The U.S. military on Sunday defended its air strikes against Taliban fighters last week as the insurgent group accused Washington of violating their signed agreement and warned of consequences if such actions continued.

The Taliban launched a major offensive in the southern province of Helmand in a bid to take the provincial capital, prompting U.S. air strikes in support of Afghan security forces, which were being overrun.

"American forces have violated the Doha agreement in various forms by carrying out excessive air strikes following the new developments in Helmand province," Taliban spokesman Qari Muhammad Yousuf Ahmadi said in a statement on Sunday.

The U.S.-Taliban agreement, signed in Doha, provides for foreign forces to leave Afghanistan in exchange for security guarantees and a pledge from the insurgents to sit down with the Kabul administration to find a peaceful settlement to decades of war.

"Responsibility and consequences from continuation of such actions shall fall squarely on the shoulders of the American side," Ahmadi warned, adding that air and drone strikes had also been carried out in other provinces.

Col. Sonny Leggett, spokesman for the U.S. forces, denied that the strikes violated the agreement.

"The entire world has witnessed the Taliban`s offensive operations in Helmand - attacks which injured and displaced thousands of innocent Afghan civilians," Leggett tweeted, reiterating a call for "all sides" to reduce violence.

Talks between Taliban and Afghan government negotiators began last month in Doha, but the process has only moved slowly, while violence has continued. Diplomats and officials have said this is sapping the trust required for the talks to succeed.

After the Helmand fighting, U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad said on Thursday that the Taliban had agreed to "reset" their commitments and reduce the number of casualties.

Earlier this month, the Taliban welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump`s tweet that all American troops should be "home by Christmas" - well before the May 2021 timeline agreed in Doha.

The U.S. military on Sunday defended its air strikes against Taliban fighters last week as the insurgent group accused Washington of violating their signed agreement and warned of consequences if such actions continued.

The U.S. military on Sunday defended its air strikes against Taliban fighters last week as the insurgent group accused Washington of violating their signed agreement and warned of consequences if such actions continued. The Taliban launched a major offensive in the southern province of Helmand in a bid to take the provincial capital, prompting U.S. air strikes in support of Afghan security forces, which were being overrun. "American forces have violated the Doha agreement in various forms by carrying out excessive air strikes following the new developments in Helmand province," Taliban spokesman Qari Muhammad Yousuf Ahmadi said in a statement on Sunday. The U.S.-Taliban agreement, signed in Doha, provides for foreign forces to leave Afghanistan in exchange for security guarantees and a pledge from the insurgents to sit down with the Kabul administration to find a peaceful settlement to decades of war. "Responsibility and consequences from continuation of such actions shall fall squarely on the shoulders of the American side," Ahmadi warned, adding that air and drone strikes had also been carried out in other provinces. Col. Sonny Leggett, spokesman for the U.S. forces, denied that the strikes violated the agreement. "The entire world has witnessed the Taliban`s offensive operations in Helmand - attacks which injured and displaced thousands of innocent Afghan civilians," Leggett tweeted, reiterating a call for "all sides" to reduce violence. Talks between Taliban and Afghan government negotiators began last month in Doha, but the process has only moved slowly, while violence has continued. Diplomats and officials have said this is sapping the trust required for the talks to succeed. After the Helmand fighting, U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad said on Thursday that the Taliban had agreed to "reset" their commitments and reduce the number of casualties. Earlier this month, the Taliban welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump`s tweet that all American troops should be "home by Christmas" - well before the May 2021 timeline agreed in Doha.

US military defends air strikes as Taliban warns of 'consequences'

Fears are growing on the ground for civilians caught up in fighting between the government forces and the Taliban in Afghanistan's Helmand provinces. Watch the report to know more.

Afghanistan: Families flee amid fresh fighting between govt forces & Taliban

At least 12 people were killed and more than 100 others wounded in a car bomb attack that targeted Afghan police headquarters in the western province of Ghor on Sunday, officials said.

The explosion occurred at Feroz Koh, the capital of the western province of Ghor.

"The terrorists detonated an explosives-filled car... as a result 12 civilians were killed and more than 100 people were wounded," the interior ministry said.&nbsp;

"The explosion was very powerful," said Aref Abir, spokesman to Ghor governor." There are fatalities and casualties, and people are taking them to hospitals."

The Taliban have stepped up attacks across the country the peace talks appear to be stalled between the Taliban and Afghan government.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 12 people were killed and more than 100 others wounded in a car bomb attack that targeted Afghan police headquarters in the western province of Ghor on Sunday, officials said.

At least 12 people were killed and more than 100 others wounded in a car bomb attack that targeted Afghan police headquarters in the western province of Ghor on Sunday, officials said. The explosion occurred at Feroz Koh, the capital of the western province of Ghor. "The terrorists detonated an explosives-filled car... as a result 12 civilians were killed and more than 100 people were wounded," the interior ministry said. "The explosion was very powerful," said Aref Abir, spokesman to Ghor governor." There are fatalities and casualties, and people are taking them to hospitals." The Taliban have stepped up attacks across the country the peace talks appear to be stalled between the Taliban and Afghan government. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 12 killed in west Afghanistan car bomb attack

Rahmatullah Andar was once a feared Taliban commander, locked in bloody skirmishes against American and Afghan government troops in the rugged landscape of eastern Afghanistan.

In 2007, a U.S. Special Operations team captured him during a night raid on a house in his ancestral village in Ghazni province. He spent two years in a U.S.-run prison at Bagram Airfield outside Kabul.

Today, Commander Andar is Spokesman Andar — the official spokesman for the National Security Council of the U.S.-backed government of Afghanistan. The story of how a former Talib became a high-ranking government security official is also a chronicle of the endless Afghan war itself: Allegiances shift. Enemies become allies. The players change roles, but the war endures.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/khalilzad-urges-taliban-to-stay-committed-to-us-deal-335614">Also read|&nbsp;Khalilzad urges Taliban to stay committed to US deal</a>

The 19-year-old conflict is as fiercely contested today as when Andar commanded Taliban fighters for several years, only to break with the militants and lead one of Afghanistan’s first local uprisings against the Taliban in 2012. He lost his father, 75, his brother, an uncle and two cousins — all killed by the Taliban out of revenge, he said.

Today Andar is a religious scholar with two master’s degrees who serves a government he once vowed to overthrow. And he remains a target of his former comrades in arms, who regard him as a turncoat.

“The Taliban intend to assassinate me,” Andar, 41, said during an interview inside the presidential palace complex in Kabul. “Whether I’m a member of the government or not, they will never leave me alive.”

Andar, alternating among Pashto, Persian and English, was relaxed and voluble as he recounted a life spent on battlefields, on the run, in universities and in prisons. He is a consummate survivor.

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He described withstanding Taliban kidnapping attempts and ambushes, interrogations by American captors, and two stints in Afghan government prisons — accounts born out by official records and by those who fought alongside him.

With his tangled beard and long hair, he might still be mistaken for a Talib, though he insists that he regards the militants with contempt — and hopes to serve as an example of how the insurgents hold no monopoly on Afghan piety.

He was appointed to his National Security Council position by President Ashraf Ghani on Sept. 25, in large part because of both his religious credentials — he has earned the religious honorific of Mawlawi, meaning Islamic scholar — and his reputation as a fighter against the Taliban.

His appointment was a clear statement from the Afghan government, as a central idea behind the Taliban’s criticism is that the government remains insufficiently Islamic, and is a puppet of the Americans.

A single appointment cannot polish the religious image of an entire government, Andar acknowledged. “But the government can show by its actions that the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is more than just a name,” he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-in-a-nutshell-peace-talks-in-doha-and-war-at-home-335580">Also read|&nbsp;Afghanistan in a nutshell: Peace talks in Doha and war at home</a>

And he said the Taliban, by signing a troop withdrawal agreement with the United States in February while freezing out the Afghan government, had undercut its own claims of Islamic purity.

“They say government officials are infidels, but they have an agreement with the Americans, whose troops invaded Afghanistan,” he said. “So now they have no logic for this war” against fellow Afghans and Muslims.

The Taliban have said that any new government arising from negotiations with Afghan representatives in Doha, Qatar, must be based on Islamic principles. Some analysts have interpreted that to mean the same harsh Shariah law that was imposed when the Taliban governed Afghanistan in the late 1990s.

Andar said the Taliban could not change Afghanistan’s Constitution without the consent of a loya jirga, a traditional gathering where matters of national importance are debated. And Article 3 of the Constitution already stipulates that no law “can be contrary to the beliefs and rules of the holy religion of Islam,” he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-defence-minister-flies-to-embattled-helmand-after-taliban-gains-335201">Also read|&nbsp;Afghan defence minister flies to embattled Helmand after Taliban gains</a>

Many Afghan women have expressed fears that a return to government by the Taliban would erase gains they have made since the militants were overthrown in 2001. The Taliban beat women, confined them to their homes and banned them from going to school.

Andar said those prohibitions were not properly rooted in Islam, as the religion does not forbid girls and women from attending school. In fact, he said, the closing of schools by the Taliban in his home district is what precipitated his split from the movement three years after his release from American custody.

“The Taliban closed the schools and opposed reconstruction, kidnapping and killing engineers,” said Amanullah Kamran, deputy of the provincial council in Ghazni. He said Andar, who supported women’s education and the U.S.-led reconstruction effort, took up arms against the Taliban and helped form one of the country’s first local uprisings against the insurgency.

Kamran said the fighting left nearly 500 Afghans dead in the district and another 500 wounded. Andar himself was wounded in battles that ultimately killed his closest male relatives, he said.

“Finally there was no man left in Rahmatullah’s family except Rahmatullah,” Kamran said.

Andar said he now cares for 21 children and widows. Asked whether he still carried an AK-47 rifle from his combat days, he laughed and said he had only a pistol for personal protection.

In recent months, the Taliban have mounted a series of targeted attacks against government officials and those perceived to be government supporters. But Andar explained his shifting allegiances by blaming both the government and the Taliban. He said he joined the Taliban after the government jailed him for two months in 2003 upon his return from religious studies in Pakistan.

“The government pushed me to the Taliban by its actions against me,” he said.

Years later, he said, he turned against the Taliban once the militants began closing schools and terrorizing the residents of his district — violations of Islamic strictures. “Even fighting has rules under Islam, and the Taliban broke those religious rules,” he said.

A Taliban spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, said Andar and his male relatives were legitimate targets because they had collaborated with Americans while commanding pro-government militias.

After the Taliban burned the homes of Andar and his relatives — torching his personal Quran and killing their livestock — Andar said he fled to Kabul. There, he earned a second master’s degree, in educational management, to supplement a previous master’s in Islamic studies. He later served as a religious adviser for the National Security Council.

In his current position, Andar encounters former enemies. Asadullah Khalid, the acting defense minister, was governor of Ghazni province when Andar was arrested and jailed there.

“I see him in meetings now and he tells me he’s my friend. We respect each other,” Andar said.

The spokesman’s job also requires an alliance with American and Afghan military commanders. Asked whether his fighters had killed or wounded American and Afghan troops, Andar shrugged. “It was a war,” he said. “Of course there were casualties.”

Rahmatullah Andar was once a feared Taliban commander, locked in bloody skirmishes against American and Afghan government troops in the rugged landscape of eastern Afghanistan.

Rahmatullah Andar was once a feared Taliban commander, locked in bloody skirmishes against American and Afghan government troops in the rugged landscape of eastern Afghanistan. In 2007, a U.S. Special Operations team captured him during a night raid on a house in his ancestral village in Ghazni province. He spent two years in a U.S.-run prison at Bagram Airfield outside Kabul. Today, Commander Andar is Spokesman Andar — the official spokesman for the National Security Council of the U.S.-backed government of Afghanistan. The story of how a former Talib became a high-ranking government security official is also a chronicle of the endless Afghan war itself: Allegiances shift. Enemies become allies. The players change roles, but the war endures. Also read| Khalilzad urges Taliban to stay committed to US deal The 19-year-old conflict is as fiercely contested today as when Andar commanded Taliban fighters for several years, only to break with the militants and lead one of Afghanistan’s first local uprisings against the Taliban in 2012. He lost his father, 75, his brother, an uncle and two cousins — all killed by the Taliban out of revenge, he said. Today Andar is a religious scholar with two master’s degrees who serves a government he once vowed to overthrow. And he remains a target of his former comrades in arms, who regard him as a turncoat. “The Taliban intend to assassinate me,” Andar, 41, said during an interview inside the presidential palace complex in Kabul. “Whether I’m a member of the government or not, they will never leave me alive.” Andar, alternating among Pashto, Persian and English, was relaxed and voluble as he recounted a life spent on battlefields, on the run, in universities and in prisons. He is a consummate survivor. × He described withstanding Taliban kidnapping attempts and ambushes, interrogations by American captors, and two stints in Afghan government prisons — accounts born out by official records and by those who fought alongside him. With his tangled beard and long hair, he might still be mistaken for a Talib, though he insists that he regards the militants with contempt — and hopes to serve as an example of how the insurgents hold no monopoly on Afghan piety. He was appointed to his National Security Council position by President Ashraf Ghani on Sept. 25, in large part because of both his religious credentials — he has earned the religious honorific of Mawlawi, meaning Islamic scholar — and his reputation as a fighter against the Taliban. His appointment was a clear statement from the Afghan government, as a central idea behind the Taliban’s criticism is that the government remains insufficiently Islamic, and is a puppet of the Americans. A single appointment cannot polish the religious image of an entire government, Andar acknowledged. “But the government can show by its actions that the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is more than just a name,” he said. Also read| Afghanistan in a nutshell: Peace talks in Doha and war at home And he said the Taliban, by signing a troop withdrawal agreement with the United States in February while freezing out the Afghan government, had undercut its own claims of Islamic purity. “They say government officials are infidels, but they have an agreement with the Americans, whose troops invaded Afghanistan,” he said. “So now they have no logic for this war” against fellow Afghans and Muslims. The Taliban have said that any new government arising from negotiations with Afghan representatives in Doha, Qatar, must be based on Islamic principles. Some analysts have interpreted that to mean the same harsh Shariah law that was imposed when the Taliban governed Afghanistan in the late 1990s. Andar said the Taliban could not change Afghanistan’s Constitution without the consent of a loya jirga, a traditional gathering where matters of national importance are debated. And Article 3 of the Constitution already stipulates that no law “can be contrary to the beliefs and rules of the holy religion of Islam,” he said. Also read| Afghan defence minister flies to embattled Helmand after Taliban gains Many Afghan women have expressed fears that a return to government by the Taliban would erase gains they have made since the militants were overthrown in 2001. The Taliban beat women, confined them to their homes and banned them from going to school. Andar said those prohibitions were not properly rooted in Islam, as the religion does not forbid girls and women from attending school. In fact, he said, the closing of schools by the Taliban in his home district is what precipitated his split from the movement three years after his release from American custody. “The Taliban closed the schools and opposed reconstruction, kidnapping and killing engineers,” said Amanullah Kamran, deputy of the provincial council in Ghazni. He said Andar, who supported women’s education and the U.S.-led reconstruction effort, took up arms against the Taliban and helped form one of the country’s first local uprisings against the insurgency. Kamran said the fighting left nearly 500 Afghans dead in the district and another 500 wounded. Andar himself was wounded in battles that ultimately killed his closest male relatives, he said. “Finally there was no man left in Rahmatullah’s family except Rahmatullah,” Kamran said. Andar said he now cares for 21 children and widows. Asked whether he still carried an AK-47 rifle from his combat days, he laughed and said he had only a pistol for personal protection. In recent months, the Taliban have mounted a series of targeted attacks against government officials and those perceived to be government supporters. But Andar explained his shifting allegiances by blaming both the government and the Taliban. He said he joined the Taliban after the government jailed him for two months in 2003 upon his return from religious studies in Pakistan. “The government pushed me to the Taliban by its actions against me,” he said. Years later, he said, he turned against the Taliban once the militants began closing schools and terrorizing the residents of his district — violations of Islamic strictures. “Even fighting has rules under Islam, and the Taliban broke those religious rules,” he said. A Taliban spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, said Andar and his male relatives were legitimate targets because they had collaborated with Americans while commanding pro-government militias. After the Taliban burned the homes of Andar and his relatives — torching his personal Quran and killing their livestock — Andar said he fled to Kabul. There, he earned a second master’s degree, in educational management, to supplement a previous master’s in Islamic studies. He later served as a religious adviser for the National Security Council. In his current position, Andar encounters former enemies. Asadullah Khalid, the acting defense minister, was governor of Ghazni province when Andar was arrested and jailed there. “I see him in meetings now and he tells me he’s my friend. We respect each other,” Andar said. The spokesman’s job also requires an alliance with American and Afghan military commanders. Asked whether his fighters had killed or wounded American and Afghan troops, Andar shrugged. “It was a war,” he said. “Of course there were casualties.”

This ex-Taliban commander is now the face of Afghan security

Thousands of families have fled their homes as heavy fighting between government divisions and one Taliban rages in Afghanistan's Helmand province.

Afghan-Taliban conflict: Violence increases despite peace talks

Afghanistan's defence minister flew to the southern province of Helmand on Wednesday a day after government forces launched a counter-offensive against Taliban insurgents who have battled their way towards the provincial capital in recent days.

The fighting in the province, where US&nbsp;and British troops for years fought to clear Taliban from a string of poppy-growing districts, comes as Afghan government negotiators and the Taliban try to push forward power-sharing talks in Qatar.

In another blow for the embattled government, two defence force helicopters setting off for a military mission in Helmand crashed into each other early on Wednesday killing nine people on board, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/us-military-startled-with-trumps-announcement-of-complete-troop-withdrawal-from-afghanistan-333767" hreflang="en">US military startled with Trump's announcement of complete troop withdrawal from Afghanistan</a>

Acting Defence Minister Assadullah Khalid arrived in Helmand's capital, Lashkar Gah, to assess the situation and support the forces facing the major insurgent offensive that has overshadowed the peace talks and brought US&nbsp;air strikes.

The Taliban have seized several checkpoints and closed in on Lashkar Gah but officials said the security forces had repelled overnight Taliban attacks in the districts of Nawa and Nad Ali, with casualties on both sides.

They declined to say how many.

The Taliban assault in Helmand is testing the resolve of the government and casting doubt over the talks to end the 19 years of war since the Taliban were ousted.

The violence could also throw into question President Donald Trump's pledge last week to bring home the remaining U.S. troops by Christmas.

Thousands of civilians have been caught up in the fighting, with more than 5,000 families displaced.

One seven-month pregnant eighteen-year-old, who declined to be identified, was shot in the stomach when caught in cross-fire in Gereshk district this week.

She lost the baby.

"I hadn't even chosen a name for him," she told Reuters by telephone from hospital.

"My innocent child, gone forever."

Afghanistan's defence minister flew to the southern province of Helmand on Wednesday a day after government forces launched a counter-offensive against Taliban insurgents who have battled their way towards the provincial capital in recent days.

Afghanistan's defence minister flew to the southern province of Helmand on Wednesday a day after government forces launched a counter-offensive against Taliban insurgents who have battled their way towards the provincial capital in recent days. The fighting in the province, where US and British troops for years fought to clear Taliban from a string of poppy-growing districts, comes as Afghan government negotiators and the Taliban try to push forward power-sharing talks in Qatar. In another blow for the embattled government, two defence force helicopters setting off for a military mission in Helmand crashed into each other early on Wednesday killing nine people on board, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement. Also read: US military startled with Trump's announcement of complete troop withdrawal from Afghanistan Acting Defence Minister Assadullah Khalid arrived in Helmand's capital, Lashkar Gah, to assess the situation and support the forces facing the major insurgent offensive that has overshadowed the peace talks and brought US air strikes. The Taliban have seized several checkpoints and closed in on Lashkar Gah but officials said the security forces had repelled overnight Taliban attacks in the districts of Nawa and Nad Ali, with casualties on both sides. They declined to say how many. The Taliban assault in Helmand is testing the resolve of the government and casting doubt over the talks to end the 19 years of war since the Taliban were ousted. The violence could also throw into question President Donald Trump's pledge last week to bring home the remaining U.S. troops by Christmas. Thousands of civilians have been caught up in the fighting, with more than 5,000 families displaced. One seven-month pregnant eighteen-year-old, who declined to be identified, was shot in the stomach when caught in cross-fire in Gereshk district this week. She lost the baby. "I hadn't even chosen a name for him," she told Reuters by telephone from hospital. "My innocent child, gone forever."

Afghan defence minister flies to embattled Helmand after Taliban gains

There has been no progress in the Afghanistan peace negotiations in Doha as formal meetings between the two sides comprising representatives of the Kabul government and Taliban, have remained suspended for the past 10 days.

Despite recent diplomatic efforts, the two sides were yet to reach a conclusion about the procedural rules intended to kick start the direct peace negotiations aimed at ending the decades-long war in Afghanistan, TOLO News reported on Saturday.

Since the intra-Afghan talks were formally launched on September 12, two sides have agreed on 18 out of 20 articles for the procedural rules.

But two main articles -- religious basis for the talks and connection of the US-Taliban deal with the negotiations -- remain unsolved.

The Taliban has not made an official comment about the resumption of the talks, but the government team has said that the negotiation will continue until the two sides reach a settlement.

This comes days after US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad said he expects the Afghan peace process to be concluded in months, not years.

On Saturday, Abdullah Abdullah, head of the High Council for National Reconciliation, said that an early withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan will have some impacts on the ongoing peace process and the country`s situation, TOLO News reported.

But he also said that Afghans should be ready for any type of conditions and that they should work for their future together.

There has been no progress in the Afghanistan peace negotiations in Doha as formal meetings between the two sides comprising representatives of the Kabul government and Taliban, have remained suspended for the past 10 days.

There has been no progress in the Afghanistan peace negotiations in Doha as formal meetings between the two sides comprising representatives of the Kabul government and Taliban, have remained suspended for the past 10 days. Despite recent diplomatic efforts, the two sides were yet to reach a conclusion about the procedural rules intended to kick start the direct peace negotiations aimed at ending the decades-long war in Afghanistan, TOLO News reported on Saturday. Since the intra-Afghan talks were formally launched on September 12, two sides have agreed on 18 out of 20 articles for the procedural rules. But two main articles -- religious basis for the talks and connection of the US-Taliban deal with the negotiations -- remain unsolved. The Taliban has not made an official comment about the resumption of the talks, but the government team has said that the negotiation will continue until the two sides reach a settlement. This comes days after US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad said he expects the Afghan peace process to be concluded in months, not years. On Saturday, Abdullah Abdullah, head of the High Council for National Reconciliation, said that an early withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan will have some impacts on the ongoing peace process and the country`s situation, TOLO News reported. But he also said that Afghans should be ready for any type of conditions and that they should work for their future together.

No progress in Doha talks for Afghan peace

US President Donald Trump's reelection bid has received an unusual vote of support -- from the Taliban.&nbsp;

The Trump campaign, however, rejected the group's support.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told CBS News in an interview that they hoped Trump wins the election and winds up US military presence in Afghanistan.

The Taliban also expressed concern over the US president's recent coronavirus infection.

"When we heard about Trump being COVID-19 positive, we got worried for his health, but seems he is getting better," another Taliban senior leader told CBS News.

To this end, Tim Murtaugh, the Trump campaign spokesman, told CBS News: "The Taliban should know that the president will always protect American interests by any means necessary."

The Islamist group's endorsement comes a day after Trump's announcement that the US would withdraw all troops from Afghanistan by Christmas.

"We should have the small remaining number of our brave men and women serving in Afghanistan home by Christmas," Trump tweeted Wednesday in the run up to face Democratic challenger Joe Biden in the presidential election.

The Taliban welcomed the agreement.

The Trump administration signed a pact with the Taliban in February in which the US and its allies said the US troops would withdraw by the spring of 2021 if the former broke away from al Qaeda and negotiated a power-sharing deal with Afghan government rivals.

The US invaded Afghanistan in 2001 following the September 11 terrorist attacks and toppled the Taliban regime.

The Afghan government and Taliban representatives are currently holding an intra-Afghan dialogue in Qatar to negotiate a peace agreement.

(with inputs)

US President Donald Trump's reelection bid has received an unusual vote of support -- from the Taliban. The Trump campaign, however, rejected the group's support.

US President Donald Trump's reelection bid has received an unusual vote of support -- from the Taliban. The Trump campaign, however, rejected the group's support. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told CBS News in an interview that they hoped Trump wins the election and winds up US military presence in Afghanistan. The Taliban also expressed concern over the US president's recent coronavirus infection. "When we heard about Trump being COVID-19 positive, we got worried for his health, but seems he is getting better," another Taliban senior leader told CBS News. To this end, Tim Murtaugh, the Trump campaign spokesman, told CBS News: "The Taliban should know that the president will always protect American interests by any means necessary." The Islamist group's endorsement comes a day after Trump's announcement that the US would withdraw all troops from Afghanistan by Christmas. "We should have the small remaining number of our brave men and women serving in Afghanistan home by Christmas," Trump tweeted Wednesday in the run up to face Democratic challenger Joe Biden in the presidential election. The Taliban welcomed the agreement. The Trump administration signed a pact with the Taliban in February in which the US and its allies said the US troops would withdraw by the spring of 2021 if the former broke away from al Qaeda and negotiated a power-sharing deal with Afghan government rivals. The US invaded Afghanistan in 2001 following the September 11 terrorist attacks and toppled the Taliban regime. The Afghan government and Taliban representatives are currently holding an intra-Afghan dialogue in Qatar to negotiate a peace agreement. (with inputs)

Trump receives an unusual endorsement from Taliban for reelection bid

Chairperson of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation Dr Abdullah Abdullah has said, Taliban cant take advantage of US leaving the country and any plans to "take advantage of that situation militarily could be a mis calculation." Speaking to Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Dr Abdullah who is the chief negotiator of Afghan govt at the intra Afghan talks in Doha said, "No threats should emanate from Afghanistan... It requires a sense of responsibility from all Afghans including the Taliban." Lauding, New Delhi's "principled position of Afghan led, Afghan owned negotiations", he said, " India's vision of a peaceful, democratic Afghanistan... is very much in the line of thinking of people of Afghanistan." Dr Abdullah was on a 4 day India visit earlier this week during which he met PM Modi, NSA Doval and EAM Jaishankar. He is the first foreign dignitary PM Modi has met amid the covid crisis that started earlier this year.

Taliban can't take advantage of us leaving says Dr Abdullah ; lauds new Delhi's stance

Chairperson of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation Dr Abdullah Abdullah has said, Taliban cannot take advantage of the US leaving the country and any plans to "take advantage of that situation militarily could be a mis calculation."

Speaking to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Dr Abdullah who is the chief negotiator of Afghan government&nbsp;at the intra Afghan talks in Doha said, "No threats should emanate from Afghanistan... It requires a sense of responsibility from all Afghans including the Taliban."

Lauding, New Delhi's "principled position of Afghan led, Afghan owned negotiations", he said, "India's vision of a peaceful, democratic Afghanistan... is very much in the line of thinking of people of Afghanistan." &nbsp;

Dr Abdullah was on a four-day visit to India earlier this week during which he met PM Modi, NSA Doval and EAM Jaishankar. He is the first foreign dignitary PM Modi has met amid the covid crisis that started earlier this year.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;How was your India visit? Did you met the Indian leadership? 
Dr Abdullah Abdullah: It has been a very good visit. It has happened in a very friendly, supportive and sympathetic&nbsp;environment with authorities of the country which has helped Afghanistan for many years and many ways. Also, they aspire for peaceful settlement of the situation in Afghanistan.

We had extensive talks, as you mentioned, PM Modi, EAM Jaishankar, NSA Doval and engagement with think tank, civil society. We discussed the current situation, way forward, and also the joint decision was continued focus on engagements and interactions for future.&nbsp;

WION: What can India do for peace talks? 
Dr Abdullah Abdullah: EAM Jaishankar addressed the inaugural session of Doha meetings, which was welcomed by us and by the international community.

India's principled position of Afghan-led, Afghan owned negotiations is important. India's vision of a peaceful, democratic Afghanistan, a country that respects the rights of its citizens, women and minorities especially, and also does not harbor terrorists, that is very much in the line of thinking of people of Afghanistan.

Equally important is your position, whatever is acceptable for a peaceful Afghanistan, for the people of Afghanistan through an Afghan-led process is acceptable for us. So in that sense, the Doha negotiations started, which was historically in its essence. The fact that we have only met in the battle field,&nbsp;it was the first time we are sitting across the table, after many many years. That was important, at this stage more interactions and more engagements will be needed.

WION: India is reaching out, do you see a change in stance by India? 
Dr Abdullah Abdullah:&nbsp;It is mainly the start of the talks&nbsp;which has encouraged different countries including India to watch the situation, not only to watch but to participate in the effort which were made. Different countries have certain roles to play;&nbsp;India has voiced support for inclusive peaceful settlement. It is important.

WION: Do you foresee India talking with Taliban? 
Dr Abdullah Abdullah: It will depend on India's decision on how to move forward;&nbsp;it will depend on circumstances in Afghanistan, should we see progress in the talks, should we see progress in the progress in reduction in violence. India might explore different options, including the one you referred to.&nbsp;

WION: So you foresee that? 
Dr Abdullah Abdullah:&nbsp;I mean, as I said, it depends on the circumstances, and how it evolves and should this happen, it will be okay. If circumstances were such that India decides not to do it, we have no view on that.&nbsp;

WION: On Pakistan and the issue of cross border terror, do you see a change in view? 
Dr Abdullah Abdullah:&nbsp;Focus of the discussions were peace situations, and also some aspects of bilateral relations that was having a direct impact on our citizens. Progress was made, good decisions were made in that regard including visa regulations, issues related to trade. Main focus was on the peace, and with interacted political and military establishment, with PM Imran Khan himself, President of Pakistan, Chairman of the national assembly, chairman of senate, civil society, religious scholars of Pakistan. It was a busy schedule for good.

Islamabad's message was peace in Afghanistan means peace in Pakistan and peace in the region was welcomed. We shared view that talks should continue, violence should be reduced and both sides need to show flexibility. As far as talks in Doha are concerned, let me repeat it once again — our negotiating team has been advised by the President, by myself to go there with good faith, show patience, show flexibility and be innovative. The start of the talks is an opportunity, start of the talks is an historical opportunity and we should utilize it in the best interest of our people.&nbsp;

WION: But do you see Islamabad leaving aside its policy of supporting non-state actors?&nbsp; 
Dr Abdullah Abdullah: In terms of our topics of discussion, which was mainly allow peace in Afghanistan: of course, we believe peaceful settlement in Afghanistan, means peace within Afghanistan&nbsp;which is not a threat. No group is allowed to pose any threat against any country from Afghanistan. Without it,&nbsp;peace will not materialise in Afghanistan. Those were the issues which were discussed and we will continue the discussions there.&nbsp;

WION: Any Pakistani terror groups based in Afghanistan? 
Dr Abdullah Abdullah: There are groups, which we consider as terrorist groups, which are posing threats against our own people and one-two groups posing threats against Pakistan as well. There are well-known terror groups such as Al Qaeda, IS and many that pose threats against central Asian republics as well.

There will and are groups in that type of environment that will utilise Afghanistan against India as well. So, it is important&nbsp;peaceful settlement is important for everybody, that is from challenges it posed for everybody. Peaceful environment will help south Asia, first and foremost Afghanistan, central Asia.

WION:What do you think is one solution to peace in South Asia —&nbsp;connectivity is one, any&nbsp;others you see? 
Dr Abdullah Abdullah: Countries looking beyond immediate self-interest and looking at a broader collective security and stability point of view in long term, that thinking needs to be encouraged . Then of course, next is connectivity will bring economic prosperity, people to people relations and cultural relations are equally important.&nbsp;

WION: And how do you see connectivity projects like Chabahar? 
Dr Abdullah Abdullah:&nbsp;Chabahar is an important project, and that will help. I mentioned relations, it's just not India and Pakistan but Iran, US, Russia, Central Asia, it's a much border thing. Afghanistan has been at war for last 42 years and we have suffered a lot. I think and believe, that we all have missed opportunities because of the continued instability.&nbsp;

WION: Do you see gains of last 20 years begin preserved after Americans leave? 
Dr Abdullah Abdullah: About the recent announcement by President Trump, we don't have the whole context of it as of now. Details have not been provided, if it is reference to decisions already made, which is already being&nbsp;implemented. As we speak, the US troops are withdrawing to a number which will be a few thousand behind. That will be completed by December or late November. If it is referred to that or something else, that remains to be seen.

Eventually, Afghanistan should be able to stand on its own feet, no doubt about it. If you look at the different side, let's say Taliban think tomorrow, next month or in a few month the US will withdraw from Afghanistan and they can take advantage of that situation militarily that could be a miscalculation.

I would rather expect them to think otherwise, because all along their claims that they don't want foreign troops in our soil, that has been our position as well — that Afghanistan has to stand on its own feet. And that only materialize when there is peace, no terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan. No threats emanating from Afghanistan against any country. It has to be looked from that side. It requires a sense of responsibility from all Afghans including the Taliban.

WION: How do see China's role in Afghanistan? 
Dr Abdullah Abdullah: China's official position has been supported for an inclusive, afghan led, Afghan-owned peaceful settlement which we have supported. Chinese FM also addressed the Doha meeting. What will be the future, again a lot will depend on peaceful settlement in Afghanistan. How different countries put the respective interest, how we will be impacted, because of that, what will be the configurations of the different country's role and influence. Everything is not predictable at this stage, again no connectivity project will achieve its potential if terror groups are active in our region. Next to it is, addressing the differences via amicable ways while understanding one another's concerns is important. The zero sum game will not work. So far china has been supportive of the peace process and we appreciate that.&nbsp;

Chairperson of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation Dr Abdullah Abdullah has said, Taliban cannot take advantage of the US leaving the country and any plans to "take advantage of that situation militarily could be a mis calculation.

Chairperson of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation Dr Abdullah Abdullah has said, Taliban cannot take advantage of the US leaving the country and any plans to "take advantage of that situation militarily could be a mis calculation." Speaking to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Dr Abdullah who is the chief negotiator of Afghan government at the intra Afghan talks in Doha said, "No threats should emanate from Afghanistan... It requires a sense of responsibility from all Afghans including the Taliban." Lauding, New Delhi's "principled position of Afghan led, Afghan owned negotiations", he said, "India's vision of a peaceful, democratic Afghanistan... is very much in the line of thinking of people of Afghanistan." Dr Abdullah was on a four-day visit to India earlier this week during which he met PM Modi, NSA Doval and EAM Jaishankar. He is the first foreign dignitary PM Modi has met amid the covid crisis that started earlier this year. WION: How was your India visit? Did you met the Indian leadership? Dr Abdullah Abdullah: It has been a very good visit. It has happened in a very friendly, supportive and sympathetic environment with authorities of the country which has helped Afghanistan for many years and many ways. Also, they aspire for peaceful settlement of the situation in Afghanistan. We had extensive talks, as you mentioned, PM Modi, EAM Jaishankar, NSA Doval and engagement with think tank, civil society. We discussed the current situation, way forward, and also the joint decision was continued focus on engagements and interactions for future. WION: What can India do for peace talks? Dr Abdullah Abdullah: EAM Jaishankar addressed the inaugural session of Doha meetings, which was welcomed by us and by the international community. India's principled position of Afghan-led, Afghan owned negotiations is important. India's vision of a peaceful, democratic Afghanistan, a country that respects the rights of its citizens, women and minorities especially, and also does not harbor terrorists, that is very much in the line of thinking of people of Afghanistan. Equally important is your position, whatever is acceptable for a peaceful Afghanistan, for the people of Afghanistan through an Afghan-led process is acceptable for us. So in that sense, the Doha negotiations started, which was historically in its essence. The fact that we have only met in the battle field, it was the first time we are sitting across the table, after many many years. That was important, at this stage more interactions and more engagements will be needed. WION: India is reaching out, do you see a change in stance by India? Dr Abdullah Abdullah: It is mainly the start of the talks which has encouraged different countries including India to watch the situation, not only to watch but to participate in the effort which were made. Different countries have certain roles to play; India has voiced support for inclusive peaceful settlement. It is important. WION: Do you foresee India talking with Taliban? Dr Abdullah Abdullah: It will depend on India's decision on how to move forward; it will depend on circumstances in Afghanistan, should we see progress in the talks, should we see progress in the progress in reduction in violence. India might explore different options, including the one you referred to. WION: So you foresee that? Dr Abdullah Abdullah: I mean, as I said, it depends on the circumstances, and how it evolves and should this happen, it will be okay. If circumstances were such that India decides not to do it, we have no view on that. WION: On Pakistan and the issue of cross border terror, do you see a change in view? Dr Abdullah Abdullah: Focus of the discussions were peace situations, and also some aspects of bilateral relations that was having a direct impact on our citizens. Progress was made, good decisions were made in that regard including visa regulations, issues related to trade. Main focus was on the peace, and with interacted political and military establishment, with PM Imran Khan himself, President of Pakistan, Chairman of the national assembly, chairman of senate, civil society, religious scholars of Pakistan. It was a busy schedule for good. Islamabad's message was peace in Afghanistan means peace in Pakistan and peace in the region was welcomed. We shared view that talks should continue, violence should be reduced and both sides need to show flexibility. As far as talks in Doha are concerned, let me repeat it once again — our negotiating team has been advised by the President, by myself to go there with good faith, show patience, show flexibility and be innovative. The start of the talks is an opportunity, start of the talks is an historical opportunity and we should utilize it in the best interest of our people. WION: But do you see Islamabad leaving aside its policy of supporting non-state actors? Dr Abdullah Abdullah: In terms of our topics of discussion, which was mainly allow peace in Afghanistan: of course, we believe peaceful settlement in Afghanistan, means peace within Afghanistan which is not a threat. No group is allowed to pose any threat against any country from Afghanistan. Without it, peace will not materialise in Afghanistan. Those were the issues which were discussed and we will continue the discussions there. WION: Any Pakistani terror groups based in Afghanistan? Dr Abdullah Abdullah: There are groups, which we consider as terrorist groups, which are posing threats against our own people and one-two groups posing threats against Pakistan as well. There are well-known terror groups such as Al Qaeda, IS and many that pose threats against central Asian republics as well. There will and are groups in that type of environment that will utilise Afghanistan against India as well. So, it is important peaceful settlement is important for everybody, that is from challenges it posed for everybody. Peaceful environment will help south Asia, first and foremost Afghanistan, central Asia. WION:What do you think is one solution to peace in South Asia — connectivity is one, any others you see? Dr Abdullah Abdullah: Countries looking beyond immediate self-interest and looking at a broader collective security and stability point of view in long term, that thinking needs to be encouraged . Then of course, next is connectivity will bring economic prosperity, people to people relations and cultural relations are equally important. WION: And how do you see connectivity projects like Chabahar? Dr Abdullah Abdullah: Chabahar is an important project, and that will help. I mentioned relations, it's just not India and Pakistan but Iran, US, Russia, Central Asia, it's a much border thing. Afghanistan has been at war for last 42 years and we have suffered a lot. I think and believe, that we all have missed opportunities because of the continued instability. WION: Do you see gains of last 20 years begin preserved after Americans leave? Dr Abdullah Abdullah: About the recent announcement by President Trump, we don't have the whole context of it as of now. Details have not been provided, if it is reference to decisions already made, which is already being implemented. As we speak, the US troops are withdrawing to a number which will be a few thousand behind. That will be completed by December or late November. If it is referred to that or something else, that remains to be seen. Eventually, Afghanistan should be able to stand on its own feet, no doubt about it. If you look at the different side, let's say Taliban think tomorrow, next month or in a few month the US will withdraw from Afghanistan and they can take advantage of that situation militarily that could be a miscalculation. I would rather expect them to think otherwise, because all along their claims that they don't want foreign troops in our soil, that has been our position as well — that Afghanistan has to stand on its own feet. And that only materialize when there is peace, no terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan. No threats emanating from Afghanistan against any country. It has to be looked from that side. It requires a sense of responsibility from all Afghans including the Taliban. WION: How do see China's role in Afghanistan? Dr Abdullah Abdullah: China's official position has been supported for an inclusive, afghan led, Afghan-owned peaceful settlement which we have supported. Chinese FM also addressed the Doha meeting. What will be the future, again a lot will depend on peaceful settlement in Afghanistan. How different countries put the respective interest, how we will be impacted, because of that, what will be the configurations of the different country's role and influence. Everything is not predictable at this stage, again no connectivity project will achieve its potential if terror groups are active in our region. Next to it is, addressing the differences via amicable ways while understanding one another's concerns is important. The zero sum game will not work. So far china has been supportive of the peace process and we appreciate that.

Taliban can't take advantage of US leaving, says Dr. Abdullah; lauds India's stance on peace process

US President Donald Trump's announcement of completing the troop withdrawal from Afghanistan by Christmas has taken aback nation's military, with officials saying they haven't been informed about the process and concerned over its impact on Taliban-Afghanistan peace talks.&nbsp;

Trump on Wednesday tweeted that the remaining number of "brave" US military personnel would return by Christmas, a move welcomed by the Taliban.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nato-chief-says-allies-will-leave-afghanistan-together-333582">NATO chief says allies will leave Afghanistan together</a>

He elaborated his announcement in an interview to Fox News, saying: "We're down to 4,000 troops in Afghanistan. I'll have them home by the end of the year. They're coming home, you know, as we speak. Nineteen years is enough. They're acting as policemen, OK? They're not acting as troops."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/donald-trump-wants-us-forces-to-pull-out-from-afghanistan-by-christmas-333352">Donald Trump wants US forces to pull out from Afghanistan by Christmas</a>

Several US officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity said they were not informed about any new deadline, reported news agency The Associated Press.

In fact, they pointed to remarks by National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien on Wednesday, in which he said: "as of today, there are under 5,000 and that will go to 2,500 by early next year".

The US military has also continually said that counterterrorism personnel would remain in Afghanistan for some time in view of threats by al-Qaida and Islamic State.&nbsp;

The US has earlier maintained that any troop withdrawal from Afghanistan would depend on the situation on the ground and a considerable reduction in Taliban attacks.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump's announcement of completing the troop withdrawal from Afghanistan by Christmas has taken aback nation's military, with officials saying they haven't been informed about the process and concerned over its impact on Taliban-Afghanistan peace talks.

US President Donald Trump's announcement of completing the troop withdrawal from Afghanistan by Christmas has taken aback nation's military, with officials saying they haven't been informed about the process and concerned over its impact on Taliban-Afghanistan peace talks. Trump on Wednesday tweeted that the remaining number of "brave" US military personnel would return by Christmas, a move welcomed by the Taliban. Also read | NATO chief says allies will leave Afghanistan together He elaborated his announcement in an interview to Fox News, saying: "We're down to 4,000 troops in Afghanistan. I'll have them home by the end of the year. They're coming home, you know, as we speak. Nineteen years is enough. They're acting as policemen, OK? They're not acting as troops." Also read | Donald Trump wants US forces to pull out from Afghanistan by Christmas Several US officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity said they were not informed about any new deadline, reported news agency The Associated Press. In fact, they pointed to remarks by National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien on Wednesday, in which he said: "as of today, there are under 5,000 and that will go to 2,500 by early next year". The US military has also continually said that counterterrorism personnel would remain in Afghanistan for some time in view of threats by al-Qaida and Islamic State. The US has earlier maintained that any troop withdrawal from Afghanistan would depend on the situation on the ground and a considerable reduction in Taliban attacks.

US military startled with Trump's announcement of complete troop withdrawal from Afghanistan

NATO insisted Thursday that its members would consult and decide together on when to leave Afghanistan, after US President Donald Trump vowed to bring American troops home by Christmas.

Trump, trailing in polls ahead of the November 9 presidential election, made his surprise announcement on Twitter on Wednesday, dramatically speeding up the timeline for ending America's longest war.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg repeated the alliance's longstanding position that it will end its mission in Afghanistan only when conditions on the ground permit.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/human-rights-group-hails-acquittal-of-pakistani-christian-on-death-row-for-blasphemy-333523">Also read|&nbsp;Human rights group hails acquittal of Pakistani Christian on death row for blasphemy</a>

"We decided to go into Afghanistan together, we will make decisions on future adjustments together, and when the time is right, we will leave together," Stoltenberg said at a news conference after talks with North Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev.

NATO went into Afghanistan following the 2001 US-led invasion to topple the Taliban in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks.

It ended its combat operations in Afghanistan in 2014 and has vastly reduced its presence on the ground, but maintains a 12,000-strong force training and advising local forces.

Stoltenberg said NATO would only leave Afghanistan when it could do so without the risk of the country once again becoming a haven for militants.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/donald-trump-wants-us-forces-to-pull-out-from-afghanistan-by-christmas-333352">Also read|&nbsp;Donald Trump wants US forces to pull out from Afghanistan by Christmas</a>

"We will make decisions based on the conditions on the ground, because we think it is extremely important to continue to be committed to the future of Afghanistan, because it is in our interest to preserve the long term security of Afghanistan," he said.

It is not clear whether NATO had any advance warning of Trump's announcement, though Stoltenberg's statement that allies would now "consult on the future of the mission" appeared to indicate that it did not.

After intense US cajoling, the Afghan government and the Taliban last month opened peace talks in Doha, but negotiations have got off to a slow start.

Trump's timeline for withdrawing forces appeared to contradict his own national security advisor Robert O'Brien, who reportedly told an event that the US would cut troops to 2,500 by early 2021.

NATO insisted Thursday that its members would consult and decide together on when to leave Afghanistan, after US President Donald Trump vowed to bring American troops home by Christmas.

NATO insisted Thursday that its members would consult and decide together on when to leave Afghanistan, after US President Donald Trump vowed to bring American troops home by Christmas. Trump, trailing in polls ahead of the November 9 presidential election, made his surprise announcement on Twitter on Wednesday, dramatically speeding up the timeline for ending America's longest war. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg repeated the alliance's longstanding position that it will end its mission in Afghanistan only when conditions on the ground permit. Also read| Human rights group hails acquittal of Pakistani Christian on death row for blasphemy "We decided to go into Afghanistan together, we will make decisions on future adjustments together, and when the time is right, we will leave together," Stoltenberg said at a news conference after talks with North Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev. NATO went into Afghanistan following the 2001 US-led invasion to topple the Taliban in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks. It ended its combat operations in Afghanistan in 2014 and has vastly reduced its presence on the ground, but maintains a 12,000-strong force training and advising local forces. Stoltenberg said NATO would only leave Afghanistan when it could do so without the risk of the country once again becoming a haven for militants. Also read| Donald Trump wants US forces to pull out from Afghanistan by Christmas "We will make decisions based on the conditions on the ground, because we think it is extremely important to continue to be committed to the future of Afghanistan, because it is in our interest to preserve the long term security of Afghanistan," he said. It is not clear whether NATO had any advance warning of Trump's announcement, though Stoltenberg's statement that allies would now "consult on the future of the mission" appeared to indicate that it did not. After intense US cajoling, the Afghan government and the Taliban last month opened peace talks in Doha, but negotiations have got off to a slow start. Trump's timeline for withdrawing forces appeared to contradict his own national security advisor Robert O'Brien, who reportedly told an event that the US would cut troops to 2,500 by early 2021.

NATO chief says allies will leave Afghanistan together

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said his administration wants all US forces to pull out of Afghanistan by Christmas, speeding up the process to end America's longest war.&nbsp;

"We should have the small remaining number of our BRAVE Men and Women serving in Afghanistan home by Christmas!" Trump said on Twitter.

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We should have the small remaining number of our BRAVE Men and Women serving in Afghanistan home by Christmas!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1313984510749544450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Trump's remarks came when the presidential election in the US is less than 30 days away and he aspires to show that he delivered on his promise that the country should stop "endless wars".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-afghan-negotiators-set-ground-rules-to-safeguard-peace-talks-sources-332896">Taliban, Afghan negotiators set ground rules to safeguard peace talks: Sources</a>

Washington, in a historic deal with the Taliban on February 29, vowed to pull out its forces from Afghanistan by mid-2021 and the insurgent group in return committed to not let other extremist groups flourish in the region.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/eight-killed-in-attack-targetting-afghan-governor-332763">Eight killed in attack targetting Afghan governor</a>

Last month, talks between the Taliban and Afghan government began in Doha, although the discussions soon ended up in a deadlock.

Trump's decision for troop withdrawal gained widespread support, including his Democratic rival Joe Biden who during his vice-presidential tenure had pushed to limit the nation's involvement in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP) 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said his administration wants all US forces to pull out of Afghanistan by Christmas, speeding up the process to end America's longest war.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said his administration wants all US forces to pull out of Afghanistan by Christmas, speeding up the process to end America's longest war. "We should have the small remaining number of our BRAVE Men and Women serving in Afghanistan home by Christmas!" Trump said on Twitter. We should have the small remaining number of our BRAVE Men and Women serving in Afghanistan home by Christmas! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 7, 2020 × Trump's remarks came when the presidential election in the US is less than 30 days away and he aspires to show that he delivered on his promise that the country should stop "endless wars". Also read | Taliban, Afghan negotiators set ground rules to safeguard peace talks: Sources Washington, in a historic deal with the Taliban on February 29, vowed to pull out its forces from Afghanistan by mid-2021 and the insurgent group in return committed to not let other extremist groups flourish in the region. Also read | Eight killed in attack targetting Afghan governor Last month, talks between the Taliban and Afghan government began in Doha, although the discussions soon ended up in a deadlock. Trump's decision for troop withdrawal gained widespread support, including his Democratic rival Joe Biden who during his vice-presidential tenure had pushed to limit the nation's involvement in Afghanistan. (with inputs from AFP)

Donald Trump wants US forces to pull out from Afghanistan by Christmas

Taliban and Afghan peace negotiators have agreed on a code of conduct to safeguard against the risk of any breakdown in talks that began last month in Qatar to bring an end to decades of war, three official sources told Reuters on Tuesday.

The breakthrough was achieved with the help of U.S. officials, as the two sides drew up 19 ground rules that their negotiators should observe during talks, the sources said.

While the talks have been taking place in Qatar`s capital Doha, scores of Afghan soldiers and Taliban fighters have been killed in clashes and suicide attacks in which dozens of civilians have also died in recent weeks.

"Firming up code of conduct was extremely crucial as it proves that both sides are willing to continue talks even as we see that violence has not reduced on the ground," said one senior Western diplomat on conditions of anonymity.

The breakthrough came as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani held bilateral discussions in Qatar`s capital of Doha with Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. Special Envoy, and Gen. Austin Miller, the top commander for U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

The intra-Afghan talks are part of a landmark deal signed between the United States and the Taliban in February.

Under the deal, foreign forces will leave Afghanistan by May 2021 in exchange for counter terrorism guarantees from the Taliban, which agreed to negotiate a permanent cease-fire and a power-sharing formula with the Afghan government.

Diplomats had told Reuters that the talks had got off to a difficult start, with disagreements over how the Hanafi Islamic code could be used to guide negotiations and on whether the deal signed between the United States and the Taliban in February should be the basis for the talks, as demanded by the Taliban.

The three sources said the delegations were putting those differences to one side to move forward and agree on an agenda, but would work on resolving these issues during negotiations.

"The ground rules will serve as a foundation as both sides are making an effort to prevent a collapse," said a second senior official in Doha overseeing the talks.

A ceasefire is a top priority for the Afghan officials and the western diplomats who are facilitating these talks.

However, analysts believe the Taliban would not agree to a comprehensive ceasefire since clashes with Afghan forces and violence gives them leverage at the negotiation table.&nbsp;

Taliban and Afghan peace negotiators have agreed on a code of conduct to safeguard against the risk of any breakdown in talks that began last month in Qatar to bring an end to decades of war, three official sources told Reuters on Tuesday.

Taliban and Afghan peace negotiators have agreed on a code of conduct to safeguard against the risk of any breakdown in talks that began last month in Qatar to bring an end to decades of war, three official sources told Reuters on Tuesday. The breakthrough was achieved with the help of U.S. officials, as the two sides drew up 19 ground rules that their negotiators should observe during talks, the sources said. While the talks have been taking place in Qatar`s capital Doha, scores of Afghan soldiers and Taliban fighters have been killed in clashes and suicide attacks in which dozens of civilians have also died in recent weeks. "Firming up code of conduct was extremely crucial as it proves that both sides are willing to continue talks even as we see that violence has not reduced on the ground," said one senior Western diplomat on conditions of anonymity. The breakthrough came as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani held bilateral discussions in Qatar`s capital of Doha with Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. Special Envoy, and Gen. Austin Miller, the top commander for U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan. The intra-Afghan talks are part of a landmark deal signed between the United States and the Taliban in February. Under the deal, foreign forces will leave Afghanistan by May 2021 in exchange for counter terrorism guarantees from the Taliban, which agreed to negotiate a permanent cease-fire and a power-sharing formula with the Afghan government. Diplomats had told Reuters that the talks had got off to a difficult start, with disagreements over how the Hanafi Islamic code could be used to guide negotiations and on whether the deal signed between the United States and the Taliban in February should be the basis for the talks, as demanded by the Taliban. The three sources said the delegations were putting those differences to one side to move forward and agree on an agenda, but would work on resolving these issues during negotiations. "The ground rules will serve as a foundation as both sides are making an effort to prevent a collapse," said a second senior official in Doha overseeing the talks. A ceasefire is a top priority for the Afghan officials and the western diplomats who are facilitating these talks. However, analysts believe the Taliban would not agree to a comprehensive ceasefire since clashes with Afghan forces and violence gives them leverage at the negotiation table.

Taliban, Afghan negotiators set ground rules to safeguard peace talks: Sources

DOHA, Qatar — They are here to end their fathers’ war.

On both sides of the negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban are nearly a dozen children of men who played key roles in the Soviet conflict in the 1980s that set off four decades of violence and loss.

Some of their fathers have since died of old age, insurgents to the end. Some faced more violent deaths, blown up in suicide bombings that have become a trademark of the war’s brutality. Many of the ones who have survived, their chests decked out in the medals and insignia of a conflict that has inflicted misery on millions, grew rich — enjoying palaces, political fortune, massive wealth. But they still play hide and seek with death.

Those fathers fought alongside each other to drive out the Soviets, then turned their guns on each other in the power vacuum that followed, waging an atrocity-filled civil war.

Now, their children know all too well what is at stake as the U.S. military continues its withdrawal with the peace talks in Qatar still up in the air: If the Afghan warring sides fail to agree on a formula of power-sharing, Afghanistan could break into another civil war, the conflict dragging on for another generation, with new enemies and new patrons.

“If we lose this opportunity, we have lost Afghanistan,” said Fatima Gailani, whose father was one of the leaders of the mujahedeen resistance to the Soviets at the dawn of Afghanistan’s descent into chaos. “If we lose this opportunity, we have betrayed the people of Afghanistan — we have betrayed every child, every woman, above all we have betrayed the people who died in this war.”

Gailani arrived in Doha, Qatar’s capital, in September as one of the 20 negotiators on the government’s side facing the Taliban, who reached a deal in February that started a U.S. military withdrawal. She got to Qatar just a week after her third surgery for throat cancer, her voice still hoarse.

The last time Afghanistan was at such an inflection point was in the 1980s. Her father was a leader of the mujahedeen guerrillas against the Soviets, and he persuaded her to abandon her pursuit of a doctorate and become a spokesperson for the mujahedeen factions as the war reached its endgame and the Soviets neared withdrawal.

That turned out to be a nightmare that never ended, she said: The guerrillas were soon at one another’s throats, and the extremists among them who saw no place for women in government outnumbered the moderate factions like her father’s.

“I am a 66-year-old woman, I cannot afford to be pessimistic,” Gailani said. “I see it as we are being given another opportunity.”

On the Taliban side, too, are several children or relatives of men who were the leaders of the anti-Soviet war.

Mawlawi Matiulhaq Khalis, almost 60, is the son of the late Mawlawi Mohammad Yunus Khalis, one of the key ideologues of the resistance. The senior Khalis’ claim to fame was that on a visit to the White House with President Ronald Reagan, who praised the mujahedeen as “freedom fighters,” he invited the American president to convert to Islam.

Among the hardened graybeards on the insurgent side of the negotiations in Qatar is an obvious outlier, a young man of just 26, tall with gentle eyes. But he carries a name — Haqqani — that has become synonymous with the deadly bombings that rack Afghanistan’s cities.

He is Anas Haqqani, the youngest son of the family patriarch, Jalaluddin Haqqani, who was once an ally of the United States against the Soviets but later founded the infamous Haqqani network of the Taliban, bent on forcing the Americans out of Afghanistan. One of his other sons, Sirajuddin, became his successor and is now the deputy supreme leader of the Taliban and a central architect of the militants’ resurgence.

But even as he represents the Taliban at the negotiating table, Anas Haqqani insists in personal conversation that he is more interested in being seen as a poet.

A sample verse:

“His ties to politics are out of obligation/ Anas’ interest is in poetry, sweeter than any throne.”

He spent five years in an Afghan prison, arrested as a 19-year-old in a joint effort by Afghan and American spies while he was in transit from Qatar in 2014. He was sentenced to death — for his family name and not for any crime he had committed, he says — before being let out in a prisoner exchange last year.

When the United States was preparing to invade Afghanistan in 2001, chasing Osama bin Laden — who had close ties to the senior Haqqani, dating back to the mujahedeen struggle — Anas was just 7. The Americans, along with Pakistani middlemen, approached the senior Haqqani to see if he would betray his Taliban allies and bin Laden by siding with them again.

Anas quotes his father, who was already in his 60s at the time, as warning the Americans: “Sort it out through talks. But if you come as invaders, I will shoot you with this same weapon that I fought the Soviets.”

The senior Haqqani developed a vast base in the tribal areas of Pakistan, built and buttressed in the lawless region by CIA money from the anti-Soviet war. He lost four of his sons to U.S. drones and assassinations, and died of old age two years ago.

His legacy is half a century of insurgency, and an entire infrastructure that trains children to chase glory in the fight against intrusive foreign powers. The example he set is clear, and feels particularly chilling right now: Old friends can always become new foes in somebody else’s war in Afghanistan.

“Those in the right might be weaker in weapons, money, numbers — but we can still take the truth, smash the head of falsehood with it, crack its skull and spread its brains,” he is shown saying in a video clip released by the Taliban this year on the second anniversary of his death. He appears frail, with his head trembling, but is still dressed in his military-style fatigues. “This is the truth with which God smashed the skull of Americans.”

“They are trying to create covers for their loss,” he continued, speaking about the United States’ search for an exit from Afghanistan. “But the cover is like putting pants on a camel — the pants rip open after the camel takes the first step, and then you see its privates.”

Across the table from the youngest Haqqani is the alternative: children of legacy and privilege who are trying to cement what their fathers won by the gun with a softer image of democratic politics. With top-class educations, advisers and resources, they have made it to Cabinet positions and parliamentary seats.

The youngest, 25-year-old Khalid Noor, received a military degree in Britain and a bachelor’s degree in the United States. His father, strongman Atta Mohammed Noor, had consolidated his grip as one of the most powerful political forces in northern Afghanistan, in part through his command of militia forces that were accused of abuses.

At 31, Batour Dostum has already inherited the leadership of a political party that his father built. His father, Abdul Rashid Dostum, is one of the most notorious civil war strongmen, and perhaps the ultimate survivor of the Afghan conflict.

After racking up accusations of human rights abuses over decades, the senior Dostum became a champion for his once-oppressed ethnic Uzbek minority, and rose to the country’s vice presidency. He did not stop there: Despite facing an open court case on charges of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a political opponent, he was recently given the honorary military rank of marshal, handed out just three times in the country’s history.

Lasting peace would take more than just Afghans agreeing.

Havens for guerrilla warfare would need to be dismantled in Pakistan, where they were first set up by the Americans, Pakistanis and Saudis, and where they seem to merely go into hibernation until a new enemy appears. Foreign nations are likely to remain involved — the country remains deeply dependent on aid. But truly helping Afghanistan would require those powers to reach some sort of equilibrium rather than continuing to fight for their interests through proxy battles there.

Peace would also require a monumental reckoning among Afghans — if not actual healing from generations of devastation, at least a decision not to perpetuate more.

“Unfortunately, all sides have made mistakes in the past 40 years, and you can see everyone is tired — everyone just wants to silence the guns,” Batour Dostum said. “We need to learn from the past, we need to be careful in the future not to repeat the mistakes. We are young, we should not be repeating those mistakes.”

When asked what he can do to heal the wounds his side has inflicted on others, Anas Haqqani tried — with a verse, again — to say that his family is accused of more than it has actually done.

“The blind tell me your face is an ugly face/ The deaf say what you are saying is wrong.”

But there is no escaping that his father’s faction, inherited by his sons, has been behind some of the most scarring violence of the war.

When pressed, he insisted that his time in prison had softened him: On social media, he cannot look at graphic images of the war — “no matter from which side” — and quickly scrolls past.

“On a personal level, I feel sympathy with everyone — that we need to do whatever we can to heal their wounds,” Haqqani said. “I have seen my own brothers blown up to pieces. I feel the pain, because I have also lost my own.”

DOHA, Qatar — They are here to end their fathers’ war. On both sides of the negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban are nearly a dozen children of men who played key roles in the Soviet conflict in the 1980s that set off four decades of violence and loss.

DOHA, Qatar — They are here to end their fathers’ war. On both sides of the negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban are nearly a dozen children of men who played key roles in the Soviet conflict in the 1980s that set off four decades of violence and loss. Some of their fathers have since died of old age, insurgents to the end. Some faced more violent deaths, blown up in suicide bombings that have become a trademark of the war’s brutality. Many of the ones who have survived, their chests decked out in the medals and insignia of a conflict that has inflicted misery on millions, grew rich — enjoying palaces, political fortune, massive wealth. But they still play hide and seek with death. Those fathers fought alongside each other to drive out the Soviets, then turned their guns on each other in the power vacuum that followed, waging an atrocity-filled civil war. Now, their children know all too well what is at stake as the U.S. military continues its withdrawal with the peace talks in Qatar still up in the air: If the Afghan warring sides fail to agree on a formula of power-sharing, Afghanistan could break into another civil war, the conflict dragging on for another generation, with new enemies and new patrons. “If we lose this opportunity, we have lost Afghanistan,” said Fatima Gailani, whose father was one of the leaders of the mujahedeen resistance to the Soviets at the dawn of Afghanistan’s descent into chaos. “If we lose this opportunity, we have betrayed the people of Afghanistan — we have betrayed every child, every woman, above all we have betrayed the people who died in this war.” Gailani arrived in Doha, Qatar’s capital, in September as one of the 20 negotiators on the government’s side facing the Taliban, who reached a deal in February that started a U.S. military withdrawal. She got to Qatar just a week after her third surgery for throat cancer, her voice still hoarse. The last time Afghanistan was at such an inflection point was in the 1980s. Her father was a leader of the mujahedeen guerrillas against the Soviets, and he persuaded her to abandon her pursuit of a doctorate and become a spokesperson for the mujahedeen factions as the war reached its endgame and the Soviets neared withdrawal. That turned out to be a nightmare that never ended, she said: The guerrillas were soon at one another’s throats, and the extremists among them who saw no place for women in government outnumbered the moderate factions like her father’s. “I am a 66-year-old woman, I cannot afford to be pessimistic,” Gailani said. “I see it as we are being given another opportunity.” On the Taliban side, too, are several children or relatives of men who were the leaders of the anti-Soviet war. Mawlawi Matiulhaq Khalis, almost 60, is the son of the late Mawlawi Mohammad Yunus Khalis, one of the key ideologues of the resistance. The senior Khalis’ claim to fame was that on a visit to the White House with President Ronald Reagan, who praised the mujahedeen as “freedom fighters,” he invited the American president to convert to Islam. Among the hardened graybeards on the insurgent side of the negotiations in Qatar is an obvious outlier, a young man of just 26, tall with gentle eyes. But he carries a name — Haqqani — that has become synonymous with the deadly bombings that rack Afghanistan’s cities. He is Anas Haqqani, the youngest son of the family patriarch, Jalaluddin Haqqani, who was once an ally of the United States against the Soviets but later founded the infamous Haqqani network of the Taliban, bent on forcing the Americans out of Afghanistan. One of his other sons, Sirajuddin, became his successor and is now the deputy supreme leader of the Taliban and a central architect of the militants’ resurgence. But even as he represents the Taliban at the negotiating table, Anas Haqqani insists in personal conversation that he is more interested in being seen as a poet. A sample verse: “His ties to politics are out of obligation/ Anas’ interest is in poetry, sweeter than any throne.” He spent five years in an Afghan prison, arrested as a 19-year-old in a joint effort by Afghan and American spies while he was in transit from Qatar in 2014. He was sentenced to death — for his family name and not for any crime he had committed, he says — before being let out in a prisoner exchange last year. When the United States was preparing to invade Afghanistan in 2001, chasing Osama bin Laden — who had close ties to the senior Haqqani, dating back to the mujahedeen struggle — Anas was just 7. The Americans, along with Pakistani middlemen, approached the senior Haqqani to see if he would betray his Taliban allies and bin Laden by siding with them again. Anas quotes his father, who was already in his 60s at the time, as warning the Americans: “Sort it out through talks. But if you come as invaders, I will shoot you with this same weapon that I fought the Soviets.” The senior Haqqani developed a vast base in the tribal areas of Pakistan, built and buttressed in the lawless region by CIA money from the anti-Soviet war. He lost four of his sons to U.S. drones and assassinations, and died of old age two years ago. His legacy is half a century of insurgency, and an entire infrastructure that trains children to chase glory in the fight against intrusive foreign powers. The example he set is clear, and feels particularly chilling right now: Old friends can always become new foes in somebody else’s war in Afghanistan. “Those in the right might be weaker in weapons, money, numbers — but we can still take the truth, smash the head of falsehood with it, crack its skull and spread its brains,” he is shown saying in a video clip released by the Taliban this year on the second anniversary of his death. He appears frail, with his head trembling, but is still dressed in his military-style fatigues. “This is the truth with which God smashed the skull of Americans.” “They are trying to create covers for their loss,” he continued, speaking about the United States’ search for an exit from Afghanistan. “But the cover is like putting pants on a camel — the pants rip open after the camel takes the first step, and then you see its privates.” Across the table from the youngest Haqqani is the alternative: children of legacy and privilege who are trying to cement what their fathers won by the gun with a softer image of democratic politics. With top-class educations, advisers and resources, they have made it to Cabinet positions and parliamentary seats. The youngest, 25-year-old Khalid Noor, received a military degree in Britain and a bachelor’s degree in the United States. His father, strongman Atta Mohammed Noor, had consolidated his grip as one of the most powerful political forces in northern Afghanistan, in part through his command of militia forces that were accused of abuses. At 31, Batour Dostum has already inherited the leadership of a political party that his father built. His father, Abdul Rashid Dostum, is one of the most notorious civil war strongmen, and perhaps the ultimate survivor of the Afghan conflict. After racking up accusations of human rights abuses over decades, the senior Dostum became a champion for his once-oppressed ethnic Uzbek minority, and rose to the country’s vice presidency. He did not stop there: Despite facing an open court case on charges of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a political opponent, he was recently given the honorary military rank of marshal, handed out just three times in the country’s history. Lasting peace would take more than just Afghans agreeing. Havens for guerrilla warfare would need to be dismantled in Pakistan, where they were first set up by the Americans, Pakistanis and Saudis, and where they seem to merely go into hibernation until a new enemy appears. Foreign nations are likely to remain involved — the country remains deeply dependent on aid. But truly helping Afghanistan would require those powers to reach some sort of equilibrium rather than continuing to fight for their interests through proxy battles there. Peace would also require a monumental reckoning among Afghans — if not actual healing from generations of devastation, at least a decision not to perpetuate more. “Unfortunately, all sides have made mistakes in the past 40 years, and you can see everyone is tired — everyone just wants to silence the guns,” Batour Dostum said. “We need to learn from the past, we need to be careful in the future not to repeat the mistakes. We are young, we should not be repeating those mistakes.” When asked what he can do to heal the wounds his side has inflicted on others, Anas Haqqani tried — with a verse, again — to say that his family is accused of more than it has actually done. “The blind tell me your face is an ugly face/ The deaf say what you are saying is wrong.” But there is no escaping that his father’s faction, inherited by his sons, has been behind some of the most scarring violence of the war. When pressed, he insisted that his time in prison had softened him: On social media, he cannot look at graphic images of the war — “no matter from which side” — and quickly scrolls past. “On a personal level, I feel sympathy with everyone — that we need to do whatever we can to heal their wounds,” Haqqani said. “I have seen my own brothers blown up to pieces. I feel the pain, because I have also lost my own.”

At Afghan peace talks, hoping to end their fathers’ war

Reports have emerged of the ISI`s involvement in the car bomb explosion in Nangarhar even as the Afghan govt accused the Taliban and other terrorist groups of continuing crimes against the people of Afghanistan.

"The Taliban and other terrorist groups in collusion with them continue their terrorist activities and, like today`s terrorist attack in Nangarhar, kill civilians every day and destroy public infrastructures," according to a Presidential Palace statement reported by Tolo News.

Ahmad Shuja, DG for international affairs &amp; regional cooperation, Office of the National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan tweeted, "Images of dead and injured children in Taliban`s car bomb in Nangarhar are too gruesome to share, but the toll today is a stark reminder of the real cost of the Taliban`s daily acts of terrorism. The group is using the lives of civilians to bargain for more power.&nbsp;

"Unconscionable."He added, "Time for Taliban to admit that this is a morally bankrupt way to build a so-called Islamic government. You are using terrorism to reinstate tyranny. Where`s the jihad in that?"

In reply, one user said, "Only because of Pakistan we are facing these days."One user also said that Pakistan is playing a dangerous game in Afghanistan."&nbsp;

"Days after @DrabdullahCE visited #Pakistan &amp; was assured that Pak will use its influence over #Taliban to ensure reduction in violence, a car-bomb today in Nangarhar province killed at least 15 people &amp; wounded 34 others. Pakistan is playing a dangerous game in Afghanistan," the user wrote.

At least 15 people were killed and more than 30 wounded in a car bomb explosion near the district governor`s compound in Ghanikhil district in the eastern province of Nangarhar on Saturday afternoon, TOLO news reported.&nbsp; 
Abdullah Orakzai, the key leader of the Islamic State in Khorasan Province`s (ISKP), who was responsible for the recent Jalalabad prison attack, was killed in an operation by Afghan forces, the National Directorate of Security (NDS) announced in August.

Assadullah, a Pakistan-origin terrorist operating in Afghanistan as the head of intelligence for the ISIS Khorasan branch, was killed in an operation by Afghan security forces early this month. 
&nbsp;

Reports have emerged of the ISI`s involvement in the car bomb explosion in Nangarhar even as the Afghan govt accused the Taliban and other terrorist groups of continuing crimes against the people of Afghanistan.

Reports have emerged of the ISI`s involvement in the car bomb explosion in Nangarhar even as the Afghan govt accused the Taliban and other terrorist groups of continuing crimes against the people of Afghanistan. "The Taliban and other terrorist groups in collusion with them continue their terrorist activities and, like today`s terrorist attack in Nangarhar, kill civilians every day and destroy public infrastructures," according to a Presidential Palace statement reported by Tolo News. Ahmad Shuja, DG for international affairs & regional cooperation, Office of the National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan tweeted, "Images of dead and injured children in Taliban`s car bomb in Nangarhar are too gruesome to share, but the toll today is a stark reminder of the real cost of the Taliban`s daily acts of terrorism. The group is using the lives of civilians to bargain for more power. "Unconscionable."He added, "Time for Taliban to admit that this is a morally bankrupt way to build a so-called Islamic government. You are using terrorism to reinstate tyranny. Where`s the jihad in that?" In reply, one user said, "Only because of Pakistan we are facing these days."One user also said that Pakistan is playing a dangerous game in Afghanistan." "Days after @DrabdullahCE visited #Pakistan & was assured that Pak will use its influence over #Taliban to ensure reduction in violence, a car-bomb today in Nangarhar province killed at least 15 people & wounded 34 others. Pakistan is playing a dangerous game in Afghanistan," the user wrote. At least 15 people were killed and more than 30 wounded in a car bomb explosion near the district governor`s compound in Ghanikhil district in the eastern province of Nangarhar on Saturday afternoon, TOLO news reported. Abdullah Orakzai, the key leader of the Islamic State in Khorasan Province`s (ISKP), who was responsible for the recent Jalalabad prison attack, was killed in an operation by Afghan forces, the National Directorate of Security (NDS) announced in August. Assadullah, a Pakistan-origin terrorist operating in Afghanistan as the head of intelligence for the ISIS Khorasan branch, was killed in an operation by Afghan security forces early this month.

Reports emerge of ISI's involvement in car bomb explosion in Afghanistan's Nangarhar

Afghan government's top negotiator for intra-Afghan talks Dr Abdullah Abdullah will be visiting India from October 6 for four days. He, as the Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation represents the Afghan govt in talks with Taliban which started in September in Doha.

This is his first visit to New Delhi in the current position and he expected to meet top officials of the Indian government. Joint Secretary, PAI or Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran division of Ministry of External Affairs, JP Singh had met him on the sidelines of the beginning of intra-Afghan ceremony on September 12 September in Doha.

At the ceremony India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had said, "Interests of minorities, women and vulnerable sections of society must be preserved and the issue of violence across the country and its neighbourhood has to be effectively addressed."&nbsp;

India was present along with around 30 countries at the ceremony.&nbsp;

India's policy towards the Afghan peace process is that it should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled and "respect the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-peace-official-sees-little-change-in-us-policy-regardless-of-election-result-331565">Afghan peace official sees little change in US policy regardless of election result</a>

Even as peace talks in Afghanistan has gained momentum, India has increased its reach out to a number of stakeholders in the country. September saw a visit by Afghan leader Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum, during which he met External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla.

New Delhi is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built number of infrastructure projects in the country like India-Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat &amp; the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul. &nbsp;

Afghan government's top negotiator for intra-Afghan talks Dr Abdullah Abdullah will be visiting India from October 6 for four days. He, as the Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation represents the Afghan govt in talks with Taliban which started in September in Doha.

Afghan government's top negotiator for intra-Afghan talks Dr Abdullah Abdullah will be visiting India from October 6 for four days. He, as the Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation represents the Afghan govt in talks with Taliban which started in September in Doha. This is his first visit to New Delhi in the current position and he expected to meet top officials of the Indian government. Joint Secretary, PAI or Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran division of Ministry of External Affairs, JP Singh had met him on the sidelines of the beginning of intra-Afghan ceremony on September 12 September in Doha. At the ceremony India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had said, "Interests of minorities, women and vulnerable sections of society must be preserved and the issue of violence across the country and its neighbourhood has to be effectively addressed." India was present along with around 30 countries at the ceremony. India's policy towards the Afghan peace process is that it should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled and "respect the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan". Also Read | Afghan peace official sees little change in US policy regardless of election result Even as peace talks in Afghanistan has gained momentum, India has increased its reach out to a number of stakeholders in the country. September saw a visit by Afghan leader Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum, during which he met External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla. New Delhi is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built number of infrastructure projects in the country like India-Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat & the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul.

Afghan govt's top negotiator Abdullah Abdullah to visit India on October 6

Senior Afghan peace official Abdullah Abdullah arrived in Pakistan on Monday for meetings in a country seen as vital to the success of Afghan talks aimed at ending decades of war.

Afghan official Abdullah Abdullah in Pakistan for talks on peace bid

Senior Afghan peace official&nbsp;Abdullah&nbsp;Abdullah&nbsp;arrived in Pakistan on Monday for meetings in a country seen as vital to the success of Afghan talks aimed at ending decades of war.

During his three-day visit to Islamabad,&nbsp;Abdullah, a former foreign minister and chairman of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation, will meet Prime Minister Imran Khan as well as Pakistan's foreign minister.

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have long been rocky. Afghanistan and its international allies have for years accused Pakistan of backing Taliban insurgents as a way to limit the influence of old rival India in Afghanistan.

Pakistan denies that and in turn accuses Afghanistan of letting anti-Pakistan militants plot attacks from Afghan soil, which Afghanistan denies.

"Pakistan fully supports all efforts for peace," its foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement.

"The visit of Dr&nbsp;Abdullah&nbsp;Abdullah&nbsp;will contribute to further strengthening amity, brotherhood and close cooperation."

The United States has acknowledged Pakistan's help in fostering Afghan peace efforts including in encouraging the Taliban to negotiate.

The US&nbsp;special representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, said last week the United States and its allies were looking at an agreement between Afghanistan and Pakistan so that neither side's territory would be used to attack the other.

Khalilzad was the architect of a February pact between the United States and the Taliban allowing US&nbsp;troops to withdraw from Afghanistan in exchange for Taliban guarantees on international terrorism.

But Prime Minister Khan, in an opinion piece in the Washington Post on Saturday, expressed concern that Afghanistan could again be used as a haven for international militant groups and warned that a "hasty international withdrawal from Afghanistan would be unwise".

There have also been concerns that the Afghan peace process could increase militancy in Pakistan as fighters now in Afghanistan seek refuge on the Pakistani side of the border.

Afghan and Taliban negotiators have been meeting in Doha since Sept. 12 hoping to agree on a ceasefire and a power-sharing deal.

But they have been bogged down on principles and procedures for talks even before discussing their agenda.

Senior Afghan peace official Abdullah Abdullah arrived in Pakistan on Monday for meetings in a country seen as vital to the success of Afghan talks aimed at ending decades of war. During his three-day visit to Islamabad, Abdullah, a former foreign minister and chairman of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation, will meet Prime Minister Imran Khan as well as Pakistan's foreign minister. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have long been rocky. Afghanistan and its international allies have for years accused Pakistan of backing Taliban insurgents as a way to limit the influence of old rival India in Afghanistan. Pakistan denies that and in turn accuses Afghanistan of letting anti-Pakistan militants plot attacks from Afghan soil, which Afghanistan denies. "Pakistan fully supports all efforts for peace," its foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement. "The visit of Dr Abdullah Abdullah will contribute to further strengthening amity, brotherhood and close cooperation." The United States has acknowledged Pakistan's help in fostering Afghan peace efforts including in encouraging the Taliban to negotiate. The US special representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, said last week the United States and its allies were looking at an agreement between Afghanistan and Pakistan so that neither side's territory would be used to attack the other. Khalilzad was the architect of a February pact between the United States and the Taliban allowing US troops to withdraw from Afghanistan in exchange for Taliban guarantees on international terrorism. But Prime Minister Khan, in an opinion piece in the Washington Post on Saturday, expressed concern that Afghanistan could again be used as a haven for international militant groups and warned that a "hasty international withdrawal from Afghanistan would be unwise". There have also been concerns that the Afghan peace process could increase militancy in Pakistan as fighters now in Afghanistan seek refuge on the Pakistani side of the border. Afghan and Taliban negotiators have been meeting in Doha since Sept. 12 hoping to agree on a ceasefire and a power-sharing deal. But they have been bogged down on principles and procedures for talks even before discussing their agenda.

Afghan official Abdullah in Pakistan for talks on peace bid

Thirteen militants were killed as government forces struck terrorist hideout in Kharwar district of eastern Logar province in Afghanistan on Thursday, provincial government spokesman Shahpor Ahmadzai said.

The restive district, according to the official, was under Taliban attacks for the past couple of weeks, but the government forces including the army and police launched the operation on Wednesday and so far 13 terrorists have been killed.

No security personnel has been hurt, the official said. The ongoing operation will last until the area is cleared of the terrorists, he added.

The Taliban has not made a comment yet. 
 
(With inputs from ANI)

Thirteen militants were killed as government forces struck terrorist hideout in Kharwar district of eastern Logar province in Afghanistan on Thursday, provincial government spokesman Shahpor Ahmadzai said.

Thirteen militants were killed as government forces struck terrorist hideout in Kharwar district of eastern Logar province in Afghanistan on Thursday, provincial government spokesman Shahpor Ahmadzai said. The restive district, according to the official, was under Taliban attacks for the past couple of weeks, but the government forces including the army and police launched the operation on Wednesday and so far 13 terrorists have been killed. No security personnel has been hurt, the official said. The ongoing operation will last until the area is cleared of the terrorists, he added. The Taliban has not made a comment yet. (With inputs from ANI)

Forces kill 13 militants in Afghanistan's easter Logar province

A number of Taliban prisoners who were released by the Afghan government as a condition for peace talks have taken up arms again, top official Abdullah Abdullah said Tuesday. 
 
Abdullah, who chairs Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation and is overseeing the government's peace efforts, said discussions with the Taliban in Qatar so far have been positive. 
 
However, he said some -- though not the majority -- of the 5,000 Taliban prisoners released by the government as a condition for talks had resumed the fight against Kabul. 
 
"I do know that some have returned to the battlefield, which is a violation of the agreement that they had made," Abdullah said during an online conference with the US Council on Foreign Relations. 
 
Abdullah said talks between the two sides had begun in Doha on a positive note, as the delegations build some familiarity with each other. 
 
Yet the level of violence inside Afghanistan has not fallen, and he called on the United States, which launched the peace process with its own deal with the Taliban, and Pakistan, which maintains ties to the insurgents, to pressure them to agree to a ceasefire. 
 
"Unfortunately, so far, the level of violence is very high and to a level that is not acceptable for the people," Abdullah said. 
 
"I repeat my call to the Taliban themselves and also to all partners who have any leverage over the Taliban to press on that point." 
 
Abdullah said he planned to visit Pakistan in the coming days for the first time since 2008. 
 
The persistent violence, and the Taliban's failure to completely cut relations with the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda jihadist groups, was singled out as a barrier to success by US officials testifying in Congress Tuesday. 
 
US chief negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad said a drawdown of US troops, under the US-Taliban agreement, would halt at around 4,500 remaining in Afghanistan in November while Washington assesses whether the insurgents were living up to their pledges. 
 
"Further withdrawals will be determined based on conditions on the ground and delivery by the Taliban on their commitments," Khalilzad told a hearing of the House oversight committee. 
 
The US has slashed troop numbers in Afghanistan by more than half from above 12,000. 
 
Under President Donald Trump's promise to end US involvement in wars abroad, Washington has pledged to withdraw all forces by May 2021, if the Taliban and the government can achieve a solid peace agreement. 
 
"By any measure, the current levels of violence are too high. We know that the reductions are possible," Khalilzad said, noting short ceasefires were respected by the Taliban in the past.

A number of Taliban prisoners who were released by the Afghan government as a condition for peace talks have taken up arms again, top official Abdullah Abdullah said Tuesday.

A number of Taliban prisoners who were released by the Afghan government as a condition for peace talks have taken up arms again, top official Abdullah Abdullah said Tuesday. Abdullah, who chairs Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation and is overseeing the government's peace efforts, said discussions with the Taliban in Qatar so far have been positive. However, he said some -- though not the majority -- of the 5,000 Taliban prisoners released by the government as a condition for talks had resumed the fight against Kabul. "I do know that some have returned to the battlefield, which is a violation of the agreement that they had made," Abdullah said during an online conference with the US Council on Foreign Relations. Abdullah said talks between the two sides had begun in Doha on a positive note, as the delegations build some familiarity with each other. Yet the level of violence inside Afghanistan has not fallen, and he called on the United States, which launched the peace process with its own deal with the Taliban, and Pakistan, which maintains ties to the insurgents, to pressure them to agree to a ceasefire. "Unfortunately, so far, the level of violence is very high and to a level that is not acceptable for the people," Abdullah said. "I repeat my call to the Taliban themselves and also to all partners who have any leverage over the Taliban to press on that point." Abdullah said he planned to visit Pakistan in the coming days for the first time since 2008. The persistent violence, and the Taliban's failure to completely cut relations with the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda jihadist groups, was singled out as a barrier to success by US officials testifying in Congress Tuesday. US chief negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad said a drawdown of US troops, under the US-Taliban agreement, would halt at around 4,500 remaining in Afghanistan in November while Washington assesses whether the insurgents were living up to their pledges. "Further withdrawals will be determined based on conditions on the ground and delivery by the Taliban on their commitments," Khalilzad told a hearing of the House oversight committee. The US has slashed troop numbers in Afghanistan by more than half from above 12,000. Under President Donald Trump's promise to end US involvement in wars abroad, Washington has pledged to withdraw all forces by May 2021, if the Taliban and the government can achieve a solid peace agreement. "By any measure, the current levels of violence are too high. We know that the reductions are possible," Khalilzad said, noting short ceasefires were respected by the Taliban in the past.

Some freed Taliban prisoners ‘returned to battlefield’: Afghan Official 

A twin airstrike on a Taliban base in the northeastern Afghan province of Kunduz killed at least 12 civilians and injured more than 10 people on Saturday, provincial officials and Taliban officials said, as the warring sides hold peace talks.

However, defence ministry officials in Kabul said more than 40 Taliban fighters had been killed in the airstrikes. They did not confirm any civilian deaths but said an investigation was underway.

A twin airstrike on a Taliban base in the northeastern Afghan province of Kunduz killed at least 12 civilians and injured more than 10 people on Saturday, provincial officials and Taliban officials said, as the warring sides hold peace talks.

A twin airstrike on a Taliban base in the northeastern Afghan province of Kunduz killed at least 12 civilians and injured more than 10 people on Saturday, provincial officials and Taliban officials said, as the warring sides hold peace talks. However, defence ministry officials in Kabul said more than 40 Taliban fighters had been killed in the airstrikes. They did not confirm any civilian deaths but said an investigation was underway.

Airstrikes on Taliban base kill at least 12 civilians

US President Donald Trump complimented the Taliban for being tough and smart, and said the United States was dealing well with the Afghan militant group.

In a news conference on Friday, Trump also said he expects to have available enough doses of a coronavirus vaccine for every American by April.

CORONAVIRUS VACCINE

Trump said distribution of a vaccine will begin within 24 hours of it being approved by federal health regulators.

"In a short time we'll have a safe and effective vaccine and we'll defeat the virus," Trump said.

He has previously said a vaccine could be approved in October, an ambitious timeline that some experts have said is unlikely to be met.

'SMART' TALIBAN

Regarding the Taliban, who began peace negotiations with the Afghan government this week to end two decades of war, Trump said, "We're dealing very well with the Taliban. They're very tough, they're very smart, they're very sharp, but you know it's been 19 years and even they are tired of fighting, in all fairness."

Trump, who is seeking re-election on November 3, is eager to claim an end to America's longest conflict, and his administration has voiced its intention to use aid as leverage to push for a peace deal in Afghanistan.

The United States is set to withdraw all its troops from Afghanistan by May 2021, subject to the Taliban meeting certain security guarantees.

Taliban and Afghan government peace negotiators held their first formal meeting on Tuesday in Doha, after an opening ceremony on Saturday which was attended by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

US-CANADA ROW

Trump said on Friday he thought the US-Canada border would open before the end of the year.

The restrictions on non-essential travel at land borders between the two countries were first imposed in March and do not cover trade or travel by air. They have been extended several times, including on Friday to October 21, as the United States has struggled to contain its coronavirus outbreak. 
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US President Donald Trump complimented the Taliban for being tough and smart, and said the United States was dealing well with the Afghan militant group. In a news conference on Friday, Trump also said he expects to have available enough doses of a coronavirus vaccine for every American by April.

US President Donald Trump complimented the Taliban for being tough and smart, and said the United States was dealing well with the Afghan militant group. In a news conference on Friday, Trump also said he expects to have available enough doses of a coronavirus vaccine for every American by April. CORONAVIRUS VACCINE Trump said distribution of a vaccine will begin within 24 hours of it being approved by federal health regulators. "In a short time we'll have a safe and effective vaccine and we'll defeat the virus," Trump said. He has previously said a vaccine could be approved in October, an ambitious timeline that some experts have said is unlikely to be met. 'SMART' TALIBAN Regarding the Taliban, who began peace negotiations with the Afghan government this week to end two decades of war, Trump said, "We're dealing very well with the Taliban. They're very tough, they're very smart, they're very sharp, but you know it's been 19 years and even they are tired of fighting, in all fairness." Trump, who is seeking re-election on November 3, is eager to claim an end to America's longest conflict, and his administration has voiced its intention to use aid as leverage to push for a peace deal in Afghanistan. The United States is set to withdraw all its troops from Afghanistan by May 2021, subject to the Taliban meeting certain security guarantees. Taliban and Afghan government peace negotiators held their first formal meeting on Tuesday in Doha, after an opening ceremony on Saturday which was attended by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. US-CANADA ROW Trump said on Friday he thought the US-Canada border would open before the end of the year. The restrictions on non-essential travel at land borders between the two countries were first imposed in March and do not cover trade or travel by air. They have been extended several times, including on Friday to October 21, as the United States has struggled to contain its coronavirus outbreak.

Taliban, coronavirus vaccine and US-Canada row: What Trump said in his latest briefing

Fierce fighting between Afghan forces and the Taliban killed dozens in a restive eastern province, officials said Thursday, as negotiators from both sides pushed ahead with peace talks in Qatar.

Overnight clashes erupted in three districts of Nangarhar province when Taliban fighters attacked several checkpoints of Afghan forces and pro-government militiamen, Ataullah Khogyani, spokesman for the Nangarhar governor told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-facing-new-afghanistan-women-negotiators-amid-peace-talks-327305">‘Taliban facing new Afghanistan’: Women negotiators amid peace talks&nbsp;</a>

He said at least 11 Afghan security personnel were killed in fighting in Hesarak, while eight pro-government militiamen were killed in Khogyani.

Khogyani said about 30 Taliban fighters died in the clashes -- including some foreigners.

The hardline insurgent group has not commented on the fighting.

The latest violence comes as the Afghan government and Taliban are engaged in talks in Doha aimed at ending the long-running conflict.

Afghanistan's acting Defence Minister Asadullah Khalid blamed the Taliban for the fighting.

"There have been no attacks from our side... The enemies continue to attack and spill the blood of Afghans," he said at a ceremony where US forces handed over four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to the Afghan military.

New ceasefire call unheeded&nbsp;

Abdullah Abdullah, the head of the peace process for the Afghan government, said the ongoing talks offered an opportunity to end the war.

The two warring sides are at the negotiating table, a first in the three decades since the Taliban emerged as a movement across Afghanistan, Abdullah said.

"We recognise the need to get together, to sit together, to present our views which are different from one another, but to find ways how to reconcile those differences," Abdullah told Doha-based Al-Jazeera TV in an interview released on Thursday.

He said negotiations aim to "find ways to be able (to) live together while maintaining some differences and fighting for it politically rather than through violence".

In his speech at the opening session of the peace talks on Saturday, Abdullah had called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, but his plea has gone unanswered.

The Taliban have long worried that reducing violence could lessen their leverage, but have implemented two temporary ceasefires this year itself.

Peace talks commenced on Saturday after months of delay over a contentious prisoner swap between the two sides.

The negotiations are a result of a deal between the Taliban and Washington signed in February, which also paved the way for withdrawing of all foreign forces by May next year. 
&nbsp;

Fierce fighting between Afghan forces and the Taliban killed dozens in a restive eastern province, officials said Thursday, as negotiators from both sides pushed ahead with peace talks in Qatar.

Fierce fighting between Afghan forces and the Taliban killed dozens in a restive eastern province, officials said Thursday, as negotiators from both sides pushed ahead with peace talks in Qatar. Overnight clashes erupted in three districts of Nangarhar province when Taliban fighters attacked several checkpoints of Afghan forces and pro-government militiamen, Ataullah Khogyani, spokesman for the Nangarhar governor told AFP. Also read | ‘Taliban facing new Afghanistan’: Women negotiators amid peace talks He said at least 11 Afghan security personnel were killed in fighting in Hesarak, while eight pro-government militiamen were killed in Khogyani. Khogyani said about 30 Taliban fighters died in the clashes -- including some foreigners. The hardline insurgent group has not commented on the fighting. The latest violence comes as the Afghan government and Taliban are engaged in talks in Doha aimed at ending the long-running conflict. Afghanistan's acting Defence Minister Asadullah Khalid blamed the Taliban for the fighting. "There have been no attacks from our side... The enemies continue to attack and spill the blood of Afghans," he said at a ceremony where US forces handed over four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to the Afghan military. New ceasefire call unheeded Abdullah Abdullah, the head of the peace process for the Afghan government, said the ongoing talks offered an opportunity to end the war. The two warring sides are at the negotiating table, a first in the three decades since the Taliban emerged as a movement across Afghanistan, Abdullah said. "We recognise the need to get together, to sit together, to present our views which are different from one another, but to find ways how to reconcile those differences," Abdullah told Doha-based Al-Jazeera TV in an interview released on Thursday. He said negotiations aim to "find ways to be able (to) live together while maintaining some differences and fighting for it politically rather than through violence". In his speech at the opening session of the peace talks on Saturday, Abdullah had called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, but his plea has gone unanswered. The Taliban have long worried that reducing violence could lessen their leverage, but have implemented two temporary ceasefires this year itself. Peace talks commenced on Saturday after months of delay over a contentious prisoner swap between the two sides. The negotiations are a result of a deal between the Taliban and Washington signed in February, which also paved the way for withdrawing of all foreign forces by May next year.

Afghanistan: Over 50 people die in clashes with Taliban as Doha peace talks continue

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in the national capital Tuesday even as the intra-Afghan dialogue continues in Doha.

WION Dispatch: Zalmay Khalilzad meets S. Jaishankar in New Delhi

US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will visit New Delhi on Tuesday -- in the wake of the peace talks that have opened between the Taliban and the Afghan forces in Doha.

During his one day visit, he is expected to meet External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and will brief him about the ongoing Afghan peace process.

The visit shows how India is being kept in loop regarding the Afghan peace process by Washington. Zalmay reaches India from Pakistan where he met Pakistani Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa and Pakistani special envoy on Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq.

Saturday saw the ceremony in Doha marking the beginning of talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. Jaishankar who joined the event virtually extended India's support for ceasefire and reiterating that Afghan peace process should be "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled".

He also stated that the process should "ensure interest of minorities, women and the vulnerable" and "effectively address violence across the country".

India has emerged as an important development partner of Afghanistan and has been building mega infrastructure projects in the country including the India Afghanistan friendship project and the Afghan parliament.

US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will visit New Delhi on Tuesday -- in the wake of the peace talks that have opened between the Taliban and the Afghan forces in Doha.

US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will visit New Delhi on Tuesday -- in the wake of the peace talks that have opened between the Taliban and the Afghan forces in Doha. During his one day visit, he is expected to meet External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and will brief him about the ongoing Afghan peace process. The visit shows how India is being kept in loop regarding the Afghan peace process by Washington. Zalmay reaches India from Pakistan where he met Pakistani Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa and Pakistani special envoy on Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq. Saturday saw the ceremony in Doha marking the beginning of talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. Jaishankar who joined the event virtually extended India's support for ceasefire and reiterating that Afghan peace process should be "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled". He also stated that the process should "ensure interest of minorities, women and the vulnerable" and "effectively address violence across the country". India has emerged as an important development partner of Afghanistan and has been building mega infrastructure projects in the country including the India Afghanistan friendship project and the Afghan parliament.

US special envoy to Afghanistan to visit India on Tuesday

Four Afghan women who endured the Taliban's oppressive rule and have fought for fragile gains since the terrorists were ousted are facing the hardline group in peace talks. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-forces-taliban-continue-to-clash-even-as-historic-peace-talks-start-327286">Also read | Afghan forces, Taliban continue to clash even as historic peace talks start</a> 
 
Their presence at the negotiating table is significant in patriarchal Afghanistan, though they are outnumbered by the rest of the Afghan government's team of 17 men and the Taliban's male-only side.

"The Taliban have to understand that they are facing a new Afghanistan with which they have to learn to live," negotiator Fawzia Koofi told AFP ahead of the talks, which got underway on Saturday.

The politician and high-profile women's rights campaigner has survived two assassination attempts during her career -- the latest just last month in Kabul.

"Being in such an important role is not something which is very common in Afghanistan, so you really have to find your way among those people who do not believe in a woman's presence," Koofi said before the shooting.

When the Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, her husband was jailed and she was threatened with stoning for wearing nail polish, she said.

Religious police whipped women in the street if they wore anything other than an all-concealing burqa, and those accused of adultery were sometimes executed at sports stadiums after Friday prayers.

Today, the traditional patriarchal system remains the norm and life for most women in rural areas has improved little since the 2001 US-led invasion toppled the Taliban, who banned girls from going to school and women from working.

However, in Kabul and other Afghan cities, progress has been made.

Some women study at secondary and tertiary level and hold elected positions or run businesses, albeit in disproportionately low numbers.

Koofi is one of a few women who held unofficial talks with the Taliban in 2019 and knows the battle female negotiators are facing.

"It's not just about what you are talking," she said. "People look at what you wear, whether your scarf is of the right size or not."

'We always have fear'

Washington signed a deal with the Taliban in February committing to withdraw foreign forces in return for a pledge from the insurgents to hold talks with the Afghan government, aimed at ending the war.

After long delays over a controversial prisoner swap, direct talks finally opened in the Qatari capital Doha on Saturday.

Islamic law expert and negotiator Fatima Gailani, 66, told AFP that women were apprehensive about negotiations with the Taliban.

"Every woman in Afghanistan has a fear... we always have a fear that whenever there are changes in Afghanistan and whenever there is a political change, always women are hurt," said Gailani, a spokeswoman for the mujahideen against the Soviets in the 1980s and former president of the Afghan Red Cross.

But she said she has the support of the men on her team, who "believe in exactly what I believe in".

First, though, the talks should focus on "common values", such as Islam, and on achieving a ceasefire in Afghanistan's conflict, which has killed tens of thousands and left millions displaced since 2001.

"I'd like very much to see an Afghanistan where you don't see yourself in danger... If we don't achieve it now it will never happen," Gailani said.

The Taliban have made only vague comments about women's rights, saying these will be protected through Islamic values.

Another negotiator, Habiba Sarabi, who was barred from working under Taliban rule and forced to flee to Pakistan so she could continue to teach, wants to ensure Afghanistan remains a republic and not a Taliban-run "emirate" where religious law trumps constitutional rights.

The 62-year-old, who on her return to Afghanistan became the country's first female provincial governor and has served as a minister twice, remains unconvinced that Taliban militants on the front line have changed, despite the group's political leaders moving to peace talks with the Afghan government.

"The fighters here in Afghanistan have the same ideology, they have the same behaviour," she said.

On Saturday she told AFP that the talks' opening had been "very positive".

The other woman on the negotiating team is Sharifa Zurmati, a former broadcaster and local politician in the eastern province of Paktia.

The team previously had a fifth female member Shahla Fareed, a lawyer and women's rights activist, but she is no longer in the delegation.

Four Afghan women who endured the Taliban's oppressive rule and have fought for fragile gains since the terrorists were ousted are facing the hardline group in peace talks.

Four Afghan women who endured the Taliban's oppressive rule and have fought for fragile gains since the terrorists were ousted are facing the hardline group in peace talks. Also read | Afghan forces, Taliban continue to clash even as historic peace talks start Their presence at the negotiating table is significant in patriarchal Afghanistan, though they are outnumbered by the rest of the Afghan government's team of 17 men and the Taliban's male-only side. "The Taliban have to understand that they are facing a new Afghanistan with which they have to learn to live," negotiator Fawzia Koofi told AFP ahead of the talks, which got underway on Saturday. The politician and high-profile women's rights campaigner has survived two assassination attempts during her career -- the latest just last month in Kabul. "Being in such an important role is not something which is very common in Afghanistan, so you really have to find your way among those people who do not believe in a woman's presence," Koofi said before the shooting. When the Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, her husband was jailed and she was threatened with stoning for wearing nail polish, she said. Religious police whipped women in the street if they wore anything other than an all-concealing burqa, and those accused of adultery were sometimes executed at sports stadiums after Friday prayers. Today, the traditional patriarchal system remains the norm and life for most women in rural areas has improved little since the 2001 US-led invasion toppled the Taliban, who banned girls from going to school and women from working. However, in Kabul and other Afghan cities, progress has been made. Some women study at secondary and tertiary level and hold elected positions or run businesses, albeit in disproportionately low numbers. Koofi is one of a few women who held unofficial talks with the Taliban in 2019 and knows the battle female negotiators are facing. "It's not just about what you are talking," she said. "People look at what you wear, whether your scarf is of the right size or not." 'We always have fear' Washington signed a deal with the Taliban in February committing to withdraw foreign forces in return for a pledge from the insurgents to hold talks with the Afghan government, aimed at ending the war. After long delays over a controversial prisoner swap, direct talks finally opened in the Qatari capital Doha on Saturday. Islamic law expert and negotiator Fatima Gailani, 66, told AFP that women were apprehensive about negotiations with the Taliban. "Every woman in Afghanistan has a fear... we always have a fear that whenever there are changes in Afghanistan and whenever there is a political change, always women are hurt," said Gailani, a spokeswoman for the mujahideen against the Soviets in the 1980s and former president of the Afghan Red Cross. But she said she has the support of the men on her team, who "believe in exactly what I believe in". First, though, the talks should focus on "common values", such as Islam, and on achieving a ceasefire in Afghanistan's conflict, which has killed tens of thousands and left millions displaced since 2001. "I'd like very much to see an Afghanistan where you don't see yourself in danger... If we don't achieve it now it will never happen," Gailani said. The Taliban have made only vague comments about women's rights, saying these will be protected through Islamic values. Another negotiator, Habiba Sarabi, who was barred from working under Taliban rule and forced to flee to Pakistan so she could continue to teach, wants to ensure Afghanistan remains a republic and not a Taliban-run "emirate" where religious law trumps constitutional rights. The 62-year-old, who on her return to Afghanistan became the country's first female provincial governor and has served as a minister twice, remains unconvinced that Taliban militants on the front line have changed, despite the group's political leaders moving to peace talks with the Afghan government. "The fighters here in Afghanistan have the same ideology, they have the same behaviour," she said. On Saturday she told AFP that the talks' opening had been "very positive". The other woman on the negotiating team is Sharifa Zurmati, a former broadcaster and local politician in the eastern province of Paktia. The team previously had a fifth female member Shahla Fareed, a lawyer and women's rights activist, but she is no longer in the delegation.

‘Taliban facing new Afghanistan’: Women negotiators amid peace talks 

Taliban and Afghan government forces clashed across Afghanistan even as the long-awaited peace talks in Doha started on Saturday underscoring the uphill challenge of settling a 19-year insurgency.

Talks between the two sides were to begin shortly after a US-Taliban agreement in February, but began only over the weekend after months of delays, caused in part by continuing Taliban offensives in the war-torn country.

Representatives from a number of countries who spoke at the inauguration of the peace talks called on the Taliban to announce an immediate ceasefire before negotiators sat down to find a way to end decades of war in Afghanistan.

But to no avail.

The Taliban did not say anything about a possible ceasefire at the ceremony.

"With the start of intra-Afghan talks we were expecting the Taliban to reduce the number of their attacks, but unfortunately their attacks are still going in high numbers," Fawad Aman, a spokesman for the Afghan defence ministry, said.

Aman said that, on Friday, the eve of the inauguration of the talks, the Taliban had carried out 18 attacks against government forces and installations across the country, inflicting heavy casualties.

Taliban attacks on Saturday night were confirmed by officials in the provinces of Kapsia and Kunduz.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement that the insurgent group attacked a convoy of Afghan forces that had arrived to launch an operation along a key highway in Kunduz. He added that security forces carried out air and artillery strikes on Saturday night in the provinces of Baghlan and Jowzjan.

Taliban and Afghan government forces clashed across Afghanistan even as the long-awaited peace talks in Doha started on Saturday underscoring the uphill challenge of settling a 19-year insurgency.

Taliban and Afghan government forces clashed across Afghanistan even as the long-awaited peace talks in Doha started on Saturday underscoring the uphill challenge of settling a 19-year insurgency. Talks between the two sides were to begin shortly after a US-Taliban agreement in February, but began only over the weekend after months of delays, caused in part by continuing Taliban offensives in the war-torn country. Representatives from a number of countries who spoke at the inauguration of the peace talks called on the Taliban to announce an immediate ceasefire before negotiators sat down to find a way to end decades of war in Afghanistan. But to no avail. The Taliban did not say anything about a possible ceasefire at the ceremony. "With the start of intra-Afghan talks we were expecting the Taliban to reduce the number of their attacks, but unfortunately their attacks are still going in high numbers," Fawad Aman, a spokesman for the Afghan defence ministry, said. Aman said that, on Friday, the eve of the inauguration of the talks, the Taliban had carried out 18 attacks against government forces and installations across the country, inflicting heavy casualties. Taliban attacks on Saturday night were confirmed by officials in the provinces of Kapsia and Kunduz. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement that the insurgent group attacked a convoy of Afghan forces that had arrived to launch an operation along a key highway in Kunduz. He added that security forces carried out air and artillery strikes on Saturday night in the provinces of Baghlan and Jowzjan.

Afghan forces, Taliban continue to clash even as historic peace talks start

After nearly two decades of war that has killed tens of thousands, peace talks between the Afghanistan government and the Taliban have opened in Qatar's capital. Watch report.

Intra-Afghan peace talks begin in Doha: 'Taliban attacked Afghan forces in 18 provinces'

Qatar's ruler Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met representatives of both the Afghan government and the Taliban to wish them success during peace talks taking place in the Gulf state, Qatar state media reported on Sunday.

Talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban began in the Qatari capital Doha on Saturday, aimed at ending 19 years of war in Afghanistan.

Sheikh Tamim met with the Afghan High Council for National Reconciliation Chairman Abdullah Abdullah and the accompanying delegation, QNA said on Twitter.

Sheikh Tamim told Abdullah he wished the negotiations success and to achieve the Afghan people`s aspirations for national unity, progress and prosperity, Qatar News Agency said.

He expressed the same remarks in a meeting with Taliban political office head Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, which was also attended by a delegation, QNA said in a separate tweet.

Qatar's ruler Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met representatives of both the Afghan government and the Taliban to wish them success during peace talks taking place in the Gulf state, Qatar state media reported on Sunday.

Qatar's ruler Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met representatives of both the Afghan government and the Taliban to wish them success during peace talks taking place in the Gulf state, Qatar state media reported on Sunday. Talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban began in the Qatari capital Doha on Saturday, aimed at ending 19 years of war in Afghanistan. Sheikh Tamim met with the Afghan High Council for National Reconciliation Chairman Abdullah Abdullah and the accompanying delegation, QNA said on Twitter. Sheikh Tamim told Abdullah he wished the negotiations success and to achieve the Afghan people`s aspirations for national unity, progress and prosperity, Qatar News Agency said. He expressed the same remarks in a meeting with Taliban political office head Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, which was also attended by a delegation, QNA said in a separate tweet.

Qatar ruler meets Afghan, Taliban delegations during peace talks in Doha

The head of Afghanistan`s peace council, Abdullah Abdullah, said negotiators would discuss a reduction in violence as a priority when they met Taliban representatives on Sunday and that both sides would need to find compromises on contentious issues.

A ceremony to launch talks aimed at ending 19 years of war took place in Qatar`s capital of Doha on Saturday after months of delays, followed by a meeting between representatives of both sides to work out how talks should proceed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-have-to-stop-violence-and-agree-on-humanitarian-ceasefire-afghan-government-to-taliban-during-intra-afghan-talks-327036">Also read|&nbsp;We have to stop violence and agree on humanitarian ceasefire: Afghan government to Taliban during intra-Afghan talks</a>

"One of the top most issues on the minds of the people is reduction in violence in a significant way ... and also getting to ... hopefully a permanent ceasefire," Abdullah told Reuters in an interview, adding it would be one of the first issues discussed when negotiators met the following day.

Some analysts and diplomats have raised concerns that the Taliban is entering talks with the upper hand as violence has escalated in recent months in the war-torn nation even as the United States withdraws troops.

But Abdullah said that now the Afghan government team was finally at the negotiating table, they had identified a process to ensure there were compromises on thorny issues.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-foreign-minister-jaishankar-virtually-joins-intra-afghan-ceremony-held-in-doha-327020">Also Read| India's foreign minister Jaishankar 'virtually' joins intra-Afghan ceremony held in Doha</a>

Negotiators would decide on priority issues, starting with those on which is was easiest to find common ground, he added.

"One side pushes on one thing, the other side doesn`t want that one - we need to find out what the solution is in between," he said.

He also emphasised the government team would focus on protecting women`s rights, which many have feared will be eroded if the hardline Islamist militants were to gain formal power.

"A few things have changed dramatically in the country. Afghan women are ... in all walks of life in society, they are active participants," he said. "It`s not possible to develop a country without facilitating conditions so men and women can play their role in development of the country."&nbsp;

The head of Afghanistan`s peace council, Abdullah Abdullah, said negotiators would discuss a reduction in violence as a priority when they met Taliban representatives on Sunday and that both sides would need to find compromises on contentious issues.

The head of Afghanistan`s peace council, Abdullah Abdullah, said negotiators would discuss a reduction in violence as a priority when they met Taliban representatives on Sunday and that both sides would need to find compromises on contentious issues. A ceremony to launch talks aimed at ending 19 years of war took place in Qatar`s capital of Doha on Saturday after months of delays, followed by a meeting between representatives of both sides to work out how talks should proceed. Also read| We have to stop violence and agree on humanitarian ceasefire: Afghan government to Taliban during intra-Afghan talks "One of the top most issues on the minds of the people is reduction in violence in a significant way ... and also getting to ... hopefully a permanent ceasefire," Abdullah told Reuters in an interview, adding it would be one of the first issues discussed when negotiators met the following day. Some analysts and diplomats have raised concerns that the Taliban is entering talks with the upper hand as violence has escalated in recent months in the war-torn nation even as the United States withdraws troops. But Abdullah said that now the Afghan government team was finally at the negotiating table, they had identified a process to ensure there were compromises on thorny issues. Also Read| India's foreign minister Jaishankar 'virtually' joins intra-Afghan ceremony held in Doha Negotiators would decide on priority issues, starting with those on which is was easiest to find common ground, he added. "One side pushes on one thing, the other side doesn`t want that one - we need to find out what the solution is in between," he said. He also emphasised the government team would focus on protecting women`s rights, which many have feared will be eroded if the hardline Islamist militants were to gain formal power. "A few things have changed dramatically in the country. Afghan women are ... in all walks of life in society, they are active participants," he said. "It`s not possible to develop a country without facilitating conditions so men and women can play their role in development of the country."

Afghan negotiators to discuss reduction of violence in Taliban talks

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