lay-down-arms-tell-the-americans-afghan-taliban-215626">peace talks in Kabul</a>, and as the Taliban meet with the US at separate talks in Qatar.

Sunday's attack started with a massive blast at the police facility in Pul-i-Khumri, about 250 kilometres (155 miles) north of Kabul, sending a huge plume of smoke into the sky.

The explosion was followed up by gunmen storming the police compound, according to Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

In a tweet, he said a suicide bomber had detonated a bomb inside an armoured personnel carrier, "flattening most of the building".

Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said "two terrorists were gunned down" in the attack, while "the rest of the attackers were besieged by the Afghan forces."

At least four people had been killed and another 40 wounded, said Baghan provincial health director Mohibullah Habib.

A Taliban suicide bomber and several gunmen attacked a police headquarters in northern Afghanistan on Sunday, killing at least four people and wounding 40 more, according to the insurgents and Afghan officials.

A Taliban suicide bomber and several gunmen attacked a police headquarters in northern Afghanistan on Sunday, killing at least four people and wounding 40 more, according to the insurgents and Afghan officials. The attack occurred two days after President Ashraf Ghani offered the Taliban a ceasefire during the holy month of Ramadan, which begins Monday. The insurgents rebuffed the offer that came at the end of peace talks in Kabul, and as the Taliban meet with the US at separate talks in Qatar. Sunday's attack started with a massive blast at the police facility in Pul-i-Khumri, about 250 kilometres (155 miles) north of Kabul, sending a huge plume of smoke into the sky. The explosion was followed up by gunmen storming the police compound, according to Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. In a tweet, he said a suicide bomber had detonated a bomb inside an armoured personnel carrier, "flattening most of the building". Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said "two terrorists were gunned down" in the attack, while "the rest of the attackers were besieged by the Afghan forces." At least four people had been killed and another 40 wounded, said Baghan provincial health director Mohibullah Habib.

Taliban attack a police headquarters in Afghanistan

The US special envoy tasked with forging a peace deal with the Taliban said Saturday that America stands ready for "all sides" to lay down arms in the 17-year conflict.

Peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is leading the latest round of talks with the Taliban in Doha, where the two foes are pursuing a deal that would see the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan in return for Taliban security guarantees.&nbsp;

"All sides laying down arms is the outcome of any peace process," Khalilzad tweeted.

"All sides agreeing to reduce violence is a necessary step toward achieving that outcome and the morally responsible choice to make. We stand ready."

Khalilzad's comments come a day after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he was prepared to call an "immediate" and "permanent" ceasefire -- but the Taliban rebuffed the offer.

Ghani had also offered to release 175 prisoners as a goodwill gesture. His talk of a ceasefire comes as momentum builds in various Afghan peace talks.&nbsp;

Thousands of tribal elders, women and representatives met last week at a massive "loya jirga" peace summit in Kabul, which ended with a demand for a ceasefire between the government and Taliban forces.

'Failed strategies'

The talks between the Taliban and the US, who have met about a half dozen times in recent months, are taking place separately in the Qatari capital Doha.

Neither side has said much about progress in their latest talks, which were ongoing Saturday, but Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on Friday tweeted that America should "forget about the idea of us putting down our arms".

The Doha talks focus on eventual foreign troop withdrawal in exchange for the Taliban guaranteeing Afghanistan will never again be used as a safe haven for terror groups.&nbsp;

Khalilzad has repeatedly stressed that nothing would be finalised until two other key issues -- a ceasefire and dialogue between Afghan society and the Taliban -- have been addressed.

Suhail Shaheen, the Taliban's political spokesman in Doha, told AFP that "efforts are underway" to flesh out differences on the security and troop withdrawal issues.&nbsp;

But in what appears to be something of an impasse with the Americans, Shaheen said the other key points of a comprehensive ceasefire and intra-Afghan dialogue could not be addressed until those first two points were agreed.

Last year, however, the Taliban did announce a three-day ceasefire at the end of Ramadan after Ghani declared a unilateral truce for eight days earlier in the month.

It was the first formal nationwide ceasefire since the US-led invasion of 2001 and saw unprecedented scenes of reconciliation and jubilation across the country.

The insurgents have steadfastly refused to talk to Ghani, who they view as a US puppet, and talks thus far have cut out his government.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan's war rages on, with thousands of civilians and fighters being killed each year.

US forces continue to train Afghan partners on the ground and strike the Taliban from the air, in a bid to push the war to a political settlement.

The US special envoy tasked with forging a peace deal with the Taliban said Saturday that America stands ready for "all sides" to lay down arms in the 17-year conflict.

The US special envoy tasked with forging a peace deal with the Taliban said Saturday that America stands ready for "all sides" to lay down arms in the 17-year conflict. Peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is leading the latest round of talks with the Taliban in Doha, where the two foes are pursuing a deal that would see the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan in return for Taliban security guarantees. "All sides laying down arms is the outcome of any peace process," Khalilzad tweeted. "All sides agreeing to reduce violence is a necessary step toward achieving that outcome and the morally responsible choice to make. We stand ready." Khalilzad's comments come a day after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he was prepared to call an "immediate" and "permanent" ceasefire -- but the Taliban rebuffed the offer. Ghani had also offered to release 175 prisoners as a goodwill gesture. His talk of a ceasefire comes as momentum builds in various Afghan peace talks. Thousands of tribal elders, women and representatives met last week at a massive "loya jirga" peace summit in Kabul, which ended with a demand for a ceasefire between the government and Taliban forces. 'Failed strategies' The talks between the Taliban and the US, who have met about a half dozen times in recent months, are taking place separately in the Qatari capital Doha. Neither side has said much about progress in their latest talks, which were ongoing Saturday, but Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on Friday tweeted that America should "forget about the idea of us putting down our arms". The Doha talks focus on eventual foreign troop withdrawal in exchange for the Taliban guaranteeing Afghanistan will never again be used as a safe haven for terror groups. Khalilzad has repeatedly stressed that nothing would be finalised until two other key issues -- a ceasefire and dialogue between Afghan society and the Taliban -- have been addressed. Suhail Shaheen, the Taliban's political spokesman in Doha, told AFP that "efforts are underway" to flesh out differences on the security and troop withdrawal issues. But in what appears to be something of an impasse with the Americans, Shaheen said the other key points of a comprehensive ceasefire and intra-Afghan dialogue could not be addressed until those first two points were agreed. Last year, however, the Taliban did announce a three-day ceasefire at the end of Ramadan after Ghani declared a unilateral truce for eight days earlier in the month. It was the first formal nationwide ceasefire since the US-led invasion of 2001 and saw unprecedented scenes of reconciliation and jubilation across the country. The insurgents have steadfastly refused to talk to Ghani, who they view as a US puppet, and talks thus far have cut out his government. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's war rages on, with thousands of civilians and fighters being killed each year. US forces continue to train Afghan partners on the ground and strike the Taliban from the air, in a bid to push the war to a political settlement.

US ready for 'all sides' to lay down arms in Afghan war: Zalmay Khalilzad

Thousands of Afghans congregated in Kabul on Monday for a rare consultative meeting aimed at finding ways to negotiate a peace deal with the Taliban and end Afghanistan's war.

The four-day consultative grand assembly, known as a Loya Jirga, is an attempt by<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-envoy-ghani-push-intra-afghan-talks-214023&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiRzaHI6_ThAhWhheYKHbX2D3UQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0kU-p3lLJ2ZOc9hXT10edu"> President Ashraf Ghani </a>to influence peace talks between the United States and the Taliban, which the Taliban have excluded his government from.

"It is a proud moment for me to have representatives from all over the country here and today we are gathered to speak about the peace talks," Ghani said in an opening ceremony in a huge tent set up for such assemblies in central Kabul.

A Loya Jirga is aimed at building consensus among various ethnic groups and tribal factions and is traditionally convened under extraordinary circumstances.

This week's meeting, being attended by 3,200 trial elders, and community and religious leaders from all 34 provinces, aims to set out Kabul's conditions for any peace deal.

But opposition political leaders and government critics, including former president Hamid Karzai, are boycotting the assembly accusing Ghani of using it as a platform to boost his status as a leader in an election year.

The US&nbsp;talks with the Taliban in Qatar are part of President Donald Trump's efforts to end America's longest war, which began when US-backed forces ousted the Taliban weeks after September&nbsp;11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

Since October, US&nbsp;and Taliban officials have held several rounds of talks aimed at ensuring a safe exit for US&nbsp;forces in return for a Taliban guarantee that Afghanistan will not be used by militants to threaten the rest of the world.

But the Taliban have refused to talk to Ghani's government, denouncing it as foreign "puppet", and intense fighting is going on in various parts of the country, with the Taliban controlling and influencing more territory than at any point since 2001.

Ghani invited the Taliban to the Loya Jirga but they have urged people to boycott it, denouncing it as an attempt by the Western-backed government to deceive the country and extend what the Taliban see as its illegitimate rule.

"Do not participate in the enemy's conspiracy under the name of Jirga, instead find ways to further sideline the shaky administration of Kabul," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement.

In the past, the Taliban have fired rockets at the Loya Jirga tent, and much of Kabul was under virtual lockdown on Monday, amid a massive security operation for the meeting.

Ghani, who hopes to secure a second term in the presidential election set for September, is feeling isolated from the peace process and the Loya Jirga was a bid to broaden his support, Western diplomats in Kabul said.

"He wants to prove that he has the ability to secure a peace deal and also enjoys the support of Afghans," said one diplomat.

"Ghani fears the opposition is using the Taliban refusal to engage with him to undermine him politically," the diplomat said.

Thousands of Afghans congregated in Kabul on Monday for a rare consultative meeting aimed at finding ways to negotiate a peace deal with the Taliban and end Afghanistan's war.

Thousands of Afghans congregated in Kabul on Monday for a rare consultative meeting aimed at finding ways to negotiate a peace deal with the Taliban and end Afghanistan's war. The four-day consultative grand assembly, known as a Loya Jirga, is an attempt by President Ashraf Ghani to influence peace talks between the United States and the Taliban, which the Taliban have excluded his government from. "It is a proud moment for me to have representatives from all over the country here and today we are gathered to speak about the peace talks," Ghani said in an opening ceremony in a huge tent set up for such assemblies in central Kabul. A Loya Jirga is aimed at building consensus among various ethnic groups and tribal factions and is traditionally convened under extraordinary circumstances. This week's meeting, being attended by 3,200 trial elders, and community and religious leaders from all 34 provinces, aims to set out Kabul's conditions for any peace deal. But opposition political leaders and government critics, including former president Hamid Karzai, are boycotting the assembly accusing Ghani of using it as a platform to boost his status as a leader in an election year. The US talks with the Taliban in Qatar are part of President Donald Trump's efforts to end America's longest war, which began when US-backed forces ousted the Taliban weeks after September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. Since October, US and Taliban officials have held several rounds of talks aimed at ensuring a safe exit for US forces in return for a Taliban guarantee that Afghanistan will not be used by militants to threaten the rest of the world. But the Taliban have refused to talk to Ghani's government, denouncing it as foreign "puppet", and intense fighting is going on in various parts of the country, with the Taliban controlling and influencing more territory than at any point since 2001. Ghani invited the Taliban to the Loya Jirga but they have urged people to boycott it, denouncing it as an attempt by the Western-backed government to deceive the country and extend what the Taliban see as its illegitimate rule. "Do not participate in the enemy's conspiracy under the name of Jirga, instead find ways to further sideline the shaky administration of Kabul," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement. In the past, the Taliban have fired rockets at the Loya Jirga tent, and much of Kabul was under virtual lockdown on Monday, amid a massive security operation for the meeting. Ghani, who hopes to secure a second term in the presidential election set for September, is feeling isolated from the peace process and the Loya Jirga was a bid to broaden his support, Western diplomats in Kabul said. "He wants to prove that he has the ability to secure a peace deal and also enjoys the support of Afghans," said one diplomat. "Ghani fears the opposition is using the Taliban refusal to engage with him to undermine him politically," the diplomat said.

Afghan president opens grand assembly in bid to gain initiative in Taliban talks

Thousands of politicians and officials from across<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-grand-assembly-for-troubled-peace-process-213609&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwijhvG35vThAhXC7HMBHYH9ANkQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2j535LCvVwBz6_yAzm3xrk"> Afghanistan gathered amid tight security in Kabul</a> Monday to discuss the war and US efforts to forge a peace deal with the Taliban.

More than 3,000 people have been invited to the rare "loya jirga", which is being billed as the largest in modern Afghan history, in a bid to set possible conditions under which they might accept a peace settlement.

The loya jirga -- literally "grand assembly" in Pashto -- is being held at the US and Taliban are discussing a possible foreign troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and various Taliban pledges.&nbsp;

The talks have so far cut out the government of<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-envoy-ghani-push-intra-afghan-talks-214023&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwijhvG35vThAhXC7HMBHYH9ANkQFjADegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3D_YniyhB3LPFKzlWdOqDD"> President Ashraf Ghani</a>, whom the Taliban view as a US stooge.

"We want to specify the main lines for the negotiations with the Taliban," Ghani said at the start of the summit. "We want clear advice from all of you."

Ghani's government hopes the high-stakes meeting will set out Kabul's conditions for any deal, including the continuation of the constitution and the protection of women's rights, the media, and free speech.

Ghani had invited the Taliban but the insurgents, having waged an unrelenting guerrilla war since 2001, refused.&nbsp;

Much of Kabul was locked down Monday, with a weeklong public holiday declared for the duration of the four-day event.

Streets across the capital were closed and hilly overlooks blocked. In the past, the Taliban have blasted rockets at a tent hosting a loya jirga.

In a statement, the Taliban have vowed that any decisions or resolutions made at a loya jirga are "never acceptable to the real and devout sons of this homeland".

The most recent jirga was held in 2013 when Afghan officials endorsed a security agreement that allowed US troops to stay in Afghanistan beyond their planned withdrawal in 2014.

Thousands of politicians and officials from across Afghanistan gathered amid tight security in Kabul Monday to discuss the war and US efforts to forge a peace deal with the Taliban.

Thousands of politicians and officials from across Afghanistan gathered amid tight security in Kabul Monday to discuss the war and US efforts to forge a peace deal with the Taliban. More than 3,000 people have been invited to the rare "loya jirga", which is being billed as the largest in modern Afghan history, in a bid to set possible conditions under which they might accept a peace settlement. The loya jirga -- literally "grand assembly" in Pashto -- is being held at the US and Taliban are discussing a possible foreign troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and various Taliban pledges. The talks have so far cut out the government of President Ashraf Ghani, whom the Taliban view as a US stooge. "We want to specify the main lines for the negotiations with the Taliban," Ghani said at the start of the summit. "We want clear advice from all of you." Ghani's government hopes the high-stakes meeting will set out Kabul's conditions for any deal, including the continuation of the constitution and the protection of women's rights, the media, and free speech. Ghani had invited the Taliban but the insurgents, having waged an unrelenting guerrilla war since 2001, refused. Much of Kabul was locked down Monday, with a weeklong public holiday declared for the duration of the four-day event. Streets across the capital were closed and hilly overlooks blocked. In the past, the Taliban have blasted rockets at a tent hosting a loya jirga. In a statement, the Taliban have vowed that any decisions or resolutions made at a loya jirga are "never acceptable to the real and devout sons of this homeland". The most recent jirga was held in 2013 when Afghan officials endorsed a security agreement that allowed US troops to stay in Afghanistan beyond their planned withdrawal in 2014.

Thousands gather in Kabul for Afghan peace meeting

The United States and Afghanistan stressed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-grand-assembly-for-troubled-peace-process-213997">need for "intra-Afghan dialogue"</a> when US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani held talks on Saturday, a palace statement said.

Their meeting came during a marathon multi-country tour by Khalilzad, who is to visit Qatar -- the usual venue for talks with the Taliban.

"Dr Khalilzad briefed the president and other government officials about his trips and future plans for peace," a palace statement said.

"Both sides once again emphasised an intra-Afghan dialogue between the Afghan government and the Taliban, led by the Afghan government."&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump is eager to reach a solution to end his country's longest-ever war, which dislodged the Taliban following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

Before Khalilzad embarked on his tour, the State Department said that in Doha, the Qatari capital, he will "press forward on negotiations with the Taliban to reach a consensus on core national security issues, and urge their participation in an inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue."&nbsp;

Despite several rounds of talks with Khalilzad, the Taliban have refused to negotiate with Ghani's internationally recognised government.

Hopes for a breakthrough earlier in April were dashed when a dialogue planned between the Taliban and Afghan officials in Doha collapsed at the last minute.

On Friday the US found backing from rivals Russia and China on the key formula of the peace deal it is negotiating in Afghanistan -- withdrawing troops in return for Taliban pledges not to welcome foreign extremists.

After Khalilzad met Russian and Chinese representatives in Moscow, he described the consensus as a "milestone." A joint statement by the three countries called for an "inclusive Afghan-led" peace process and outlined points expected to feature in an eventual agreement.

On Monday, Afghanistan convenes a rare "loya jirga," where more than 2,000 people from across the country have been invited to discuss the war and US efforts to forge a peace deal with the Taliban.

The United States and Afghanistan stressed the need for "intra-Afghan dialogue" when US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani held talks on Saturday, a palace statement said.

The United States and Afghanistan stressed the need for "intra-Afghan dialogue" when US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani held talks on Saturday, a palace statement said. Their meeting came during a marathon multi-country tour by Khalilzad, who is to visit Qatar -- the usual venue for talks with the Taliban. "Dr Khalilzad briefed the president and other government officials about his trips and future plans for peace," a palace statement said. "Both sides once again emphasised an intra-Afghan dialogue between the Afghan government and the Taliban, led by the Afghan government." US President Donald Trump is eager to reach a solution to end his country's longest-ever war, which dislodged the Taliban following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. Before Khalilzad embarked on his tour, the State Department said that in Doha, the Qatari capital, he will "press forward on negotiations with the Taliban to reach a consensus on core national security issues, and urge their participation in an inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue." Despite several rounds of talks with Khalilzad, the Taliban have refused to negotiate with Ghani's internationally recognised government. Hopes for a breakthrough earlier in April were dashed when a dialogue planned between the Taliban and Afghan officials in Doha collapsed at the last minute. On Friday the US found backing from rivals Russia and China on the key formula of the peace deal it is negotiating in Afghanistan -- withdrawing troops in return for Taliban pledges not to welcome foreign extremists. After Khalilzad met Russian and Chinese representatives in Moscow, he described the consensus as a "milestone." A joint statement by the three countries called for an "inclusive Afghan-led" peace process and outlined points expected to feature in an eventual agreement. On Monday, Afghanistan convenes a rare "loya jirga," where more than 2,000 people from across the country have been invited to discuss the war and US efforts to forge a peace deal with the Taliban.

US envoy, Ghani push 'intra-Afghan' talks

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-serial-blasts-13-under-arrest-ninth-bomb-defused-near-colombo-airport-212476">Sri Lanka blasts: 13 under arrest, ninth bomb defused near Colombo airport</a>

Thirteen people were arrested by Sri Lankan police in connection with a series of eight devastating bomb blasts in the country on churches and hotels that killed more than 207 people and injured 500, officials said Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/25-foreigners-among-207-killed-in-sri-lanka-mayhem-report-212463">5 Indians among 25 foreigners killed in Sri Lanka mayhem: Report</a>

At least five Indians were killed in the serial bomb blasts that ravaged Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday in the island country's bloodiest day since the civil war ended a decade ago.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-memo-circulated-a-day-before-had-warned-of-attack-212458">Sri Lanka: Memo circulated a day before had warned of attack</a>

A memo that warned of a potential attack was circulated a day before the deadly explosions in Sri Lanka, reports CNN.The memo dated April 11 was signed by Sri Lanka`s deputy inspector general of police.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-protest-leaders-halt-talks-with-military-212459">Sudan protest leaders halt talks with military</a>

Sudanese protest leaders Sunday suspended talks with military rulers, after the army failed to meet their demand for an immediate transfer to civilian rule.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/game-of-thrones-s8-episode-2-leaks-online-hours-before-hbo-airing-212461">'Game of Thrones' S8 episode 2 leaks online hours before HBO airing</a>

According to The Wrap, fans of the epic fantasy series alerted on social media about the leak, claiming that the to-be-aired episode was released early via Amazon Prime Video in Germany.

Sri Lanka blasts: 13 under arrest, ninth bomb defused near Colombo airport Thirteen people were arrested by Sri Lankan police in connection with a series of eight devastating bomb blasts in the country on churches and hotels that killed more than 207 people and injured 500, officials said Monday.

Sri Lanka blasts: 13 under arrest, ninth bomb defused near Colombo airport Thirteen people were arrested by Sri Lankan police in connection with a series of eight devastating bomb blasts in the country on churches and hotels that killed more than 207 people and injured 500, officials said Monday. 5 Indians among 25 foreigners killed in Sri Lanka mayhem: Report At least five Indians were killed in the serial bomb blasts that ravaged Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday in the island country's bloodiest day since the civil war ended a decade ago. Sri Lanka: Memo circulated a day before had warned of attack A memo that warned of a potential attack was circulated a day before the deadly explosions in Sri Lanka, reports CNN.The memo dated April 11 was signed by Sri Lanka`s deputy inspector general of police. Sudan protest leaders halt talks with military Sudanese protest leaders Sunday suspended talks with military rulers, after the army failed to meet their demand for an immediate transfer to civilian rule. 'Game of Thrones' S8 episode 2 leaks online hours before HBO airing According to The Wrap, fans of the epic fantasy series alerted on social media about the leak, claiming that the to-be-aired episode was released early via Amazon Prime Video in Germany.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-multiple-blasts-seven-arrested-death-toll-passes-200-212339">Sri Lanka multiple blasts: Seven arrested, death toll passes 200</a> 
 
Seven people were arrested and three police officers were killed during a raid on a house in Sri Lankan capital Colombo on Sunday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trumps-solidarity-message-on-sri-lanka-blasts-goes-wrong-tweets-out-heartfelt-condolences-on-death-of-138-million-people-212299">Trump accidentally tweets condolences on death of '138 million people' in Sri Lanka</a> 
 
US President Donald Trump on Sunday offered "heartfelt condolences" to the people of Sri Lanka after a series of deadly explosions at churches and hotels in the island nation killed more than 160 people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-contest-from-varanasi-if-rahul-gandhi-asks-me-says-priyanka-gandhi-212313">Will contest from Varanasi if Rahul Gandhi asks me, says Priyanka Gandhi</a>

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday said that she will contest the Lok Sabha election from Varanasi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi if the party president Rahul Gandhi asks her to do so.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/these-blasts-are-grim-reminder-of-most-serious-challenge-to-humanity-pm-modi-to-sri-lankan-president-pm-212293">Sri Lanka blasts grim reminder of serious challenge to humanity: PM Modi</a> 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on series of blasts that hit the neighbour island today.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-supreme-court-extends-president-ashraf-ghanis-term-until-delayed-elections-212297">Afghan supreme court extends President Ashraf Ghani's term until delayed elections</a> 
 
Afghanistan's supreme court on Sunday said it had extended the term of President Ashraf Ghani until delayed elections take place - resolving, for now, the question of what would happen after his term expires on May 22. 
&nbsp;

Sri Lanka multiple blasts: Seven arrested, death toll passes 200 Seven people were arrested and three police officers were killed during a raid on a house in Sri Lankan capital Colombo on Sunday.

Sri Lanka multiple blasts: Seven arrested, death toll passes 200 Seven people were arrested and three police officers were killed during a raid on a house in Sri Lankan capital Colombo on Sunday. Trump accidentally tweets condolences on death of '138 million people' in Sri Lanka US President Donald Trump on Sunday offered "heartfelt condolences" to the people of Sri Lanka after a series of deadly explosions at churches and hotels in the island nation killed more than 160 people. Will contest from Varanasi if Rahul Gandhi asks me, says Priyanka Gandhi Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday said that she will contest the Lok Sabha election from Varanasi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi if the party president Rahul Gandhi asks her to do so. Sri Lanka blasts grim reminder of serious challenge to humanity: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on series of blasts that hit the neighbour island today. Afghan supreme court extends President Ashraf Ghani's term until delayed elections Afghanistan's supreme court on Sunday said it had extended the term of President Ashraf Ghani until delayed elections take place - resolving, for now, the question of what would happen after his term expires on May 22.

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talks-in-trouble-as-taliban-slam-afghan-guest-list-211426">meeting between the Taliban and Afghan politicians</a> and civil society aimed at ending more than 17 years of war in Afghanistan has been postponed, officials and diplomats said on Thursday, citing Taliban objections to the size of the Afghan delegation.

The talks were set to begin on Friday in Doha, but a senior government official in Kabul said, "the gathering has been called off for now and details were being reworked."

Afghan delegates scheduled to fly to the Qatari capital on Thursday were told the trip was postponed and new dates were being discussed, a western diplomat in Kabul said.

"The government will have to change the composition of the delegation to make this meeting happen," the diplomat said on condition of anonymity.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said leaders of the hardline Islamist group were uncomfortable with the size of the Afghan delegation and its composition.

"Presence of some participants was completely against the list of what was agreed upon," Mujahid told Reuters over phone, adding that the delegation included Afghans working for the government.

The Taliban has repeatedly refused to meet President Ashraf Ghani's government, which they call a puppet regime, but have held several rounds of peace talks with US officials.

Ghani said Wednesday the 250-member Afghan delegation included some government officials attending in a personal capacity. But the group did not include some of the most powerful figures in Afghan politics, who are reluctant to join forces with Ghani ahead of presidential elections due in September.

A meeting between the Taliban and Afghan politicians and civil society aimed at ending more than 17 years of war in Afghanistan has been postponed, officials and diplomats said on Thursday, citing Taliban objections to the size of the Afghan delegation.

A meeting between the Taliban and Afghan politicians and civil society aimed at ending more than 17 years of war in Afghanistan has been postponed, officials and diplomats said on Thursday, citing Taliban objections to the size of the Afghan delegation. The talks were set to begin on Friday in Doha, but a senior government official in Kabul said, "the gathering has been called off for now and details were being reworked." Afghan delegates scheduled to fly to the Qatari capital on Thursday were told the trip was postponed and new dates were being discussed, a western diplomat in Kabul said. "The government will have to change the composition of the delegation to make this meeting happen," the diplomat said on condition of anonymity. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said leaders of the hardline Islamist group were uncomfortable with the size of the Afghan delegation and its composition. "Presence of some participants was completely against the list of what was agreed upon," Mujahid told Reuters over phone, adding that the delegation included Afghans working for the government. The Taliban has repeatedly refused to meet President Ashraf Ghani's government, which they call a puppet regime, but have held several rounds of peace talks with US officials. Ghani said Wednesday the 250-member Afghan delegation included some government officials attending in a personal capacity. But the group did not include some of the most powerful figures in Afghan politics, who are reluctant to join forces with Ghani ahead of presidential elections due in September.

Peace talks postponed as Taliban objects to size of Afghan delegation

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-talks-end-for-now-with-no-afghan-peace-deal-202982&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjoxKC96snhAhW1mOYKHUaIAtQQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw29bMLan5YRoAWvYAmzG7U0">Taliban</a> on Friday announced their annual spring offensive, which comes as the US and Afghan politicians try to negotiate for a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/afghan-peace-talks-india-must-update-its-contingency-plans-to-prevent-talibans-takeover-of-kabul-207911&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjoxKC96snhAhW1mOYKHUaIAtQQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0k-myC0IJfFubpmNnpeaaN">peace</a> settlement with the Islamist militants.

Operation Fath -- which means "victory" in Arabic -- will be conducted across Afghanistan with the aim of "eradicating occupation" and "cleansing our Muslim homeland from invasion and corruption", the Taliban said in a statement.

The annual spring offensive traditionally marks the start of the so-called fighting season, though the announcement is largely symbolic as in recent winters the Taliban have continued fighting Afghan and US forces.

"Our Jihadi obligation has not yet ended," the Taliban said.&nbsp;

"Even as large parts of our homeland have been freed from the enemy, yet the foreign occupying forces continue exercising military and political influence in our Islamic country."

Qais Mangal, a spokesman for the Afghan Ministry of Defence, said the Taliban's spring offensive is "mere propaganda."

"The Taliban will not reach their vicious goals and their operations will be defeated like previous years," Mangal said.&nbsp;

After suffering horrific bloodshed in 2018, Kabul has in recent weeks enjoyed something of a lull in violence.

But on Monday three US Marines were killed in a Taliban attack at Bagram air base north of the city, and authorities in the capital are on high alert.&nbsp;

The administration of President Ashraf Ghani recently declared its own spring offensive, Operation Khalid, and the Taliban used that announcement as a justification for launching a new push.

It shows "the enemy still seeks to attain its malicious objectives through the use of force", the Taliban said.&nbsp;

The US has held several rounds of talks with the Taliban in a bid to bring an end to the war against the insurgents.&nbsp;

Separately, Afghan politicians also have met with the Taliban in Moscow, and a fresh round of talks is expected to take place later this month between officials from the Kabul government and the Taliban in the Qatari capital Doha.&nbsp;

The US still has about 14,000 troops in Afghanistan, nearly 18 years after the US-led invasion to topple the Taliban.

While Western forces quickly ousted the group, the insurgents have reclaimed much of Afghanistan over the years, primarily in rural areas.&nbsp;

In 2018 a record 10,993 civilians were wounded or killed in Afghanistan, according to UN figures.

US President Donald Trump last year decided to slash the number of American soldiers in Afghanistan, though no such drawdown has happened yet.&nbsp;

The Taliban on Friday announced their annual spring offensive, which comes as the US and Afghan politicians try to negotiate for a peace settlement with the Islamist militants.

The Taliban on Friday announced their annual spring offensive, which comes as the US and Afghan politicians try to negotiate for a peace settlement with the Islamist militants. Operation Fath -- which means "victory" in Arabic -- will be conducted across Afghanistan with the aim of "eradicating occupation" and "cleansing our Muslim homeland from invasion and corruption", the Taliban said in a statement. The annual spring offensive traditionally marks the start of the so-called fighting season, though the announcement is largely symbolic as in recent winters the Taliban have continued fighting Afghan and US forces. "Our Jihadi obligation has not yet ended," the Taliban said. "Even as large parts of our homeland have been freed from the enemy, yet the foreign occupying forces continue exercising military and political influence in our Islamic country." Qais Mangal, a spokesman for the Afghan Ministry of Defence, said the Taliban's spring offensive is "mere propaganda." "The Taliban will not reach their vicious goals and their operations will be defeated like previous years," Mangal said. After suffering horrific bloodshed in 2018, Kabul has in recent weeks enjoyed something of a lull in violence. But on Monday three US Marines were killed in a Taliban attack at Bagram air base north of the city, and authorities in the capital are on high alert. The administration of President Ashraf Ghani recently declared its own spring offensive, Operation Khalid, and the Taliban used that announcement as a justification for launching a new push. It shows "the enemy still seeks to attain its malicious objectives through the use of force", the Taliban said. The US has held several rounds of talks with the Taliban in a bid to bring an end to the war against the insurgents. Separately, Afghan politicians also have met with the Taliban in Moscow, and a fresh round of talks is expected to take place later this month between officials from the Kabul government and the Taliban in the Qatari capital Doha. The US still has about 14,000 troops in Afghanistan, nearly 18 years after the US-led invasion to topple the Taliban. While Western forces quickly ousted the group, the insurgents have reclaimed much of Afghanistan over the years, primarily in rural areas. In 2018 a record 10,993 civilians were wounded or killed in Afghanistan, according to UN figures. US President Donald Trump last year decided to slash the number of American soldiers in Afghanistan, though no such drawdown has happened yet.

Taliban announce spring offensive amid Afghan peace push

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

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

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

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

Nine Afghan policemen were killed when Taliban fighters stormed their checkpoints and launched a follow-up ambush in the eastern Afghanistan city of Ghazni, officials said Saturday.

The assault began early Friday when the Taliban attacked two adjacent checkpoints, Ghazni police spokesman Ahmad Khan Seerat told AFP.

The Taliban then ambushed a group of police rushing to the scene, killing the head of the local police, Seerat added.

In all, nine officers were killed and six were wounded, he said. The toll was confirmed by Arif Noori, spokesman for the Ghazni governor.

In August, Taliban fighters briefly held the city of Ghazni before they were pushed out by US air strikes and Afghan forces.

Friday's attack highlights the ongoing fragility of Afghanistan's security and the risks faced by local security forces as the man vulnerable checkpoints.

President Ashraf Ghani in January said 45,000 security forces have been killed since he took office in September 2014.

On its Twitter account, the Taliban claimed to have killed 12 "soldiers," though the group frequently exaggerates numbers.

Meanwhile, in Zabul in southern Afghanistan late Friday, Gul Islam Seyal, spokesman for the local governor, told AFP that four policemen were killed and two wounded after a "Taliban infiltrator" opened fire at a checkpoint.

The attacks come as the United States seeks to broker a peace accord with the Taliban and the Kabul government, more than 17 years since the US-led invasion that ousted the Islamist fighters.&nbsp;

Nine Afghan policemen were killed when Taliban fighters stormed their checkpoints and launched a follow-up ambush in the eastern Afghanistan city of Ghazni, officials said Saturday.

Nine Afghan policemen were killed when Taliban fighters stormed their checkpoints and launched a follow-up ambush in the eastern Afghanistan city of Ghazni, officials said Saturday. The assault began early Friday when the Taliban attacked two adjacent checkpoints, Ghazni police spokesman Ahmad Khan Seerat told AFP. The Taliban then ambushed a group of police rushing to the scene, killing the head of the local police, Seerat added. In all, nine officers were killed and six were wounded, he said. The toll was confirmed by Arif Noori, spokesman for the Ghazni governor. In August, Taliban fighters briefly held the city of Ghazni before they were pushed out by US air strikes and Afghan forces. Friday's attack highlights the ongoing fragility of Afghanistan's security and the risks faced by local security forces as the man vulnerable checkpoints. President Ashraf Ghani in January said 45,000 security forces have been killed since he took office in September 2014. On its Twitter account, the Taliban claimed to have killed 12 "soldiers," though the group frequently exaggerates numbers. Meanwhile, in Zabul in southern Afghanistan late Friday, Gul Islam Seyal, spokesman for the local governor, told AFP that four policemen were killed and two wounded after a "Taliban infiltrator" opened fire at a checkpoint. The attacks come as the United States seeks to broker a peace accord with the Taliban and the Kabul government, more than 17 years since the US-led invasion that ousted the Islamist fighters.

Taliban kill nine police in checkpoint assault in Afghanistan

A Pakistani minister has branded the US ambassador to Kabul a "little pygmy" in a high-level diplomatic Twitter row that erupted over ongoing peace talks between Washington and the Taliban in Afghanistan.

The furore underscores the delicate balance of regional tensions as the US steps up a push to find a way out of Afghanistan, more than 17 years after the invasion.

It began after Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan reportedly suggested an interim government in Afghanistan to help smooth the talks process, making the comment during a briefing with local reporters on Monday.&nbsp;

Khan's comments caused uproar in Afghanistan, which has long held neighbouring Pakistan's shadowy intelligence services responsible for supporting and training the Taliban.&nbsp;

Kabul recalled its ambassador on Tuesday, and the Pakistani foreign office tried to downplay Khan's comments on Wednesday, saying they had been reported "out of context... leading to an unwarranted reaction".&nbsp;

But shortly after US ambassador to Afghanistan John Bass issued a tweet rebuking Khan while alluding to his past as captain of Pakistan's World Cup-winning cricket team and numerous cheating scandals in the sport involving Pakistani players.

"Some aspects of #cricket apply well in diplomacy, some do not. @ImranKhanPTI, important to resist the temptation to ball-tamper with the #Afghanistan peace process and its internal affairs. #AfgPeace," the tweet read.

Pakistanis outraged at the snub to their leader from a foreign envoy in another country took to Twitter in response -- including Khan's minister for human rights, Shireen Mazari.&nbsp;

"Clearly you little pygmy your knowledge of ball tampering is as void as your understanding of Afghanistan and the region! Clearly in your case ignorance is certainly not bliss! Another sign of Trumpian mischief a la Khalilzad style!" she wrote, referring to the US envoy leading the peace talks, Zalmay Khalilzad.

When the Twitterverse accused her of violating diplomatic norms, she doubled down.

"Haha! Haters gonna hate! But seriously what diplomatic norms? US dips have been violating them all day today from Zalmay to this moron!" she wrote in response to one critic.

The Taliban have long refused to speak with Kabul, deeming the administration of President Ashraf Ghani -- who is seeking re-election this year -- puppets of the West.&nbsp;

The US insists that it is negotiating with the insurgents on Afghan peace talks, but fears are sharp in Kabul that the government is being sidelined from its own peace process in Washington's rush to exit.

Many predict a US withdrawal before any peace deal is done with Kabul could see the Taliban return to some semblance of power in Afghanistan, or for the fighting to fracture into a full-blown ethnic civil war.

A Pakistani minister has branded the US ambassador to Kabul a "little pygmy" in a high-level diplomatic Twitter row that erupted over ongoing peace talks between Washington and the Taliban in Afghanistan.

A Pakistani minister has branded the US ambassador to Kabul a "little pygmy" in a high-level diplomatic Twitter row that erupted over ongoing peace talks between Washington and the Taliban in Afghanistan. The furore underscores the delicate balance of regional tensions as the US steps up a push to find a way out of Afghanistan, more than 17 years after the invasion. It began after Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan reportedly suggested an interim government in Afghanistan to help smooth the talks process, making the comment during a briefing with local reporters on Monday. Khan's comments caused uproar in Afghanistan, which has long held neighbouring Pakistan's shadowy intelligence services responsible for supporting and training the Taliban. Kabul recalled its ambassador on Tuesday, and the Pakistani foreign office tried to downplay Khan's comments on Wednesday, saying they had been reported "out of context... leading to an unwarranted reaction". But shortly after US ambassador to Afghanistan John Bass issued a tweet rebuking Khan while alluding to his past as captain of Pakistan's World Cup-winning cricket team and numerous cheating scandals in the sport involving Pakistani players. "Some aspects of #cricket apply well in diplomacy, some do not. @ImranKhanPTI, important to resist the temptation to ball-tamper with the #Afghanistan peace process and its internal affairs. #AfgPeace," the tweet read. Pakistanis outraged at the snub to their leader from a foreign envoy in another country took to Twitter in response -- including Khan's minister for human rights, Shireen Mazari. "Clearly you little pygmy your knowledge of ball tampering is as void as your understanding of Afghanistan and the region! Clearly in your case ignorance is certainly not bliss! Another sign of Trumpian mischief a la Khalilzad style!" she wrote, referring to the US envoy leading the peace talks, Zalmay Khalilzad. When the Twitterverse accused her of violating diplomatic norms, she doubled down. "Haha! Haters gonna hate! But seriously what diplomatic norms? US dips have been violating them all day today from Zalmay to this moron!" she wrote in response to one critic. The Taliban have long refused to speak with Kabul, deeming the administration of President Ashraf Ghani -- who is seeking re-election this year -- puppets of the West. The US insists that it is negotiating with the insurgents on Afghan peace talks, but fears are sharp in Kabul that the government is being sidelined from its own peace process in Washington's rush to exit. Many predict a US withdrawal before any peace deal is done with Kabul could see the Taliban return to some semblance of power in Afghanistan, or for the fighting to fracture into a full-blown ethnic civil war.

Pakistan minister brands US envoy 'little pygmy' in Twitter row

The Afghan military could pose a serious threat to the country's security if international aid comes to an abrupt halt following a peace deal between the Taliban and the government, an official US report said Thursday.

The findings come as the US seeks to broker a peace deal between the insurgent fighters and the internationally recognized government led by President Ashraf Ghani to end 17 years of war.

"There are over 300,000 Afghans currently serving in the security forces, most of whom are armed," said John Sopko, who heads the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), while presenting his report in Washington.

"If, because of a loss of financial support, their paychecks were to stop coming, this could pose a serious threat to Afghanistan's stability."&nbsp;

Since invading Afghanistan in 2001 to oust the then Taliban regime, The US has poured more than $780 billion in aid into the country, 15 per cent of which was spent on reconstruction.

Most of the reconstruction funds, 63 per cent or $83.1 billion, were spent on Afghan security services, including salaries, equipment, infrastructure and training, the report said.

In recent years, financial support for Afghan forces has been even more critical, with $4.8 billion allocated in 2018, or 83 per cent of funds set aside for reconstruction.

"It does not take an advanced degree in mathematics to recognize that if donor support is decreased or eliminated - whether there is a peace agreement or not -- the Afghan government and its military in particular, will be in dire straits," said Sopko.

The report warned that if an elusive peace deal is achieved, some 60,000 heavily armed Taliban fighters will have to be peacefully reintegrated into Afghan society, "as disaffected former Taliban who may have been expecting a peace dividend may return to violent and predatory behaviour."

"Without financial support, the government of Afghanistan cannot survive," it stressed.

"Should peace come, if that peace is to be sustainable, it will come at an additional price that only external donors can afford.

"That is why we have issued today's report -- to encourage policymakers to vigorously think about the 'day after.'"

The US envoy seeking a peace deal with the Taliban is currently on a trip to Afghanistan and Pakistan that is scheduled to run through April 10.

The last negotiations between Zalmay Khalilzad and the Taliban closed on March 12 in Doha and appeared to make headway.

An outline of a deal is expected to see the United States withdrawing from Afghanistan in return for the Taliban promising not to let the country be used by foreign extremists -- the reason for the US attack following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

But the talks have so far not included the Kabul government.

President Donald Trump has voiced impatience with continuing America's longest war and late last year ordered the withdrawal of half the 14,000-strong US troop contingent.

The Afghan military could pose a serious threat to the country's security if international aid comes to an abrupt halt following a peace deal between the Taliban and the government, an official US report said Thursday.

The Afghan military could pose a serious threat to the country's security if international aid comes to an abrupt halt following a peace deal between the Taliban and the government, an official US report said Thursday. The findings come as the US seeks to broker a peace deal between the insurgent fighters and the internationally recognized government led by President Ashraf Ghani to end 17 years of war. "There are over 300,000 Afghans currently serving in the security forces, most of whom are armed," said John Sopko, who heads the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), while presenting his report in Washington. "If, because of a loss of financial support, their paychecks were to stop coming, this could pose a serious threat to Afghanistan's stability." Since invading Afghanistan in 2001 to oust the then Taliban regime, The US has poured more than $780 billion in aid into the country, 15 per cent of which was spent on reconstruction. Most of the reconstruction funds, 63 per cent or $83.1 billion, were spent on Afghan security services, including salaries, equipment, infrastructure and training, the report said. In recent years, financial support for Afghan forces has been even more critical, with $4.8 billion allocated in 2018, or 83 per cent of funds set aside for reconstruction. "It does not take an advanced degree in mathematics to recognize that if donor support is decreased or eliminated - whether there is a peace agreement or not -- the Afghan government and its military in particular, will be in dire straits," said Sopko. The report warned that if an elusive peace deal is achieved, some 60,000 heavily armed Taliban fighters will have to be peacefully reintegrated into Afghan society, "as disaffected former Taliban who may have been expecting a peace dividend may return to violent and predatory behaviour." "Without financial support, the government of Afghanistan cannot survive," it stressed. "Should peace come, if that peace is to be sustainable, it will come at an additional price that only external donors can afford. "That is why we have issued today's report -- to encourage policymakers to vigorously think about the 'day after.'" The US envoy seeking a peace deal with the Taliban is currently on a trip to Afghanistan and Pakistan that is scheduled to run through April 10. The last negotiations between Zalmay Khalilzad and the Taliban closed on March 12 in Doha and appeared to make headway. An outline of a deal is expected to see the United States withdrawing from Afghanistan in return for the Taliban promising not to let the country be used by foreign extremists -- the reason for the US attack following the September 11, 2001 attacks. But the talks have so far not included the Kabul government. President Donald Trump has voiced impatience with continuing America's longest war and late last year ordered the withdrawal of half the 14,000-strong US troop contingent.

Afghan military could pose threat to country if aid ends: US report

Two US service members were killed in Afghanistan Friday, NATO said, in the latest casualties to hit the international coalition amid ongoing peace talks between Washington and the Taliban.

NATO's Resolute Support mission would not immediately release any details about the soldiers but said they had been killed during an unspecified "operation" in the country.

"In accordance with U.S. Department of Defense policy, the name of the service members killed in action are being withheld until 24 hours after notification of next of kin is complete," said NATO.

The deaths come a day after at least six people were killed by blasts in an Islamic State-claimed attack during Persian New Year celebrations in a Shiite area of Kabul.

The number of American casualties has fallen dramatically since the end of 2014 when Afghan forces took over from US-led NATO combat troops to secure the country.

Fighting continues to flare across Afghanistan more than a week after the latest round of talks between the US and the Taliban ended in Doha, as Washington continues to seek an end to the nearly 18-year war.

The Afghan government has complained it is being left out of the negotiations, as many Afghans fear a premature US withdrawal could see the Taliban return to some semblance of power.

The country remains on edge as winter comes to end, with warmer weather sparking the potential onset of a new fighting season as analysts warn the Taliban may increase attacks to gain leverage at the negotiating table.

US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is spearheading efforts to strike a peace deal with the Taliban before Afghanistan's presidential election, which was pushed back to late September earlier this week. &nbsp;

Two US service members were killed in Afghanistan Friday, NATO said, in the latest casualties to hit the international coalition amid ongoing peace talks between Washington and the Taliban.

Two US service members were killed in Afghanistan Friday, NATO said, in the latest casualties to hit the international coalition amid ongoing peace talks between Washington and the Taliban. NATO's Resolute Support mission would not immediately release any details about the soldiers but said they had been killed during an unspecified "operation" in the country. "In accordance with U.S. Department of Defense policy, the name of the service members killed in action are being withheld until 24 hours after notification of next of kin is complete," said NATO. The deaths come a day after at least six people were killed by blasts in an Islamic State-claimed attack during Persian New Year celebrations in a Shiite area of Kabul. The number of American casualties has fallen dramatically since the end of 2014 when Afghan forces took over from US-led NATO combat troops to secure the country. Fighting continues to flare across Afghanistan more than a week after the latest round of talks between the US and the Taliban ended in Doha, as Washington continues to seek an end to the nearly 18-year war. The Afghan government has complained it is being left out of the negotiations, as many Afghans fear a premature US withdrawal could see the Taliban return to some semblance of power. The country remains on edge as winter comes to end, with warmer weather sparking the potential onset of a new fighting season as analysts warn the Taliban may increase attacks to gain leverage at the negotiating table. US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is spearheading efforts to strike a peace deal with the Taliban before Afghanistan's presidential election, which was pushed back to late September earlier this week.

Two US soldiers killed in Afghanistan: NATO

War-torn Afghanistan has delayed its presidential election until September 28, officials announced Wednesday, the second time the ballot has been put back and five months later than it was originally scheduled to be held.&nbsp;

The announcement by the Independent Election Commission (IEC) comes after speculation that the vote would be postponed to create space for US-led efforts to end the 17-year war with the Taliban. &nbsp;

The presidential ballot was originally scheduled for April 20, then delayed to July 20. Many observers had considered both dates unrealistic given the Independent Election Commission (IEC) is still finalising results of October's shambolic parliamentary elections. &nbsp;

The IEC said in a statement Wednesday that the vote had faced "numerous problems and challenges ... therefore holding the elections based on the timelines previously announced is not possible".

"In order to better implement the rule of election law, ensure transparency, as well as voter registration, the presidential election, provincial council election as well as the parliamentary election of Ghazni province, will be held on September 28," the statement said.&nbsp;

The election should go ahead, it added, "provided all relevant sides, especially the government and the international community, provide the IEC with the required budget on time".

A spokesman for President Ashraf Ghani, who plans to seek re-election, said the government respects the decision and is "fully prepared to cooperate with the IEC".&nbsp;

The statement did not mention the ongoing talks between the US and the Taliban, which have caused unease in Kabul as Washington seeks a way out of its longest war.

Taliban talks

Afghan officials have voiced frustration at being sidelined in the process, complaining it undermines the legitimacy of the government in Kabul, which the Taliban dismisses as a puppet regime.

Earlier this month a close Ghani aide sparked a diplomatic spat with Washington by criticising the talks. &nbsp;

"We don't know what's going on. We don't have the kind of transparency that we should have," Hamdullah Mohib, Afghanistan's national security advisor, told media during a visit to Washington.

"The last people to find out are us."

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is leading the talks for Washington, said after the latest round ended in Doha earlier this month that "real strides" had been made but no agreement was reached on a timetable for a troop withdrawal.

He spoke of an agreement "in draft" on the issues of counter-terrorism, assurances from the Taliban and troop withdrawal, and suggested the next phases would be intra-Afghan dialogue and a ceasefire, but stressed that nothing was finalised.

Many Afghans are worried that 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.

There also are concerns the presidential election, which will now be held nearer the Taliban's traditional fighting season, could unleash a wave of deadly violence as militants seek to disrupt the vote.

On Wednesday -- the eve of Nowruz, the Persian new year -- the interior ministry said the government would "increase" its offensive operations against the insurgents in the coming 12 months.

Also on Wednesday the Taliban released 58 soldiers they had captured in Badhgis province, the insurgents and the provincial governor's spokesman said.

 
&nbsp;

War-torn Afghanistan has delayed its presidential election until September 28, officials announced Wednesday, the second time the ballot has been put back and five months later than it was originally scheduled to be held.

War-torn Afghanistan has delayed its presidential election until September 28, officials announced Wednesday, the second time the ballot has been put back and five months later than it was originally scheduled to be held. The announcement by the Independent Election Commission (IEC) comes after speculation that the vote would be postponed to create space for US-led efforts to end the 17-year war with the Taliban. The presidential ballot was originally scheduled for April 20, then delayed to July 20. Many observers had considered both dates unrealistic given the Independent Election Commission (IEC) is still finalising results of October's shambolic parliamentary elections. The IEC said in a statement Wednesday that the vote had faced "numerous problems and challenges ... therefore holding the elections based on the timelines previously announced is not possible". "In order to better implement the rule of election law, ensure transparency, as well as voter registration, the presidential election, provincial council election as well as the parliamentary election of Ghazni province, will be held on September 28," the statement said. The election should go ahead, it added, "provided all relevant sides, especially the government and the international community, provide the IEC with the required budget on time". A spokesman for President Ashraf Ghani, who plans to seek re-election, said the government respects the decision and is "fully prepared to cooperate with the IEC". The statement did not mention the ongoing talks between the US and the Taliban, which have caused unease in Kabul as Washington seeks a way out of its longest war. Taliban talks Afghan officials have voiced frustration at being sidelined in the process, complaining it undermines the legitimacy of the government in Kabul, which the Taliban dismisses as a puppet regime. Earlier this month a close Ghani aide sparked a diplomatic spat with Washington by criticising the talks. "We don't know what's going on. We don't have the kind of transparency that we should have," Hamdullah Mohib, Afghanistan's national security advisor, told media during a visit to Washington. "The last people to find out are us." US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is leading the talks for Washington, said after the latest round ended in Doha earlier this month that "real strides" had been made but no agreement was reached on a timetable for a troop withdrawal. He spoke of an agreement "in draft" on the issues of counter-terrorism, assurances from the Taliban and troop withdrawal, and suggested the next phases would be intra-Afghan dialogue and a ceasefire, but stressed that nothing was finalised. Many Afghans are worried that 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. There also are concerns the presidential election, which will now be held nearer the Taliban's traditional fighting season, could unleash a wave of deadly violence as militants seek to disrupt the vote. On Wednesday -- the eve of Nowruz, the Persian new year -- the interior ministry said the government would "increase" its offensive operations against the insurgents in the coming 12 months. Also on Wednesday the Taliban released 58 soldiers they had captured in Badhgis province, the insurgents and the provincial governor's spokesman said.

Afghanistan presidential election delayed to September 28: Officials

A gunbattle erupted on Thursday between Afghan forces and supporters of a powerful politician in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif who rejected the appointment of a new provincial police chief by President Ashraf Ghani, officials said.

At least five civilians and two security force personnel were wounded in the clash, the latest in a series of stand-offs between Ghani and Atta Mohammad Noor, the former governor of Balkh province who has repeatedly defied Ghani's attempts to retain control over his northern stronghold.

Noor is a leading figure in Jamiat-e Islami, a party that represents Afghanistan's Tajik minority. He served as Balkh's governor for more than a decade.

Noor accused Ghani of trying to remove a potential rival and divide Jamiat by appointing his supporters to powerful posts to manipulate the presidential elections in July.

Last month, a governor of the northern province of Samangan defied an attempt by Ghani to remove him.

In a statement posted online, Noor called on city residents to keep shops and markets closed. He said Ghani must withdraw the appointment of Abdul Raqib Mobarez as the province's new police chief.

The deadlock has highlighted a fractious political climate and Ghani's attempts to retain control over provinces and opposition leaders ahead of an expected close election.

"The presidential palace has always been plotting conspiracies with its arbitrary policies. I ask all residents, men and women, of Balkh to be fully ready for defending their dignity," said Noor.

Noor, a former commander in the anti-Soviet Mujahiddin and considered one of the richest men in Afghanistan, has faced repeated accusations of corruption, which he denies. In 2015 Human Rights Watch said there was “strong evidence that he controls and funds local militias implicated in serious abuse”.

Balkh, which sits on vital trade routes into central Asia, is also one of Afghanistan’s most stable and prosperous provinces, with a much smaller Taliban and Islamic State presence than in other northern regions.

A senior official at the presidential palace said Ghani's decision to appoint a new police chief in Balkh was "free from bias".

A gunbattle erupted on Thursday between Afghan forces and supporters of a powerful politician in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif who rejected the appointment of a new provincial police chief by President Ashraf Ghani, officials said.

A gunbattle erupted on Thursday between Afghan forces and supporters of a powerful politician in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif who rejected the appointment of a new provincial police chief by President Ashraf Ghani, officials said. At least five civilians and two security force personnel were wounded in the clash, the latest in a series of stand-offs between Ghani and Atta Mohammad Noor, the former governor of Balkh province who has repeatedly defied Ghani's attempts to retain control over his northern stronghold. Noor is a leading figure in Jamiat-e Islami, a party that represents Afghanistan's Tajik minority. He served as Balkh's governor for more than a decade. Noor accused Ghani of trying to remove a potential rival and divide Jamiat by appointing his supporters to powerful posts to manipulate the presidential elections in July. Last month, a governor of the northern province of Samangan defied an attempt by Ghani to remove him. In a statement posted online, Noor called on city residents to keep shops and markets closed. He said Ghani must withdraw the appointment of Abdul Raqib Mobarez as the province's new police chief. The deadlock has highlighted a fractious political climate and Ghani's attempts to retain control over provinces and opposition leaders ahead of an expected close election. "The presidential palace has always been plotting conspiracies with its arbitrary policies. I ask all residents, men and women, of Balkh to be fully ready for defending their dignity," said Noor. Noor, a former commander in the anti-Soviet Mujahiddin and considered one of the richest men in Afghanistan, has faced repeated accusations of corruption, which he denies. In 2015 Human Rights Watch said there was “strong evidence that he controls and funds local militias implicated in serious abuse”. Balkh, which sits on vital trade routes into central Asia, is also one of Afghanistan’s most stable and prosperous provinces, with a much smaller Taliban and Islamic State presence than in other northern regions. A senior official at the presidential palace said Ghani's decision to appoint a new police chief in Balkh was "free from bias".

Gunfight erupts in north Afghan city over police chief's appointment

Taliban fighters have stepped up pressure on Afghan forces in the western province of Badghis, killing 20 soldiers and capturing 20, an official said on Tuesday, as the militants make advances even as they hold peace talks with US officials.

A large number of Taliban insurgents launched attacks on several army posts in the province's Bala Murghab district, beginning on Saturday night, said Qais Mangal, spokesman for the defence ministry in Kabul.

"The fighting is still on," Mangal said, adding that the Taliban had overrun four posts and government reinforcement backed by air support had been sent to prevent the whole area from falling to the insurgents.

A member of the Badghis provincial council, Abdul Aziz Beg, said 20 soldiers had been killed, 10 wounded and 20 captured by the hardline Islamist group.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks in Badghis, which is on the border with Turkmenistan.

Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi said 20 soldiers had been killed, 28 captured and a large supply of weapons and ammunition seized.

The Taliban, ousted in 2001, say they are fighting to expel foreign troops, topple the Western-backed Afghan government and restore their version of Islamic law.

Talks with US officials to end the war continued on Tuesday in Qatar, with the focus on the withdrawal of foreign troops, a guarantee Afghanistan will not be used as a springboard for militant attacks and a ceasefire.

The Taliban have refused to talk to Afghan government officials, labelling them a puppet of the United States.

Southeast of the Afghan capital, Kabul, in Ghazni city, an air strike on a vehicle killed seven Taliban on Tuesday, including a commander, said Mohammad Arif Noori, spokesman for Ghazni's provincial governor. He said the strike happened close to a mosque and may have left civilian casualties.

Dr. Zaher Shah Nekmal, health director for Ghazni province, said he had received a report of 16 dead but had not yet received the bodies.

In a statement, the Taliban said one air strike hit a minibus and a second followed quickly, killing a total of 12 people and wounding six.

A NATO spokesperson could not be immediately reached for comment.

As many as 200 people were accompanying tractors that pulled a number of bodies on trailers to the provincial governor's compound, said Waris Naimi, a spokesman for the Ghazni police, adding that police were trying to block the protest.

As the snow begins to melt, Taliban and Afghan security forces have stepped up attacks on each other but the extent of government losses is a major concern.

In January, President Ashraf Ghani, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, said 45,000 members of the security forces had been killed since he took office in September 2014.

Some 14,000 US troops are based in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. Some US forces also carry out counter-terrorism operations.

Taliban fighters have stepped up pressure on Afghan forces in the western province of Badghis, killing 20 soldiers and capturing 20, an official said on Tuesday, as the militants make advances even as they hold peace talks with US officials.

Taliban fighters have stepped up pressure on Afghan forces in the western province of Badghis, killing 20 soldiers and capturing 20, an official said on Tuesday, as the militants make advances even as they hold peace talks with US officials. A large number of Taliban insurgents launched attacks on several army posts in the province's Bala Murghab district, beginning on Saturday night, said Qais Mangal, spokesman for the defence ministry in Kabul. "The fighting is still on," Mangal said, adding that the Taliban had overrun four posts and government reinforcement backed by air support had been sent to prevent the whole area from falling to the insurgents. A member of the Badghis provincial council, Abdul Aziz Beg, said 20 soldiers had been killed, 10 wounded and 20 captured by the hardline Islamist group. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks in Badghis, which is on the border with Turkmenistan. Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi said 20 soldiers had been killed, 28 captured and a large supply of weapons and ammunition seized. The Taliban, ousted in 2001, say they are fighting to expel foreign troops, topple the Western-backed Afghan government and restore their version of Islamic law. Talks with US officials to end the war continued on Tuesday in Qatar, with the focus on the withdrawal of foreign troops, a guarantee Afghanistan will not be used as a springboard for militant attacks and a ceasefire. The Taliban have refused to talk to Afghan government officials, labelling them a puppet of the United States. Southeast of the Afghan capital, Kabul, in Ghazni city, an air strike on a vehicle killed seven Taliban on Tuesday, including a commander, said Mohammad Arif Noori, spokesman for Ghazni's provincial governor. He said the strike happened close to a mosque and may have left civilian casualties. Dr. Zaher Shah Nekmal, health director for Ghazni province, said he had received a report of 16 dead but had not yet received the bodies. In a statement, the Taliban said one air strike hit a minibus and a second followed quickly, killing a total of 12 people and wounding six. A NATO spokesperson could not be immediately reached for comment. As many as 200 people were accompanying tractors that pulled a number of bodies on trailers to the provincial governor's compound, said Waris Naimi, a spokesman for the Ghazni police, adding that police were trying to block the protest. As the snow begins to melt, Taliban and Afghan security forces have stepped up attacks on each other but the extent of government losses is a major concern. In January, President Ashraf Ghani, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, said 45,000 members of the security forces had been killed since he took office in September 2014. Some 14,000 US troops are based in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. Some US forces also carry out counter-terrorism operations.

Taliban pile pressure on government forces in western Afghanistan

The Pentagon has not received any order from President Donald Trump to withdraw troops from war-torn Afghanistan, a top US commander said Thursday.

"We've not--congressman, we've not been directed to withdraw (troops from Afghanistan), and there are no orders to withdraw anything," Commander of the US Central Command, General Joseph Votel told members of the House Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing.

Trump had in December last year announced that the US would pull troops from Afghanistan.

General Votel said his advice is that any decision to reduce forces in Afghanistan should be done in full consultation with its coalition partners, and of course the government of Afghanistan.

"It should pivot off political progress and the reconciliation process," he said, responding to questions from lawmakers on news reports about a timeline of withdrawal of troops from this war-ravaged country.

The US General said any drawdown or withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan should be based on conditions on the ground and the progress in the political process as well.&nbsp;

A high-level US team led by Special Representatives Zalmay Khalilzad is currently holding talks with the Taliban representatives in Qatar's capital, Doha.

"Khalilzad's efforts are really focused on developing a framework that can lead to inter-Afghan discussions," Gen Votel said, adding that this involves overcoming some obstacles that, right now, are preventing the Taliban from talking to the government of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"But Khalilzad is working through those issues. Once those inter-Afghan discussions are commenced, then I think we will have the opportunity to address the issues that you are talking about directly," he said when Congresswoman Debra Haaland asked if he can tell how the framework addresses the rights of women in Afghanistan and how women were being included in the negotiation process.&nbsp;

The US Commander said that the US and the Taliban are in the very early in the process of talks.&nbsp;

"There have been no agreements from either side. We have not given anything up and they have not given anything up," he said, adding that the US and Special Representatives Khalilzad is not leaving out the democratically-elected government of Afghanistan in the process.

Winning in Afghanistan, the general described means a negotiated settlement between the government of Afghanistan and the Taliban, and safeguarding US national interests.

"Particularly ensuring that this country, this region can't be used to attack our homeland. So that would have to be satisfied as part of an overall agreement here in terms of that and I think is a lot of the nuance of the ongoing discussions that are taking are taking place right now," Gen Votel said.

He also advocated the need to have a sustained presence of the US in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"I think we have to ensure that there, either through our own presence or through whatever other arrangements we can make, that we can address that particular threat," he said.&nbsp;

The Pentagon has not received any order from President Donald Trump to withdraw troops from war-torn Afghanistan, a top US commander said Thursday. "We've not--congressman, we've not been directed to withdraw (troops from Afghanistan), and there are no orders to withdraw anything," Commander of the US Central Command, General Joseph Votel told members of the House Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing.

The Pentagon has not received any order from President Donald Trump to withdraw troops from war-torn Afghanistan, a top US commander said Thursday. "We've not--congressman, we've not been directed to withdraw (troops from Afghanistan), and there are no orders to withdraw anything," Commander of the US Central Command, General Joseph Votel told members of the House Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing. Trump had in December last year announced that the US would pull troops from Afghanistan. General Votel said his advice is that any decision to reduce forces in Afghanistan should be done in full consultation with its coalition partners, and of course the government of Afghanistan. "It should pivot off political progress and the reconciliation process," he said, responding to questions from lawmakers on news reports about a timeline of withdrawal of troops from this war-ravaged country. The US General said any drawdown or withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan should be based on conditions on the ground and the progress in the political process as well. A high-level US team led by Special Representatives Zalmay Khalilzad is currently holding talks with the Taliban representatives in Qatar's capital, Doha. "Khalilzad's efforts are really focused on developing a framework that can lead to inter-Afghan discussions," Gen Votel said, adding that this involves overcoming some obstacles that, right now, are preventing the Taliban from talking to the government of Afghanistan. "But Khalilzad is working through those issues. Once those inter-Afghan discussions are commenced, then I think we will have the opportunity to address the issues that you are talking about directly," he said when Congresswoman Debra Haaland asked if he can tell how the framework addresses the rights of women in Afghanistan and how women were being included in the negotiation process. The US Commander said that the US and the Taliban are in the very early in the process of talks. "There have been no agreements from either side. We have not given anything up and they have not given anything up," he said, adding that the US and Special Representatives Khalilzad is not leaving out the democratically-elected government of Afghanistan in the process. Winning in Afghanistan, the general described means a negotiated settlement between the government of Afghanistan and the Taliban, and safeguarding US national interests. "Particularly ensuring that this country, this region can't be used to attack our homeland. So that would have to be satisfied as part of an overall agreement here in terms of that and I think is a lot of the nuance of the ongoing discussions that are taking are taking place right now," Gen Votel said. He also advocated the need to have a sustained presence of the US in Afghanistan. "I think we have to ensure that there, either through our own presence or through whatever other arrangements we can make, that we can address that particular threat," he said.

No direction to withdraw troops from Afghanistan: US general

An influential former adviser to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, now a leading electoral rival, has accused his old boss of hampering peace with the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-says-held-extensive-talks-with-us-officials-reconvening-saturday-200349">Taliban </a>by blocking efforts to include a broad range of voices in the process.

With Afghan politics in deep confusion as talks between the United States and Taliban representatives proceed, Mohammad Haneef Atmar, a former national security adviser once seen as the second-most powerful man in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-to-hold-grand-council-of-tribal-elders-political-leaders-to-discuss-peace-talks-199665">Afghanistan</a>, accused Ghani of exploiting the uncertainty to gain re-election.

"The president is making things very difficult by taking measures that are extremely unfavourable to the process," Atmar, who resigned from the government last year, told Reuters in an interview.

The comments reflect the extent to which the peace process has become tied into upcoming presidential elections at which Atmar, a veteran of decades of Afghanistan's treacherous and often bloody politics, will be a leading contender.

Like other candidates, Atmar has called for Ghani to step down in May, when his five-year term ends, to clear the way for a caretaker government that would allow a broader-based approach to the peace process.

"We are certainly supportive of a caretaker government when on 21st of May the mandate of this government comes to an end. Given his record we are much better off without him."

Harun Chakhansuri, Ghani's spokesman, said the president has clear plans for bringing peace to Afghanistan and had repeatedly called on the Taliban to talk with the Afghan side.

"The only person that has a proper plan, road map and initiative for peace is President Ghani, and the consensus on peace is the result of this road map," Chakhansuri told Reuters.

Chakhansuri added that the president would stay until elections were held and said Atmar's call for Ghani to step down was "baseless".

Ghani has so far been sidelined from any direct role in the process by the Taliban's refusal to talk to what it considers a US-appointed "puppet" government.

UNCERTAINTY OVER PEACE TALKS

He was reportedly furious when a group of leading politicians outside the government, including both Atmar and former President Hamid Karzai, met Taliban officials in Moscow.

Atmar said the politicians were keen to convince the Taliban to talk to Ghani's peace representatives but had been blocked by the president, who has pushed the United Nations not to relax travel restrictions on Taliban representatives.

"First he criticized everyone who participated and second, he is writing letter to UN to bar the Taliban from travel," Atmar said.

An ethnic Pashtun former intelligence officer in the communist government who lost a leg fighting the anti-Soviet Mujahideen in the 1980s, Atmar, who speaks fluent English, is well liked by Western officials.

He was a central figure behind a 2014 bilateral security agreement with the United States and a 2016 reconciliation accord that allowed former warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar to return to Kabul and rejoin the political mainstream.

If he won the election, he said, his priorities would be national unity, peace, justice and cooperation domestically and beyond.

Atmar's rift with Ghani adds to the uncertainty among many Afghans about the future and questioning whether the peace talks between the United States and the Taliban will bear fruit.

The election is also shaping up as a major challenge for the government, with rising speculation that the poll may be delayed or not held at all if a peace deal is reached with the Taliban.

Atmar, who resigned over "serious differences" with Ghani, said he was not confident the election would be free of the fraud that marred both the 2014 presidential election and last October's parliamentary election.

"We are absolutely concerned about interference of the government in the election and he is seriously abusing his incumbency power," Atmar said.

"If he does not change the way he is behaving, he will be seen as the main obstacle not only to peace but holding a free and fair election."

An influential former adviser to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, now a leading electoral rival, has accused his old boss of hampering peace with the Taliban by blocking efforts to include a broad range of voices in the process.

An influential former adviser to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, now a leading electoral rival, has accused his old boss of hampering peace with the Taliban by blocking efforts to include a broad range of voices in the process. With Afghan politics in deep confusion as talks between the United States and Taliban representatives proceed, Mohammad Haneef Atmar, a former national security adviser once seen as the second-most powerful man in Afghanistan, accused Ghani of exploiting the uncertainty to gain re-election. "The president is making things very difficult by taking measures that are extremely unfavourable to the process," Atmar, who resigned from the government last year, told Reuters in an interview. The comments reflect the extent to which the peace process has become tied into upcoming presidential elections at which Atmar, a veteran of decades of Afghanistan's treacherous and often bloody politics, will be a leading contender. Like other candidates, Atmar has called for Ghani to step down in May, when his five-year term ends, to clear the way for a caretaker government that would allow a broader-based approach to the peace process. "We are certainly supportive of a caretaker government when on 21st of May the mandate of this government comes to an end. Given his record we are much better off without him." Harun Chakhansuri, Ghani's spokesman, said the president has clear plans for bringing peace to Afghanistan and had repeatedly called on the Taliban to talk with the Afghan side. "The only person that has a proper plan, road map and initiative for peace is President Ghani, and the consensus on peace is the result of this road map," Chakhansuri told Reuters. Chakhansuri added that the president would stay until elections were held and said Atmar's call for Ghani to step down was "baseless". Ghani has so far been sidelined from any direct role in the process by the Taliban's refusal to talk to what it considers a US-appointed "puppet" government. UNCERTAINTY OVER PEACE TALKS He was reportedly furious when a group of leading politicians outside the government, including both Atmar and former President Hamid Karzai, met Taliban officials in Moscow. Atmar said the politicians were keen to convince the Taliban to talk to Ghani's peace representatives but had been blocked by the president, who has pushed the United Nations not to relax travel restrictions on Taliban representatives. "First he criticized everyone who participated and second, he is writing letter to UN to bar the Taliban from travel," Atmar said. An ethnic Pashtun former intelligence officer in the communist government who lost a leg fighting the anti-Soviet Mujahideen in the 1980s, Atmar, who speaks fluent English, is well liked by Western officials. He was a central figure behind a 2014 bilateral security agreement with the United States and a 2016 reconciliation accord that allowed former warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar to return to Kabul and rejoin the political mainstream. If he won the election, he said, his priorities would be national unity, peace, justice and cooperation domestically and beyond. Atmar's rift with Ghani adds to the uncertainty among many Afghans about the future and questioning whether the peace talks between the United States and the Taliban will bear fruit. The election is also shaping up as a major challenge for the government, with rising speculation that the poll may be delayed or not held at all if a peace deal is reached with the Taliban. Atmar, who resigned over "serious differences" with Ghani, said he was not confident the election would be free of the fraud that marred both the 2014 presidential election and last October's parliamentary election. "We are absolutely concerned about interference of the government in the election and he is seriously abusing his incumbency power," Atmar said. "If he does not change the way he is behaving, he will be seen as the main obstacle not only to peace but holding a free and fair election."

Election rival says Afghan President Ghani hindering peace deal

The US and the Taliban have paused negotiations in Doha, with the diplomatic push aimed at ending the war in Afghanistan set to restart over the weekend following "solid" talks between the adversaries.

The latest meetings follow marathon talks last month that saw the US and the Taliban walk away with a "draft framework" focused on a potential US troop withdrawal and a pact to prevent Afghanistan from harbouring terrorists.&nbsp;

"Emerging from three solid days of talks with the Taliban in #Doha. Meetings were productive," tweeted US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is leading the American side during the negotiations.

"We continue to take slow, steady steps toward understanding and eventually #peace," he said.

"Both sides will take the next two days for internal deliberations, with plans to regroup on Saturday," Khalilzad added.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid confirmed the pause, adding the insurgents were "committed to the current peace process along with peace".

The US has continued to push for a ceasefire in the war-torn country and the opening of negotiations between the Taliban and the Kabul government.&nbsp;

The Taliban, however, has repeatedly refused to meet with officials of the Afghan government, whom they dismiss as "puppets".

Khalilzad hinted that headway was being made on the issue, tweeting "there is also progress on forming a national team in #Kabul ready to engage in intra-Afghan dialogue and talks with the Taliban".&nbsp;

Earlier in the week, the special envoy met with the Taliban's top political leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Doha, in what has been touted as the highest-level engagement between the two sides in the months-long diplomatic thrust. &nbsp;

Khalilzad welcomed the presence of Baradar -- a co-founder of the Islamist movement -- at the table, calling the militants' negotiating side a "more authoritative Taliban delegation".

Baradar is believed to be widely respected by the Taliban’s various factions and analysts said his participation would help garner support for any deal from insurgents on the frontlines.&nbsp;

General Scott Miller, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan, is also attending the talks.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly voiced his eagerness to end America's involvement in Afghanistan, where 14,000 US troops are still deployed.

Afghanistan has been enmeshed in nearly constant conflict since the Soviet invasion of 1979, which was followed by civil war, the Taliban regime, and the US invasion in late 2001.

The US and the Taliban have paused negotiations in Doha, with the diplomatic push aimed at ending the war in Afghanistan set to restart over the weekend following "solid" talks between the adversaries.

The US and the Taliban have paused negotiations in Doha, with the diplomatic push aimed at ending the war in Afghanistan set to restart over the weekend following "solid" talks between the adversaries. The latest meetings follow marathon talks last month that saw the US and the Taliban walk away with a "draft framework" focused on a potential US troop withdrawal and a pact to prevent Afghanistan from harbouring terrorists. "Emerging from three solid days of talks with the Taliban in #Doha. Meetings were productive," tweeted US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is leading the American side during the negotiations. "We continue to take slow, steady steps toward understanding and eventually #peace," he said. "Both sides will take the next two days for internal deliberations, with plans to regroup on Saturday," Khalilzad added. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid confirmed the pause, adding the insurgents were "committed to the current peace process along with peace". The US has continued to push for a ceasefire in the war-torn country and the opening of negotiations between the Taliban and the Kabul government. The Taliban, however, has repeatedly refused to meet with officials of the Afghan government, whom they dismiss as "puppets". Khalilzad hinted that headway was being made on the issue, tweeting "there is also progress on forming a national team in #Kabul ready to engage in intra-Afghan dialogue and talks with the Taliban". Earlier in the week, the special envoy met with the Taliban's top political leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Doha, in what has been touted as the highest-level engagement between the two sides in the months-long diplomatic thrust. Khalilzad welcomed the presence of Baradar -- a co-founder of the Islamist movement -- at the table, calling the militants' negotiating side a "more authoritative Taliban delegation". Baradar is believed to be widely respected by the Taliban’s various factions and analysts said his participation would help garner support for any deal from insurgents on the frontlines. General Scott Miller, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan, is also attending the talks. President Donald Trump has repeatedly voiced his eagerness to end America's involvement in Afghanistan, where 14,000 US troops are still deployed. Afghanistan has been enmeshed in nearly constant conflict since the Soviet invasion of 1979, which was followed by civil war, the Taliban regime, and the US invasion in late 2001.

US, Taliban pause negotiations in Doha following 'solid' talks

&nbsp;Afghanistan is planning to hold a grand council of tribal elders and political leaders next month to discuss how to end the Taliban insurgency, a presidential peace envoy said, as Taliban officials and US diplomats prepared to resume talks in Qatar on Monday.

The assembly, known as a loya jirga, will be convened in Kabul on March 17, with more than 2,000 participants gathering for four days of debate under a large tent, according to Umer Daudzai, the special peace envoy appointed last year by President Ashraf Ghani.

The loya jirga is a centuries-old institution used to build consensus among competing tribes, factions and ethnic groups and was used to lay the foundations of a post-Taliban society after a US-led campaign drove the hardline Islamist militants from power in 2001.

Having waged an unrelenting guerrilla war against government and Western forces since then, the Taliban has consistently refused to talk to the Kabul government, dismissing it as a foreign-backed "puppet" regime.

A loya jirga, however, could potentially provide a forum for representatives of the Taliban to enter into a dialogue with wider Afghan society.

"The main purpose of holding the loya jirga is to reach a national consensus for peace in the country," said Daudzai, who is leading preparations for the assembly.

Daudzai, a former interior minister, said it would also be an opportunity to make clear that the ultra-hardline rule imposed by the Taliban in the 1990s, with its harsh punishments and restrictions on womens' rights, were unacceptable for Afghanistan's broader society.

"We will discuss in the jirga that the gains, particularly the rights of women and freedom of speech are not up for debate or concession," Daudzai said.

Participants invited to attend the jirga would be chosen by special committees to provide a voice for a cross-section of Afghan society from across the country.

On Monday, US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is due to meet a Taliban delegation in Qatar for the latest in a round of meetings that started last year, with the focus likely to be on how to implement a ceasefire and the possible withdrawal of international troops.

The Taliban's political chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar will be the most senior figure attending the talks.

The US side has been trying to persuade the Taliban to talk to the government in Kabul. Daudzai, who would lead any negotiations with the Taliban, said the insurgents would eventually have to engage with the government to address their demands for the exchange prisoners and removal of international travel bans on senior leaders.

With civilian casualties hitting record levels last year and more than 3,800 people killed, Daudzai said the momentum for peace was fast building and he hoped direct negotiations with the Taliban could start within two to three months.

Afghanistan is planning to hold a grand council of tribal elders and political leaders next month to discuss how to end the Taliban insurgency, a presidential peace envoy said, as Taliban officials and US diplomats prepared to resume talks in Qatar on Monday.

Afghanistan is planning to hold a grand council of tribal elders and political leaders next month to discuss how to end the Taliban insurgency, a presidential peace envoy said, as Taliban officials and US diplomats prepared to resume talks in Qatar on Monday. The assembly, known as a loya jirga, will be convened in Kabul on March 17, with more than 2,000 participants gathering for four days of debate under a large tent, according to Umer Daudzai, the special peace envoy appointed last year by President Ashraf Ghani. The loya jirga is a centuries-old institution used to build consensus among competing tribes, factions and ethnic groups and was used to lay the foundations of a post-Taliban society after a US-led campaign drove the hardline Islamist militants from power in 2001. Having waged an unrelenting guerrilla war against government and Western forces since then, the Taliban has consistently refused to talk to the Kabul government, dismissing it as a foreign-backed "puppet" regime. A loya jirga, however, could potentially provide a forum for representatives of the Taliban to enter into a dialogue with wider Afghan society. "The main purpose of holding the loya jirga is to reach a national consensus for peace in the country," said Daudzai, who is leading preparations for the assembly. Daudzai, a former interior minister, said it would also be an opportunity to make clear that the ultra-hardline rule imposed by the Taliban in the 1990s, with its harsh punishments and restrictions on womens' rights, were unacceptable for Afghanistan's broader society. "We will discuss in the jirga that the gains, particularly the rights of women and freedom of speech are not up for debate or concession," Daudzai said. Participants invited to attend the jirga would be chosen by special committees to provide a voice for a cross-section of Afghan society from across the country. On Monday, US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is due to meet a Taliban delegation in Qatar for the latest in a round of meetings that started last year, with the focus likely to be on how to implement a ceasefire and the possible withdrawal of international troops. The Taliban's political chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar will be the most senior figure attending the talks. The US side has been trying to persuade the Taliban to talk to the government in Kabul. Daudzai, who would lead any negotiations with the Taliban, said the insurgents would eventually have to engage with the government to address their demands for the exchange prisoners and removal of international travel bans on senior leaders. With civilian casualties hitting record levels last year and more than 3,800 people killed, Daudzai said the momentum for peace was fast building and he hoped direct negotiations with the Taliban could start within two to three months.

Afghanistan to hold grand council of tribal elders, political leaders to discuss peace talks

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