The United States intervened in Afghanistan in 2001 to rid Al-Qaeda of its sanctuaries following the 9/11 terror attacks.

After Washington announced on Thursday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-troops-would-remain-in-afghanistan-says-donald-trump-246505">US troop levels in Afghanistan</a> will drop to 8,600 from 13,000 if a deal is reached with the Taliban, here is a timeline of developments.

'War on terror'

On October 7, 2001 -- less than a month after the September 11 attacks that killed around 3,000 people in New York and Washington -- President George W. Bush launches operation "Enduring Freedom" in Afghanistan.

The country's fundamentalist Taliban regime had been sheltering Osama bin Laden and his Al-Qaeda movement, accused of the attacks.

The operation opens a military front in the US "war on terrorism".

Within weeks US-led forces overthrow the Taliban, in power since 1996.

Besides carrying out air strikes, Washington also lends support to the Afghan Northern Alliance fighting the Taliban, contributing paramilitary teams from the CIA and special forces.

About 1,000 American soldiers are on the ground by November 2001, rising to 10,000 the next year.

Forgotten war

US attention is diverted from Afghanistan when US forces invade Iraq in 2003 to oust dictator Saddam Hussein, accused of harboring weapons of mass destruction.

The Taliban and other Islamist outfits regroup in their strongholds in southern and eastern Afghanistan, from where they can easily travel between their bases in Pakistan's tribal zones, and launch an insurgency.

In 2008 the US command in Afghanistan calls for more manpower. Bush sends additional soldiers and about 48,500 US troops are deployed.

Peak of 100,000 troops

In 2009 Barack Obama -- elected president on campaign promises to end the Iraq and Afghanistan wars -- boosts the US deployment to around 68,000. In December he sends another 30,000.&nbsp;

The objective is to put brakes on the growing Taliban insurgency and to strengthen Afghan institutions.

By 2012 more than 150,000 foreign soldiers are deployed in Afghanistan, of which 100,000 are American.

Bin Laden killed

Bin Laden is killed on May 2, 2011 in a US special forces operation in Pakistan.

Combat operations end

On December 31, 2014 the NATO alliance ends its combat mission in Afghanistan. But, under agreements reached a few months earlier, 12,500 foreign soldiers -- of which 9,800 are American -- remain to train Afghan troops and conduct anti-terrorist operations.

Security in Afghanistan degenerates as the Taliban's insurgency spreads, with the Islamic State (IS) group also becoming active in early 2015.

In July 2016, Obama slows the planned pace of withdrawal of US troops, saying 8,400 will remain into 2017.

MSF clinic bombed

&nbsp;In October 2015, during intense fighting for the northeastern provincial capital Kunduz, a US airstrike hits a Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) hospital, killing 42 people, including 24 patients.

Mega bomb against IS

In April 2017, the US military drops the largest non-nuclear bomb it has ever used in combat on an Islamic State network of tunnels and caves in eastern Afghanistan. Afghan officials say it killed 96 jihadists.

US reinforcements

In August 2017, the new US President Donald Trump scraps any timetables for a US pullout and re-commits thousands more soldiers.

In mid-November, some 3,000 soldiers arrive to reinforce the 11,000 troops already deployed.

However, deadly attacks multiply, especially against Afghan forces. The US steps up airstrikes dramatically.

Talks

In mid-2018, Washington and Taliban representatives discreetly open talks in Doha focused on slashing the US military footprint in Afghanistan.

In return, the US demands that the Taliban prevent the country from being used as a safe haven for jihadist groups including Al-Qaeda. Talks are also focusing on a ceasefire and the opening of talks with the Kabul government. 
&nbsp;

The United States intervened in Afghanistan in 2001 to rid Al-Qaeda of its sanctuaries following the 9/11 terror attacks. After Washington announced on Thursday that US troop levels in Afghanistan will drop to 8,600 from 13,000 if a deal is reached with the Taliban, here is a timeline of developments.

The United States intervened in Afghanistan in 2001 to rid Al-Qaeda of its sanctuaries following the 9/11 terror attacks. After Washington announced on Thursday that US troop levels in Afghanistan will drop to 8,600 from 13,000 if a deal is reached with the Taliban, here is a timeline of developments. 'War on terror' On October 7, 2001 -- less than a month after the September 11 attacks that killed around 3,000 people in New York and Washington -- President George W. Bush launches operation "Enduring Freedom" in Afghanistan. The country's fundamentalist Taliban regime had been sheltering Osama bin Laden and his Al-Qaeda movement, accused of the attacks. The operation opens a military front in the US "war on terrorism". Within weeks US-led forces overthrow the Taliban, in power since 1996. Besides carrying out air strikes, Washington also lends support to the Afghan Northern Alliance fighting the Taliban, contributing paramilitary teams from the CIA and special forces. About 1,000 American soldiers are on the ground by November 2001, rising to 10,000 the next year. Forgotten war US attention is diverted from Afghanistan when US forces invade Iraq in 2003 to oust dictator Saddam Hussein, accused of harboring weapons of mass destruction. The Taliban and other Islamist outfits regroup in their strongholds in southern and eastern Afghanistan, from where they can easily travel between their bases in Pakistan's tribal zones, and launch an insurgency. In 2008 the US command in Afghanistan calls for more manpower. Bush sends additional soldiers and about 48,500 US troops are deployed. Peak of 100,000 troops In 2009 Barack Obama -- elected president on campaign promises to end the Iraq and Afghanistan wars -- boosts the US deployment to around 68,000. In December he sends another 30,000. The objective is to put brakes on the growing Taliban insurgency and to strengthen Afghan institutions. By 2012 more than 150,000 foreign soldiers are deployed in Afghanistan, of which 100,000 are American. Bin Laden killed Bin Laden is killed on May 2, 2011 in a US special forces operation in Pakistan. Combat operations end On December 31, 2014 the NATO alliance ends its combat mission in Afghanistan. But, under agreements reached a few months earlier, 12,500 foreign soldiers -- of which 9,800 are American -- remain to train Afghan troops and conduct anti-terrorist operations. Security in Afghanistan degenerates as the Taliban's insurgency spreads, with the Islamic State (IS) group also becoming active in early 2015. In July 2016, Obama slows the planned pace of withdrawal of US troops, saying 8,400 will remain into 2017. MSF clinic bombed In October 2015, during intense fighting for the northeastern provincial capital Kunduz, a US airstrike hits a Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) hospital, killing 42 people, including 24 patients. Mega bomb against IS In April 2017, the US military drops the largest non-nuclear bomb it has ever used in combat on an Islamic State network of tunnels and caves in eastern Afghanistan. Afghan officials say it killed 96 jihadists. US reinforcements In August 2017, the new US President Donald Trump scraps any timetables for a US pullout and re-commits thousands more soldiers. In mid-November, some 3,000 soldiers arrive to reinforce the 11,000 troops already deployed. However, deadly attacks multiply, especially against Afghan forces. The US steps up airstrikes dramatically. Talks In mid-2018, Washington and Taliban representatives discreetly open talks in Doha focused on slashing the US military footprint in Afghanistan. In return, the US demands that the Taliban prevent the country from being used as a safe haven for jihadist groups including Al-Qaeda. Talks are also focusing on a ceasefire and the opening of talks with the Kabul government.

Timeline of two decades of US intervention in Afghanistan 

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's main challenger in an election next month has said he is ready to abandon his bid for power for the sake of peace, raising more questions about prospects for an election the Taliban have vowed to block.

The twice-delayed presidential election comes as the United States and the Taliban are trying to seal an agreement under which US&nbsp;forces will withdraw in exchange for a Taliban security guarantee and a promise of power-sharing talks with Ghani's government.

The Taliban have denounced the election as a sham and vowed to attack rallies. Ghani is insisting an election he looks set to win should go ahead.

Ghani's main challenger, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, told a campaign rally on Wednesday he would drop out of the race if that could help secure peace.

"My team is ready to quit elections for the sake of peace," Abdullah said, according to his office.

The Taliban want the election cancelled as a condition for so-called intra-Afghan dialogue - talks after the agreement with the United States is struck on how power can be shared and the country organised - and a ceasefire.

Abdullah, a former foreign minister, was Ghani's main challenger in the last election, in 2014.

That vote was marred by extensive fraud and Ghani became president after US&nbsp;Secretary of State John Kerry brokered a deal creating the post of chief executive for Abdullah.

Ghani has rejected a suggestion put forward by Western allies to postpone the election and form an interim government, perhaps with Taliban representative, after the militants strike their deal with the United States.

Ghani has said the people must be allowed to choose their leader and peace can only be secured under a democratic system.

But the departure of his main challenger could undermine the legitimacy of the election.

Boycott?

This month, another main contender, Hanif Atmar, a former interior minister who also served as Ghani's national security adviser, suspended his campaign, citing the level of violence in the country.

The campaign opened in July with an insurgent attack on the Kabul office of Ghani's running mate, Amrullah Saleh. At least 20 people were killed and 50 wounded.

"With Atmar out of the race and Abdullah now giving preference to the peace deal instead of elections, it is quite clear that Ghani will have to realign his stance," said a Western diplomat in Kabul.

Opposition party sources said many of the 17 candidates in the race were considering a boycott because they believed Ghani was using state apparatus to help him win.

With both the Taliban and US negotiators reporting progress in their talks in recent weeks and raising the prospect of an end to the 18-year war, the election has yet to capture much attention from the public.

The US&nbsp;special representative for peace in Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, who has been leading the talks with the Taliban since last year, is scheduled to travel from Doha to Kabul this week for a meeting with Ghani.

Two sources with knowledge of the talks, said the United States will press Ghani to agree to postpone the election.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's main challenger in an election next month has said he is ready to abandon his bid for power for the sake of peace, raising more questions about prospects for an election the Taliban have vowed to block.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's main challenger in an election next month has said he is ready to abandon his bid for power for the sake of peace, raising more questions about prospects for an election the Taliban have vowed to block. The twice-delayed presidential election comes as the United States and the Taliban are trying to seal an agreement under which US forces will withdraw in exchange for a Taliban security guarantee and a promise of power-sharing talks with Ghani's government. The Taliban have denounced the election as a sham and vowed to attack rallies. Ghani is insisting an election he looks set to win should go ahead. Ghani's main challenger, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, told a campaign rally on Wednesday he would drop out of the race if that could help secure peace. "My team is ready to quit elections for the sake of peace," Abdullah said, according to his office. The Taliban want the election cancelled as a condition for so-called intra-Afghan dialogue - talks after the agreement with the United States is struck on how power can be shared and the country organised - and a ceasefire. Abdullah, a former foreign minister, was Ghani's main challenger in the last election, in 2014. That vote was marred by extensive fraud and Ghani became president after US Secretary of State John Kerry brokered a deal creating the post of chief executive for Abdullah. Ghani has rejected a suggestion put forward by Western allies to postpone the election and form an interim government, perhaps with Taliban representative, after the militants strike their deal with the United States. Ghani has said the people must be allowed to choose their leader and peace can only be secured under a democratic system. But the departure of his main challenger could undermine the legitimacy of the election. Boycott? This month, another main contender, Hanif Atmar, a former interior minister who also served as Ghani's national security adviser, suspended his campaign, citing the level of violence in the country. The campaign opened in July with an insurgent attack on the Kabul office of Ghani's running mate, Amrullah Saleh. At least 20 people were killed and 50 wounded. "With Atmar out of the race and Abdullah now giving preference to the peace deal instead of elections, it is quite clear that Ghani will have to realign his stance," said a Western diplomat in Kabul. Opposition party sources said many of the 17 candidates in the race were considering a boycott because they believed Ghani was using state apparatus to help him win. With both the Taliban and US negotiators reporting progress in their talks in recent weeks and raising the prospect of an end to the 18-year war, the election has yet to capture much attention from the public. The US special representative for peace in Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, who has been leading the talks with the Taliban since last year, is scheduled to travel from Doha to Kabul this week for a meeting with Ghani. Two sources with knowledge of the talks, said the United States will press Ghani to agree to postpone the election.

Will drop troop level but permanent presence to remain in Afghanistan: Trump

Ever since the Union government decided to abrogate Article 370 of the Indian Constitution and to divide the state into two Union territories – Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh, all efforts have been made to restore full normalcy in Kashmir.&nbsp;

In turn, no major incident of mass protest or loss of life and property has so far been reported in the Valley. However, China and Pakistan have unsuccessfully tried to internationalise the issue.

True, Kashmir has been a major bone of contention between India and Pakistan since the Partition. But it is also a fact that the erstwhile state, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), has been an undisputed part of India since 1947 when Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession, following the attack by Pakistan-sponsored tribesman.&nbsp;

Subsequently, the purpose of inserting temporary Articles 370 and 35 (A) was to expedite the process of integration of the state with the rest of India.&nbsp;

Sadly, over the last 70 years, these provisions, coupled with vested interests of regional political parties and separatist groups, the era of coalition politics and the Congress party’s half-hearted approach to address the Kashmir problem, have chocked developmental activities in Jammu &amp; Kashmir.&nbsp;

While the Modi government’s decision has received overwhelming support in Parliament and outside, Pakistan is trying hard to project an alarming picture of Kashmir before the international community.&nbsp;

In doing so, the Imran Khan government has downgraded diplomatic ties with India by expelling Ajay Bisaria, India’s High Commissioner to Pakistan. Islamabad has also stopped bilateral trade and the Samjhauta Express, among other unilateral steps. &nbsp;

However, the fact remains that the international community’s reaction to the recent changes concerning Jammu &amp; Kashmir has largely been in India’s favour.&nbsp;

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, refused to intervene in the Kashmir matter, invoking the Shimla Agreement of 1972 that does not allow third-party mediation in this issue.&nbsp;

Russia has also endorsed the Modi government’s move, saying the abrogation of Article 370 is an internal affair of India. The US has said that both India and Pakistan should maintain restraint and hold direct talks to resolve the Kashmir issue while South Asian countries, including Bangladesh and Maldives, have backed India.&nbsp;

In a surprise development, the Taliban strongly criticised Pakistan for linking the increased tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi with the situation in Afghanistan. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahed said, “The issue of Afghanistan is not related to Kashmir,” and urged India and Pakistan not to turn Afghanistan into the “theatre of competition between other countries.”&nbsp;

The Taliban’s statement is very important for India: First, it shows the outfit’s desire to hold talks with New Delhi and second, the Taliban does not want to be seen as a puppet of Pakistan.&nbsp;

This, in turn, will help India protect its interests in Afghanistan, given the fact that over the years, New Delhi has invested over $3 billion in development activities in this country.&nbsp;

China is the only major country that has criticised India’s recent decision concerning Jammu &amp; Kashmir. The reason for China’s criticism emerges from the fact that it enjoys a close relationship with Pakistan. Additionally, the Union territory of Ladakh also includes Aksai Chin, which is currently under China’s control.&nbsp;

In turn, India has re-emphasised its claim over this area. New Delhi would also be in a better position to effectively deal with any Pakistani and Chinese design, especially since the CPEC passes through this region.&nbsp;

With the Security Council refusing to interfere in the Kashmir issue, efforts towards accelerating development activities and strengthening democratic institutions should be a major priority for the government.

It will ensure that the people of Kashmir do not again fall into the trap of separatist groups and other vested interests in the Valley.&nbsp; 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-time-to-open-line-with-taliban-to-safeguard-afghan-interests-2785722">original article</a>) 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Ever since the Union government decided to abrogate Article 370 of the Indian Constitution and to divide the state into two Union territories – Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, all efforts have been made to restore full normalcy in Kashmir.

Ever since the Union government decided to abrogate Article 370 of the Indian Constitution and to divide the state into two Union territories – Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, all efforts have been made to restore full normalcy in Kashmir. In turn, no major incident of mass protest or loss of life and property has so far been reported in the Valley. However, China and Pakistan have unsuccessfully tried to internationalise the issue. True, Kashmir has been a major bone of contention between India and Pakistan since the Partition. But it is also a fact that the erstwhile state, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), has been an undisputed part of India since 1947 when Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession, following the attack by Pakistan-sponsored tribesman. Subsequently, the purpose of inserting temporary Articles 370 and 35 (A) was to expedite the process of integration of the state with the rest of India. Sadly, over the last 70 years, these provisions, coupled with vested interests of regional political parties and separatist groups, the era of coalition politics and the Congress party’s half-hearted approach to address the Kashmir problem, have chocked developmental activities in Jammu & Kashmir. While the Modi government’s decision has received overwhelming support in Parliament and outside, Pakistan is trying hard to project an alarming picture of Kashmir before the international community. In doing so, the Imran Khan government has downgraded diplomatic ties with India by expelling Ajay Bisaria, India’s High Commissioner to Pakistan. Islamabad has also stopped bilateral trade and the Samjhauta Express, among other unilateral steps. However, the fact remains that the international community’s reaction to the recent changes concerning Jammu & Kashmir has largely been in India’s favour. The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, refused to intervene in the Kashmir matter, invoking the Shimla Agreement of 1972 that does not allow third-party mediation in this issue. Russia has also endorsed the Modi government’s move, saying the abrogation of Article 370 is an internal affair of India. The US has said that both India and Pakistan should maintain restraint and hold direct talks to resolve the Kashmir issue while South Asian countries, including Bangladesh and Maldives, have backed India. In a surprise development, the Taliban strongly criticised Pakistan for linking the increased tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi with the situation in Afghanistan. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahed said, “The issue of Afghanistan is not related to Kashmir,” and urged India and Pakistan not to turn Afghanistan into the “theatre of competition between other countries.” The Taliban’s statement is very important for India: First, it shows the outfit’s desire to hold talks with New Delhi and second, the Taliban does not want to be seen as a puppet of Pakistan. This, in turn, will help India protect its interests in Afghanistan, given the fact that over the years, New Delhi has invested over $3 billion in development activities in this country. China is the only major country that has criticised India’s recent decision concerning Jammu & Kashmir. The reason for China’s criticism emerges from the fact that it enjoys a close relationship with Pakistan. Additionally, the Union territory of Ladakh also includes Aksai Chin, which is currently under China’s control. In turn, India has re-emphasised its claim over this area. New Delhi would also be in a better position to effectively deal with any Pakistani and Chinese design, especially since the CPEC passes through this region. With the Security Council refusing to interfere in the Kashmir issue, efforts towards accelerating development activities and strengthening democratic institutions should be a major priority for the government. It will ensure that the people of Kashmir do not again fall into the trap of separatist groups and other vested interests in the Valley. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Taliban’s statement on Jammu and Kashmir is very important for India

Eighteen years after the assassination of revered anti-Taliban commander Ahmad Shah Massoud, his only son is hoping to continue the mission against the insurgents by jumping into Afghanistan's chaotic political fray.

With America seemingly on the brink of a deal with the Taliban that would see the Pentagon slash its troop presence in Afghanistan, 30-year-old Ahmad Massoud wants to galvanise anti-Taliban groups and stop the emboldened fighters from ushering in a new wave of hardline Islam.&nbsp;

Following in the steps of his father, who rallied various groups under the banner of the United Front -- also known as the Northern Alliance -- the younger Massoud wants to build a grand coalition of anti-Taliban elements that can oppose the insurgents politically at first, and militarily if necessary.&nbsp;

"I really pray and hope that Afghans and Afghanistan never see another bloodshed," Massoud told AFP in an interview at a family home in Kabul.

"God forbid. But if it comes, not just myself, but there are... hundreds of thousands of young people who are like me. We are ready to pick up guns."

Massoud plans to officially launch his political movement on September 5 in Panjshir, his family's original home valley north of Kabul that neither the Soviets nor the Taliban ever conquered.

Lion of Panjshir

In a fractious country where a grim gallery of brutal warlords and squabbling grifters is woven into the political tapestry, Afghans still cling to Ahmad Shah Massoud as a unifying figure who could have led the country to a Taliban-free future, were it not for his murder by Al-Qaeda operatives.

Dubbed the "Lion of Panjshir", the elder Massoud still emblazons billboards, blast walls, car windows and even coffee mugs in the capital and across the country.&nbsp;

"He was a one-of-a-kind character in Afghan history and I don't think anyone can be like him," Massoud said in fluent English, tinged with a slight London accent from seven years in Britain.&nbsp;

But comparisons to the mujahideen commander are inevitable, especially in a country where the baton of power often passes seamlessly from father to son, and where unifying political figures are vanishingly rare.

Massoud, who returned to Afghanistan in 2016, also bears more than a passing resemblance to his dad, especially since growing a beard and donning the same sort of beige pakol, or Afghan woollen hat, that his father sported.

The elder Massoud was assassinated aged 48, when his son was 12, two days before the seismic events of 9/11 that would forever shape Afghanistan's history and trigger the US-led invasion to hunt Osama bin Laden and topple his Taliban hosts.

After his father's death, Massoud finished his schooling in Iran then moved to England to train as an officer at the country's Sandhurst military academy -- his second choice after failing to get into West Point in New York -- before completing two degrees in London.

'Nothing can protect you'

As Massoud sees it, a planned US-Taliban deal fails to tackle the shortcomings of Afghanistan's political apparatus -- a vicious, winner-takes-all system where absolute power is always the goal -- and instead rewards an extremist movement for their tenacity.

"Unless we go to a process which distributes power to everyone, which decentralises power in Afghanistan, we cannot solve any problems," he said.

"It's going to give a sense of triumph and victory to the Taliban... That's the real fear, that we are legitimising, we are giving hope for the terrorist groups across the world".

Massoud thinks the US has been too quick to grant concessions to the Taliban while excluding other Afghans in the peace talks, leaving the militants poised to expand their influence into any void left by departing American forces.

"It is not an Afghan-led process," Massoud said.

"It's something happening between America and the Taliban, between the regional powers and the Taliban. Where (are) the Afghans?"

The US insists the deal with the Taliban is contingent on talks between the insurgents and the Afghan government, and that Afghanistan's issues will only be resolved through "intra-Afghan" dialogue.

Massoud warned that a precipitous American troop pullout could lead to a collapse of Afghanistan's security forces, where corruption and poor leadership remain prevalent.

Already, he is seeing various groups and militias in Panjshir and elsewhere re-arm and organise ahead of the US draw-down.

"Unfortunately the government is not capable to continue fighting against the Taliban," Massoud said.

As for any concern he may have for his own safety as he steps into Afghanistan's spotlight, Massoud, who has five sisters, is fatalistic.

"Everything about your death has already been determined by God," he said with a smile.

"When the time comes, nothing can protect you."

Eighteen years after the assassination of revered anti-Taliban commander Ahmad Shah Massoud, his only son is hoping to continue the mission against the insurgents by jumping into Afghanistan's chaotic political fray.

Eighteen years after the assassination of revered anti-Taliban commander Ahmad Shah Massoud, his only son is hoping to continue the mission against the insurgents by jumping into Afghanistan's chaotic political fray. With America seemingly on the brink of a deal with the Taliban that would see the Pentagon slash its troop presence in Afghanistan, 30-year-old Ahmad Massoud wants to galvanise anti-Taliban groups and stop the emboldened fighters from ushering in a new wave of hardline Islam. Following in the steps of his father, who rallied various groups under the banner of the United Front -- also known as the Northern Alliance -- the younger Massoud wants to build a grand coalition of anti-Taliban elements that can oppose the insurgents politically at first, and militarily if necessary. "I really pray and hope that Afghans and Afghanistan never see another bloodshed," Massoud told AFP in an interview at a family home in Kabul. "God forbid. But if it comes, not just myself, but there are... hundreds of thousands of young people who are like me. We are ready to pick up guns." Massoud plans to officially launch his political movement on September 5 in Panjshir, his family's original home valley north of Kabul that neither the Soviets nor the Taliban ever conquered. Lion of Panjshir In a fractious country where a grim gallery of brutal warlords and squabbling grifters is woven into the political tapestry, Afghans still cling to Ahmad Shah Massoud as a unifying figure who could have led the country to a Taliban-free future, were it not for his murder by Al-Qaeda operatives. Dubbed the "Lion of Panjshir", the elder Massoud still emblazons billboards, blast walls, car windows and even coffee mugs in the capital and across the country. "He was a one-of-a-kind character in Afghan history and I don't think anyone can be like him," Massoud said in fluent English, tinged with a slight London accent from seven years in Britain. But comparisons to the mujahideen commander are inevitable, especially in a country where the baton of power often passes seamlessly from father to son, and where unifying political figures are vanishingly rare. Massoud, who returned to Afghanistan in 2016, also bears more than a passing resemblance to his dad, especially since growing a beard and donning the same sort of beige pakol, or Afghan woollen hat, that his father sported. The elder Massoud was assassinated aged 48, when his son was 12, two days before the seismic events of 9/11 that would forever shape Afghanistan's history and trigger the US-led invasion to hunt Osama bin Laden and topple his Taliban hosts. After his father's death, Massoud finished his schooling in Iran then moved to England to train as an officer at the country's Sandhurst military academy -- his second choice after failing to get into West Point in New York -- before completing two degrees in London. 'Nothing can protect you' As Massoud sees it, a planned US-Taliban deal fails to tackle the shortcomings of Afghanistan's political apparatus -- a vicious, winner-takes-all system where absolute power is always the goal -- and instead rewards an extremist movement for their tenacity. "Unless we go to a process which distributes power to everyone, which decentralises power in Afghanistan, we cannot solve any problems," he said. "It's going to give a sense of triumph and victory to the Taliban... That's the real fear, that we are legitimising, we are giving hope for the terrorist groups across the world". Massoud thinks the US has been too quick to grant concessions to the Taliban while excluding other Afghans in the peace talks, leaving the militants poised to expand their influence into any void left by departing American forces. "It is not an Afghan-led process," Massoud said. "It's something happening between America and the Taliban, between the regional powers and the Taliban. Where (are) the Afghans?" The US insists the deal with the Taliban is contingent on talks between the insurgents and the Afghan government, and that Afghanistan's issues will only be resolved through "intra-Afghan" dialogue. Massoud warned that a precipitous American troop pullout could lead to a collapse of Afghanistan's security forces, where corruption and poor leadership remain prevalent. Already, he is seeing various groups and militias in Panjshir and elsewhere re-arm and organise ahead of the US draw-down. "Unfortunately the government is not capable to continue fighting against the Taliban," Massoud said. As for any concern he may have for his own safety as he steps into Afghanistan's spotlight, Massoud, who has five sisters, is fatalistic. "Everything about your death has already been determined by God," he said with a smile. "When the time comes, nothing can protect you."

Afghanistan: Son of famed anti-Taliban commander Ahmad Shah Massoud steps into spotlight

The Taliban said on Wednesday they were close to an agreement with US officials on a deal that would see US forces withdraw from Afghanistan in exchange for a Taliban promise the country would not become a haven for international militants.

Negotiations over how to end the 18-year war in Afghanistan have been held in Qatar's capital, Doha, since late last year. The ninth round of talks began last week.

"We hope to have good news soon for our Muslim, independence-seeking nation," said Suhail Shaheen, a spokesman for the Taliban's political office in Doha.

US officials engaged in talks with the Taliban in Doha were not immediately available for comment.

Two sources with knowledge of the negotiations said the US special representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, who has been leading the talks, is scheduled to be in Kabul to brief President Ashraf Ghani about the agreement.

A senior security official in Kabul said the Taliban and US officials had agreed upon a timeline of about 14 to 24 months for the withdrawal of US forces.

Details would be shared with the Afghan government before they were made public, the official said.

The Taliban said on Wednesday they were close to an agreement with US officials on a deal that would see US forces withdraw from Afghanistan in exchange for a Taliban promise the country would not become a haven for international militants.

The Taliban said on Wednesday they were close to an agreement with US officials on a deal that would see US forces withdraw from Afghanistan in exchange for a Taliban promise the country would not become a haven for international militants. Negotiations over how to end the 18-year war in Afghanistan have been held in Qatar's capital, Doha, since late last year. The ninth round of talks began last week. "We hope to have good news soon for our Muslim, independence-seeking nation," said Suhail Shaheen, a spokesman for the Taliban's political office in Doha. US officials engaged in talks with the Taliban in Doha were not immediately available for comment. Two sources with knowledge of the negotiations said the US special representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, who has been leading the talks, is scheduled to be in Kabul to brief President Ashraf Ghani about the agreement. A senior security official in Kabul said the Taliban and US officials had agreed upon a timeline of about 14 to 24 months for the withdrawal of US forces. Details would be shared with the Afghan government before they were made public, the official said.

Taliban says near agreement on US withdrawal from Afghanistan

Taliban militants killed at least 14 members of a pro-government militia in Afghanistan on Wednesday, said officials, as Taliban and US&nbsp;officials near a deal aimed at ending the 18-year war.

Government officials said 14 members of the militia were killed and several civilians were wounded during clashes in the western province of Herat.

Abdul Ahad Walizada, a spokesman for Heart police, said the 14 men were killed in Rubat-e-Sangi district of Herat after a large number of Taliban fighters stormed security checkpoints in the Chahardara area.

"At least nine others are wounded in the clashes and the Taliban militants were pushed back after Afghan forces reinforced the area," said Walizada.

Taliban officials were not immediately available for comment.

US&nbsp;and Taliban officials are said to be nearing an agreement, after months of negotiations, under which the United States would start to withdraw troops from Afghanistan in exchange for Taliban pledges not to allow the country to harbour other Islamic extremist groups.

Taliban militants killed at least 14 members of a pro-government militia in Afghanistan on Wednesday, said officials, as Taliban and US officials near a deal aimed at ending the 18-year war.

Taliban militants killed at least 14 members of a pro-government militia in Afghanistan on Wednesday, said officials, as Taliban and US officials near a deal aimed at ending the 18-year war. Government officials said 14 members of the militia were killed and several civilians were wounded during clashes in the western province of Herat. Abdul Ahad Walizada, a spokesman for Heart police, said the 14 men were killed in Rubat-e-Sangi district of Herat after a large number of Taliban fighters stormed security checkpoints in the Chahardara area. "At least nine others are wounded in the clashes and the Taliban militants were pushed back after Afghan forces reinforced the area," said Walizada. Taliban officials were not immediately available for comment. US and Taliban officials are said to be nearing an agreement, after months of negotiations, under which the United States would start to withdraw troops from Afghanistan in exchange for Taliban pledges not to allow the country to harbour other Islamic extremist groups.

Taliban kills 14 pro-government militia in Afghanistan: Officials

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

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

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

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

US and Taliban representatives held negotiations in Doha on Sunday, an American source close to the process said, as potentially decisive talks to enable Washington to drawdown its military in Afghanistan stretched into the evening.&nbsp;

"Talks resumed late morning today," the US source said.

The third day of the two sides' ninth round of dialogue, which continued until after 1900 GMT an AFP correspondent said, was described as promising by a Taliban source.

The insurgent group had earlier said that it was finalising technical points of an agreement with Washington at the talks being held in a luxury members’ club in the Qatari capital Doha.

"The agreement will be completed after we agree on these points," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen told AFP on Saturday.

Any deal would be announced before the media as well as representatives from neighbouring countries and China, Russia, and the United Nations, he added.

The United States, which invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban from power in 2001 after the September 11 attacks, wants to withdraw thousands of troops but only in return for the group renouncing Al-Qaeda and curbing attacks.

Washington is hoping to strike an agreement with the Taliban by September 1 -- ahead of Afghan polls due the same month, and US presidential polls next year.

The Doha talks are being held against a backdrop of persistent violence in Afghanistan.

The Taliban claimed on Saturday to have killed seven members of the US military in an attack on a convoy near Bagram airfield north of Kabul. American officials dismissed the claims as “lies”.

On Wednesday, two US soldiers were killed by small arms fire in Faryab province in northern Afghanistan, the Pentagon said.

Shaheen, the Taliban spokesman, had said the deaths should have a "positive" impact on the talks in Doha.

US and Taliban representatives held negotiations in Doha on Sunday, an American source close to the process said, as potentially decisive talks to enable Washington to drawdown its military in Afghanistan stretched into the evening.

US and Taliban representatives held negotiations in Doha on Sunday, an American source close to the process said, as potentially decisive talks to enable Washington to drawdown its military in Afghanistan stretched into the evening. "Talks resumed late morning today," the US source said. The third day of the two sides' ninth round of dialogue, which continued until after 1900 GMT an AFP correspondent said, was described as promising by a Taliban source. The insurgent group had earlier said that it was finalising technical points of an agreement with Washington at the talks being held in a luxury members’ club in the Qatari capital Doha. "The agreement will be completed after we agree on these points," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen told AFP on Saturday. Any deal would be announced before the media as well as representatives from neighbouring countries and China, Russia, and the United Nations, he added. The United States, which invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban from power in 2001 after the September 11 attacks, wants to withdraw thousands of troops but only in return for the group renouncing Al-Qaeda and curbing attacks. Washington is hoping to strike an agreement with the Taliban by September 1 -- ahead of Afghan polls due the same month, and US presidential polls next year. The Doha talks are being held against a backdrop of persistent violence in Afghanistan. The Taliban claimed on Saturday to have killed seven members of the US military in an attack on a convoy near Bagram airfield north of Kabul. American officials dismissed the claims as “lies”. On Wednesday, two US soldiers were killed by small arms fire in Faryab province in northern Afghanistan, the Pentagon said. Shaheen, the Taliban spokesman, had said the deaths should have a "positive" impact on the talks in Doha.

US, Taliban push for peace at Doha talks

The US and the Taliban met in Doha on Thursday, an American source close to the talks said, for potentially decisive dialogue to allow Washington to drawdown militarily in Afghanistan.

The source said the talks started around 1300 GMT &nbsp;the ninth time the two foes have met face-to-face.

The disclosure came in a context of ongoing bloodshed in Afghanistan after NATO said two US military personnel were killed Wednesday, blasts rocked Jalalabad Monday, and the death toll from a weekend wedding bombing reached 80.

Washington's top commander in Afghanistan General Scott Miller was at the talks venue, according to a correspondent.&nbsp;

The US, which invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban in 2001, wants to withdraw thousands of troops but only in return for the insurgent group renouncing Al-Qaeda and curbing attacks.&nbsp;

Washington is hoping to strike an agreement with the Taliban by September 1 -- ahead of Afghan polls due the same month, and US presidential polls due in 2020.

Taliban lead negotiator Abbas Stanikzai told on Thursday that overall talks had been "going well".

The talks are expected to focus on establishing a timeline for the US withdrawal of its more than 13,000 troops in Afghanistan.

"We've been there for 18 years, it's ridiculous," US President Donald Trump told reporters Tuesday.

"We are negotiating with the government and we are negotiating with the Taliban," he said.

"We have good talks going and we will see what happens."

But the thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taliban, the role of regional powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of Afghanistan's incumbent administration remain unresolved.

US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad sought to bolster optimism for a peace agreement last week when he said in a tweet that he hoped this is the final year that the country is at war.

The US and the Taliban met in Doha on Thursday, an American source close to the talks said, for potentially decisive dialogue to allow Washington to drawdown militarily in Afghanistan.

The US and the Taliban met in Doha on Thursday, an American source close to the talks said, for potentially decisive dialogue to allow Washington to drawdown militarily in Afghanistan. The source said the talks started around 1300 GMT the ninth time the two foes have met face-to-face. The disclosure came in a context of ongoing bloodshed in Afghanistan after NATO said two US military personnel were killed Wednesday, blasts rocked Jalalabad Monday, and the death toll from a weekend wedding bombing reached 80. Washington's top commander in Afghanistan General Scott Miller was at the talks venue, according to a correspondent. The US, which invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban in 2001, wants to withdraw thousands of troops but only in return for the insurgent group renouncing Al-Qaeda and curbing attacks. Washington is hoping to strike an agreement with the Taliban by September 1 -- ahead of Afghan polls due the same month, and US presidential polls due in 2020. Taliban lead negotiator Abbas Stanikzai told on Thursday that overall talks had been "going well". The talks are expected to focus on establishing a timeline for the US withdrawal of its more than 13,000 troops in Afghanistan. "We've been there for 18 years, it's ridiculous," US President Donald Trump told reporters Tuesday. "We are negotiating with the government and we are negotiating with the Taliban," he said. "We have good talks going and we will see what happens." But the thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taliban, the role of regional powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of Afghanistan's incumbent administration remain unresolved. US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad sought to bolster optimism for a peace agreement last week when he said in a tweet that he hoped this is the final year that the country is at war.

Taliban talks resume amid hopes of deal: Report

Taliban's head spokesman Sohail Shaheen, in an interview with a US news channel, said there is no proof that Al Qaeda was behind the deadly 9/11 attack in the United States.

Shaheen comments came at the time when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-president-donald-trump-hails-very-good-discussions-with-the-taliban-243958">US-Taliban talks</a> are underway in Qatar.&nbsp;

Shaheen also stressed on the necessity for the war to end, adding that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-us-service-members-killed-in-afghanistan-nato-244690">death of two US service members in Afghanistan</a> highlights the fact that stopping of violence is essential.&nbsp;

Two American service members were killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday, the NATO-led Resolute Support mission said in a statement, as the United States seeks to reach a negotiated end to the nearly 18-year-old war.

The incident brings the number of US troops killed in Afghanistan to at least 14 in 2019.

About 14,000 US troops are stationed in Afghanistan as part of the US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces and to carry out counter-terrorism operations.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the US military role in Afghanistan has basically turned into a "ridiculous" police force in a sign that he is open to a US troop drawdown there after 18 years of war.

Trump, inheriting a war begun by then-President George W. Bush in response to the September&nbsp;11, 2001 attacks, expressed a willingness to remove some of the US troops there but said some are needed to make sure the United States has intelligence assets on the ground.

Trump was briefed on Friday by top national security aides on a peace plan being negotiated by US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad with leaders of the Afghanistan government and the&nbsp;Taliban.

A pullout has raised fears within the US military and among some lawmakers that Afghanistan could plunge into a new civil war that could see a return of&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;rule and give al Qaeda and other militants a sanctuary in which to expand and plot new attacks on US and allied targets.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> US President Donald Trump yesterday on militant groups in Afghanistan: India is right there, they are not fighting it. We are fighting it. Pakistan is right next door, they are fighting it very little, very very little. It's not fair. <a href="https://t.co/syuYN37i6W">pic.twitter.com/syuYN37i6W</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1164537341735854081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The US President on Wednesday looked frustrated as he spoke about militant groups in Afghanistan. He said, while the United States is doing the fighting, Afghanistan's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-should-take-a-larger-role-in-fighting-terrorism-in-afghanistan-donald-trump-244724">neighbours are doing very little</a>.

"India is right there, they are not fighting it. We are fighting it. Pakistan is right next door, they are fighting it very little, very very little. It's not fair," Trump said.&nbsp;

Taliban's head spokesman Sohail Shaheen, in an interview with a US news channel, said there is no proof that Al Qaeda was behind the deadly 9/11 attack in the United States.

Taliban's head spokesman Sohail Shaheen, in an interview with a US news channel, said there is no proof that Al Qaeda was behind the deadly 9/11 attack in the United States. Shaheen comments came at the time when US-Taliban talks are underway in Qatar. Shaheen also stressed on the necessity for the war to end, adding that the death of two US service members in Afghanistan highlights the fact that stopping of violence is essential. Two American service members were killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday, the NATO-led Resolute Support mission said in a statement, as the United States seeks to reach a negotiated end to the nearly 18-year-old war. The incident brings the number of US troops killed in Afghanistan to at least 14 in 2019. About 14,000 US troops are stationed in Afghanistan as part of the US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces and to carry out counter-terrorism operations. US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the US military role in Afghanistan has basically turned into a "ridiculous" police force in a sign that he is open to a US troop drawdown there after 18 years of war. Trump, inheriting a war begun by then-President George W. Bush in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks, expressed a willingness to remove some of the US troops there but said some are needed to make sure the United States has intelligence assets on the ground. Trump was briefed on Friday by top national security aides on a peace plan being negotiated by US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad with leaders of the Afghanistan government and the Taliban. A pullout has raised fears within the US military and among some lawmakers that Afghanistan could plunge into a new civil war that could see a return of Taliban rule and give al Qaeda and other militants a sanctuary in which to expand and plot new attacks on US and allied targets. #WATCH US President Donald Trump yesterday on militant groups in Afghanistan: India is right there, they are not fighting it. We are fighting it. Pakistan is right next door, they are fighting it very little, very very little. It's not fair. pic.twitter.com/syuYN37i6W — ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2019 × The US President on Wednesday looked frustrated as he spoke about militant groups in Afghanistan. He said, while the United States is doing the fighting, Afghanistan's neighbours are doing very little. "India is right there, they are not fighting it. We are fighting it. Pakistan is right next door, they are fighting it very little, very very little. It's not fair," Trump said.

Taliban's head spokesman says no proof Al Qaeda was behind 9/11 attack

Two American service members were killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday, the NATO press office said without elaborating.

The names of the US&nbsp;service members killed in action were being withheld until after their relatives were notified, in accordance with Pentagon policy, it said.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the US&nbsp;military role in Afghanistan has basically turned into a "ridiculous" police force in a sign that he is open to a US&nbsp;troop drawdown there after 18 years of war.

Trump was briefed on Friday by top national security aides on a peace plan being negotiated by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-negotiator-zalmay-khalilzad-returning-to-doha-for-more-talks-244510">US&nbsp;envoy Zalmay Khalilzad</a> with leaders of the Afghanistan government and the Taliban.

"We're having good discussions. We'll see what happens. It's 18 years. We're not really fighting. We're almost a police force over there. We're not supposed to be a police force," he said.

Some 14,000 US&nbsp;troops remain engaged in America’s longest war, training and advising Afghan security forces and conducting counterinsurgency operations against militant groups such as al Qaeda and Islamic State’s local affiliate.

A pullout has raised fears within the US&nbsp;military and among some lawmakers that Afghanistan could plunge into a new civil war that could see a return of Taliban rule and give al Qaeda and other militants a sanctuary in which to expand and plot new attacks on US&nbsp;and allied targets.

Khalilzad was travelling on Tuesday to resume talks with the Taliban in Doha, Qatar, "as part of an overall effort to facilitate a peace process that ends the conflict in Afghanistan," the State Department said in a statement.&nbsp;

Khalilzad will consult with leaders of the Afghan government in Kabul and encourage negotiations between the two sides, it said.

Two American service members were killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday, the NATO press office said without elaborating. The names of the US service members killed in action were being withheld until after their relatives were notified, in accordance with Pentagon policy, it said.

Two American service members were killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday, the NATO press office said without elaborating. The names of the US service members killed in action were being withheld until after their relatives were notified, in accordance with Pentagon policy, it said. US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the US military role in Afghanistan has basically turned into a "ridiculous" police force in a sign that he is open to a US troop drawdown there after 18 years of war. Trump was briefed on Friday by top national security aides on a peace plan being negotiated by US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad with leaders of the Afghanistan government and the Taliban. "We're having good discussions. We'll see what happens. It's 18 years. We're not really fighting. We're almost a police force over there. We're not supposed to be a police force," he said. Some 14,000 US troops remain engaged in America’s longest war, training and advising Afghan security forces and conducting counterinsurgency operations against militant groups such as al Qaeda and Islamic State’s local affiliate. A pullout has raised fears within the US military and among some lawmakers that Afghanistan could plunge into a new civil war that could see a return of Taliban rule and give al Qaeda and other militants a sanctuary in which to expand and plot new attacks on US and allied targets. Khalilzad was travelling on Tuesday to resume talks with the Taliban in Doha, Qatar, "as part of an overall effort to facilitate a peace process that ends the conflict in Afghanistan," the State Department said in a statement. Khalilzad will consult with leaders of the Afghan government in Kabul and encourage negotiations between the two sides, it said.

Two US service members killed in Afghanistan: NATO

The death toll in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-at-least-66-injured-after-serial-blasts-hit-jalalabad-on-independence-day-244102">multiple bomb blasts in Afghanistan's Jalalabad</a> has risen to 123, officials said on Tuesday.

A series of bombings struck restaurants and public squares on Monday in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad as the country marked the 100th anniversary of its independence.&nbsp;

So far no group has claimed the responsibility for the 14 bombs which struck the city.

President Ashraf Ghani on Monday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-president-ashraf-ghani-vows-to-eliminate-islamic-state-says-will-take-revenge-for-our-people-244235">vowed to eliminate Islamic State</a> from the country and said that he "will take revenge" for his people.

Ghani made the statement while addressing the nation on its 100th Independence Day.

The latest incident comes a day after 63 people were killed and nearly 200 were wounded in a suicide attack on a wedding in Kabul city.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/series-of-blasts-in-eastern-afghanistan-244291/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Jalalabad is the scene of frequent bomb attacks, and the surrounding terrain is home to both Taliban fighters and the Islamic State group's local affiliate.

Mayhem from Afghanistan's war continues to wreak havoc on Afghans every day, even though the US and the Taliban are in final negotiations for a deal that would see US troops begin to quit Afghanistan and could potentially lead to a reduction in violence.&nbsp;

The death toll in multiple bomb blasts in Afghanistan's Jalalabad has risen to 123, officials said on Tuesday. A series of bombings struck restaurants and public squares on Monday in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad as the country marked the 100th anniversary of its independence.

The death toll in multiple bomb blasts in Afghanistan's Jalalabad has risen to 123, officials said on Tuesday. A series of bombings struck restaurants and public squares on Monday in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad as the country marked the 100th anniversary of its independence. So far no group has claimed the responsibility for the 14 bombs which struck the city. President Ashraf Ghani on Monday vowed to eliminate Islamic State from the country and said that he "will take revenge" for his people. Ghani made the statement while addressing the nation on its 100th Independence Day. The latest incident comes a day after 63 people were killed and nearly 200 were wounded in a suicide attack on a wedding in Kabul city. Jalalabad is the scene of frequent bomb attacks, and the surrounding terrain is home to both Taliban fighters and the Islamic State group's local affiliate. Mayhem from Afghanistan's war continues to wreak havoc on Afghans every day, even though the US and the Taliban are in final negotiations for a deal that would see US troops begin to quit Afghanistan and could potentially lead to a reduction in violence.

Death toll reaches 123 in multiple bomb blasts in Afghanistan's Jalalabad

Afghanistan is in the grip of violence again. Two brutal attacks have been taken place in two days. Watch this video to know more.

Series of blasts in Eastern Afghanistan

US President Donald Trump on Sunday hailed progress in negotiations on an Afghanistan peace deal, saying that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fears-in-us-of-bad-peace-deal-with-the-taliban-243743">talks with both the Taliban</a> and the Afghan government are going well.

But while Trump said the United States has things "under control," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-40-dead-100-injured-as-blast-rips-through-wedding-party-in-afghanistans-kabul-243740">a massive bombing in Kabul</a> highlighted the rampant violence still plaguing Afghanistan and the major challenges it would face even if an agreement is reached.

"We're having very good discussions with the Taliban. We're having very good discussions with the Afghan government," Trump told reporters.

Expectations are rising for a deal in which the United States would start withdrawing its soldiers from Afghanistan after nearly two decades of war that has ground into a stalemate.

"We've really got it down to probably 13,000 people and we'll be bringing it down a little bit more and then we'll decide whether or not we'll be staying longer or not," Trump said.

"We have things under control very well with the small force. We can probably make it a little bit smaller and then we'll decide," he said, adding: "It'll depend on the Taliban, it'll depend on the Afghan government."

A US-Taliban agreement would not by itself bring an end to Afghanistan's war, as the insurgents would still need to make a deal with the Washington-backed government in Kabul.

Bombing highlights challenges

Trump reiterated Sunday that the United States would maintain an intelligence presence in the country even if it withdraws troops, in order to guard against potential militant threats.

"I think it's very important that we continue intelligence there in all cases, because it is somewhat of a nest for hitting us," the president said.

Washington is keen to end its involvement in Afghanistan, where it has spent more than $1 trillion and Trump has said since the start of his presidency that he wants troops out.

In return, the Taliban would commit to various security guarantees, including that the Islamist hardliners who long harboured Al-Qaeda would not allow Afghanistan to become a jihadist safe haven -- but any such promise would be tough to keep.

On Saturday, a bombing at a packed Afghan wedding hall killed at least 63 people, underscoring both the inadequacy of Afghanistan's security forces and the massive challenges they face.

The Islamic State group claimed the attack, saying that one of its fighters blew himself up at a "large gathering" in Kabul while others "detonated a parked explosives-laden vehicle" when security forces arrived.

While the police and army claim they prevent most bombings from ever happening, insurgents pull off horrific attacks with chilling regularity.

And even as Trump claimed progress in talks, little has changed for Afghans on the ground.

A UN tally found last year was the deadliest on record, with at least 3,804 civilian deaths caused by the war -- including 927 children.&nbsp;

And according to the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), more than 217,000 people had to flee their homes because of fighting during the first seven months of 2019, prompting a huge need for humanitarian aid across the war-torn nation.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday hailed progress in negotiations on an Afghanistan peace deal, saying that talks with both the Taliban and the Afghan government are going well.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday hailed progress in negotiations on an Afghanistan peace deal, saying that talks with both the Taliban and the Afghan government are going well. But while Trump said the United States has things "under control," a massive bombing in Kabul highlighted the rampant violence still plaguing Afghanistan and the major challenges it would face even if an agreement is reached. "We're having very good discussions with the Taliban. We're having very good discussions with the Afghan government," Trump told reporters. Expectations are rising for a deal in which the United States would start withdrawing its soldiers from Afghanistan after nearly two decades of war that has ground into a stalemate. "We've really got it down to probably 13,000 people and we'll be bringing it down a little bit more and then we'll decide whether or not we'll be staying longer or not," Trump said. "We have things under control very well with the small force. We can probably make it a little bit smaller and then we'll decide," he said, adding: "It'll depend on the Taliban, it'll depend on the Afghan government." A US-Taliban agreement would not by itself bring an end to Afghanistan's war, as the insurgents would still need to make a deal with the Washington-backed government in Kabul. Bombing highlights challenges Trump reiterated Sunday that the United States would maintain an intelligence presence in the country even if it withdraws troops, in order to guard against potential militant threats. "I think it's very important that we continue intelligence there in all cases, because it is somewhat of a nest for hitting us," the president said. Washington is keen to end its involvement in Afghanistan, where it has spent more than $1 trillion and Trump has said since the start of his presidency that he wants troops out. In return, the Taliban would commit to various security guarantees, including that the Islamist hardliners who long harboured Al-Qaeda would not allow Afghanistan to become a jihadist safe haven -- but any such promise would be tough to keep. On Saturday, a bombing at a packed Afghan wedding hall killed at least 63 people, underscoring both the inadequacy of Afghanistan's security forces and the massive challenges they face. The Islamic State group claimed the attack, saying that one of its fighters blew himself up at a "large gathering" in Kabul while others "detonated a parked explosives-laden vehicle" when security forces arrived. While the police and army claim they prevent most bombings from ever happening, insurgents pull off horrific attacks with chilling regularity. And even as Trump claimed progress in talks, little has changed for Afghans on the ground. A UN tally found last year was the deadliest on record, with at least 3,804 civilian deaths caused by the war -- including 927 children. And according to the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), more than 217,000 people had to flee their homes because of fighting during the first seven months of 2019, prompting a huge need for humanitarian aid across the war-torn nation.

US president Donald Trump hails 'very good' discussions with the Taliban

A series of bombings struck restaurants and public squares on Monday in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad, wounding at least 34 people, officials said, as the country marked the 100th anniversary of its independence.

No group claimed responsibility for the 10 bombs but both Islamic State (IS) and the Taliban militants operate in the area.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-wedding-suicide-attack-in-kabul-243841">IS claimed responsibility</a> for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-40-dead-100-injured-as-blast-rips-through-wedding-party-in-afghanistans-kabul-243740">weekend bomb attack</a> on a wedding reception in the capital, Kabul, in which 63 people were killed and nearly 200 wounded.

The Jalalabad bombs were planted near a market where hundreds of people had congregated after attending Independence Day events. Senior health official Fahim Bashari said at least 34 people were wounded.

President Ashraf Ghani, in an Independence Day address in Kabul, called on the international community to stand with Afghanistan to eradicate the militants' "nests".

"Our fight against the Daesh will continue," he said, referring to IS.

"The Taliban have laid the foundation for such brutal killings."

Ghani did not refer in his speech to negotiations between the United States and the Taliban on a deal by which US&nbsp;troops can withdraw in exchange for Taliban security guarantees.

The United States also wants a Taliban commitment on power-sharing talks with Ghani's government and a ceasefire. The Taliban have refused to talk to the government.

But there are concerns among Afghan officials and US&nbsp;national security aides about a US&nbsp;withdrawal, with fears Afghanistan could be plunged into a new civil war that could herald a return of Taliban rule and international militants, including Islamic State, finding a refuge.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump is hoping to withdraw all US&nbsp;troops from Afghanistan before the 2020 presidential election.

Trump on Sunday called the Kabul bomb attack horrible and expressed optimism about the talks.

He said the United States would seek to get troop levels below 13,000 but leave "very significant" intelligence capabilities behind.

The US&nbsp;troops in Afghanistan train and advise Afghan security forces and conduct counterinsurgency operations.

The Taliban said in an Independence Day statement they were looking forward to the departure of all foreign forces.

"The day approaches closer when these invaders shall completely leave our country, akin to the British and Soviets before them," they said.

While never part of the British empire, Afghanistan gained complete independence from Britain on August&nbsp;19, 1919.

Independence Day ceremonies in Kabul were curtailed out of respect for those who died in the Saturday night bomb, the government said.

A series of bombings struck restaurants and public squares on Monday in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad, wounding at least 34 people, officials said, as the country marked the 100th anniversary of its independence.

A series of bombings struck restaurants and public squares on Monday in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad, wounding at least 34 people, officials said, as the country marked the 100th anniversary of its independence. No group claimed responsibility for the 10 bombs but both Islamic State (IS) and the Taliban militants operate in the area. IS claimed responsibility for a weekend bomb attack on a wedding reception in the capital, Kabul, in which 63 people were killed and nearly 200 wounded. The Jalalabad bombs were planted near a market where hundreds of people had congregated after attending Independence Day events. Senior health official Fahim Bashari said at least 34 people were wounded. President Ashraf Ghani, in an Independence Day address in Kabul, called on the international community to stand with Afghanistan to eradicate the militants' "nests". "Our fight against the Daesh will continue," he said, referring to IS. "The Taliban have laid the foundation for such brutal killings." Ghani did not refer in his speech to negotiations between the United States and the Taliban on a deal by which US troops can withdraw in exchange for Taliban security guarantees. The United States also wants a Taliban commitment on power-sharing talks with Ghani's government and a ceasefire. The Taliban have refused to talk to the government. But there are concerns among Afghan officials and US national security aides about a US withdrawal, with fears Afghanistan could be plunged into a new civil war that could herald a return of Taliban rule and international militants, including Islamic State, finding a refuge. US President Donald Trump is hoping to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan before the 2020 presidential election. Trump on Sunday called the Kabul bomb attack horrible and expressed optimism about the talks. He said the United States would seek to get troop levels below 13,000 but leave "very significant" intelligence capabilities behind. The US troops in Afghanistan train and advise Afghan security forces and conduct counterinsurgency operations. The Taliban said in an Independence Day statement they were looking forward to the departure of all foreign forces. "The day approaches closer when these invaders shall completely leave our country, akin to the British and Soviets before them," they said. While never part of the British empire, Afghanistan gained complete independence from Britain on August 19, 1919. Independence Day ceremonies in Kabul were curtailed out of respect for those who died in the Saturday night bomb, the government said.

Serial blasts in Afghanistan's Jalalabad on Independence Day, 34 injured

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday condemned the suicide attack in the Darulaman area of Kabul city <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-40-dead-100-injured-as-blast-rips-through-wedding-party-in-afghanistans-kabul-243740">which killed at least 63 people</a>.

''I strongly condemn the inhumane attack on the wedding hall in Kabul last night. My top priority for now is to reach out to the families of victims of this barbaric attack. On behalf of the nation I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were martyred,'' Ghani tweeted.

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For those who are wounded, I pray for your speedy recovery. I have ordered the relevant authorities to urgently assist in managing the wounded. In response to this targeted attack I have called an extraordinary security meeting to review and prevent such security lapses.
— Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashrafghani/status/1162969354654355456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Ghani also said that the Taliban cannot escape the blame for that attack.

"<meta charset="utf-8" />Taliban cannot absolve themselves of blame, for they provide platform for terrorists. Today is the day of mourning, hence <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StateBuilder?src=hashtag_click" target="_blank">#StateBuilder</a> have cancelled today's gathering at the Loya Jirga tent," Ghani said in a post on Twitter.

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Taliban cannot absolve themselves of blame, for they provide platform for terrorists. Today is the day of mourning, hence <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StateBuilder?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StateBuilder</a> have cancelled today's gathering at the Loya Jirga tent.
— Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashrafghani/status/1162969356780867590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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At least 63 people were killed and over 182 were injured following the attack.

Most of the injured were later taken to a hospital in the city.

According to eyewitnesses, the suicide bomber laid explosives among the wedding participants and detonated them.

People say that almost a thousand people were invited to the ceremony.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/dozens-killed-injured-in-kabul-wedding-hall-explosion-243744/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

There are reports that this could end up being the deadliest attack on Kabul in recent times.

The blast happened in western Kabul, a predominantly Shia locality. The Shia minority has been targeted by the Taliban multiple times over the years.

These attacks come at a time when the United States are discussing a peace deal in Afghanistan, a deal that involves the Taliban giving up arms.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday condemned the suicide attack in the Darulaman area of Kabul city which killed at least 63 people. ''I strongly condemn the inhumane attack on the wedding hall in Kabul last night.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday condemned the suicide attack in the Darulaman area of Kabul city which killed at least 63 people. ''I strongly condemn the inhumane attack on the wedding hall in Kabul last night. My top priority for now is to reach out to the families of victims of this barbaric attack. On behalf of the nation I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were martyred,'' Ghani tweeted. For those who are wounded, I pray for your speedy recovery. I have ordered the relevant authorities to urgently assist in managing the wounded. In response to this targeted attack I have called an extraordinary security meeting to review and prevent such security lapses. — Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) August 18, 2019 × Ghani also said that the Taliban cannot escape the blame for that attack. " Taliban cannot absolve themselves of blame, for they provide platform for terrorists. Today is the day of mourning, hence #StateBuilder have cancelled today's gathering at the Loya Jirga tent," Ghani said in a post on Twitter. Taliban cannot absolve themselves of blame, for they provide platform for terrorists. Today is the day of mourning, hence #StateBuilder have cancelled today's gathering at the Loya Jirga tent. — Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) August 18, 2019 × At least 63 people were killed and over 182 were injured following the attack. Most of the injured were later taken to a hospital in the city. According to eyewitnesses, the suicide bomber laid explosives among the wedding participants and detonated them. People say that almost a thousand people were invited to the ceremony. There are reports that this could end up being the deadliest attack on Kabul in recent times. The blast happened in western Kabul, a predominantly Shia locality. The Shia minority has been targeted by the Taliban multiple times over the years. These attacks come at a time when the United States are discussing a peace deal in Afghanistan, a deal that involves the Taliban giving up arms.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani condemns Kabul suicide attack that killed 63, says Taliban can't escape blame

An Afghanistan peace agreement that the US seems close to reaching with the Taliban has prompted worries that President Donald Trump's desire to quickly withdraw US troops could further plunge the country into civil war.

Trump said Friday he was pleased with talks on ending the war, 18 years after the September 11, attacks that prompted the US invasion of Afghanistan in the first place.

In recent days several US officials have suggested that an accord could be imminent in discussions with the Taliban in Qatar.

The US negotiator, Zalmay Khalilzad, is expected to return to the region very soon in hopes of sealing an agreement with the Afghan rebel force.

Such a potentially historic accord has raised an outcry from an eclectic assortment of critics in Washington, ranging from neo-conservatives to former Democratic administration officials to ex-military heroes.

In tweets, interviews and op-ed pieces in newspapers, they are cautioning against hastily bringing home the 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan, a warning which some hope will also score points ahead of next year's presidential election.

And they are calling on Trump to treat this war as he did North Korea and its nuclear weapons and insist on no deal rather than a bad deal.

"Under no circumstances should the Trump administration repeat the mistake its predecessor made in Iraq and agree to a total withdrawal of combat forces from Afghanistan," retired general David Petraeus, who used to command those soldiers, warned in a piece for The Wall Street Journal.

He was referring to Barack Obama and how the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq helped fuel the emergence of the Islamic State group.

The main points of the peace accord being negotiated with the Taliban are known: US soldiers would withdraw in exchange for a pledge from them not to let Al-Qaida or the Islamic State group operate in the territory that the Taliban controls.

There would also be an immediate ceasefire, and the Taliban would begin talks with the Afghan government, with which the rebels have until now refused all dialogue.

A 'messy, forever war'

Withdrawal of US troops is sought by the American public, has been promised by Trump and is a talking point of several Democratic presidential hopefuls. The risk is that it will intensify the war.

This "will depend on the details," said Laurel Miller, former senior US State Department official responsible for Afghanistan and Pakistan.

There is much speculation as to what those details might entail.

For instance, it seems the Taliban are prepared to call a ceasefire with US troops but not with the Afghan army.

A total, absolute withdrawal of US forces has at least been on the negotiating table and it has never been ruled out in Washington.

"If we leave Afghanistan without a counter-terrorism force, without intelligence-gathering capabilities, ISIS will re-emerge, al Qaida will come back, they will occupy safe havens in Afghanistan, they will hit the homeland, they will come after us all over the world," Senator Lindsey Graham told Fox News.

Graham, who takes credit for persuading Trump to keep some troops in Syria after announcing a total pullout, insisted that Afghanistan needs a "continuing US presence" and America requires a "meaningful counter-terrorism force" there.

Trump has promised only a strong intelligence-gathering presence. And some in his administration want any future counter-terrorism operations to be launched from other countries.

"Effective counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan -- and, just as important, in neighbouring tribal areas of Pakistan -- will prove all but impossible absent an enduring US footprint on Afghan soil," Petraeus wrote in a piece co-signed by Afghanistan expert Vance Serchuk.

Another issue is the timetable of a US withdrawal. Trump, seeking a second term in office, wants to announce the pullout before the election in November 2020.

But there have been signs in recent days pointing to a withdrawal actually completed around the time of the election.

Setting a timetable now "means the Taliban will enter subsequent talks among Afghans having already achieved their main goal and with their stature and bargaining position thereby enhanced," Miller wrote in Foreign Policy.

She argued that there should be a phased US withdrawal linked to specific progress in the Afghan peace process, such as the adoption of a revised constitution with power-sharing features and subsequent elections.

Without a clear pledge from the Taliban to repudiate Al-Qaida and respect women's rights, among others, and without verification mechanisms, "we will not be ending the war -- we will be retreating and ceding the battlefield to our enemies, including the organization that harboured the terrorists responsible for killing nearly 3,000 Americans on 9/11," said Republican lawmaker Liz Cheney.

At the Pentagon, officials are cautious.&nbsp;

"It's an ugly, messy, forever war. It is probably going to be messy to get out," one military source at the Pentagon said.

An Afghanistan peace agreement that the US seems close to reaching with the Taliban has prompted worries that President Donald Trump's desire to quickly withdraw US troops could further plunge the country into civil war.

An Afghanistan peace agreement that the US seems close to reaching with the Taliban has prompted worries that President Donald Trump's desire to quickly withdraw US troops could further plunge the country into civil war. Trump said Friday he was pleased with talks on ending the war, 18 years after the September 11, attacks that prompted the US invasion of Afghanistan in the first place. In recent days several US officials have suggested that an accord could be imminent in discussions with the Taliban in Qatar. The US negotiator, Zalmay Khalilzad, is expected to return to the region very soon in hopes of sealing an agreement with the Afghan rebel force. Such a potentially historic accord has raised an outcry from an eclectic assortment of critics in Washington, ranging from neo-conservatives to former Democratic administration officials to ex-military heroes. In tweets, interviews and op-ed pieces in newspapers, they are cautioning against hastily bringing home the 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan, a warning which some hope will also score points ahead of next year's presidential election. And they are calling on Trump to treat this war as he did North Korea and its nuclear weapons and insist on no deal rather than a bad deal. "Under no circumstances should the Trump administration repeat the mistake its predecessor made in Iraq and agree to a total withdrawal of combat forces from Afghanistan," retired general David Petraeus, who used to command those soldiers, warned in a piece for The Wall Street Journal. He was referring to Barack Obama and how the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq helped fuel the emergence of the Islamic State group. The main points of the peace accord being negotiated with the Taliban are known: US soldiers would withdraw in exchange for a pledge from them not to let Al-Qaida or the Islamic State group operate in the territory that the Taliban controls. There would also be an immediate ceasefire, and the Taliban would begin talks with the Afghan government, with which the rebels have until now refused all dialogue. A 'messy, forever war' Withdrawal of US troops is sought by the American public, has been promised by Trump and is a talking point of several Democratic presidential hopefuls. The risk is that it will intensify the war. This "will depend on the details," said Laurel Miller, former senior US State Department official responsible for Afghanistan and Pakistan. There is much speculation as to what those details might entail. For instance, it seems the Taliban are prepared to call a ceasefire with US troops but not with the Afghan army. A total, absolute withdrawal of US forces has at least been on the negotiating table and it has never been ruled out in Washington. "If we leave Afghanistan without a counter-terrorism force, without intelligence-gathering capabilities, ISIS will re-emerge, al Qaida will come back, they will occupy safe havens in Afghanistan, they will hit the homeland, they will come after us all over the world," Senator Lindsey Graham told Fox News. Graham, who takes credit for persuading Trump to keep some troops in Syria after announcing a total pullout, insisted that Afghanistan needs a "continuing US presence" and America requires a "meaningful counter-terrorism force" there. Trump has promised only a strong intelligence-gathering presence. And some in his administration want any future counter-terrorism operations to be launched from other countries. "Effective counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan -- and, just as important, in neighbouring tribal areas of Pakistan -- will prove all but impossible absent an enduring US footprint on Afghan soil," Petraeus wrote in a piece co-signed by Afghanistan expert Vance Serchuk. Another issue is the timetable of a US withdrawal. Trump, seeking a second term in office, wants to announce the pullout before the election in November 2020. But there have been signs in recent days pointing to a withdrawal actually completed around the time of the election. Setting a timetable now "means the Taliban will enter subsequent talks among Afghans having already achieved their main goal and with their stature and bargaining position thereby enhanced," Miller wrote in Foreign Policy. She argued that there should be a phased US withdrawal linked to specific progress in the Afghan peace process, such as the adoption of a revised constitution with power-sharing features and subsequent elections. Without a clear pledge from the Taliban to repudiate Al-Qaida and respect women's rights, among others, and without verification mechanisms, "we will not be ending the war -- we will be retreating and ceding the battlefield to our enemies, including the organization that harboured the terrorists responsible for killing nearly 3,000 Americans on 9/11," said Republican lawmaker Liz Cheney. At the Pentagon, officials are cautious. "It's an ugly, messy, forever war. It is probably going to be messy to get out," one military source at the Pentagon said.

Fears in US of bad peace deal with the Taliban

Outraged Afghans questioned on Sunday the point of negotiations with the Taliban aimed at getting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/donald-trump-wants-troop-withdrawal-in-afghan-before-2020-election-us-state-secretary-mike-pompeo-239310">US&nbsp;troops</a> to leave and ending the war, after 63 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack on a wedding reception in the capital, Kabul.

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../over-40-dead-100-injured-as-blast-rips-through -wedding-party-in-afghanistans-kabul-243740">suicide bomber blew himself</a> up late on Saturday in a packed wedding hall, bringing new carnage to a country plagued by decades of violence.

Many women and children were among the dead and 182 wounded, officials said.

"Peace with whom? With those who bomb our weddings, schools, universities, offices and houses?" Twitter user Rada Akba wrote on the social media platform.

"Selling out this land and its people to those killers is sick and inhuman. History won't forget this," she wrote.

The Taliban denied responsibility for the blast at a west Kabul wedding hall in a minority Shi'ite neighbourhood and condemned it.

Islamic State militants also operate in Afghanistan and have carried out bloody attacks in towns and cities, some against Shi'ites.

Journalist Sana Safi said she doubted the Taliban denial.

"Who else is capable of carrying out such brutality?" she asked.

"So 'peace agreement' with the Taliban isn’t going to end the bloodshed for ordinary Afghans?"

Tawab Ghorzang, an adviser at the ministry of transport, said negotiations with the Taliban gave them legitimacy.

"If thousands of times the Taliban are given legitimacy on the platform of peace talks, their war crimes and a crime against humanity will go on," he wrote on Facebook.

The Taliban and the United States are trying to negotiate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-meeting-advisers-on-afghan-peace-plan-243511">an agreement on the withdrawal of US&nbsp;forces </a>in exchange for a Taliban commitment on security and peace talks with Afghanistan's US-backed&nbsp;government.

Both sides have reported progress after eight rounds of talks since late last year.

Under the expected deal on a staggered withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops, the Taliban would guarantee Afghanistan would not be a sanctuary for militants to expand and plot new attacks, both sides have said.

The government has not been involved in the negotiations - the Taliban refuse to talk to the administration they see as a US&nbsp;puppet - but the militants are expected to make a commitment to open power-sharing talks and agree to a ceasefire.

The government insists a ceasefire must be part of any deal.

Tabish Forugh, an Afghan journalist, also questioned the Taliban denial of responsibility for the Saturday's blast.

"They are responsible in the eyes of Afghans. They have turned a country of 30 million people into a slaughterhouse," Forugh wrote.

"We should not surrender to Taliban terror."

The European Union mission in Afghanistan condemned the blast saying those behind it were "enemies of humanity".

The Kabul blast followed a bomb attack on a mosque in Pakistan on Friday that killed four people, including a brother of Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada, and wounded about 20.

Outraged Afghans questioned on Sunday the point of negotiations with the Taliban aimed at getting US troops to leave and ending the war, after 63 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack on a wedding reception in the capital, Kabul.

Outraged Afghans questioned on Sunday the point of negotiations with the Taliban aimed at getting US troops to leave and ending the war, after 63 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack on a wedding reception in the capital, Kabul. A suicide bomber blew himself up late on Saturday in a packed wedding hall, bringing new carnage to a country plagued by decades of violence. Many women and children were among the dead and 182 wounded, officials said. "Peace with whom? With those who bomb our weddings, schools, universities, offices and houses?" Twitter user Rada Akba wrote on the social media platform. "Selling out this land and its people to those killers is sick and inhuman. History won't forget this," she wrote. The Taliban denied responsibility for the blast at a west Kabul wedding hall in a minority Shi'ite neighbourhood and condemned it. Islamic State militants also operate in Afghanistan and have carried out bloody attacks in towns and cities, some against Shi'ites. Journalist Sana Safi said she doubted the Taliban denial. "Who else is capable of carrying out such brutality?" she asked. "So 'peace agreement' with the Taliban isn’t going to end the bloodshed for ordinary Afghans?" Tawab Ghorzang, an adviser at the ministry of transport, said negotiations with the Taliban gave them legitimacy. "If thousands of times the Taliban are given legitimacy on the platform of peace talks, their war crimes and a crime against humanity will go on," he wrote on Facebook. The Taliban and the United States are trying to negotiate an agreement on the withdrawal of US forces in exchange for a Taliban commitment on security and peace talks with Afghanistan's US-backed government. Both sides have reported progress after eight rounds of talks since late last year. Under the expected deal on a staggered withdrawal of US troops, the Taliban would guarantee Afghanistan would not be a sanctuary for militants to expand and plot new attacks, both sides have said. The government has not been involved in the negotiations - the Taliban refuse to talk to the administration they see as a US puppet - but the militants are expected to make a commitment to open power-sharing talks and agree to a ceasefire. The government insists a ceasefire must be part of any deal. Tabish Forugh, an Afghan journalist, also questioned the Taliban denial of responsibility for the Saturday's blast. "They are responsible in the eyes of Afghans. They have turned a country of 30 million people into a slaughterhouse," Forugh wrote. "We should not surrender to Taliban terror." The European Union mission in Afghanistan condemned the blast saying those behind it were "enemies of humanity". The Kabul blast followed a bomb attack on a mosque in Pakistan on Friday that killed four people, including a brother of Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada, and wounded about 20.

Peace with whom? After blast, enraged Afghans question talks

Uncertainty in war-ravaged Afghanistan has been on the rise as neither the nearing presidential election nor the ongoing US-Taliban talks have so far shown much promise for lasting peace being anywhere near, as the country is set to celebrate the centennial of independence next week.

On Monday, the Taliban and the United States finished the eighth round of peace talks in Doha. Though the sides have been negotiating a peace deal since last year, no major breakthrough has been reached so far, despite regular claims of the Taliban and Washington about significant progress.

On Friday, President Donald Trump, who promises his electorate to continue <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-gets-update-from-aides-on-afghan-peace-plan-with-troop-pullout-possible-243530">US troop drawdown in Afghanistan</a>, even held a meeting with top security advisers and cabinet officials to review efforts with regard to the peace process in the conflict-torn country. The White House then said that the meeting "went very well," and negotiations are proceeding.

Trump later concluded that "many on the opposite side of this 19-year war, and us, are looking to make a deal – if possible."

Watch: US Envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad meets S Jaishankar

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Amid the uncertainty over the US-Taliban talks, from which the Afghan government is excluded, the Islamic republic, meanwhile, gears up for the presidential election.

Electoral concerns

With almost a month remaining before the September 28 vote, the confrontation between the Taliban and the government shows no signs of abating. The Taliban have threatened to disrupt the election with all their force, while the government has vowed to safeguard the process.

"We want to put an end to the hopelessness and violence in the country. In peace, there is no winner or loser, the winner is Afghan children, women, older, Ulema [Islamic clerics] and all residents," Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said in a Saturday campaign speech.

The ongoing US-Taliban peace talks, however, exclude the Afghan government, which the Taliban consider a US puppet. The issue of future governance, meanwhile, is obviously a core matter in these talks. The Taliban have said they want an Islamic type of government in Afghanistan named the Islamic Emirate, while the government wants it to remain a republic.

"We won’t let the black days come back, we want to go toward lightness, if they [Taliban] want to be part of the republic we welcome them otherwise we won’t allow the black days to come again, they have to accept election in last, but we won’t let them destroy our [future] generations," Ghani promised on Saturday.

Speaking at a press conference the same day, Afghan presidential spokesman Sediq Sediqqi reiterated that "any peace agreement with the Taliban should mark the end of violence in Afghanistan," and guarantee that it will not be a safe haven for terrorists in the future.

He also said that Kabul would enter "crucial rounds of negotiations after the Taliban issue ceasefire."

Experts, meanwhile, doubt that any real peace process is possible without Kabul-Taliban direct talks.

"Peace process doesn’t make sense neither it will end the fighting until the government and the Taliban sit across each other and discuss the differences and the problems they have," Atiqullah Amarkhil, a prominent Afghan analyst and veteran army general, said.

Afghans not very enthusiastic

The growing uncertainty around the looming election and another round of the US-Taliban talks comes as Afghanistan is set to celebrate the centennial of its independence from the UK rule.

Despite the difficult security situation and Taliban threats, streets are decorated with flags and billboards.

"The centenary comes as we carry fear of death when we come out of home to work, we don’t know even we will make it back or not, but these all fashioned preparations doesn’t make sense while the bloodshed is ongoing," Kabul resident Ahmad Fahim, 35, told sputnik.

Kabul, a city with 5 million of pollution, is indeed the target of most bombings that have recently hit the country and caused massive civilian casualties. The capital has been under threat even during religious holidays and elections.

"The war is unfolding, neither I nor my family has registered to vote, we know this won’t work. We don’t know if an election is gonna happen first or peace, but peace is what each and every Afghan want," Khalid Mayar, a 27-year-old Kabul resident, told Sputnik.

Uncertainty in war-ravaged Afghanistan has been on the rise as neither the nearing presidential election nor the ongoing US-Taliban talks have so far shown much promise for lasting peace being anywhere near, as the country is set to celebrate the centennial of independence next week.

Uncertainty in war-ravaged Afghanistan has been on the rise as neither the nearing presidential election nor the ongoing US-Taliban talks have so far shown much promise for lasting peace being anywhere near, as the country is set to celebrate the centennial of independence next week. On Monday, the Taliban and the United States finished the eighth round of peace talks in Doha. Though the sides have been negotiating a peace deal since last year, no major breakthrough has been reached so far, despite regular claims of the Taliban and Washington about significant progress. On Friday, President Donald Trump, who promises his electorate to continue US troop drawdown in Afghanistan, even held a meeting with top security advisers and cabinet officials to review efforts with regard to the peace process in the conflict-torn country. The White House then said that the meeting "went very well," and negotiations are proceeding. Trump later concluded that "many on the opposite side of this 19-year war, and us, are looking to make a deal – if possible." Watch: US Envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad meets S Jaishankar × Amid the uncertainty over the US-Taliban talks, from which the Afghan government is excluded, the Islamic republic, meanwhile, gears up for the presidential election. Electoral concerns With almost a month remaining before the September 28 vote, the confrontation between the Taliban and the government shows no signs of abating. The Taliban have threatened to disrupt the election with all their force, while the government has vowed to safeguard the process. "We want to put an end to the hopelessness and violence in the country. In peace, there is no winner or loser, the winner is Afghan children, women, older, Ulema [Islamic clerics] and all residents," Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said in a Saturday campaign speech. The ongoing US-Taliban peace talks, however, exclude the Afghan government, which the Taliban consider a US puppet. The issue of future governance, meanwhile, is obviously a core matter in these talks. The Taliban have said they want an Islamic type of government in Afghanistan named the Islamic Emirate, while the government wants it to remain a republic. "We won’t let the black days come back, we want to go toward lightness, if they [Taliban] want to be part of the republic we welcome them otherwise we won’t allow the black days to come again, they have to accept election in last, but we won’t let them destroy our [future] generations," Ghani promised on Saturday. Speaking at a press conference the same day, Afghan presidential spokesman Sediq Sediqqi reiterated that "any peace agreement with the Taliban should mark the end of violence in Afghanistan," and guarantee that it will not be a safe haven for terrorists in the future. He also said that Kabul would enter "crucial rounds of negotiations after the Taliban issue ceasefire." Experts, meanwhile, doubt that any real peace process is possible without Kabul-Taliban direct talks. "Peace process doesn’t make sense neither it will end the fighting until the government and the Taliban sit across each other and discuss the differences and the problems they have," Atiqullah Amarkhil, a prominent Afghan analyst and veteran army general, said. Afghans not very enthusiastic The growing uncertainty around the looming election and another round of the US-Taliban talks comes as Afghanistan is set to celebrate the centennial of its independence from the UK rule. Despite the difficult security situation and Taliban threats, streets are decorated with flags and billboards. "The centenary comes as we carry fear of death when we come out of home to work, we don’t know even we will make it back or not, but these all fashioned preparations doesn’t make sense while the bloodshed is ongoing," Kabul resident Ahmad Fahim, 35, told sputnik. Kabul, a city with 5 million of pollution, is indeed the target of most bombings that have recently hit the country and caused massive civilian casualties. The capital has been under threat even during religious holidays and elections. "The war is unfolding, neither I nor my family has registered to vote, we know this won’t work. We don’t know if an election is gonna happen first or peace, but peace is what each and every Afghan want," Khalid Mayar, a 27-year-old Kabul resident, told Sputnik.

Afghans in limbo ahead of Independence Day amid concerns over election, US-Taliban talks

Afghan Taliban officials said on Saturday the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../brother-of-afghan-taliban-leader-killed-in- pakistan-mosque-blast-243513"> killing of the brother of their leader in a bomb attack </a>would not derail talks with the United States aimed at securing the withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops after 18 years of war.

Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada was not in the mosque near the Pakistani city of Quetta when a bomb went off but his younger brother, Hafiz Ahmadullah, was leading Friday prayers and was among four people killed, several Taliban officials have said.

There was no claim of responsibility for the blast that came after both Taliban and US&nbsp;officials have reported progress in talks on an agreement centred on a US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in exchange for a Taliban security guarantee.

"If someone thinks martyring our leaders would stop us from our goal they're living in a fool's paradise," a Taliban leader said by telephone from an undisclosed location.

"We are close to our goals,” he said, referring to the talks with the United States. He declined to be identified.

The militants have been fighting to expel foreign forces and set up an Islamic state since they were ousted in October 2001, weeks after the September 11 attacks on the United States.

Both US&nbsp;negotiators and the Taliban have reported progress after eight rounds of talks since late last year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../trump-meeting-advisers-on-afghan-peace-plan- 243511">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump </a>has made no secret of his desire for a US&nbsp;pullout from Afghanistan and an end to America's longest war.

Top US&nbsp;national security advisers briefed Trump on Friday on the negotiations.

There are deep concerns among Afghan officials and U.S. national security aides about the talks led by US&nbsp;special representative to Afghanistan, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../us-envoy-for-peace-in-afghanistan-zalmay- khalilzad-meets-jaishankar-241214">Zalmay Khalilzad</a>, who updated Trump.

A US pullout has raised fears Afghanistan could plunge into a new civil war that could see a return of Taliban rule and give international militants a sanctuary.

Under the expected deal, the Taliban, in exchange for a US&nbsp;commitment on a withdrawal, would guarantee Afghanistan would not be a sanctuary for militants to expand and plot new attacks, both sides have said.

The Taliban are also expected to make a commitment to open power-sharing talks with the US-backed&nbsp;government and agree to a ceasefire.

Presidential spokesman Sediq Seddiqi told a news briefing any deal had to include a ceasefire and a US withdrawal would be based on conditions being met.

'FINAL ROUND'

A second Taliban official, speaking from Doha, where the Taliban have a political office and where the talks have been held, said preparations were being made for a meaningful final round.

"We've solved most issues, just a few remaining," said the official, who also declined to be identified.

No date has been set for more talks.

The Taliban were considering a ceasefire in places from which US&nbsp;forces withdraw, the second official said.

Some 14,000 US&nbsp;troops remain in Afghanistan, training and advising Afghan security forces and conducting counterinsurgency operations.

The war has ground into a stalemate with casualties rising among civilians as well as combatants.

Afghan Taliban officials said on Saturday the killing of the brother of their leader in a bomb attack would not derail talks with the United States aimed at securing the withdrawal of US troops after 18 years of war.

Afghan Taliban officials said on Saturday the killing of the brother of their leader in a bomb attack would not derail talks with the United States aimed at securing the withdrawal of US troops after 18 years of war. Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada was not in the mosque near the Pakistani city of Quetta when a bomb went off but his younger brother, Hafiz Ahmadullah, was leading Friday prayers and was among four people killed, several Taliban officials have said. There was no claim of responsibility for the blast that came after both Taliban and US officials have reported progress in talks on an agreement centred on a US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in exchange for a Taliban security guarantee. "If someone thinks martyring our leaders would stop us from our goal they're living in a fool's paradise," a Taliban leader said by telephone from an undisclosed location. "We are close to our goals,” he said, referring to the talks with the United States. He declined to be identified. The militants have been fighting to expel foreign forces and set up an Islamic state since they were ousted in October 2001, weeks after the September 11 attacks on the United States. Both US negotiators and the Taliban have reported progress after eight rounds of talks since late last year. US President Donald Trump has made no secret of his desire for a US pullout from Afghanistan and an end to America's longest war. Top US national security advisers briefed Trump on Friday on the negotiations. There are deep concerns among Afghan officials and U.S. national security aides about the talks led by US special representative to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, who updated Trump. A US pullout has raised fears Afghanistan could plunge into a new civil war that could see a return of Taliban rule and give international militants a sanctuary. Under the expected deal, the Taliban, in exchange for a US commitment on a withdrawal, would guarantee Afghanistan would not be a sanctuary for militants to expand and plot new attacks, both sides have said. The Taliban are also expected to make a commitment to open power-sharing talks with the US-backed government and agree to a ceasefire. Presidential spokesman Sediq Seddiqi told a news briefing any deal had to include a ceasefire and a US withdrawal would be based on conditions being met. 'FINAL ROUND' A second Taliban official, speaking from Doha, where the Taliban have a political office and where the talks have been held, said preparations were being made for a meaningful final round. "We've solved most issues, just a few remaining," said the official, who also declined to be identified. No date has been set for more talks. The Taliban were considering a ceasefire in places from which US forces withdraw, the second official said. Some 14,000 US troops remain in Afghanistan, training and advising Afghan security forces and conducting counterinsurgency operations. The war has ground into a stalemate with casualties rising among civilians as well as combatants.

Taliban say killing of leader's brother will not derail US talks

Sixteen-year-old Madina still has nightmares about the day two huge blasts tore through her school in Kabul, showering shards of broken window glass on her and other students.&nbsp;

She survived, with lacerations to her arms and legs. The physical wounds are slowly healing, but she remains haunted by the stress of the attack.

Madina, like many of her generation in Afghanistan, has never known peace and experts warn the psychological impact of living in a country where schools are often on the front line, and counselling is in short supply, can be overwhelming.

"It was a scary day. I still have nightmares, I cannot focus, it was very hard to prepare for exams," Madina recalled.

She had to take her maths exam in the corridor at her shattered school as many classrooms have been left unusable.

The US and Taliban claim progress in ongoing peace talks, but little has changed for Afghans, and recent attacks underscore how children remain as vulnerable as ever in the grinding conflict.

A UN tally found last year was the deadliest on record, with at least 3,804 civilian deaths caused by the war -- including 927 children. And in the first six months of 2019, children accounted for nearly one-third of civilian casualties.

"In the first few days after the attack, you could see the trauma on students' faces, they would cry every minute," Madina's school director Niamatullah Hamdard said.

'Stressed out'

According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the number of attacks against Afghan schools tripled last year compared to 2017. By the end of 2018, more than 1,000 Afghan schools had been shut due to conflict, denying about 500,000 Afghan kids access to education.

In the arid Deh Bala district of Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan, the Papen high school has been reduced to rubble amid fighting between government forces and the Islamic State group.

Kids sit on a rug outside for a class, frowning as a reporter approaches. Some of them have witnessed IS fighters beheading locals.

"When the students go to sleep at night, they dream about Daesh and they are haunted by these atrocities," school director Muhamad Wali said, using the local name for IS.

"They scream in their sleep, and when they come here they are so stressed out."

Omar Ghorzang, a school district official, said the stress takes a huge toll.&nbsp;

"When the teachers are talking to them, the kids talk among themselves and do bizarre things. They cannot pay attention", Ghorzang said.

Amir Gul, aged about 15, said he and his Papen classmates are constantly anxious.

"We are always afraid a bomb might go off. Everyone is scared and no one can study," he said.

Psychotherapist Bethan McEvoy, who works as an education advisor for the Norwegian Refugee Council in Kabul, said it can be tough to assess the prevalence of mental illness and emotional trauma resulting from school attacks.

That's because symptoms of psychological trauma often manifest only after the shock has subsided -- and in Afghanistan, people can spend years living through one stressful event after another.

"When we experience a high-stress event, there's a natural response in our body that turns into a survival response," she said. "When people are in a state of constant fear ... then it's very difficult to turn that response off."

How people are impacted in the long term depends on many factors including their background, family relations and support networks.

"If a school has something in place to provide that kind of support to the child then it can actually be very helpful," McEvoy said, noting that more can be done to provide services in Afghanistan.

- Counselling needed - 
At the Kabul school, much of the debris had been cleared, but twisted metal poked through a collapsed roof and the crunch of broken glass could still be felt underfoot in areas away from where the kids play.

Days after the Kabul attack, a Taliban car bomb targeted a government intelligence centre in the eastern city of Ghazni. The blast also hit a nearby school, wounding dozens of children.

Barely a day goes by without reports of children or families being killed or wounded.&nbsp;

It is not just insurgent groups responsible for the killing.&nbsp;

A recent Pentagon report found US forces in Afghanistan caused 134 civilian casualties in 2018. Of the 76 among them who died, 31 were children.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said war explosives account for 84 percent of all child casualties in Afghanistan.

"Physical injuries can pale in comparison to the emotional scars many children may carry with them for years," Save the Children's Afghanistan director Onno van Manen said after the Ghazni attack.

Wali, the school director in Nangarghar, said security risks made it hard for aid groups to offer counselling for his students.

But after the attack in Kabul, the ministry of health stepped in for a few days.

Madina said the therapy has helped.

She added: "It was useful, but it was too short."&nbsp;

Sixteen-year-old Madina still has nightmares about the day two huge blasts tore through her school in Kabul, showering shards of broken window glass on her and other students.

Sixteen-year-old Madina still has nightmares about the day two huge blasts tore through her school in Kabul, showering shards of broken window glass on her and other students. She survived, with lacerations to her arms and legs. The physical wounds are slowly healing, but she remains haunted by the stress of the attack. Madina, like many of her generation in Afghanistan, has never known peace and experts warn the psychological impact of living in a country where schools are often on the front line, and counselling is in short supply, can be overwhelming. "It was a scary day. I still have nightmares, I cannot focus, it was very hard to prepare for exams," Madina recalled. She had to take her maths exam in the corridor at her shattered school as many classrooms have been left unusable. The US and Taliban claim progress in ongoing peace talks, but little has changed for Afghans, and recent attacks underscore how children remain as vulnerable as ever in the grinding conflict. A UN tally found last year was the deadliest on record, with at least 3,804 civilian deaths caused by the war -- including 927 children. And in the first six months of 2019, children accounted for nearly one-third of civilian casualties. "In the first few days after the attack, you could see the trauma on students' faces, they would cry every minute," Madina's school director Niamatullah Hamdard said. 'Stressed out' According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the number of attacks against Afghan schools tripled last year compared to 2017. By the end of 2018, more than 1,000 Afghan schools had been shut due to conflict, denying about 500,000 Afghan kids access to education. In the arid Deh Bala district of Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan, the Papen high school has been reduced to rubble amid fighting between government forces and the Islamic State group. Kids sit on a rug outside for a class, frowning as a reporter approaches. Some of them have witnessed IS fighters beheading locals. "When the students go to sleep at night, they dream about Daesh and they are haunted by these atrocities," school director Muhamad Wali said, using the local name for IS. "They scream in their sleep, and when they come here they are so stressed out." Omar Ghorzang, a school district official, said the stress takes a huge toll. "When the teachers are talking to them, the kids talk among themselves and do bizarre things. They cannot pay attention", Ghorzang said. Amir Gul, aged about 15, said he and his Papen classmates are constantly anxious. "We are always afraid a bomb might go off. Everyone is scared and no one can study," he said. Psychotherapist Bethan McEvoy, who works as an education advisor for the Norwegian Refugee Council in Kabul, said it can be tough to assess the prevalence of mental illness and emotional trauma resulting from school attacks. That's because symptoms of psychological trauma often manifest only after the shock has subsided -- and in Afghanistan, people can spend years living through one stressful event after another. "When we experience a high-stress event, there's a natural response in our body that turns into a survival response," she said. "When people are in a state of constant fear ... then it's very difficult to turn that response off." How people are impacted in the long term depends on many factors including their background, family relations and support networks. "If a school has something in place to provide that kind of support to the child then it can actually be very helpful," McEvoy said, noting that more can be done to provide services in Afghanistan. - Counselling needed - At the Kabul school, much of the debris had been cleared, but twisted metal poked through a collapsed roof and the crunch of broken glass could still be felt underfoot in areas away from where the kids play. Days after the Kabul attack, a Taliban car bomb targeted a government intelligence centre in the eastern city of Ghazni. The blast also hit a nearby school, wounding dozens of children. Barely a day goes by without reports of children or families being killed or wounded. It is not just insurgent groups responsible for the killing. A recent Pentagon report found US forces in Afghanistan caused 134 civilian casualties in 2018. Of the 76 among them who died, 31 were children. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said war explosives account for 84 percent of all child casualties in Afghanistan. "Physical injuries can pale in comparison to the emotional scars many children may carry with them for years," Save the Children's Afghanistan director Onno van Manen said after the Ghazni attack. Wali, the school director in Nangarghar, said security risks made it hard for aid groups to offer counselling for his students. But after the attack in Kabul, the ministry of health stepped in for a few days. Madina said the therapy has helped. She added: "It was useful, but it was too short."

When school's not safe: Afghan war takes toll on kids

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/taliban-could-give-pakistan-a-short-term-win-in-afghanistan-243138">deal between the Taliban and the United States</a> for US&nbsp;forces to withdraw from their longest-ever war in Afghanistan could drive some diehard Taliban fighters into the arms of the Islamic State militant group, Afghan officials and militants say.

Such a deal is expected to see the United States agree to withdraw its forces in exchange for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/latest-round-of-peace-talks-with-us-finished-taliban-242381">Taliban</a> promise they will not let Afghanistan be used to plot international militant attacks.

As part of the pact, the Taliban are expected to make a commitment to power-sharing talks with the US-backed government and work out a ceasefire.

The Afghan affiliate of Islamic State, known as Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), after an old name for the region, first appeared in eastern Afghanistan in 2014, and has since made inroads into other areas, particularly the north.

The US&nbsp;military estimates their strength at 2,000 fighters. Some Afghan officials estimated the number is higher and could be about to get a boost.

"It's a big opportunity for Daesh to recruit fighters from the Taliban, and, no doubt, many Taliban fighters will happily join," said Sohrab Qaderi, a member of the provincial council in Nangarhar province on the border with Pakistan, referring to IS.

IS militants, who battle government forces and the Taliban, and have carried out some of the deadliest attacks in urban centres, will not be part of the deal between the United States and the Taliban.

For some Taliban, IS will offer an opportunity to continue jihad against those they see as infidels and their supporters. For others, who fear retribution if they try to reintegrate into society, it could be a refuge.

"They've killed and been killed, they have feuds," Qaderi said of the Taliban. "Many fighters won't feel safe returning to normal life."

A spokesman for President Ashraf Ghani said there was a major concern about the growing strength of IS and their attraction for some Taliban.

"Most Daesh are ex-Taliban, and there could be a possibility of some Taliban joining," said the spokesman, Sediq Sediqqi.

"The Afghan government and the US&nbsp;have shared goals combating terrorism. We need the support of our international partners."

The government has a reintegration programme for insurgents who surrender but critics say it can take too long for people to be vetted and the care they get is inadequate.

From white to black&nbsp;

But a Taliban commander and some members of the group dismissed the possibility of fighters breaking ranks to join IS.

"The Taliban leadership has enough control over their fighters to given them orders, and they obey them," Mawlavi Jamal, a Taliban commander in the western province of Farah, told Reuters by telephone.

But a Taliban fighter in eastern Kunar province said he had no choice but to join IS, and he thought others would too.

"During the fighting local people got killed, many people have enemies," said the fighter, who declined to be identified.

He said had killed one of his father's cousins who opposed the Taliban and could not return to his village.

"To survive, I have to go to Daesh," he said. "Our aim is to fight the infidels and corruption, no matter under what name."

One former Taliban member who joined IS in Kunar two years ago denounced the Taliban for negotiating with "infidels".

"They're selling the precious lives we've sacrificed ... I'm sure more true mujahideen will soon join us," said the fighter, who spoke by telephone and sought anonymity.

A former senior Taliban member who has defected to the government said fighters might be inadvertently driven into the arms of IS if the government did not rehabilitate them properly.

"If nothing else makes Taliban fighters join Daesh, it'll be government negligence," he told Reuters in an interview in a safe house provided by the government in Kabul, the capital.

He said he had former Taliban comrades who had wanted to leave the Taliban but been unable to strike a deal with the government, so had joined IS instead.

Rivalries, feuds and the anger among some fighters over what they see as their leaders' compromise with the Americans were also likely to drive defections to IS, he said.

"It's the easiest thing, just change the white flag to a black one," he said, referring to the white Taliban flag and the black IS banner.

A deal between the Taliban and the United States for US forces to withdraw from their longest-ever war in Afghanistan could drive some diehard Taliban fighters into the arms of the Islamic State militant group, Afghan officials and militants say.

A deal between the Taliban and the United States for US forces to withdraw from their longest-ever war in Afghanistan could drive some diehard Taliban fighters into the arms of the Islamic State militant group, Afghan officials and militants say. Such a deal is expected to see the United States agree to withdraw its forces in exchange for a Taliban promise they will not let Afghanistan be used to plot international militant attacks. As part of the pact, the Taliban are expected to make a commitment to power-sharing talks with the US-backed government and work out a ceasefire. The Afghan affiliate of Islamic State, known as Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), after an old name for the region, first appeared in eastern Afghanistan in 2014, and has since made inroads into other areas, particularly the north. The US military estimates their strength at 2,000 fighters. Some Afghan officials estimated the number is higher and could be about to get a boost. "It's a big opportunity for Daesh to recruit fighters from the Taliban, and, no doubt, many Taliban fighters will happily join," said Sohrab Qaderi, a member of the provincial council in Nangarhar province on the border with Pakistan, referring to IS. IS militants, who battle government forces and the Taliban, and have carried out some of the deadliest attacks in urban centres, will not be part of the deal between the United States and the Taliban. For some Taliban, IS will offer an opportunity to continue jihad against those they see as infidels and their supporters. For others, who fear retribution if they try to reintegrate into society, it could be a refuge. "They've killed and been killed, they have feuds," Qaderi said of the Taliban. "Many fighters won't feel safe returning to normal life." A spokesman for President Ashraf Ghani said there was a major concern about the growing strength of IS and their attraction for some Taliban. "Most Daesh are ex-Taliban, and there could be a possibility of some Taliban joining," said the spokesman, Sediq Sediqqi. "The Afghan government and the US have shared goals combating terrorism. We need the support of our international partners." The government has a reintegration programme for insurgents who surrender but critics say it can take too long for people to be vetted and the care they get is inadequate. From white to black But a Taliban commander and some members of the group dismissed the possibility of fighters breaking ranks to join IS. "The Taliban leadership has enough control over their fighters to given them orders, and they obey them," Mawlavi Jamal, a Taliban commander in the western province of Farah, told Reuters by telephone. But a Taliban fighter in eastern Kunar province said he had no choice but to join IS, and he thought others would too. "During the fighting local people got killed, many people have enemies," said the fighter, who declined to be identified. He said had killed one of his father's cousins who opposed the Taliban and could not return to his village. "To survive, I have to go to Daesh," he said. "Our aim is to fight the infidels and corruption, no matter under what name." One former Taliban member who joined IS in Kunar two years ago denounced the Taliban for negotiating with "infidels". "They're selling the precious lives we've sacrificed ... I'm sure more true mujahideen will soon join us," said the fighter, who spoke by telephone and sought anonymity. A former senior Taliban member who has defected to the government said fighters might be inadvertently driven into the arms of IS if the government did not rehabilitate them properly. "If nothing else makes Taliban fighters join Daesh, it'll be government negligence," he told Reuters in an interview in a safe house provided by the government in Kabul, the capital. He said he had former Taliban comrades who had wanted to leave the Taliban but been unable to strike a deal with the government, so had joined IS instead. Rivalries, feuds and the anger among some fighters over what they see as their leaders' compromise with the Americans were also likely to drive defections to IS, he said. "It's the easiest thing, just change the white flag to a black one," he said, referring to the white Taliban flag and the black IS banner.

Taliban, US pact in Afghanistan could boost Islamic State: Afghan officials

In 1996, the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. Led by motley warlords, the terrorist group had been created in 1993 by the Pakistani army under the benign gaze of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.&nbsp;

It was driven out of Kabul after the United States unleashed its war on terror in 2001 following the 9/11 terror attack in New York and on the Pentagon.&nbsp;

During those five years of Taliban rule, Afghanistan fell under a near-medieval interpretation of Sharia law. Only three countries recognised the Taliban government: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;

In 1996, the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. Led by motley warlords, the terrorist group had been created in 1993 by the Pakistani army under the benign gaze of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.&nbsp;

It was driven out of Kabul after the United States unleashed its war on terror in 2001 following the 9/11 terror attack in New York and on the Pentagon.&nbsp;

During those five years of Taliban rule, Afghanistan fell under a near-medieval interpretation of Sharia law. Only three countries recognised the Taliban government: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;

During his bombastic 30-minute press conference with visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, US President Donald Trump said he could end the Afghan war in 10 days, but wasn’t doing so because 10 million Afghans would be killed.&nbsp;

A stone-faced Khan listened as Trump rambled on about past Pakistani governments’ duplicity in Afghanistan. Khan, however, was in Washington in pursuit of a single-point agenda: to ensure that Trump doubled down on his promise to get US and NATO troops out of Afghanistan as quickly as possible.&nbsp;

Trump’s throwaway remark on mediation in Jammu &amp; Kashmir came as a bonus for Khan even though the subsequent readout of the Trump-Khan meeting in the White House made no mention of mediation. Following the invalidation of Article 370 in the Indian Constitution, Khan’s attempt to draw Trump into J&amp;K has run into a wall.&nbsp;

Khan, though, got what he wanted in Washington: a renewed promise that US and NATO troops would shortly exit Afghanistan, leaving the country at the mercy of a terror group the Pakistani military has armed, funded and nurtured for 25 years.&nbsp;

Pakistan’s chief of army staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and the new Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed left Washington satisfied that they had gamed the Americans once again. However, to Pakistan’s disappointment, the Taliban spokesman last week officially rejected Islamabad’s ploy to link Afghanistan with Kashmir stating: “Linking the issue of Kashmir with that of Afghanistan will not aid in improving the (Afghanistan) crisis.” &nbsp;

What next for Afghanistan? The Taliban’s lethal attack on presidential candidate Amrullah Saleh, Afghanistan’s former Interior Minister and an implacable foe of the terror group, killed 30 people. Saleh miraculously escaped with injuries and has vowed to continue his election campaign. But the Taliban’s gameplan, masterminded in Rawalpindi, is clear: mount terror attacks on Afghan politicians standing for election to cause yet another postponement of the September 28 poll. Pakistan and the Taliban would then seek to establish an interim government with Taliban representatives forming part of a patchwork administration.&nbsp;

This arrangement would suit Pakistan. With US and NATO troops gone (bar a small contingent), the strategic depth it has long sought in Afghanistan would be within reach.&nbsp;

The Ashraf Ghani government has been a roadblock for Rawalpindi. Withdrawal of US/NATO troops and &nbsp;collapse of the Ghani government will give Pakistan and the Taliban free rein over Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Ordinary Afghanis view the future under the Taliban and the Pakistani military with trepidation. At a recent conference in Mumbai, members of Afghan civil society said in an interview with a leading daily: “Everyone wants peace.

It is the most important thing for every Afghan. But we do not know the price of this peace. We had peace before when the Taliban were ruling Afghanistan. But we had no life then – no rights, no jobs, nothing. Will it be different this time? We don’t know. Because of what I do, I am going to be a target if the Taliban come back. Pakistan is the main concern. Pakistan has invited the Taliban, and when the Taliban return, Pakistan will not stop interfering.

They have invested a lot in keeping Afghanistan destabilised.” &nbsp;

For India a destabilised Afghanistan is a worrying prospect. Under an interim government with Taliban representation, the Sharia laws of 1996-2001 may return. India’s infrastructure projects could be in jeopardy. Yet, Pakistan could be biting off more than it can chew. The Taliban is faction-ridden. Dominated by Pashtuns, it does not recognise the colonial Durand Line that artificially splits Pashtuns across Afghanistan and Pakistan.&nbsp;

The demand for a united Pashtunistan, carved out of Afghanistan and Pakistan, is a potential nightmare for Islamabad, already facing an insurgency in Balochistan and deep unrest in Sindh.&nbsp;

The Taliban could give Pakistan a short-term win in Afghanistan. In the long term, however, it could prove the beginning of an end game for Pakistan itself. &nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-taliban-closer-to-power-2781814">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In 1996, the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. Led by motley warlords, the terrorist group had been created in 1993 by the Pakistani army under the benign gaze of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

In 1996, the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. Led by motley warlords, the terrorist group had been created in 1993 by the Pakistani army under the benign gaze of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. It was driven out of Kabul after the United States unleashed its war on terror in 2001 following the 9/11 terror attack in New York and on the Pentagon. During those five years of Taliban rule, Afghanistan fell under a near-medieval interpretation of Sharia law. Only three countries recognised the Taliban government: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. In 1996, the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. Led by motley warlords, the terrorist group had been created in 1993 by the Pakistani army under the benign gaze of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. It was driven out of Kabul after the United States unleashed its war on terror in 2001 following the 9/11 terror attack in New York and on the Pentagon. During those five years of Taliban rule, Afghanistan fell under a near-medieval interpretation of Sharia law. Only three countries recognised the Taliban government: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. During his bombastic 30-minute press conference with visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, US President Donald Trump said he could end the Afghan war in 10 days, but wasn’t doing so because 10 million Afghans would be killed. A stone-faced Khan listened as Trump rambled on about past Pakistani governments’ duplicity in Afghanistan. Khan, however, was in Washington in pursuit of a single-point agenda: to ensure that Trump doubled down on his promise to get US and NATO troops out of Afghanistan as quickly as possible. Trump’s throwaway remark on mediation in Jammu & Kashmir came as a bonus for Khan even though the subsequent readout of the Trump-Khan meeting in the White House made no mention of mediation. Following the invalidation of Article 370 in the Indian Constitution, Khan’s attempt to draw Trump into J&K has run into a wall. Khan, though, got what he wanted in Washington: a renewed promise that US and NATO troops would shortly exit Afghanistan, leaving the country at the mercy of a terror group the Pakistani military has armed, funded and nurtured for 25 years. Pakistan’s chief of army staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and the new Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed left Washington satisfied that they had gamed the Americans once again. However, to Pakistan’s disappointment, the Taliban spokesman last week officially rejected Islamabad’s ploy to link Afghanistan with Kashmir stating: “Linking the issue of Kashmir with that of Afghanistan will not aid in improving the (Afghanistan) crisis.” What next for Afghanistan? The Taliban’s lethal attack on presidential candidate Amrullah Saleh, Afghanistan’s former Interior Minister and an implacable foe of the terror group, killed 30 people. Saleh miraculously escaped with injuries and has vowed to continue his election campaign. But the Taliban’s gameplan, masterminded in Rawalpindi, is clear: mount terror attacks on Afghan politicians standing for election to cause yet another postponement of the September 28 poll. Pakistan and the Taliban would then seek to establish an interim government with Taliban representatives forming part of a patchwork administration. This arrangement would suit Pakistan. With US and NATO troops gone (bar a small contingent), the strategic depth it has long sought in Afghanistan would be within reach. The Ashraf Ghani government has been a roadblock for Rawalpindi. Withdrawal of US/NATO troops and collapse of the Ghani government will give Pakistan and the Taliban free rein over Afghanistan. Ordinary Afghanis view the future under the Taliban and the Pakistani military with trepidation. At a recent conference in Mumbai, members of Afghan civil society said in an interview with a leading daily: “Everyone wants peace. It is the most important thing for every Afghan. But we do not know the price of this peace. We had peace before when the Taliban were ruling Afghanistan. But we had no life then – no rights, no jobs, nothing. Will it be different this time? We don’t know. Because of what I do, I am going to be a target if the Taliban come back. Pakistan is the main concern. Pakistan has invited the Taliban, and when the Taliban return, Pakistan will not stop interfering. They have invested a lot in keeping Afghanistan destabilised.” For India a destabilised Afghanistan is a worrying prospect. Under an interim government with Taliban representation, the Sharia laws of 1996-2001 may return. India’s infrastructure projects could be in jeopardy. Yet, Pakistan could be biting off more than it can chew. The Taliban is faction-ridden. Dominated by Pashtuns, it does not recognise the colonial Durand Line that artificially splits Pashtuns across Afghanistan and Pakistan. The demand for a united Pashtunistan, carved out of Afghanistan and Pakistan, is a potential nightmare for Islamabad, already facing an insurgency in Balochistan and deep unrest in Sindh. The Taliban could give Pakistan a short-term win in Afghanistan. In the long term, however, it could prove the beginning of an end game for Pakistan itself. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Taliban could give Pakistan a short-term win in Afghanistan

The United Nations said on Wednesday it was gravely concerned about&nbsp;reports indicating&nbsp;11&nbsp;civilians had been&nbsp;killed&nbsp;in an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-18-terrorists-killed-by-government-forces-in-logar-province-225281">Afghan&nbsp;security force operation</a> in an eastern province near the border with Pakistan.

Civilian&nbsp;casualties&nbsp;in&nbsp;Afghanistan have been increasing, despite attempts by the United States and the Taliban to negotiate an agreement to end the 18-year war.

The&nbsp;government's main security agency, the National Directorate of Security (NDS), said the operation in Paktia province had targeted a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/56-taliban-terrorists-including-7-group-commanders-killed-in-afghanistan-239623"> Taliban hideout </a>and among the&nbsp;11&nbsp;dead militants were two commanders.

The&nbsp;UN Assistance Mission in&nbsp;Afghanistan said it was gravely concerned at the killings during a search operation and a human rights team was investigating.

"Accountability essential. Harm to&nbsp;civilians must stop," the agency said in a post on Twitter.

A politician in the area said the&nbsp;government&nbsp;forces attacked a student gathering over the Eid al-Adha Muslim holiday.

"A university student had invited his classmates for dinner," Allah Mir Khan Bahramzoi, a provincial council member in Paktia, told Reuters.

"Late in the evening, security forces surrounded the house, brought out the victims from the guesthouse and shot them one by one," he said by telephone from the province.

The NDS said weapons and ammunition were seized in the raid.

"This operation was conducted based on operative information on a Taliban hideout center and it left no&nbsp;civilian&nbsp;casualties," the agency said in a statement.

The United Nations&nbsp;says&nbsp;nearly 4,000&nbsp;civilians were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;or wounded in the first half of the year. 
&nbsp;The toll included a big increase in the number of&nbsp;casualties&nbsp;inflicted by&nbsp;government and US-led foreign forces.

Ground raids and clashes caused the most&nbsp;civilian&nbsp;casualties, followed by bomb attacks and airstrikes, UNAMA said in a&nbsp;report&nbsp;last month.

There has been no let-up in violence, even though the Taliban and the United States have both&nbsp;reported significant progress in talks on a pact for US troops to withdraw in exchange for a Taliban promise that&nbsp;Afghanistan will not be used as a base for militant attacks.

Their latest round of talks ended on Monday without a final agreement. No date has been announced for the next round

The United Nations said on Wednesday it was gravely concerned about reports indicating 11 civilians had been killed in an Afghan security force operation in an eastern province near the border with Pakistan.

The United Nations said on Wednesday it was gravely concerned about reports indicating 11 civilians had been killed in an Afghan security force operation in an eastern province near the border with Pakistan. Civilian casualties in Afghanistan have been increasing, despite attempts by the United States and the Taliban to negotiate an agreement to end the 18-year war. The government's main security agency, the National Directorate of Security (NDS), said the operation in Paktia province had targeted a Taliban hideout and among the 11 dead militants were two commanders. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said it was gravely concerned at the killings during a search operation and a human rights team was investigating. "Accountability essential. Harm to civilians must stop," the agency said in a post on Twitter. A politician in the area said the government forces attacked a student gathering over the Eid al-Adha Muslim holiday. "A university student had invited his classmates for dinner," Allah Mir Khan Bahramzoi, a provincial council member in Paktia, told Reuters. "Late in the evening, security forces surrounded the house, brought out the victims from the guesthouse and shot them one by one," he said by telephone from the province. The NDS said weapons and ammunition were seized in the raid. "This operation was conducted based on operative information on a Taliban hideout center and it left no civilian casualties," the agency said in a statement. The United Nations says nearly 4,000 civilians were killed or wounded in the first half of the year. The toll included a big increase in the number of casualties inflicted by government and US-led foreign forces. Ground raids and clashes caused the most civilian casualties, followed by bomb attacks and airstrikes, UNAMA said in a report last month. There has been no let-up in violence, even though the Taliban and the United States have both reported significant progress in talks on a pact for US troops to withdraw in exchange for a Taliban promise that Afghanistan will not be used as a base for militant attacks. Their latest round of talks ended on Monday without a final agreement. No date has been announced for the next round

Halt Afghan civilian casualties, UN says after report of 11 killed by government

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

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

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

Latest round of peace talks with US finished: Taliban

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said on Sunday peace would come to his country but he appeared to question an expected deal between the United States and the Taliban, saying Afghanistan would decide its future, not outsiders.

Ghani and his US-backed government have not been involved in months of negotiations between the United States and the Taliban on an agreement for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/taliban-must-agree-to-a-ceasefire-and-join-the-intra-afghan-peace-talks-215289">US troops to withdraw </a>in exchange for a Taliban promise that Afghanistan would not be used by international militants to plot attacks.

While the pact is expected to include a Taliban commitment to open power-sharing talks with Afghan rivals, it is not expected to include a Taliban ceasefire with the government, leading to fears the Taliban will fight on when US forces leave.

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"Peace is a desire for each Afghan and peace will come, there shouldn't be any doubt about it," Ghani told a gathering for prayers marking the Eid al-Adha Muslim festival.

"But we want a peace in which each Afghan has dignity. We don't want a peace in which Afghans wouldn't have dignity. We don't want a peace that would cause our people to leave their country."

The Taliban and the United States have both reported significant progress in their negotiations, with one <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-deny-discussing-ceasefire-afghan-dialogue-with-us-202101">Taliban official</a> saying a pact could be signed this week after the Eid holiday.

An agreement would allow US President Donald Trump to achieve his aim of ending a war launched in the days after September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

The Taliban do not recognise the Kabul government and have refused to talk to it.

Ghani made no reference to the United States or to the expected US-Taliban pact but said Afghans should decide their fate, not outside powers, even if they were allies.

"Our future cannot be decided outside, whether in the capital cities of our friends or neighbours. The fate of Afghanistan will be decided here in Afghanistan," he said.

He also said a presidential election, scheduled for September 28, in which he hopes to win a second term, was essential.

The Taliban have denounced the election as a sham and threatened to attack rallies. There has been speculation that the vote could be postponed if the United States struck the deal with the militants.

"The Afghan people want a strong, efficient and responsible government, and this is not possible without elections," Ghani said. 
&nbsp;

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said on Sunday peace would come to his country but he appeared to question an expected deal between the United States and the Taliban, saying Afghanistan would decide its future, not outsiders.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said on Sunday peace would come to his country but he appeared to question an expected deal between the United States and the Taliban, saying Afghanistan would decide its future, not outsiders. Ghani and his US-backed government have not been involved in months of negotiations between the United States and the Taliban on an agreement for US troops to withdraw in exchange for a Taliban promise that Afghanistan would not be used by international militants to plot attacks. While the pact is expected to include a Taliban commitment to open power-sharing talks with Afghan rivals, it is not expected to include a Taliban ceasefire with the government, leading to fears the Taliban will fight on when US forces leave. × "Peace is a desire for each Afghan and peace will come, there shouldn't be any doubt about it," Ghani told a gathering for prayers marking the Eid al-Adha Muslim festival. "But we want a peace in which each Afghan has dignity. We don't want a peace in which Afghans wouldn't have dignity. We don't want a peace that would cause our people to leave their country." The Taliban and the United States have both reported significant progress in their negotiations, with one Taliban official saying a pact could be signed this week after the Eid holiday. An agreement would allow US President Donald Trump to achieve his aim of ending a war launched in the days after September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. The Taliban do not recognise the Kabul government and have refused to talk to it. Ghani made no reference to the United States or to the expected US-Taliban pact but said Afghans should decide their fate, not outside powers, even if they were allies. "Our future cannot be decided outside, whether in the capital cities of our friends or neighbours. The fate of Afghanistan will be decided here in Afghanistan," he said. He also said a presidential election, scheduled for September 28, in which he hopes to win a second term, was essential. The Taliban have denounced the election as a sham and threatened to attack rallies. There has been speculation that the vote could be postponed if the United States struck the deal with the militants. "The Afghan people want a strong, efficient and responsible government, and this is not possible without elections," Ghani said.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani says peace coming but outsiders can't decide future

The leader of the Taliban said on Thursday the United States had raised a cloud of doubt and uncertainty about an expected deal aimed at allowing it to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan and end its longest war.

The message from Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, to mark the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday, came a day after a Taliban suicide bomber killed 14 people and wounded 145 in Kabul in an attack the government said raised questions about the militants'&nbsp;commitment to peace despite the talks with the United States.

Akhundzada called for trust but did not refer to Wednesday's bombing in his message. He said the Taliban had taken "incredible strides" towards their goal of "ending the occupation and establishing an Islamic system".

Addressing American officials, Akhundzada said the Taliban were engaged in negotiations with them with "utmost seriousness" and called for sincerity to end the "18-year tragedy".

"However, the increasing blind and brutal bombings by America during the negotiation process, attacks on civilian areas and the contradictory statements by your military and political officials have generated a cloud of uncertainty about this process and raised doubts about your intentions," he said.

"Bilateral trust is the foundation of a successful negotiations process, therefore, it is imperative that such negative actions are ceased," Akhundzada said.

The negotiations, which began late last year in Qatar, have not brought a reduction in violence, with both the Taliban and Afghan government forces, assisted by US-led international troops, launching assaults against each other.

At the same time, the violence has had virtually no impact on the talks. Both sides reported significant progress this week in their efforts to forge a deal.&nbsp;

The expected pact will be centred on a timeline for the withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops in exchange for a Taliban promise that Afghanistan will not be used as a base for international terrorism, both sides have said.

About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. Some US&nbsp;forces carry out counter-terrorism operations.

The Taliban said Wednesday's bomb in Kabul was a response to daily attacks by government forces in the countryside.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the US&nbsp;envoy negotiating with the Taliban, condemned the Kabul blast and said the focus should be on reducing violence to prepare "intra-Afghan negotiations that will produce a political roadmap and a permanent ceasefire".

A Taliban promise to talk peace with the US-backed government is likely to be part of any agreement with the United States, but many Afghan government officials fear their war with the Taliban will not end if and when the Americans leave.

The militants control more territory than at any point since the United States bombed them out of power in 2001.

The leader of the Taliban said on Thursday the United States had raised a cloud of doubt and uncertainty about an expected deal aimed at allowing it to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan and end its longest war.

The leader of the Taliban said on Thursday the United States had raised a cloud of doubt and uncertainty about an expected deal aimed at allowing it to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan and end its longest war. The message from Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, to mark the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday, came a day after a Taliban suicide bomber killed 14 people and wounded 145 in Kabul in an attack the government said raised questions about the militants' commitment to peace despite the talks with the United States. Akhundzada called for trust but did not refer to Wednesday's bombing in his message. He said the Taliban had taken "incredible strides" towards their goal of "ending the occupation and establishing an Islamic system". Addressing American officials, Akhundzada said the Taliban were engaged in negotiations with them with "utmost seriousness" and called for sincerity to end the "18-year tragedy". "However, the increasing blind and brutal bombings by America during the negotiation process, attacks on civilian areas and the contradictory statements by your military and political officials have generated a cloud of uncertainty about this process and raised doubts about your intentions," he said. "Bilateral trust is the foundation of a successful negotiations process, therefore, it is imperative that such negative actions are ceased," Akhundzada said. The negotiations, which began late last year in Qatar, have not brought a reduction in violence, with both the Taliban and Afghan government forces, assisted by US-led international troops, launching assaults against each other. At the same time, the violence has had virtually no impact on the talks. Both sides reported significant progress this week in their efforts to forge a deal. The expected pact will be centred on a timeline for the withdrawal of US troops in exchange for a Taliban promise that Afghanistan will not be used as a base for international terrorism, both sides have said. About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. Some US forces carry out counter-terrorism operations. The Taliban said Wednesday's bomb in Kabul was a response to daily attacks by government forces in the countryside. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US envoy negotiating with the Taliban, condemned the Kabul blast and said the focus should be on reducing violence to prepare "intra-Afghan negotiations that will produce a political roadmap and a permanent ceasefire". A Taliban promise to talk peace with the US-backed government is likely to be part of any agreement with the United States, but many Afghan government officials fear their war with the Taliban will not end if and when the Americans leave. The militants control more territory than at any point since the United States bombed them out of power in 2001.

Afghan Taliban leader accuses US of creating doubts over pact

A Taliban suicide car bomber targeted a police station the Afghan capital on Wednesday, killing 14 people.

Explosion rocks Afghan capital of Kabul

Taliban, the Afghan insurgent group which is designated as a terror group by several countries, has added its two cents on the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/abrogation-of-article-370-pakistan-downgrades-ties-with-india-looks-towards-china-for-support-241399">India-Pakistan tensions</a> in the backdrop of New Delhi removing a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-35a-370-acted-as-a-tool-to-spread-terrorism-and-violence-in-valley-pm-modi-241575">special status for Jammu and Kashmir</a>.

The group in a release, while expressing its concerns on India's decision, urged both "India and Pakistan to refrain from taking steps that could pave a way for violence and complications in the region" 
&nbsp; 
The group explained that it&nbsp;"having gained bitter experiences from war and conflict"&nbsp;requests&nbsp;"peace and use of rational pathways to solve regional issues.

Taliban which&nbsp;controlled&nbsp;a major portion of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 also slammed&nbsp;Islamabad for linking the Afghan peace process with developments in Kashmir.&nbsp;

It said, "Linking the issue of Kashmir with that of Afghanistan by some parties will not aid in improving the crisis at hand because the issue is not related nor should Afghanistan be turned into the theatre of competition between other countries."

Remember earlier this month Pakistan linked Afghan peace process with the situation at the line of control.

Speaking to a Pakistani media channel, Pakistan Foreign Minister SM Qureshi&nbsp;said, "Afghan&nbsp;peace process is going through a critical stage...the action by the Indian army is a distraction. These spoilers can impact peace."

The last time such a statement was made, Kabul summoned Pakistani envoy to&nbsp;Afghanistan.

In February, in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed, the Pakistani envoy to Kabul Zahid Nasrullah linked any response by Indian army impacting the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;peace process.

Taliban is currently in talks with the US in Doha over an agreement that can see American troops leaving the landlock south Asian country. US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad who is leading the talks from American side was recently in Delhi and said India has an important role to play in the Afghan peace process.&nbsp;

Taliban, the Afghan insurgent group which is designated as a terror group by several countries, has added its two cents on the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions in the backdrop of New Delhi removing a special status for Jammu and Kashmir.

Taliban, the Afghan insurgent group which is designated as a terror group by several countries, has added its two cents on the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions in the backdrop of New Delhi removing a special status for Jammu and Kashmir. The group in a release, while expressing its concerns on India's decision, urged both "India and Pakistan to refrain from taking steps that could pave a way for violence and complications in the region" The group explained that it "having gained bitter experiences from war and conflict" requests "peace and use of rational pathways to solve regional issues. Taliban which controlled a major portion of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 also slammed Islamabad for linking the Afghan peace process with developments in Kashmir. It said, "Linking the issue of Kashmir with that of Afghanistan by some parties will not aid in improving the crisis at hand because the issue is not related nor should Afghanistan be turned into the theatre of competition between other countries." Remember earlier this month Pakistan linked Afghan peace process with the situation at the line of control. Speaking to a Pakistani media channel, Pakistan Foreign Minister SM Qureshi said, "Afghan peace process is going through a critical stage...the action by the Indian army is a distraction. These spoilers can impact peace." The last time such a statement was made, Kabul summoned Pakistani envoy to Afghanistan. In February, in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed, the Pakistani envoy to Kabul Zahid Nasrullah linked any response by Indian army impacting the Afghan peace process. Taliban is currently in talks with the US in Doha over an agreement that can see American troops leaving the landlock south Asian country. US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad who is leading the talks from American side was recently in Delhi and said India has an important role to play in the Afghan peace process.

Taliban slams Pakistan for linking Kashmir with Afghan peace process

A large explosion occurred in&nbsp;Kabul on Wednesday morning, sending massive plume of smoke over the capital and shattering shop windows far from the blast site.

The blast occurred around 9:00 am(local time) during morning rush hour in western Kabul, interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi told AFP.

The Taliban said a "recruitment centre" had been attacked by one of their suicide bombers while claiming responsibility for the attack.

"A large number of soldiers and police were killed or wounded," the Taliban said in a statement.

The bomb went off when a vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint outside the police station, said interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi.

Health ministry spokesman Wahidullah Mayar said at least 95 people, mostly civilians and including women and children, had been taken to hospital.

On August 4, two people were killed in a bus bomb attack in the Afghan capital. The interior ministry had said homemade&nbsp;"sticky bomb" was used to carry out the attack.

The blast targeted local TV station employees, the ministry had said.

No group had claimed responsibility for the attack. 
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(Inputs: AFP, Reuters)

 
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A large explosion occurred in Kabul on Wednesday morning, sending massive plume of smoke over the capital and shattering shop windows far from the blast site. The blast occurred around 9:00 am(local time) during morning rush hour in western Kabul, interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi told AFP.

A large explosion occurred in Kabul on Wednesday morning, sending massive plume of smoke over the capital and shattering shop windows far from the blast site. The blast occurred around 9:00 am(local time) during morning rush hour in western Kabul, interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi told AFP. The Taliban said a "recruitment centre" had been attacked by one of their suicide bombers while claiming responsibility for the attack. "A large number of soldiers and police were killed or wounded," the Taliban said in a statement. The bomb went off when a vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint outside the police station, said interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi. Health ministry spokesman Wahidullah Mayar said at least 95 people, mostly civilians and including women and children, had been taken to hospital. On August 4, two people were killed in a bus bomb attack in the Afghan capital. The interior ministry had said homemade "sticky bomb" was used to carry out the attack. The blast targeted local TV station employees, the ministry had said. No group had claimed responsibility for the attack. (Inputs: AFP, Reuters)

At least 95 people injured in Kabul blast; Taliban claims responsibility

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