Taliban fighters have killed 12 security forces in the last 48 hours in ongoing fighting in Afghanistan's western province of Badghis, the defence ministry said Monday.

In the latest assault on Afghan forces -- who have faced devastating losses in recent years -- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-to-hold-peace-talks-with-taliban-in-qatar-208717">Taliban fighters</a> last week smashed through government lines near the city of Bala Murghab, seizing several checkpoints.

"It is with great sadness we announce that during these operations, eight Afghan National Army and four police who fought with bravery and courage accepted martyrdom," the defence ministry said in a statement.

Another 10 soldiers and 24 police were wounded in the operation that killed "99 Taliban terrorists," it added.

Clearance operations continue in the district, officials said, and security forces helped Red Cross workers evacuate the bodies of Taliban fighters that had been left on battlefields.

Jamshid Shahabi, the spokesman for the Badghis governor, told AFP that fighting continued near the district's main marketplace.

Afghan and US-led aircraft were striking Taliban positions, he said. "They have suffered heavy casualties."

The defence ministry last week said Afghan forces had made a "tactical retreat" from a number of checkpoints in the district to "avoid civilian casualties".

Abdul Aziz Beg, the head of the Badghis provincial council, had described the situation as "critical" and called for reinforcements.

The Taliban said they had conducted a coordinated attack on a series of government checkpoints, killing 12 security forces.

The militants launched their assault ahead of a widely expected spring offensive.

They typically declare a new fighting season as winter snows melt, and have in the past sought to gain control of district centres and target government facilities.

The clash started as Zalmay Khalilzad, the US envoy tasked with forging a peace deal with the Taliban, was in Afghanistan, where he spoke with national leaders and stakeholders.

Khalilzad is expected in the coming days to go to Qatar, where Taliban and Afghan officials are due to meet.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP the talks were set to begin on April 14.

In January, President Ashraf Ghani said 45,000 security forces had been killed since he took office in September 2014.

Taliban fighters have killed 12 security forces in the last 48 hours in ongoing fighting in Afghanistan's western province of Badghis, the defence ministry said Monday.

Taliban fighters have killed 12 security forces in the last 48 hours in ongoing fighting in Afghanistan's western province of Badghis, the defence ministry said Monday. In the latest assault on Afghan forces -- who have faced devastating losses in recent years -- Taliban fighters last week smashed through government lines near the city of Bala Murghab, seizing several checkpoints. "It is with great sadness we announce that during these operations, eight Afghan National Army and four police who fought with bravery and courage accepted martyrdom," the defence ministry said in a statement. Another 10 soldiers and 24 police were wounded in the operation that killed "99 Taliban terrorists," it added. Clearance operations continue in the district, officials said, and security forces helped Red Cross workers evacuate the bodies of Taliban fighters that had been left on battlefields. Jamshid Shahabi, the spokesman for the Badghis governor, told AFP that fighting continued near the district's main marketplace. Afghan and US-led aircraft were striking Taliban positions, he said. "They have suffered heavy casualties." The defence ministry last week said Afghan forces had made a "tactical retreat" from a number of checkpoints in the district to "avoid civilian casualties". Abdul Aziz Beg, the head of the Badghis provincial council, had described the situation as "critical" and called for reinforcements. The Taliban said they had conducted a coordinated attack on a series of government checkpoints, killing 12 security forces. The militants launched their assault ahead of a widely expected spring offensive. They typically declare a new fighting season as winter snows melt, and have in the past sought to gain control of district centres and target government facilities. The clash started as Zalmay Khalilzad, the US envoy tasked with forging a peace deal with the Taliban, was in Afghanistan, where he spoke with national leaders and stakeholders. Khalilzad is expected in the coming days to go to Qatar, where Taliban and Afghan officials are due to meet. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP the talks were set to begin on April 14. In January, President Ashraf Ghani said 45,000 security forces had been killed since he took office in September 2014.

Taliban kill 12 Afghan security forces in western Afghanistan

In a landmark decision, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/afghan-peace-talks-india-must-update-its-contingency-plans-to-prevent-talibans-takeover-of-kabul-207911&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiv37P99L_hAhX-7HMBHeszCJAQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3ik_GmmZHIZKrcl-l5sQFH">Afghanistan</a> on Sunday (local time) announced that it will send an official delegation to Qatar later this month for <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-talks-end-for-now-with-no-afghan-peace-deal-202982&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjUiL-V9b_hAhXK6nMBHVGYAOgQFggKMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3if3NX58Ni-BcX6wH8M6S7">peace talks </a>with the Taliban.

"An inclusive official delegation will attend the Qatar meeting representing Afghanistan," Anadolu News Agency quoted Mohammad Umer Daudzai, special presidential envoy, as saying. The Taliban is yet to respond to the development. The group has so far refused to participate in the peace talks initiated by the Afghan government.

The announcement comes in the midst of US special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad`s multi-nation tour on Afghanistan`s peace process and to give a renewed push for stalled negotiations between Kabul and the Taliban. It also comes after several rounds of negotiations between the US and Taliban in Doha, Qatar`s capital city.

These negotiations are aimed at ending the nearly two-decades-old conflict in Afghanistan.No dates have been announced yet for the next round of talks, which is slated to take place later this month. Last month, Afghan Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah had said that the Taliban is an "obstacle" in the way of reaching peace in war-torn Afghanistan.

He also professed that the formation of a negotiation team can prevent the Taliban from making an "excuse" to avoid talks."Taliban has been the obstacle for taking the first step (for peace) because they have an excuse that we do not negotiate with government and that is why I say that Taliban is an obstacle on the way of reaching to peace," TOLONews had quoted Abdullah said as saying.

In February, Russia had hosted a meeting on Afghanistan`s peace process in which various Taliban members were invited. However, Afghanistan was not invited to the meet. On being snubbed for the summit, Kabul had expressed reservations and said that the talks in Moscow were held against the spirit of Afghan-led and owned peace process.&nbsp;

In a landmark decision, Afghanistan on Sunday (local time) announced that it will send an official delegation to Qatar later this month for peace talks with the Taliban.

In a landmark decision, Afghanistan on Sunday (local time) announced that it will send an official delegation to Qatar later this month for peace talks with the Taliban. "An inclusive official delegation will attend the Qatar meeting representing Afghanistan," Anadolu News Agency quoted Mohammad Umer Daudzai, special presidential envoy, as saying. The Taliban is yet to respond to the development. The group has so far refused to participate in the peace talks initiated by the Afghan government. The announcement comes in the midst of US special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad`s multi-nation tour on Afghanistan`s peace process and to give a renewed push for stalled negotiations between Kabul and the Taliban. It also comes after several rounds of negotiations between the US and Taliban in Doha, Qatar`s capital city. These negotiations are aimed at ending the nearly two-decades-old conflict in Afghanistan.No dates have been announced yet for the next round of talks, which is slated to take place later this month. Last month, Afghan Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah had said that the Taliban is an "obstacle" in the way of reaching peace in war-torn Afghanistan. He also professed that the formation of a negotiation team can prevent the Taliban from making an "excuse" to avoid talks."Taliban has been the obstacle for taking the first step (for peace) because they have an excuse that we do not negotiate with government and that is why I say that Taliban is an obstacle on the way of reaching to peace," TOLONews had quoted Abdullah said as saying. In February, Russia had hosted a meeting on Afghanistan`s peace process in which various Taliban members were invited. However, Afghanistan was not invited to the meet. On being snubbed for the summit, Kabul had expressed reservations and said that the talks in Moscow were held against the spirit of Afghan-led and owned peace process.

Afghanistan to hold peace talks with Taliban in Qatar

Afghanistan's chief executive <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/im-for-talks-with-taliban-without-any-conditions-says-afghanistan-chief-executive-abdullah-abdullah-192333&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjb17zq8L_hAhXL73MBHX_xArgQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3lGAhloVZgWcxIRcd8szOD">Abdullah Abdullah </a>welcomed Kabul's decision Sunday to send a delegation to meet with the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/interim-government-not-in-afghanistans-interests-abdullah-abdullah-189400&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjb17zq8L_hAhXL73MBHX_xArgQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0-WJpkA7qYW01xJzINrwrG">Taliban</a>, saying he hoped they would present a "unified position" for the Afghan people.

In an ongoing push to find a way out of the country's 17-year-old war, Kabul had earlier announced it would send representatives to "exchange views" with Taliban officials at fresh talks, due to take place in the Qatari capital Doha later this month.

US and Taliban officials have held several rounds of talks but the militant group has so far refused to talk directly to the Afghan government, which they consider an illegitimate regime.

"We need to have governmental and nongovernmental politicians in one platform, and talk future peace and reconciliation," Abdullah told AFP on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Jordan.

"The aim of (the delegation) is to present a unified position of (the) people of Afghanistan", he added.

Mohammad <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-an-obstacle-in-peace-process-afghan-chief-executive-officer-206136&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjb17zq8L_hAhXL73MBHX_xArgQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1UpH1pikEKs4TdJhoz57PL">Omar Daudzai</a>, President Ashraf Ghani's envoy for peace, said the delegation would serve only to swap views with the Taliban, and its members would not necessarily be the same as a formal negotiating team.

Officials will meet Wednesday in Kabul to finalise delegates, and to decide who might comprise an official negotiating team.

In a statement, the Taliban said the upcoming Doha talks would clarify participants' "views and policies and sharing their stance".

"The said conference is not a negotiations summit or meeting," the Islamist extremist group said.

The Taliban and Afghan opposition groups held a similar meeting in Moscow in February.

US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad spent last week in Afghanistan as part of an ongoing push for a peace deal.&nbsp;

His visit came against the backdrop of strains between Washington and Ghani's administration, which has complained bitterly of being sidelined in peace talks.

Khalilzad has repeatedly called on Ghani to form a strong negotiating team to reach a deal before the country's delayed presidential elections, now slated for September.

On Friday, during a side trip, Khalilzad made to Pakistan, Prime Minister Imran Khan said he had some "brotherly advice" for Afghanistan, suggesting an interim government in Kabul to help smooth the talks process.

It was not the first time Khan had made such a suggestion. Kabul was again furious, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned a Pakistani diplomat to explain the remarks.

The notion of an interim government to tide things over between the end of Ghani's term in May and an election has sparked controversy in Afghanistan, and there is as yet no clarity as to what will happen.

An "interim government for the sake just of interim government, I am not for it, (it) will not solve anything," Abdullah said.

"An interim arrangement as a result of the package for peace that is agreed upon between both sides -- why not?"

Khalilzad left Afghanistan on Sunday following what the US embassy called "productive" talks.

"Khalilzad was pleased to see the Afghans with whom he met, inside and outside government, coming together to put peace first," the embassy said in a statement.

Afghanistan's chief executive Abdullah Abdullah welcomed Kabul's decision Sunday to send a delegation to meet with the Taliban, saying he hoped they would present a "unified position" for the Afghan people.

Afghanistan's chief executive Abdullah Abdullah welcomed Kabul's decision Sunday to send a delegation to meet with the Taliban, saying he hoped they would present a "unified position" for the Afghan people. In an ongoing push to find a way out of the country's 17-year-old war, Kabul had earlier announced it would send representatives to "exchange views" with Taliban officials at fresh talks, due to take place in the Qatari capital Doha later this month. US and Taliban officials have held several rounds of talks but the militant group has so far refused to talk directly to the Afghan government, which they consider an illegitimate regime. "We need to have governmental and nongovernmental politicians in one platform, and talk future peace and reconciliation," Abdullah told AFP on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Jordan. "The aim of (the delegation) is to present a unified position of (the) people of Afghanistan", he added. Mohammad Omar Daudzai, President Ashraf Ghani's envoy for peace, said the delegation would serve only to swap views with the Taliban, and its members would not necessarily be the same as a formal negotiating team. Officials will meet Wednesday in Kabul to finalise delegates, and to decide who might comprise an official negotiating team. In a statement, the Taliban said the upcoming Doha talks would clarify participants' "views and policies and sharing their stance". "The said conference is not a negotiations summit or meeting," the Islamist extremist group said. The Taliban and Afghan opposition groups held a similar meeting in Moscow in February. US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad spent last week in Afghanistan as part of an ongoing push for a peace deal. His visit came against the backdrop of strains between Washington and Ghani's administration, which has complained bitterly of being sidelined in peace talks. Khalilzad has repeatedly called on Ghani to form a strong negotiating team to reach a deal before the country's delayed presidential elections, now slated for September. On Friday, during a side trip, Khalilzad made to Pakistan, Prime Minister Imran Khan said he had some "brotherly advice" for Afghanistan, suggesting an interim government in Kabul to help smooth the talks process. It was not the first time Khan had made such a suggestion. Kabul was again furious, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned a Pakistani diplomat to explain the remarks. The notion of an interim government to tide things over between the end of Ghani's term in May and an election has sparked controversy in Afghanistan, and there is as yet no clarity as to what will happen. An "interim government for the sake just of interim government, I am not for it, (it) will not solve anything," Abdullah said. "An interim arrangement as a result of the package for peace that is agreed upon between both sides -- why not?" Khalilzad left Afghanistan on Sunday following what the US embassy called "productive" talks. "Khalilzad was pleased to see the Afghans with whom he met, inside and outside government, coming together to put peace first," the embassy said in a statement.

Afghan chief executive supports delegation for Taliban talks

Twin explosions on Saturday in the eastern Afghanistan city of Jalalabad killed three people and injured 19 others, a government spokesman said.

Two children and eight security forces were among the casualties, said Ataullah Khogyani, spokesman for the Nangarhar provincial government.

It was not clear what caused the explosions.

No group took immediate responsibility. Islamic State emerged in Nangarhar in 2015 on the porous border with Pakistan to become one of Afghanistan's most dangerous militant groups for its bombing and complex attacks.

Fighting between militant groups, and between the Taliban and Afghan forces has intensified in recent weeks amid recurring peace talks.

Twin explosions on Saturday in the eastern Afghanistan city of Jalalabad killed three people and injured 19 others, a government spokesman said. Two children and eight security forces were among the casualties, said Ataullah Khogyani, spokesman for the Nangarhar provincial government.

Twin explosions on Saturday in the eastern Afghanistan city of Jalalabad killed three people and injured 19 others, a government spokesman said. Two children and eight security forces were among the casualties, said Ataullah Khogyani, spokesman for the Nangarhar provincial government. It was not clear what caused the explosions. No group took immediate responsibility. Islamic State emerged in Nangarhar in 2015 on the porous border with Pakistan to become one of Afghanistan's most dangerous militant groups for its bombing and complex attacks. Fighting between militant groups, and between the Taliban and Afghan forces has intensified in recent weeks amid recurring peace talks.

Double blast kills three people, injures 19 in east Afghanistan

Hundreds of Taliban fighters stormed a district in Afghanistan's western Badghis province, with both Afghan government forces and the insurgent group suffering dozens of casualties, provincial officials said.

The district of Bala Murghab has been a recurring hotspot of fighting in the past two months, and officials have previously warned that it could fall to the Taliban without reinforcements.

Fighting in Afghanistan has escalated ahead of the usual spring season, as both sides seek to increase leverage in talks on a peace settlement.

The Taliban killed 36 members of the government forces and captured several security checkpoints in attacks that began on Wednesday night, Waris Sherzad, district governor of Bala Murghab, said late on Thursday. Fighting was ongoing, he said.

More than 30 Taliban were also killed, said Jamshed Shahabi spokesman for Badghis' provincial governor.

Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi said it attacked from four directions, capturing five checkpoints.

Afghanistan's defence ministry, in a series of tweets, said its forces chose to "tactically retreat" from the checkpoints to prevent civilian casualties. The ministry said it called in multiple air strikes on Taliban positions.

The conflict in Badghis has been particularly intense along with northern Kunduz province and Helmand province in the south in recent weeks. Both sides took heavy casualties in Badghis last month, and at one point 50 members of Afghan security forces surrendered to the Taliban.

Fighting between militant groups has also intensified. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a statement on Thursday that Islamic State attacks on Taliban positions on March 23 resulted in 21,000 people being displaced in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces.

The latest round of peace talks between US and Taliban officials wrapped up last month, with both sides citing progress.

Hundreds of Taliban fighters stormed a district in Afghanistan's western Badghis province, with both Afghan government forces and the insurgent group suffering dozens of casualties, provincial officials said.

Hundreds of Taliban fighters stormed a district in Afghanistan's western Badghis province, with both Afghan government forces and the insurgent group suffering dozens of casualties, provincial officials said. The district of Bala Murghab has been a recurring hotspot of fighting in the past two months, and officials have previously warned that it could fall to the Taliban without reinforcements. Fighting in Afghanistan has escalated ahead of the usual spring season, as both sides seek to increase leverage in talks on a peace settlement. The Taliban killed 36 members of the government forces and captured several security checkpoints in attacks that began on Wednesday night, Waris Sherzad, district governor of Bala Murghab, said late on Thursday. Fighting was ongoing, he said. More than 30 Taliban were also killed, said Jamshed Shahabi spokesman for Badghis' provincial governor. Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi said it attacked from four directions, capturing five checkpoints. Afghanistan's defence ministry, in a series of tweets, said its forces chose to "tactically retreat" from the checkpoints to prevent civilian casualties. The ministry said it called in multiple air strikes on Taliban positions. The conflict in Badghis has been particularly intense along with northern Kunduz province and Helmand province in the south in recent weeks. Both sides took heavy casualties in Badghis last month, and at one point 50 members of Afghan security forces surrendered to the Taliban. Fighting between militant groups has also intensified. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a statement on Thursday that Islamic State attacks on Taliban positions on March 23 resulted in 21,000 people being displaced in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces. The latest round of peace talks between US and Taliban officials wrapped up last month, with both sides citing progress.

Taliban storms west Afghanistan district, kills dozens

Swapping Kalashnikovs for bat and pads: Taliban's cricket connection

During a lull in Afghanistan's never-ending war, before the fighting season resumes once again in the spring, Taliban fighters recall laying down their Kalashnikovs and, for a brief moment, enjoying a game of cricket.

The sport is the only one most of the fighters enjoy, commanders say, with matches attracting hundreds of spectators from Taliban-controlled villages when there is no fighting. They are also fans of the increasingly successful national team.

"I love cricket," said Mullah Badruddin, a Taliban commander in Khogyani district of Nangarhar, on the border with Pakistan, where a tournament organised by the militants at the start of last winter drew large crowds.

"When Afghanistan play against another team, we listen to the radio with great interest and we also check for scores in social media and follow those in Facebook who give live updates," he told Reuters by telephone.

First played in Afghanistan by British troops in the 19th Century, the game was adopted by Afghans in the refugee camps of cricket-loving Pakistan, where more than 3 million fled a Soviet invasion and civil war in the 1980s and 1990s, and has since made huge strides in the country, particularly among ethnic Pashtuns in the eastern border provinces.

Taj Malook Khan, who helped set up the Afghan Cricket Club in Kacha Gari refugee camp outside the Pakistani city of Peshawar in the 1980s, and a small group of players used to cross into Afghanistan during the 1990s Taliban era to play and promote cricket.

The Taliban had banned games such as cricket and football in the early years of their austere rule because they believed they kept men away from prayers, according to former national cricketer Hasti Gul, but later became more tolerant of cricket.

From there, despite at least two attacks in the past couple of years on cricket matches claimed by the ultra-radical Islamic State group, the game now rivals football for popularity in a country that has long been cut off from international sport.

STAR NAMES

Admitted as a full member of the International Cricket Council in 2017, Afghanistan won its first five-day Test match against Ireland last month after making steady progress in the lower levels of the international game.

However, it is in the dynamic, shorter form of the sport that Afghans have had most impact.

Players such as spin bowler Rashid Khan or big hitting batsman Mohammad Nabi Esakhil have become undisputed stars of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the razzle-dazzle showcase of so-called T20 cricket, the 12th season of which has just got underway.

Despite the Taliban's former suspicion of organised sports and their opposition to much of the transformation in Afghanistan since their hardline Islamic regime was toppled in 2001, many of the mainly Pashtun movement's fighters are fans.

Unlike football, which offends the sensibilities of some very conservative Muslims because it is normally played in shorts, cricket is played in long sleeves and trousers, in line with traditional dress codes. It also bears some resemblance to traditional Afghan children's games involving throwing and using sticks to hit smaller sticks or balls.

Karim Sadiq, a former batsman in the national team and an early pioneer of the sport who visited some Taliban-controlled areas in eastern Afghanistan this year, said he was mobbed by fighters asking about the game and their favourite players.

A video clip he shot on his mobile phone shows dozens of Taliban, many with Kalashnikov automatic rifles slung across their shoulders, dissecting the quality of the team.

"I like all the players but my favourite is Rashid Khan Arman," says one fighter, referring to the young spin bowler who stars for the Afghan national side and IPL's Sunrisers Hyderabad. "His bowling is amazing."

WORLD CUP DREAM

With the approach of the cricket World Cup in England and Wales from May to July, Afghanistan's hopes of making a dent in the tournament are higher than they have ever been, even if few give them a chance against giants of the game such as India, Australia or England.

"We have a very strong team and my dream is Afghanistan bring the World Cup home," said Hazrat Gul, a young cricketer in the eastern city of Jalalabad, as he prepared to play a friendly match against a team from neighbouring Kunar province.

As peace talks between the US government and Taliban officials continue and Afghanistan looks for a way out of 40 years of conflict, excitement is building and officials and government ministers lavish praise on the players, whom President Ashraf Ghani has called national heroes.

From the other side of the war, the feeling is similar. Sadiq who has just returned to practice after a long injury, aiming to take part in the upcoming World Cup, said the Taliban usually send them congratulatory messages through social media and on his cellphone when Afghanistan win.

Such broad appeal has seen the sport widely hailed as a unifying force in Afghanistan, a patchwork of different languages and cultures, sometimes at peace with each other but increasingly in recent years in conflict.

ETHNIC DIVIDES

Not everyone is on board the cricket bandwagon, however.

Look deeper, and the state of the game has much to say about a country where sport has repeatedly attracted violence, including suicide attacks on cricket and wrestling matches, and where politics is increasingly divided along ethnic lines that shade into all aspects of life.

For many Persian-speaking Tajiks and Hazaras, cricket is a sport for Pashtuns, the dominant ethnic group from the south and east of the country that has provided almost all kings and presidents throughout Afghan history.

"I have no interest and don't know anything about cricket," said Ahmad Jawad, a shopkeeper in Parwan, a mainly Tajik province north of Kabul. "It's a Pashtun game with Pashtun players, so let them enjoy their game."

After the Taliban fell following the U.S.-led campaign of 2001, Sadiq and Gul - brothers who, like many teammates, learned their cricket in Pakistan - and other players struggled to convince Tajik commanders from the victorious Northern Alliance that swept into Kabul to allow them to continue playing the game.

"Palace officials told us to join Afghan guard units and forget about cricket," said Gul, who recalled having to cancel a provincial tournament in Kabul in 2005 after losing a fistfight with soccer players who wanted to use the pitch.

Now, with the IPL beamed into homes all over the country and the looming World Cup, he feels change is coming and the sport can give Afghanistan a platform no other can equal, one that offers hope for a more normal future after so many years of war.

"We literally had no support from the government for so many years before they have realized we could bring glory to our country," he said. "Now everyone loves cricket and we are so proud to raise our national flag on the world stage."

During a lull in Afghanistan's never-ending war, before the fighting season resumes once again in the spring, Taliban fighters recall laying down their Kalashnikovs and, for a brief moment, enjoying a game of cricket.

During a lull in Afghanistan's never-ending war, before the fighting season resumes once again in the spring, Taliban fighters recall laying down their Kalashnikovs and, for a brief moment, enjoying a game of cricket. The sport is the only one most of the fighters enjoy, commanders say, with matches attracting hundreds of spectators from Taliban-controlled villages when there is no fighting. They are also fans of the increasingly successful national team. "I love cricket," said Mullah Badruddin, a Taliban commander in Khogyani district of Nangarhar, on the border with Pakistan, where a tournament organised by the militants at the start of last winter drew large crowds. "When Afghanistan play against another team, we listen to the radio with great interest and we also check for scores in social media and follow those in Facebook who give live updates," he told Reuters by telephone. First played in Afghanistan by British troops in the 19th Century, the game was adopted by Afghans in the refugee camps of cricket-loving Pakistan, where more than 3 million fled a Soviet invasion and civil war in the 1980s and 1990s, and has since made huge strides in the country, particularly among ethnic Pashtuns in the eastern border provinces. Taj Malook Khan, who helped set up the Afghan Cricket Club in Kacha Gari refugee camp outside the Pakistani city of Peshawar in the 1980s, and a small group of players used to cross into Afghanistan during the 1990s Taliban era to play and promote cricket. The Taliban had banned games such as cricket and football in the early years of their austere rule because they believed they kept men away from prayers, according to former national cricketer Hasti Gul, but later became more tolerant of cricket. From there, despite at least two attacks in the past couple of years on cricket matches claimed by the ultra-radical Islamic State group, the game now rivals football for popularity in a country that has long been cut off from international sport. STAR NAMES Admitted as a full member of the International Cricket Council in 2017, Afghanistan won its first five-day Test match against Ireland last month after making steady progress in the lower levels of the international game. However, it is in the dynamic, shorter form of the sport that Afghans have had most impact. Players such as spin bowler Rashid Khan or big hitting batsman Mohammad Nabi Esakhil have become undisputed stars of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the razzle-dazzle showcase of so-called T20 cricket, the 12th season of which has just got underway. Despite the Taliban's former suspicion of organised sports and their opposition to much of the transformation in Afghanistan since their hardline Islamic regime was toppled in 2001, many of the mainly Pashtun movement's fighters are fans. Unlike football, which offends the sensibilities of some very conservative Muslims because it is normally played in shorts, cricket is played in long sleeves and trousers, in line with traditional dress codes. It also bears some resemblance to traditional Afghan children's games involving throwing and using sticks to hit smaller sticks or balls. Karim Sadiq, a former batsman in the national team and an early pioneer of the sport who visited some Taliban-controlled areas in eastern Afghanistan this year, said he was mobbed by fighters asking about the game and their favourite players. A video clip he shot on his mobile phone shows dozens of Taliban, many with Kalashnikov automatic rifles slung across their shoulders, dissecting the quality of the team. "I like all the players but my favourite is Rashid Khan Arman," says one fighter, referring to the young spin bowler who stars for the Afghan national side and IPL's Sunrisers Hyderabad. "His bowling is amazing." WORLD CUP DREAM With the approach of the cricket World Cup in England and Wales from May to July, Afghanistan's hopes of making a dent in the tournament are higher than they have ever been, even if few give them a chance against giants of the game such as India, Australia or England. "We have a very strong team and my dream is Afghanistan bring the World Cup home," said Hazrat Gul, a young cricketer in the eastern city of Jalalabad, as he prepared to play a friendly match against a team from neighbouring Kunar province. As peace talks between the US government and Taliban officials continue and Afghanistan looks for a way out of 40 years of conflict, excitement is building and officials and government ministers lavish praise on the players, whom President Ashraf Ghani has called national heroes. From the other side of the war, the feeling is similar. Sadiq who has just returned to practice after a long injury, aiming to take part in the upcoming World Cup, said the Taliban usually send them congratulatory messages through social media and on his cellphone when Afghanistan win. Such broad appeal has seen the sport widely hailed as a unifying force in Afghanistan, a patchwork of different languages and cultures, sometimes at peace with each other but increasingly in recent years in conflict. ETHNIC DIVIDES Not everyone is on board the cricket bandwagon, however. Look deeper, and the state of the game has much to say about a country where sport has repeatedly attracted violence, including suicide attacks on cricket and wrestling matches, and where politics is increasingly divided along ethnic lines that shade into all aspects of life. For many Persian-speaking Tajiks and Hazaras, cricket is a sport for Pashtuns, the dominant ethnic group from the south and east of the country that has provided almost all kings and presidents throughout Afghan history. "I have no interest and don't know anything about cricket," said Ahmad Jawad, a shopkeeper in Parwan, a mainly Tajik province north of Kabul. "It's a Pashtun game with Pashtun players, so let them enjoy their game." After the Taliban fell following the U.S.-led campaign of 2001, Sadiq and Gul - brothers who, like many teammates, learned their cricket in Pakistan - and other players struggled to convince Tajik commanders from the victorious Northern Alliance that swept into Kabul to allow them to continue playing the game. "Palace officials told us to join Afghan guard units and forget about cricket," said Gul, who recalled having to cancel a provincial tournament in Kabul in 2005 after losing a fistfight with soccer players who wanted to use the pitch. Now, with the IPL beamed into homes all over the country and the looming World Cup, he feels change is coming and the sport can give Afghanistan a platform no other can equal, one that offers hope for a more normal future after so many years of war. "We literally had no support from the government for so many years before they have realized we could bring glory to our country," he said. "Now everyone loves cricket and we are so proud to raise our national flag on the world stage."

Swapping Kalashnikovs for bat and pads: Afghan cricket, the Taliban and peace

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad said Monday he was in Kabul to meet with Afghan officials ahead of his next round of talks with the Taliban aimed at ending more than 17 years of war.

The Afghan-born US adviser tweeted that he had already met with some government representatives with responsibility for the Afghan peace process.

"We discussed the urgency of making progress on intra-Afghan dialogue," Khalilzad wrote.

Khalilzad's last round of talks with the Taliban in Doha was originally slated to last two days in February, but dragged on for 16 days, eventually ending March 12 with Khalilzad saying "real strides" had been made.

On the table were proposals to get foreign armed forces to leave Afghanistan, and the Taliban to guarantee the country cannot be used as a springboard for terror groups to launch any future attacks.

The State Department on Friday said Khalilzad's trip was "part of an overall effort to facilitate a peace process that brings all Afghan parties together in inclusive intra-Afghan negotiations".

But so far the talks have not included the Kabul government.

The Taliban have long refused to speak with Kabul, deeming the administration of President Ashraf Ghani -- who is seeking re-election this year -- puppets of the West.

Khalilzad's trip has already seen him stop in London and Brussels as he seeks global support for a peace deal.

Last week, he met with representatives from China, Russia and the European Union in Washington.

 
&nbsp;

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad said Monday he was in Kabul to meet with Afghan officials ahead of his next round of talks with the Taliban aimed at ending more than 17 years of war.

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad said Monday he was in Kabul to meet with Afghan officials ahead of his next round of talks with the Taliban aimed at ending more than 17 years of war. The Afghan-born US adviser tweeted that he had already met with some government representatives with responsibility for the Afghan peace process. "We discussed the urgency of making progress on intra-Afghan dialogue," Khalilzad wrote. Khalilzad's last round of talks with the Taliban in Doha was originally slated to last two days in February, but dragged on for 16 days, eventually ending March 12 with Khalilzad saying "real strides" had been made. On the table were proposals to get foreign armed forces to leave Afghanistan, and the Taliban to guarantee the country cannot be used as a springboard for terror groups to launch any future attacks. The State Department on Friday said Khalilzad's trip was "part of an overall effort to facilitate a peace process that brings all Afghan parties together in inclusive intra-Afghan negotiations". But so far the talks have not included the Kabul government. The Taliban have long refused to speak with Kabul, deeming the administration of President Ashraf Ghani -- who is seeking re-election this year -- puppets of the West. Khalilzad's trip has already seen him stop in London and Brussels as he seeks global support for a peace deal. Last week, he met with representatives from China, Russia and the European Union in Washington.

US peace envoy returns to Kabul ahead of Taliban talks

Afghanistan's vice president, Abdul Rashid Dostum, escaped unhurt from an attack that killed one of his bodyguards on Saturday, dodging death for the second time since returning from exile last year.

Attackers ambushed Dostum's convoy on the way from Mazar-i-Sharif, a city in Balkh province, to Jawzjan province in northern Afghanistan, said Bashir Ahmad Tayenj, spokesman for Dostum's Junbish Party. Two other bodyguards were wounded.

Dostum was aware of a planned attack but decided to travel anyway, the spokesman added.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the assassination attempt, which comes eight months after Dostum avoided injury in a suicide bombing at Kabul airport. In a tweet, the militant group's spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said four guards were killed and six wounded in the attack.

Last summer's bombing, which was claimed by Islamic State, took place as Dostum returned home from more than a year in exile in Turkey over allegations of torturing and abusing a political rival.

Dostum had left Afghanistan after heavy pressure from Western donors including the United States.

Less than a year since his return, the general remains significant if polarising, political figure. His Junbish Party is supported mainly by his fellow ethnic Uzbeks.

Dostum has joined the election team of Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, one of several contenders in a presidential election scheduled for Sept. 28.

Afghanistan's vice president, Abdul Rashid Dostum, escaped unhurt from an attack that killed one of his bodyguards on Saturday, dodging death for the second time since returning from exile last year.

Afghanistan's vice president, Abdul Rashid Dostum, escaped unhurt from an attack that killed one of his bodyguards on Saturday, dodging death for the second time since returning from exile last year. Attackers ambushed Dostum's convoy on the way from Mazar-i-Sharif, a city in Balkh province, to Jawzjan province in northern Afghanistan, said Bashir Ahmad Tayenj, spokesman for Dostum's Junbish Party. Two other bodyguards were wounded. Dostum was aware of a planned attack but decided to travel anyway, the spokesman added. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the assassination attempt, which comes eight months after Dostum avoided injury in a suicide bombing at Kabul airport. In a tweet, the militant group's spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said four guards were killed and six wounded in the attack. Last summer's bombing, which was claimed by Islamic State, took place as Dostum returned home from more than a year in exile in Turkey over allegations of torturing and abusing a political rival. Dostum had left Afghanistan after heavy pressure from Western donors including the United States. Less than a year since his return, the general remains significant if polarising, political figure. His Junbish Party is supported mainly by his fellow ethnic Uzbeks. Dostum has joined the election team of Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, one of several contenders in a presidential election scheduled for Sept. 28.

Afghan vice president narrowly escapes death for a second time

The first woman to win the Afghan version of American Idol says she will fight the Taliban with her music, embracing a victory rich in symbolism as her country faces an uncertain future.

Zahra Elham won the 14th edition of Afghan Star last week, after male contestants took the prize in the hugely popular televised singing competition 13 years in a row.

Elham, from Afghanistan's ethnic Hazara minority, enchanted audiences with her high-pitched, raspy voice, performing Hazara and Persian folk music in traditional loose, colourful Afghan dresses and heels.

The result made international headlines at a time when many women in the deeply patriarchal country fear their hard-won rights may come under threat as Washington, seeking a way out of the war, holds talks with the Taliban.

Elham, who spoke to AFP in an interview at private television channel Tolo, which produces Afghan Star, appeared taken aback by her new fame more than a week on -- but determined to use it to inspire other girls.

"I was very proud of myself but at the same time shocked to be the first woman to win the contest," the young woman in her early 20s said, her hair elegantly covered with an olive green scarf, visibly still uncomfortable with a camera.&nbsp;

No one sings in her family, she said. She was inspired to compete after watching YouTube videos of idols such as Aryana Sayeed, an Afghan pop singer and social media star often likened to Kim Kardashian -- a characterisation that in conservative Afghanistan is a bold, deeply political one.

When asked if she, like Sayeed, is now a role model for Afghanistan's young women, Elham's response underscored the importance of her new platform in a country where women are largely absent from public spaces.

"Yes, my voice is important for the women of Afghanistan," she replied bluntly.

"Other girls will get courage and sing, like I have been following Aryana Sayeed ... when I saw a girl like Aryana Sayeed I thought to myself, 'If she can, so can I. She has two hands and two legs, as do I'."

'Make my future bright'

Despite her passion, Elham, who is also a Justin Bieber and Maher Zain fan, says she has no intention of going in to politics.

But if the Taliban return to some semblance of power in Afghanistan, she says, "I will fight with my music, because I want to make my life music and singing".

The Taliban used their strict interpretation of Islam to ban music and force women behind closed doors and beneath burkas during their austere rule of Afghanistan from 1996 until they were ousted in 2001.

Since then they have waged an increasingly bloody insurgency against the Afghan government and US-led international troops.

Now, as talks with the US progress, fears are sharp in Kabul that Washington may rush to exit, paving the way for the Taliban to return to some semblance of power in Afghanistan.

Young women, keenly aware of how their gender were suppressed under Taliban rule -- and still facing steep restrictions in Afghanistan today -- are among the most vocal in warning they will not compromise their rights if the insurgents return.

For now, however, Elham says her victory is a matter of pride -- and that she remains focused on her music, with plans to learn the guitar and make more video clips of herself performing.

"I see my future in music, and I can make my future bright with singing," she says.

The first woman to win the Afghan version of American Idol says she will fight the Taliban with her music, embracing a victory rich in symbolism as her country faces an uncertain future.

The first woman to win the Afghan version of American Idol says she will fight the Taliban with her music, embracing a victory rich in symbolism as her country faces an uncertain future. Zahra Elham won the 14th edition of Afghan Star last week, after male contestants took the prize in the hugely popular televised singing competition 13 years in a row. Elham, from Afghanistan's ethnic Hazara minority, enchanted audiences with her high-pitched, raspy voice, performing Hazara and Persian folk music in traditional loose, colourful Afghan dresses and heels. The result made international headlines at a time when many women in the deeply patriarchal country fear their hard-won rights may come under threat as Washington, seeking a way out of the war, holds talks with the Taliban. Elham, who spoke to AFP in an interview at private television channel Tolo, which produces Afghan Star, appeared taken aback by her new fame more than a week on -- but determined to use it to inspire other girls. "I was very proud of myself but at the same time shocked to be the first woman to win the contest," the young woman in her early 20s said, her hair elegantly covered with an olive green scarf, visibly still uncomfortable with a camera. No one sings in her family, she said. She was inspired to compete after watching YouTube videos of idols such as Aryana Sayeed, an Afghan pop singer and social media star often likened to Kim Kardashian -- a characterisation that in conservative Afghanistan is a bold, deeply political one. When asked if she, like Sayeed, is now a role model for Afghanistan's young women, Elham's response underscored the importance of her new platform in a country where women are largely absent from public spaces. "Yes, my voice is important for the women of Afghanistan," she replied bluntly. "Other girls will get courage and sing, like I have been following Aryana Sayeed ... when I saw a girl like Aryana Sayeed I thought to myself, 'If she can, so can I. She has two hands and two legs, as do I'." 'Make my future bright' Despite her passion, Elham, who is also a Justin Bieber and Maher Zain fan, says she has no intention of going in to politics. But if the Taliban return to some semblance of power in Afghanistan, she says, "I will fight with my music, because I want to make my life music and singing". The Taliban used their strict interpretation of Islam to ban music and force women behind closed doors and beneath burkas during their austere rule of Afghanistan from 1996 until they were ousted in 2001. Since then they have waged an increasingly bloody insurgency against the Afghan government and US-led international troops. Now, as talks with the US progress, fears are sharp in Kabul that Washington may rush to exit, paving the way for the Taliban to return to some semblance of power in Afghanistan. Young women, keenly aware of how their gender were suppressed under Taliban rule -- and still facing steep restrictions in Afghanistan today -- are among the most vocal in warning they will not compromise their rights if the insurgents return. For now, however, Elham says her victory is a matter of pride -- and that she remains focused on her music, with plans to learn the guitar and make more video clips of herself performing. "I see my future in music, and I can make my future bright with singing," she says.

First woman to win 'Afghan Star' TV show to fight Taliban with music

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

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

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

Taliban kill nine police in checkpoint assault in Afghanistan

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

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

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

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

India’s reluctance to hold talks with the Taliban in view of the latter’s increasing resurgence against the backdrop of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan is both a good example of moral principle and a bad example of faltering on realpolitik. It is all very well not to hurt the sensitivities of the Kabul government, but India cannot afford to sit idle if the Taliban eventually becomes the chief interlocutor of one of its strategically most important neighbours. India’s need to talk to them becomes even more imperative in the light of Iran’s Shia regime, despite being staunchly hostile to the extremist outfit, a Sunni dispensation, establishing an official dialogue with the Taliban.

The bigger irony is that the ‘peace’ talks between the US and the Taliban are happening against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s tortured presidential race scheduled to be held on July 20 and the Taliban’s refusal to talk to the government. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special envoy on Afghan reconciliation, who had six days of consecutive talks with representatives of the Taliban insurgents in Doha, Qatar early this year spoke about how the Taliban, wary of giving sole credit to the incumbent President Ashraf Ghani, whom India trusts, is averse to talking to the current Afghan government. Ghani is currently facing a line of tough contenders, some seventeen of them, challenging his bid for his second term. While Khalilzad has been given six months for Afghan peace efforts, Ghani thinks the peace plan needs at least five years. But with uncertainties looming as to who would govern Afghanistan next, the prudent course of action is to resume talks with the Taliban.

Like India’s dilemma in talking with the Taliban, Pakistan would loathe to deal with a dispensation likely to be run by moderate Pashtuns working with Tajiks, Uzbeks, and Hazaras which might be keen to forge a stronger relationship with India than with Pakistan. New Delhi had lent the northern Afghans support during their civil war with the Taliban in the late 1990s, which might prompt them to ally with India. It is not only them who dislike Pakistan; the moderate Pashtun Afghans have remained grateful for the educational and commercial opportunities India offered them, and they resented Pakistan for stirring up trouble in their landlocked nation. It is true that India would have to talk with the Taliban with the lurking and atavistic fear that the Taliban could one day serve as a proxy force to seize India’s half of the Kashmir region. But if India desists from talking to the Taliban, it would also shy away from those favouring India and waste the benefits of goodwill it had earned so meticulously with more than $3 billion invested by it since 2001, and at a great human cost.

It’s important to consider how the Taliban refused to surrender their vision even when confronted by the United States after September 11, 2001 and how, reinventing themselves as part of a broad insurgency that destabilised Afghanistan, they pledged to drive out the Americans, NATO, and their allies and restore their “Islamic Emirate.”

Having conceded that, it is prudent for India to find a mechanism to begin talks with the Taliban not when they appear as non-state actors but when they are legitimate stakeholders of the reconciliation process. Afghan National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib had already lambasted Khalilzad for “delegitimising” the Ashraf Ghani government by keeping it outside the loop. Having a pacifist worldview, New Delhi’s posture to “participate in all formats of talks which could bring peace and security in the region” would stand it in good stead. The Taliban are virtually from the Pashtun tribe, which comprises Afghanistan’s dominant ethnic group. Taliban is not one monolithic group that can prevent groups like al-Qaeda from operating or resist the emergence of a new similar terrorist group seeking to build an emirate. Due to the same reason, it is no longer subject to ISI’s machinations, having many clones and offshoots with differing loyalties, notably the Al-Khorasan and the Tehrik-e-Taliban which is a breakaway group from the original Taliban created by the Pakistan government only to become the latter’s sworn enemy as evident in the fissures between Afghan Taliban and Pakistan.

With the conflict in Afghanistan entering a critical phase, political leaders begin to recognise that all stakeholders need to engage with the Taliban to negotiate a sustainable peace. India must learn to drift with the tide.

Afghanistan is too important a country to remain outside India’s strategic bounds.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-delhi-can-t-avoid-talking-to-taliban-in-current-scenario-2734269">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

 
&nbsp;

India’s reluctance to hold talks with the Taliban in view of the latter’s increasing resurgence against the backdrop of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan is both a good example of moral principle and a bad example of faltering on realpolitik.

India’s reluctance to hold talks with the Taliban in view of the latter’s increasing resurgence against the backdrop of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan is both a good example of moral principle and a bad example of faltering on realpolitik. It is all very well not to hurt the sensitivities of the Kabul government, but India cannot afford to sit idle if the Taliban eventually becomes the chief interlocutor of one of its strategically most important neighbours. India’s need to talk to them becomes even more imperative in the light of Iran’s Shia regime, despite being staunchly hostile to the extremist outfit, a Sunni dispensation, establishing an official dialogue with the Taliban. The bigger irony is that the ‘peace’ talks between the US and the Taliban are happening against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s tortured presidential race scheduled to be held on July 20 and the Taliban’s refusal to talk to the government. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special envoy on Afghan reconciliation, who had six days of consecutive talks with representatives of the Taliban insurgents in Doha, Qatar early this year spoke about how the Taliban, wary of giving sole credit to the incumbent President Ashraf Ghani, whom India trusts, is averse to talking to the current Afghan government. Ghani is currently facing a line of tough contenders, some seventeen of them, challenging his bid for his second term. While Khalilzad has been given six months for Afghan peace efforts, Ghani thinks the peace plan needs at least five years. But with uncertainties looming as to who would govern Afghanistan next, the prudent course of action is to resume talks with the Taliban. Like India’s dilemma in talking with the Taliban, Pakistan would loathe to deal with a dispensation likely to be run by moderate Pashtuns working with Tajiks, Uzbeks, and Hazaras which might be keen to forge a stronger relationship with India than with Pakistan. New Delhi had lent the northern Afghans support during their civil war with the Taliban in the late 1990s, which might prompt them to ally with India. It is not only them who dislike Pakistan; the moderate Pashtun Afghans have remained grateful for the educational and commercial opportunities India offered them, and they resented Pakistan for stirring up trouble in their landlocked nation. It is true that India would have to talk with the Taliban with the lurking and atavistic fear that the Taliban could one day serve as a proxy force to seize India’s half of the Kashmir region. But if India desists from talking to the Taliban, it would also shy away from those favouring India and waste the benefits of goodwill it had earned so meticulously with more than $3 billion invested by it since 2001, and at a great human cost. It’s important to consider how the Taliban refused to surrender their vision even when confronted by the United States after September 11, 2001 and how, reinventing themselves as part of a broad insurgency that destabilised Afghanistan, they pledged to drive out the Americans, NATO, and their allies and restore their “Islamic Emirate.” Having conceded that, it is prudent for India to find a mechanism to begin talks with the Taliban not when they appear as non-state actors but when they are legitimate stakeholders of the reconciliation process. Afghan National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib had already lambasted Khalilzad for “delegitimising” the Ashraf Ghani government by keeping it outside the loop. Having a pacifist worldview, New Delhi’s posture to “participate in all formats of talks which could bring peace and security in the region” would stand it in good stead. The Taliban are virtually from the Pashtun tribe, which comprises Afghanistan’s dominant ethnic group. Taliban is not one monolithic group that can prevent groups like al-Qaeda from operating or resist the emergence of a new similar terrorist group seeking to build an emirate. Due to the same reason, it is no longer subject to ISI’s machinations, having many clones and offshoots with differing loyalties, notably the Al-Khorasan and the Tehrik-e-Taliban which is a breakaway group from the original Taliban created by the Pakistan government only to become the latter’s sworn enemy as evident in the fissures between Afghan Taliban and Pakistan. With the conflict in Afghanistan entering a critical phase, political leaders begin to recognise that all stakeholders need to engage with the Taliban to negotiate a sustainable peace. India must learn to drift with the tide. Afghanistan is too important a country to remain outside India’s strategic bounds. (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.)

India can’t avoid talking to Taliban in current scenario

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

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

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

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

A couple who split after a five-year hostage ordeal in Afghanistan faced each other in a Canadian court Wednesday at the husband's trial for sexually assaulting his wife.

US citizen Caitlan Coleman, 33, recounted her "rollercoaster" relationship with Canadian Joshua Boyle that ended after their 2017 release.

Boyle, 35, was arrested just two months after he and Coleman returned to Canada and was charged with sexual assault, misleading police and making death threats.

Boyle and Coleman, who married in 2011, were kidnapped by the Taliban during what they have called a backpacking trip in 2012 and were transferred to the custody of the Taliban-allied Haqqani network.

The couple were initially separated, and moved around to more than 22 locations in total, but were mainly held together and had three children in captivity -- and another after their release.

Coleman testified via video link from another room in the Ottawa courthouse while Boyle sat quietly, his parents at his side.

She recounted how she had met the defendant when she was 16 in a Star Wars-themed chat room, and became "smitten, rather crushed on him" as he recovered from a break-up with a mutual friend.

She provided a shoulder to cry on when he appeared depressed and the friendship eventually developed into a "powerful rollercoaster" romance.

"He was my first kiss," she said.

Coleman recalled how she told people Boyle was a wonderful boyfriend, when in reality they would fight over her social drinking, the way she dressed and her friends.

Boyle would claim she was "holding him back," the court heard, and would often belittle her and call her a "slut."

The judge was told Boyle had married someone else -- the sister of former Guantanamo detainee Omar Khadr -- during a break in the relationship.

But that ended in a 2010 divorce and Coleman married Boyle the following year during a trip to South America.

'Didn't have a choice'&nbsp;

She said he became increasingly controlling, referring to her as "helpmeet," and pressed her to travel with him to Afghanistan.&nbsp;

After their frequent fights, she would break down and cry, "babbling incoherently," often storming out, and soon she began to "self-harm."

Coleman said she finally relented and travelled with him to Central Asia with the "firm understanding" that they would not go to Afghanistan.&nbsp;

But after landing in nearby Kyrgyzstan, Boyle sprung on her his real plan to go to Afghanistan, telling Coleman that she "didn't have a choice."

"I was really scared. I thought this was a very bad idea," she said, noting that she was at least four months pregnant. They were kidnapped one week after crossing into Afghanistan.

During five years of captivity, Coleman said Boyle became physically abusive, biting, choking, punching, slapping and spanking her, as well as casually threatening to kill her in front of their children.

"I had to call him sir," she said.

Coleman said the day they gained their freedom, which she said was "exciting" and involved a "dramatic" car chase, her husband's assaults and verbal abuse stopped and she said she became hopeful.

"He started treating me better," she said.

But after a short stay with his parents in Smith Falls, Ontario, they moved into a downtown Ottawa apartment and within weeks the abuse started up again, she said.

"He started becoming verbally abusive, putting me down, then it deteriorated into physical abuse again," Colemen testified.

The court heard Boyle's 911 call on the day Coleman walked out of the couple's Ottawa apartment at the end of December. He claimed she was mentally unstable, struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, and might harm herself.

But the call triggered a police investigation that led to him being charged.

Coleman's testimony is due to resume Friday, in what is expected to be an eight-week trial.

The court has banned the identification of a second alleged victim of Boyle.

A couple who split after a five-year hostage ordeal in Afghanistan faced each other in a Canadian court Wednesday at the husband's trial for sexually assaulting his wife.

A couple who split after a five-year hostage ordeal in Afghanistan faced each other in a Canadian court Wednesday at the husband's trial for sexually assaulting his wife. US citizen Caitlan Coleman, 33, recounted her "rollercoaster" relationship with Canadian Joshua Boyle that ended after their 2017 release. Boyle, 35, was arrested just two months after he and Coleman returned to Canada and was charged with sexual assault, misleading police and making death threats. Boyle and Coleman, who married in 2011, were kidnapped by the Taliban during what they have called a backpacking trip in 2012 and were transferred to the custody of the Taliban-allied Haqqani network. The couple were initially separated, and moved around to more than 22 locations in total, but were mainly held together and had three children in captivity -- and another after their release. Coleman testified via video link from another room in the Ottawa courthouse while Boyle sat quietly, his parents at his side. She recounted how she had met the defendant when she was 16 in a Star Wars-themed chat room, and became "smitten, rather crushed on him" as he recovered from a break-up with a mutual friend. She provided a shoulder to cry on when he appeared depressed and the friendship eventually developed into a "powerful rollercoaster" romance. "He was my first kiss," she said. Coleman recalled how she told people Boyle was a wonderful boyfriend, when in reality they would fight over her social drinking, the way she dressed and her friends. Boyle would claim she was "holding him back," the court heard, and would often belittle her and call her a "slut." The judge was told Boyle had married someone else -- the sister of former Guantanamo detainee Omar Khadr -- during a break in the relationship. But that ended in a 2010 divorce and Coleman married Boyle the following year during a trip to South America. 'Didn't have a choice' She said he became increasingly controlling, referring to her as "helpmeet," and pressed her to travel with him to Afghanistan. After their frequent fights, she would break down and cry, "babbling incoherently," often storming out, and soon she began to "self-harm." Coleman said she finally relented and travelled with him to Central Asia with the "firm understanding" that they would not go to Afghanistan. But after landing in nearby Kyrgyzstan, Boyle sprung on her his real plan to go to Afghanistan, telling Coleman that she "didn't have a choice." "I was really scared. I thought this was a very bad idea," she said, noting that she was at least four months pregnant. They were kidnapped one week after crossing into Afghanistan. During five years of captivity, Coleman said Boyle became physically abusive, biting, choking, punching, slapping and spanking her, as well as casually threatening to kill her in front of their children. "I had to call him sir," she said. Coleman said the day they gained their freedom, which she said was "exciting" and involved a "dramatic" car chase, her husband's assaults and verbal abuse stopped and she said she became hopeful. "He started treating me better," she said. But after a short stay with his parents in Smith Falls, Ontario, they moved into a downtown Ottawa apartment and within weeks the abuse started up again, she said. "He started becoming verbally abusive, putting me down, then it deteriorated into physical abuse again," Colemen testified. The court heard Boyle's 911 call on the day Coleman walked out of the couple's Ottawa apartment at the end of December. He claimed she was mentally unstable, struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, and might harm herself. But the call triggered a police investigation that led to him being charged. Coleman's testimony is due to resume Friday, in what is expected to be an eight-week trial. The court has banned the identification of a second alleged victim of Boyle.

Afghan hostage abused wife after their release, Canadian court told

Afghan Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah on Wednesday said that the Taliban is an "obstacle" in the way of reaching peace in war-torn Afghanistan.

He also professed that the formation of a negotiation team can prevent the Taliban from making an "excuse" to avoid talks."

''Taliban has been the obstacle for taking the first step (for peace) because they have an excuse that we do not negotiate with government and that is why I say that Taliban is an obstacle on the way of reaching to peace," Tolo news quoted Abdullah said as saying.&nbsp;

"As soon as a single voice represents Afghanistan`s people, including government and others, I think the opportunity for making excuses by the other side (Taliban) will decrease," Abdullah added.&nbsp;

The remarks from the CEO came days after US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad embarked on a visit to seven-country including Afghanistan and Pakistan.&nbsp;

In Kabul, Khalilzad is expected to hold consultations with the Afghan government and the status of US talks with the Taliban.

Afghan Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah on Wednesday said that the Taliban is an "obstacle" in the way of reaching peace in war-torn Afghanistan. He also professed that the formation of a negotiation team can prevent the Taliban from making an "excuse" to avoid talks.

Afghan Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah on Wednesday said that the Taliban is an "obstacle" in the way of reaching peace in war-torn Afghanistan. He also professed that the formation of a negotiation team can prevent the Taliban from making an "excuse" to avoid talks." ''Taliban has been the obstacle for taking the first step (for peace) because they have an excuse that we do not negotiate with government and that is why I say that Taliban is an obstacle on the way of reaching to peace," Tolo news quoted Abdullah said as saying. "As soon as a single voice represents Afghanistan`s people, including government and others, I think the opportunity for making excuses by the other side (Taliban) will decrease," Abdullah added. The remarks from the CEO came days after US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad embarked on a visit to seven-country including Afghanistan and Pakistan. In Kabul, Khalilzad is expected to hold consultations with the Afghan government and the status of US talks with the Taliban.

Taliban an obstacle in peace process: Afghan Chief Executive Officer

At least 13 civilians were killed, mostly children, in an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/air-strikes-kill-dozen-afghans-battle-intensifies-in-taliban-strongholds-205323">air strike by "international forces" in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz</a> late last week, the United Nations said Monday.

The strike happened between late Friday and early Saturday in support of ground operations conducted by pro-government forces fighting Taliban militants in the area.

"Initial fact-finding indicates that 10 of those killed were children, part of the same extended family who were displaced by fighting elsewhere in the country," the UN mission in Afghanistan said in a statement.

The US is the only member of the international coalition in Afghanistan that provides air support in the conflict.

A NATO spokesperson told AFP the coalition was investigating the claims.

"Those who were killed were internally displaced families who had fled the war in Dasht-e-Archi district and had recently moved to the city," added Khosh Mohammad Nasratyar, member of Kunduz provincial council, saying three children were also wounded in the attack.

The deaths come as ordinary Afghans continue to bear the brunt of the conflict, with more civilians killed in the Afghan war in 2018 than during any other year on record, according to a UN report.

The uptick in violence in 2018 coincides with a significant increase in the number of deaths caused by the "deliberate targeting of civilians", according to the report, mostly stemming from suicide attacks by insurgents allied with the Taliban or Islamic State (IS).

An increase in air strikes by US and Afghan forces also led to more civilian deaths in 2018, with more than 500 killed by "aerial operations for the first time on record".

Fighting continues to flare across Afghanistan even as the US and Taliban press forward in peace talks aimed at ending nearly 18 years of fighting.

The ongoing peace talks with the Taliban follow years of escalating violence in Afghanistan.

According to the UN, at least 32,000 civilians have been killed and another 60,000 wounded in the last decade.

Kunduz has been the scene of repeated air strikes gone awry over the course of the conflict, including an Afghan strike last April on an outdoor religious gathering in Dashte Archi that killed or wounded 107 people, mostly children, according to the UN.

And in 2015, a US airstrike struck a Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) hospital amid heavy fighting in the area, killing 42 people, including 24 patients and 14 members of the NGO. &nbsp;

At least 13 civilians were killed, mostly children, in an air strike by "international forces" in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz late last week, the United Nations said Monday.

At least 13 civilians were killed, mostly children, in an air strike by "international forces" in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz late last week, the United Nations said Monday. The strike happened between late Friday and early Saturday in support of ground operations conducted by pro-government forces fighting Taliban militants in the area. "Initial fact-finding indicates that 10 of those killed were children, part of the same extended family who were displaced by fighting elsewhere in the country," the UN mission in Afghanistan said in a statement. The US is the only member of the international coalition in Afghanistan that provides air support in the conflict. A NATO spokesperson told AFP the coalition was investigating the claims. "Those who were killed were internally displaced families who had fled the war in Dasht-e-Archi district and had recently moved to the city," added Khosh Mohammad Nasratyar, member of Kunduz provincial council, saying three children were also wounded in the attack. The deaths come as ordinary Afghans continue to bear the brunt of the conflict, with more civilians killed in the Afghan war in 2018 than during any other year on record, according to a UN report. The uptick in violence in 2018 coincides with a significant increase in the number of deaths caused by the "deliberate targeting of civilians", according to the report, mostly stemming from suicide attacks by insurgents allied with the Taliban or Islamic State (IS). An increase in air strikes by US and Afghan forces also led to more civilian deaths in 2018, with more than 500 killed by "aerial operations for the first time on record". Fighting continues to flare across Afghanistan even as the US and Taliban press forward in peace talks aimed at ending nearly 18 years of fighting. The ongoing peace talks with the Taliban follow years of escalating violence in Afghanistan. According to the UN, at least 32,000 civilians have been killed and another 60,000 wounded in the last decade. Kunduz has been the scene of repeated air strikes gone awry over the course of the conflict, including an Afghan strike last April on an outdoor religious gathering in Dashte Archi that killed or wounded 107 people, mostly children, according to the UN. And in 2015, a US airstrike struck a Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) hospital amid heavy fighting in the area, killing 42 people, including 24 patients and 14 members of the NGO.

Air strike kills 13 civilians, mostly children, in Afghanistan

Air strikes in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz killed about a dozen civilians on Saturday, local officials said, as battle intensified there and in southern Helmand province.

The air strikes killed 13 civilians, said Safiullah Amiri, a member of Kunduz provincial council. The casualties included children, said fellow council member Amruddin, who pegged the civilian death toll at 12.

The bodies were brought into Kunduz city in the back of a truck as part of protests by dozens of civilians.

The civilian deaths occurred as Afghan and Taliban forces claimed to inflict heavy losses on each other in that province and in Helmand, two Taliban strongholds.

A spokeswoman for the NATO-led Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan did not respond immediately to questions on Sunday. Resolute Support, comprising troops from 39 countries, trains, advises and assists Afghan security forces.

The New York Times reported earlier that the air strikes that killed civilians followed a firefight between US and Afghan soldiers that had been provoked by a Taliban working inside Afghan forces. Reuters has not confirmed the paper's report.

Four Afghan soldiers died in the fight, a senior Afghan military source said.

A record number of Afghan civilians were killed last year as aerial attacks and suicide bombings increased, the United Nations said in a February report.

Kunduz is also where two US soldiers were killed in combat on Friday. The US Department of Defense identified the soldiers as Specialist Joseph Collette, 29, and Sgt. Will Lindsay, 33.

Fighting has accelerated during a period of recurring peace talks. The latest negotiating round concluded this month with US and Taliban officials citing progress toward ending the 17-year war.

Afghan forces, with NATO air support, killed 58 Taliban, including several commanders, in Kunduz, the defence ministry said on Saturday via Twitter. The Taliban said that it had killed 19 members of Afghan forces and five from foreign forces.

Fighting was also fierce in Helmand, including more civilian deaths.

The Taliban on Saturday claimed an attack at a stadium celebration of Farmers Day in Helmand, which killed four people and wounded 31, including minor injuries to the province's governor.

A day earlier, the Taliban attacked two Afghan outposts in Sangin, killing 48 Afghan security personnel, said Hashim Alokozay, a Helmand member of parliament. Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi said the two outposts were over-run, killing 52 Afghan troops and wounding 11 more.

Omar Zwak, spokesman for Helmand's governor, said the Taliban also suffered heavy casualties.

Air strikes in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz killed about a dozen civilians on Saturday, local officials said, as battle intensified there and in southern Helmand province.

Air strikes in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz killed about a dozen civilians on Saturday, local officials said, as battle intensified there and in southern Helmand province. The air strikes killed 13 civilians, said Safiullah Amiri, a member of Kunduz provincial council. The casualties included children, said fellow council member Amruddin, who pegged the civilian death toll at 12. The bodies were brought into Kunduz city in the back of a truck as part of protests by dozens of civilians. The civilian deaths occurred as Afghan and Taliban forces claimed to inflict heavy losses on each other in that province and in Helmand, two Taliban strongholds. A spokeswoman for the NATO-led Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan did not respond immediately to questions on Sunday. Resolute Support, comprising troops from 39 countries, trains, advises and assists Afghan security forces. The New York Times reported earlier that the air strikes that killed civilians followed a firefight between US and Afghan soldiers that had been provoked by a Taliban working inside Afghan forces. Reuters has not confirmed the paper's report. Four Afghan soldiers died in the fight, a senior Afghan military source said. A record number of Afghan civilians were killed last year as aerial attacks and suicide bombings increased, the United Nations said in a February report. Kunduz is also where two US soldiers were killed in combat on Friday. The US Department of Defense identified the soldiers as Specialist Joseph Collette, 29, and Sgt. Will Lindsay, 33. Fighting has accelerated during a period of recurring peace talks. The latest negotiating round concluded this month with US and Taliban officials citing progress toward ending the 17-year war. Afghan forces, with NATO air support, killed 58 Taliban, including several commanders, in Kunduz, the defence ministry said on Saturday via Twitter. The Taliban said that it had killed 19 members of Afghan forces and five from foreign forces. Fighting was also fierce in Helmand, including more civilian deaths. The Taliban on Saturday claimed an attack at a stadium celebration of Farmers Day in Helmand, which killed four people and wounded 31, including minor injuries to the province's governor. A day earlier, the Taliban attacked two Afghan outposts in Sangin, killing 48 Afghan security personnel, said Hashim Alokozay, a Helmand member of parliament. Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi said the two outposts were over-run, killing 52 Afghan troops and wounding 11 more. Omar Zwak, spokesman for Helmand's governor, said the Taliban also suffered heavy casualties.

Air strikes kill dozen Afghans, battle intensifies in Taliban strongholds

An attack claimed by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explosions-hit-afghan-celebration-helmand-governor-hurt-205018">Taliban killed four people and wounded 31</a> on Saturday during a celebration in the Afghan city of Lashkar Gah.

Afghanistan's multi-day celebrations to mark its traditional new year have been marred by several attacks, beginning with explosions claimed by Islamic State in the capital of Kabul on Thursday that killed six people and wounded 23.

Saturday's blasts in the southern provincial capital appeared to have been caused by explosives planted at the stadium where nearly 1,000 people were celebrating Farmers Day.

Helmand provincial governor Mohammad Yasin Khan was knocked over but suffered only superficial injuries, a spokesman said.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility on Twitter for the explosions.

In Reuters video footage, bursts of gunfire can be heard before and after one of the blasts, causing people to flee. A Reuters witness said the gunfire came from security personnel.

"There was chaos and people were running. Security forces asked them to calm down and then the second explosion happened," said Najibullah, who was in the stadium for the celebrations.

He said the explosions seemed to originate from where tents were set up for farmers to display their produce.

The Persian new year is widely celebrated in Afghanistan but some hardline Islamists oppose the festivities, saying they are un-Islamic.

Helmand, a source of much of Afghanistan's opium, is one of several Afghan provinces in which insurgents have the greatest control and influence.

The latest attack came a year after a car bomb killed at least 14 people who had gathered for a wrestling match in Lashkar Gah.

Fighting has been relentless in Afghanistan amid recurring peace talks between US and Taliban negotiators. The latest negotiating round wrapped up this month with both sides saying there was progress toward ending the 17-year war.

The US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction estimated in January that the government controlled or influenced just over half the country, covering nearly two-thirds of the population.

An attack claimed by the Taliban killed four people and wounded 31 on Saturday during a celebration in the Afghan city of Lashkar Gah. Afghanistan's multi-day celebrations to mark its traditional new year have been marred by several attacks, beginning with explosions claimed by Islamic State in the capital of Kabul on Thursday that killed six people and wounded 23.

An attack claimed by the Taliban killed four people and wounded 31 on Saturday during a celebration in the Afghan city of Lashkar Gah. Afghanistan's multi-day celebrations to mark its traditional new year have been marred by several attacks, beginning with explosions claimed by Islamic State in the capital of Kabul on Thursday that killed six people and wounded 23. Saturday's blasts in the southern provincial capital appeared to have been caused by explosives planted at the stadium where nearly 1,000 people were celebrating Farmers Day. Helmand provincial governor Mohammad Yasin Khan was knocked over but suffered only superficial injuries, a spokesman said. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility on Twitter for the explosions. In Reuters video footage, bursts of gunfire can be heard before and after one of the blasts, causing people to flee. A Reuters witness said the gunfire came from security personnel. "There was chaos and people were running. Security forces asked them to calm down and then the second explosion happened," said Najibullah, who was in the stadium for the celebrations. He said the explosions seemed to originate from where tents were set up for farmers to display their produce. The Persian new year is widely celebrated in Afghanistan but some hardline Islamists oppose the festivities, saying they are un-Islamic. Helmand, a source of much of Afghanistan's opium, is one of several Afghan provinces in which insurgents have the greatest control and influence. The latest attack came a year after a car bomb killed at least 14 people who had gathered for a wrestling match in Lashkar Gah. Fighting has been relentless in Afghanistan amid recurring peace talks between US and Taliban negotiators. The latest negotiating round wrapped up this month with both sides saying there was progress toward ending the 17-year war. The US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction estimated in January that the government controlled or influenced just over half the country, covering nearly two-thirds of the population.

Four killed, 31 injured in explosion at Afghan celebration, Taliban claims responsibility

Two US service members were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-six-killed-in-blasts-as-kabul-marks-persian-new-year-204661">killed in Afghanistan</a> Friday, NATO said, in the latest casualties to hit the international coalition amid ongoing peace talks between Washington and the Taliban.

NATO's Resolute Support mission would not immediately release any details about the soldiers but said they had been killed during an unspecified "operation" in the country.

"In accordance with U.S. Department of Defense policy, the name of the service members killed in action are being withheld until 24 hours after notification of next of kin is complete," said NATO.

The deaths come a day after at least six people were killed by blasts in an Islamic State-claimed attack during Persian New Year celebrations in a Shiite area of Kabul.

The number of American casualties has fallen dramatically since the end of 2014 when Afghan forces took over from US-led NATO combat troops to secure the country.

Fighting continues to flare across Afghanistan more than a week after the latest round of talks between the US and the Taliban ended in Doha, as Washington continues to seek an end to the nearly 18-year war.

The Afghan government has complained it is being left out of the negotiations, as many Afghans fear a premature US withdrawal could see the Taliban return to some semblance of power.

The country remains on edge as winter comes to end, with warmer weather sparking the potential onset of a new fighting season as analysts warn the Taliban may increase attacks to gain leverage at the negotiating table.

US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is spearheading efforts to strike a peace deal with the Taliban before Afghanistan's presidential election, which was pushed back to late September earlier this week. &nbsp;

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

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

Two US soldiers killed in Afghanistan: NATO

An Afghan woman has become the first to win a popular singing competition, with her victory coming as fears grow that women could lose hard-won rights if the US does a peace deal with the Taliban.

Zahra Elham, in her 20s and from Afghanistan's Hazara ethnic minority, snatched first place from her male runner-up on Afghan Star -- a local version of American Idol -- in which hundreds of men and women have competed for 14 seasons.

"I popped the hearts of men out of their chests today," a happy Elham told the audience during the contest's finale late Thursday.&nbsp;

"I am so so happy, I cannot even find words to express my feelings... Today, I represent all the girls of Afghanistan. Today not only Zahra Elham but all the girls in Afghanistan have won," she said amid cheers, applause and even tears from the admiring audience.&nbsp;

Known for her high pitch and raspy voice, she had previously said she wanted to break the grasp of male winners on the competition, first launched in 2005 and one of Afghanistan's most popular television shows.

"Your win is a slap in the face of jealous Afghan men," Sonita Rasa wrote on Zahra's Facebook page.&nbsp;

"Hope you don't disappear after this big win and hope the situation allows you to continue to get to your dreams," Tanin, another user, wrote.&nbsp;

As talks between Washington and the Taliban aimed at ending the long war progress, many Afghans fear a premature US withdrawal could see the Taliban return to some semblance of power.

Young women, keenly aware of how their gender was banished behind doors and beneath burkas under Taliban rule, are among the most vocal in warning they will not compromise their hard-won rights if the insurgents return.

The Taliban have given few details of what they want in Afghanistan, and it is unclear what a post-conflict government would look like -- but under their strict interpretation of Islam the militants have never been in favour of women, or shows like Afghan Star.&nbsp;

"Peace is on its way, hope the future peace has the Afghan Star contest in it," Mustafa Azizyar, the show's presenter said, after presenting the trophy.&nbsp;

An Afghan woman has become the first to win a popular singing competition, with her victory coming as fears grow that women could lose hard-won rights if the US does a peace deal with the Taliban.

An Afghan woman has become the first to win a popular singing competition, with her victory coming as fears grow that women could lose hard-won rights if the US does a peace deal with the Taliban. Zahra Elham, in her 20s and from Afghanistan's Hazara ethnic minority, snatched first place from her male runner-up on Afghan Star -- a local version of American Idol -- in which hundreds of men and women have competed for 14 seasons. "I popped the hearts of men out of their chests today," a happy Elham told the audience during the contest's finale late Thursday. "I am so so happy, I cannot even find words to express my feelings... Today, I represent all the girls of Afghanistan. Today not only Zahra Elham but all the girls in Afghanistan have won," she said amid cheers, applause and even tears from the admiring audience. Known for her high pitch and raspy voice, she had previously said she wanted to break the grasp of male winners on the competition, first launched in 2005 and one of Afghanistan's most popular television shows. "Your win is a slap in the face of jealous Afghan men," Sonita Rasa wrote on Zahra's Facebook page. "Hope you don't disappear after this big win and hope the situation allows you to continue to get to your dreams," Tanin, another user, wrote. As talks between Washington and the Taliban aimed at ending the long war progress, many Afghans fear a premature US withdrawal could see the Taliban return to some semblance of power. Young women, keenly aware of how their gender was banished behind doors and beneath burkas under Taliban rule, are among the most vocal in warning they will not compromise their hard-won rights if the insurgents return. The Taliban have given few details of what they want in Afghanistan, and it is unclear what a post-conflict government would look like -- but under their strict interpretation of Islam the militants have never been in favour of women, or shows like Afghan Star. "Peace is on its way, hope the future peace has the Afghan Star contest in it," Mustafa Azizyar, the show's presenter said, after presenting the trophy.

As fear grows for women's rights in Afghanistan, 20-year-old wins Afghan-American star for the first time

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

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

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

Afghanistan presidential election delayed to September 28: Officials

At last six Pakistani policemen were killed in a raid on a checkpoint in southwestern Balochistan province, officials said Wednesday, in the latest Taliban-claimed attack in the restive area.

The assault took place in the mountainous Sanjawi area of Ziarat district, some 80 kilometres (50 miles) east of the provincial capital Quetta.

"It was a sudden attack. The attackers came on motorcycles and killed all six personnel on duty," Qadir Bakhsh, a senior government official in Ziarat, told AFP.

Bakhsh said the attackers were armed with automatic weapons and fled after the assault early Wednesday, adding that a search operation has been launched in the area.&nbsp;

The Pakistani Taliban later claimed responsibility for the attack in an email sent to media.

Faisal Agha -- another senior government official -- confirmed the attack and toll.

The incident comes after at least four people were killed and seven wounded in a bomb attack on Sunday in the mineral-rich province.

Balochistan, which borders both Afghanistan and Iran, has been beset by ethnic, Islamist, and political insurgencies for decades along with high levels of poverty.

Its residents have long complained that it does not receive a fair share of the profits made from the province's abundant mineral wealth.

China, one of Pakistan's closest allies, has poured billions into the South Asian country in recent years as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) -- a massive infrastructure project that seeks to connect its western province of Xinjiang with the Arabian Sea port of Gwadar in Balochistan.

The subject of economic dividends from CPEC is extremely sensitive in some of those areas -- particularly in Balochistan.

Since the beginning of the project, militants have repeatedly attacked construction sites, blowing up numerous gas pipelines and trains, and targeted Chinese workers.

The Pakistani military has been targeting insurgencies in the province since 2004, and has been repeatedly accused by international rights groups of abuses there. It denies the allegations.

At last six Pakistani policemen were killed in a raid on a checkpoint in southwestern Balochistan province, officials said Wednesday, in the latest Taliban-claimed attack in the restive area.

At last six Pakistani policemen were killed in a raid on a checkpoint in southwestern Balochistan province, officials said Wednesday, in the latest Taliban-claimed attack in the restive area. The assault took place in the mountainous Sanjawi area of Ziarat district, some 80 kilometres (50 miles) east of the provincial capital Quetta. "It was a sudden attack. The attackers came on motorcycles and killed all six personnel on duty," Qadir Bakhsh, a senior government official in Ziarat, told AFP. Bakhsh said the attackers were armed with automatic weapons and fled after the assault early Wednesday, adding that a search operation has been launched in the area. The Pakistani Taliban later claimed responsibility for the attack in an email sent to media. Faisal Agha -- another senior government official -- confirmed the attack and toll. The incident comes after at least four people were killed and seven wounded in a bomb attack on Sunday in the mineral-rich province. Balochistan, which borders both Afghanistan and Iran, has been beset by ethnic, Islamist, and political insurgencies for decades along with high levels of poverty. Its residents have long complained that it does not receive a fair share of the profits made from the province's abundant mineral wealth. China, one of Pakistan's closest allies, has poured billions into the South Asian country in recent years as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) -- a massive infrastructure project that seeks to connect its western province of Xinjiang with the Arabian Sea port of Gwadar in Balochistan. The subject of economic dividends from CPEC is extremely sensitive in some of those areas -- particularly in Balochistan. Since the beginning of the project, militants have repeatedly attacked construction sites, blowing up numerous gas pipelines and trains, and targeted Chinese workers. The Pakistani military has been targeting insurgencies in the province since 2004, and has been repeatedly accused by international rights groups of abuses there. It denies the allegations.

Pakistan: Six policemen killed in Balochistan attack; Taliban claims responsibility

In the fallout from a feud over US-Taliban peace talks, a senior US&nbsp;diplomat has told Afghan President Ashraf Ghani that US&nbsp;officials will no longer deal with his national security adviser, four knowledgeable sources said on Monday.

The decision to end US&nbsp;contacts with Hamdullah Mohib will almost certainly raise tensions between the allies over Kabul's exclusion from negotiations that have mainly focussed on a US&nbsp;troop pullout and how the Taliban would stop militant groups from using Afghanistan as a springboard for attacks.

Mohib had launched a blistering public attack last Thursday on the chief US&nbsp;negotiator, Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad.

The following day, US&nbsp;Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale told Ghani by phone that Mohib would no longer be received in Washington and US&nbsp;civilian and military officials would not do business with him, the sources said.

"Hale called Ghani and told him that Mohib is no longer welcome in DC&nbsp;The US&nbsp;will not deal with him in Kabul or in DC&nbsp;any more," said a former senior Afghan official, who like the other sources requested anonymity because of the issue's sensitivity.

Kabul fears that Washington is intent on finalising a US&nbsp;troop pullout to fulfil a vow by President Donald Trump, undermining its ability to reach a political pact with the

Taliban that preserves gains, such as women's education, won since the 2001 US&nbsp;invasion ended the militants'&nbsp;harsh version of Islamic rule.

The former Afghan official said he saw the move as an effort to compel Ghani to "oust" Mohib, who became the president's national security adviser after serving as his envoy to Washington.&nbsp;

A second source, a congressional aide, agreed that pressuring Ghani to end contacts with Mohib was "one way of looking at this" because the State Department provides funding for the Afghan president's national security council staff.

The State Department declined to comment. The Afghan embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Simmering tensions over the Afghan government's exclusion from the US-Taliban talks in Doha, Qatar, erupted with Mohib's attack on Khalilzad, an Afghan-born US&nbsp;diplomat, at a news conference in Washington.

He accused Khalilzad of giving the Taliban legitimacy while "delegitimising the Afghan government." He added that Khalilzad perhaps was trying to create "a caretaker government of which he would then become viceroy."

Viceroy was the title of the colonial administrator of British-ruled India.

The State Department responded with a strong statement quoting Hale as telling Mohib later Thursday that his comments "only serve to hinder the bilateral relationship and the peace process."

The latest round of peace talks ended on March 11 after 16 days. The sides reported progress, but no accord on withdrawal of US-led international forces and the Taliban's counter-extremist assurances.

US&nbsp;negotiators also are pressing the insurgents to accept a ceasefire and talks with Afghan society representatives, including government officials. The Taliban have refused to talk to Ghani's government, which they deride as a US&nbsp;puppet.

In an interview on Monday with Reuters, Afghanistan's ambassador to Qatar, Faizullah Kakar, said that another country should not be negotiating on the use of Afghan territory by militants.

"It is the government that should be deciding, whoever the government is, that the territory is used or not used against another country," he said.&nbsp;

In the fallout from a feud over US-Taliban peace talks, a senior US diplomat has told Afghan President Ashraf Ghani that US officials will no longer deal with his national security adviser, four knowledgeable sources said on Monday.

In the fallout from a feud over US-Taliban peace talks, a senior US diplomat has told Afghan President Ashraf Ghani that US officials will no longer deal with his national security adviser, four knowledgeable sources said on Monday. The decision to end US contacts with Hamdullah Mohib will almost certainly raise tensions between the allies over Kabul's exclusion from negotiations that have mainly focussed on a US troop pullout and how the Taliban would stop militant groups from using Afghanistan as a springboard for attacks. Mohib had launched a blistering public attack last Thursday on the chief US negotiator, Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad. The following day, US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale told Ghani by phone that Mohib would no longer be received in Washington and US civilian and military officials would not do business with him, the sources said. "Hale called Ghani and told him that Mohib is no longer welcome in DC The US will not deal with him in Kabul or in DC any more," said a former senior Afghan official, who like the other sources requested anonymity because of the issue's sensitivity. Kabul fears that Washington is intent on finalising a US troop pullout to fulfil a vow by President Donald Trump, undermining its ability to reach a political pact with the Taliban that preserves gains, such as women's education, won since the 2001 US invasion ended the militants' harsh version of Islamic rule. The former Afghan official said he saw the move as an effort to compel Ghani to "oust" Mohib, who became the president's national security adviser after serving as his envoy to Washington. A second source, a congressional aide, agreed that pressuring Ghani to end contacts with Mohib was "one way of looking at this" because the State Department provides funding for the Afghan president's national security council staff. The State Department declined to comment. The Afghan embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Simmering tensions over the Afghan government's exclusion from the US-Taliban talks in Doha, Qatar, erupted with Mohib's attack on Khalilzad, an Afghan-born US diplomat, at a news conference in Washington. He accused Khalilzad of giving the Taliban legitimacy while "delegitimising the Afghan government." He added that Khalilzad perhaps was trying to create "a caretaker government of which he would then become viceroy." Viceroy was the title of the colonial administrator of British-ruled India. The State Department responded with a strong statement quoting Hale as telling Mohib later Thursday that his comments "only serve to hinder the bilateral relationship and the peace process." The latest round of peace talks ended on March 11 after 16 days. The sides reported progress, but no accord on withdrawal of US-led international forces and the Taliban's counter-extremist assurances. US negotiators also are pressing the insurgents to accept a ceasefire and talks with Afghan society representatives, including government officials. The Taliban have refused to talk to Ghani's government, which they deride as a US puppet. In an interview on Monday with Reuters, Afghanistan's ambassador to Qatar, Faizullah Kakar, said that another country should not be negotiating on the use of Afghan territory by militants. "It is the government that should be deciding, whoever the government is, that the territory is used or not used against another country," he said.

US freezes out top Afghan official in peace talks feud: Report

India has said one of the seven Indian nationals, who was kidnapped in Baghlan province of Afghanistan in May 2018, has been brought back to India.

The ministry of external affairs in a release said, "We are grateful to the Government of Afghanistan for their support in securing the release and repatriation of the Indian national."

"We continue to work closely with the Government of Afghanistan for safe and early return of the remaining six Indian nationals," MEA added.

They were abducted in Bagh-e-Shamal village near the Pul-e-Khomri city which is the capital of northern Baghlan province in Afghanistan.

The abducted Indians were working in Indian company KEC headquartered in Mumbai. The company owns an electricity sub-station contract in the area.&nbsp;

More than 60 Indians were working for KEC on different projects across Afghanistan.

Baghlan governor's deputy spokesperson had confirmed to WION last year that Taliban had abducted seven Indian employees of KEC.

Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had spoken to Afghanistan government. Indian envoy to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar had met Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani regarding the efforts for there release.

In 2016 Indian aid worker Judith D'Souza was kidnapped in Kabul and was released after 40 days.

India has said one of the seven Indian nationals, who was kidnapped in Baghlan province of Afghanistan in May 2018, has been brought back to India. The ministry of external affairs in a release said, "We are grateful to the Government of Afghanistan for their support in securing the release and repatriation of the Indian national.

India has said one of the seven Indian nationals, who was kidnapped in Baghlan province of Afghanistan in May 2018, has been brought back to India. The ministry of external affairs in a release said, "We are grateful to the Government of Afghanistan for their support in securing the release and repatriation of the Indian national." "We continue to work closely with the Government of Afghanistan for safe and early return of the remaining six Indian nationals," MEA added. They were abducted in Bagh-e-Shamal village near the Pul-e-Khomri city which is the capital of northern Baghlan province in Afghanistan. The abducted Indians were working in Indian company KEC headquartered in Mumbai. The company owns an electricity sub-station contract in the area. More than 60 Indians were working for KEC on different projects across Afghanistan. Baghlan governor's deputy spokesperson had confirmed to WION last year that Taliban had abducted seven Indian employees of KEC. Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had spoken to Afghanistan government. Indian envoy to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar had met Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani regarding the efforts for there release. In 2016 Indian aid worker Judith D'Souza was kidnapped in Kabul and was released after 40 days.

Abducted Indian national brought back from Afghanistan

Sitting in his male beauty shop, 25-year-old Zabihullah longs for peace in Afghanistan -- but not one that would see religious police beating people in the streets for their hairstyles or outfits.

He recalled working in a barbershop as a child under Taliban rule. "I remember the Taliban religious police would every day bring young men for their hair to be shaven off as a punishment, because they dared to style it," he says, his own hair long and tied back with a bow.&nbsp;

Today it is a different story, and The Saloon -- one of many such beauty parlours that have sprung up in urban Afghanistan since the Taliban were deposed in 2001 -- buzzes with trendy customers seeking the latest Western styles while loud pop music plays in the background.

Afghanistan's estimated 35 million people are overwhelmingly young, with nearly two-thirds of the population under the age of 25. Millions have grown up in cities swollen by refugees during the years of fighting.&nbsp;

Zabihullah is part of this urban generation -- journalists and activists, models, hairstylists and social media stars -- who have come of age alienated from Taliban rule and ideology.&nbsp;

But as talks between Washington and the Taliban aimed at ending the long war progress, they face the prospect of a peace which could hand the militants some semblance of power in Afghanistan -- and they are afraid.

"I don't want a peace where I would lose my freedoms," Zabihullah says.

Forgiving atrocities&nbsp;

Youth activist Mohammad Anil Qasemi was a student at the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul when the Taliban attacked the campus in 2016.

One militant threw a hand grenade in his classroom, killing many of his peers. The blast wave threw him out of the second-floor window. He survived, but with serious head, stomach and leg wounds.

Now, as he watches the progression of talks between Washington and the Taliban in Doha, he fears his generation will not have a say in what comes next.&nbsp;

"I am prepared to forgive the Taliban for what they did to me and my classmates... but I can't bargain on the freedom and achievements of my generation," he told AFP.

The stance of young urbanites like Qasemi and Zabihullah contrasts with some of the older generation, who have simply lived through more years of war -- Afghanistan has seen nearly constant conflict since the Soviet invasion of 1979 -- and crave any respite.

"I am prepared to grow back my beard, as the Taliban wants," says 50-year-old Haji Ahmad Shah, a customer in a Kabul shopping mall.

"I have lost many friends and family in this war, I just want an end to it," he adds.

Then there is Afghanistan's rural-urban divide.

Some young people living in the countryside -- where deeply conservative, patriarchal traditions stand in stark contrast to the relative cosmopolitanism of places like Kabul -- appear more willing to accept Taliban restrictions to achieve peace.

Faridullah, a 23-year-old gardener in rural Kandahar, is relatively liberal, shaving his beard and listening to music.

If the Taliban come, he says, he may lose those freedoms -- "but it is okay, as I want security. For now I can't even go to my gardens, because they have been heavily mined."

Adapting for peace

The Taliban say they have moderated their stance on some social issues, though those living under their rule have told AFP otherwise.

The group has not spelled out what role it wants to play in Afghan governance and civil society, other than to say it wants an "Islamic system".&nbsp;

Young women, keenly aware of how their gender was banished behind doors and beneath burkas under Taliban rule, are among the most vocal in warning they will not compromise their rights.

"For the Taliban, seeing a woman presenter on TV is intolerable, and for me losing my freedom and rights as a woman is intolerable," said 21-year-old Diba, a newsreader for Afghanistan's Zan TV.

"I might have to leave the country or die of depression living under Taliban rule," she said.

But some urban youth say they are nonetheless willing to make peace at any price -- while hoping for the best.

Farshad, a 23-year-old salesman with a trendy fade haircut who works at a Kabul store selling Western suits and fedoras, said he was prepared to turn it into a shop selling traditional turbans if it meant an end to fighting.

"I just hope they don't touch my haircut," he says.

Sitting in his male beauty shop, 25-year-old Zabihullah longs for peace in Afghanistan -- but not one that would see religious police beating people in the streets for their hairstyles or outfits.

Sitting in his male beauty shop, 25-year-old Zabihullah longs for peace in Afghanistan -- but not one that would see religious police beating people in the streets for their hairstyles or outfits. He recalled working in a barbershop as a child under Taliban rule. "I remember the Taliban religious police would every day bring young men for their hair to be shaven off as a punishment, because they dared to style it," he says, his own hair long and tied back with a bow. Today it is a different story, and The Saloon -- one of many such beauty parlours that have sprung up in urban Afghanistan since the Taliban were deposed in 2001 -- buzzes with trendy customers seeking the latest Western styles while loud pop music plays in the background. Afghanistan's estimated 35 million people are overwhelmingly young, with nearly two-thirds of the population under the age of 25. Millions have grown up in cities swollen by refugees during the years of fighting. Zabihullah is part of this urban generation -- journalists and activists, models, hairstylists and social media stars -- who have come of age alienated from Taliban rule and ideology. But as talks between Washington and the Taliban aimed at ending the long war progress, they face the prospect of a peace which could hand the militants some semblance of power in Afghanistan -- and they are afraid. "I don't want a peace where I would lose my freedoms," Zabihullah says. Forgiving atrocities Youth activist Mohammad Anil Qasemi was a student at the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul when the Taliban attacked the campus in 2016. One militant threw a hand grenade in his classroom, killing many of his peers. The blast wave threw him out of the second-floor window. He survived, but with serious head, stomach and leg wounds. Now, as he watches the progression of talks between Washington and the Taliban in Doha, he fears his generation will not have a say in what comes next. "I am prepared to forgive the Taliban for what they did to me and my classmates... but I can't bargain on the freedom and achievements of my generation," he told AFP. The stance of young urbanites like Qasemi and Zabihullah contrasts with some of the older generation, who have simply lived through more years of war -- Afghanistan has seen nearly constant conflict since the Soviet invasion of 1979 -- and crave any respite. "I am prepared to grow back my beard, as the Taliban wants," says 50-year-old Haji Ahmad Shah, a customer in a Kabul shopping mall. "I have lost many friends and family in this war, I just want an end to it," he adds. Then there is Afghanistan's rural-urban divide. Some young people living in the countryside -- where deeply conservative, patriarchal traditions stand in stark contrast to the relative cosmopolitanism of places like Kabul -- appear more willing to accept Taliban restrictions to achieve peace. Faridullah, a 23-year-old gardener in rural Kandahar, is relatively liberal, shaving his beard and listening to music. If the Taliban come, he says, he may lose those freedoms -- "but it is okay, as I want security. For now I can't even go to my gardens, because they have been heavily mined." Adapting for peace The Taliban say they have moderated their stance on some social issues, though those living under their rule have told AFP otherwise. The group has not spelled out what role it wants to play in Afghan governance and civil society, other than to say it wants an "Islamic system". Young women, keenly aware of how their gender was banished behind doors and beneath burkas under Taliban rule, are among the most vocal in warning they will not compromise their rights. "For the Taliban, seeing a woman presenter on TV is intolerable, and for me losing my freedom and rights as a woman is intolerable," said 21-year-old Diba, a newsreader for Afghanistan's Zan TV. "I might have to leave the country or die of depression living under Taliban rule," she said. But some urban youth say they are nonetheless willing to make peace at any price -- while hoping for the best. Farshad, a 23-year-old salesman with a trendy fade haircut who works at a Kabul store selling Western suits and fedoras, said he was prepared to turn it into a shop selling traditional turbans if it meant an end to fighting. "I just hope they don't touch my haircut," he says.

Resist, forgive, submit? Afghan youth on hopes for peace

At least 50 members of the Afghan security forces have surrendered to the Taliban in a fight for control of Afghanistan's western province of Badghis, local officials said.

Some 100 Afghan personnel who are part of the interior ministry's border police attempted to flee their posts into neighbouring Turkmenistan on Saturday, but they were prevented from entering that country, Badghis provincial council chairman Abdul Aziz Bik said on Sunday.

About 50 Afghan border police surrendered, while the remaining 50 continued fighting in the district of Bala Murghab, he said. Bala Murghab is the province's most populous district.

"These soldiers have been fighting against the Taliban for years and if they give up, they will be killed by Taliban," Bik said.

The district was at risk of falling to the Taliban unless Afghan forces receive air and ground reinforcements, Badghis provincial council member Abdullah Afzali said on Saturday.

Provincial councils are elected bodies that sometimes have closer connections to local residents than government officials have.

The Taliban said 90 border police had surrendered to the militant group. It posted photos on Twitter of a line-up of dozens of men who the Taliban said were captured border police, and it added that it had killed many others.

It was not clear how many Afghan and Taliban forces have been killed or wounded in the battle for the district.

Jamshid Shahabi, a spokesman for Badghis' governor, said the Taliban had inflated its estimate of captured forces.

Fighting in the Bala Murghab district has intensified in recent months. The Taliban killed 20 Afghan soldiers and captured 20 less than a week ago.

The Taliban controls or contests nearly half of Afghanistan, the most since US-led forces ousted it from power in 2001, according to the US&nbsp;Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. The militant group conducts frequent attacks on Afghan security posts.

Afghanistan's annual increase in violence typically happens in spring. Taliban and US&nbsp;officials finished the latest round of peace talks on Tuesday, with both sides citing progress.

A spokesman for Afghanistan's ministry of defence could not be reached.

The Taliban, ousted in 2001, say they are fighting to expel foreign troops, topple the Western-backed Afghan government and restore its version of Islamic law.

Some 17,000 foreign troops are based in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces.

At least 50 members of the Afghan security forces have surrendered to the Taliban in a fight for control of Afghanistan's western province of Badghis, local officials said.

At least 50 members of the Afghan security forces have surrendered to the Taliban in a fight for control of Afghanistan's western province of Badghis, local officials said. Some 100 Afghan personnel who are part of the interior ministry's border police attempted to flee their posts into neighbouring Turkmenistan on Saturday, but they were prevented from entering that country, Badghis provincial council chairman Abdul Aziz Bik said on Sunday. About 50 Afghan border police surrendered, while the remaining 50 continued fighting in the district of Bala Murghab, he said. Bala Murghab is the province's most populous district. "These soldiers have been fighting against the Taliban for years and if they give up, they will be killed by Taliban," Bik said. The district was at risk of falling to the Taliban unless Afghan forces receive air and ground reinforcements, Badghis provincial council member Abdullah Afzali said on Saturday. Provincial councils are elected bodies that sometimes have closer connections to local residents than government officials have. The Taliban said 90 border police had surrendered to the militant group. It posted photos on Twitter of a line-up of dozens of men who the Taliban said were captured border police, and it added that it had killed many others. It was not clear how many Afghan and Taliban forces have been killed or wounded in the battle for the district. Jamshid Shahabi, a spokesman for Badghis' governor, said the Taliban had inflated its estimate of captured forces. Fighting in the Bala Murghab district has intensified in recent months. The Taliban killed 20 Afghan soldiers and captured 20 less than a week ago. The Taliban controls or contests nearly half of Afghanistan, the most since US-led forces ousted it from power in 2001, according to the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. The militant group conducts frequent attacks on Afghan security posts. Afghanistan's annual increase in violence typically happens in spring. Taliban and US officials finished the latest round of peace talks on Tuesday, with both sides citing progress. A spokesman for Afghanistan's ministry of defence could not be reached. The Taliban, ousted in 2001, say they are fighting to expel foreign troops, topple the Western-backed Afghan government and restore its version of Islamic law. Some 17,000 foreign troops are based in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces.

Taliban captures 50 border police as fighting intensifies in western Afghanistan

Progress in U.S -Taliban peace talks

The issue of Pakistan Army's support to the Taliban and other terror groups should be included in the Afghan peace talks and they must come clean on the scope and scale of their destructive relationship, a top Afghan leader has said.

Earlier this month, a high-powered American delegation led by Special US Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Mamozy Khalilzad held marathon meetings in Doha, Qatar with a high-level Taliban team led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.

The talks have been going on for several days to finalise a draft agreement on a potential foreign troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and to end the 17-year war in the country.

The US and others have long complained that Pakistan provides a safe haven to militant networks, allowing them to carry out cross-border attacks in Afghanistan.

"There is a pan Afghan demand that the issue of the sanctuaries in Pakistan and the support by the Pakistan Army for the Taliban and other terrorist groups... Be included in the agenda (of peace talks)," former interior minister of Afghanistan Amrullah Saleh told a Washington audience.

"The Taliban and Pakistan government must come clean on the scope and scale of their destructive relationship. All dark layers of this bloody conflict which has left deep scars in the body and the psyche of our nation has to be addressed and our allies must stand on our side in honour of our continued sacrifices so we discuss these matters ourselves," he said in his address to the Hudson Institute think-tank.

The prepared remarks of Saleh were read by Husain Haqqani, the former Pakistan ambassador to the US, as he could not come to the US due to&nbsp; 
some last-minute issues.

"We understand that the US has initiated direct talks with the Taliban and&nbsp;Khalilzad tweeted after sixteen days of secret talks in Doha that he has reached an agreement with the Taliban on a draft agreement. Did the Taliban also represent global terrorism in the talks? We don't know," he said.

Saleh, who was country's interior minister from December 2018? January 19, said that there is no substitute and alternative to the direct talks between the Afghan Government and the Taliban.

Without direct participation of the Afghan state negotiation will not only be counterproductive but also in violation of all the UNSC resolutions, Saleh said.

The era of the Taliban regime was an era of ungoverned Afghanistan dark and inaccessible, he said adding that the territory they control today is nothing&nbsp; 
different from the 90s and the harsh rules they enforce has not changed.

"We, therefore, appeal to the world community not to undermine our collective achievements and thus not give un-needed and un-necessary elevation to a terrorist group which has done nothing to prove itself otherwise," Saleh said.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan has slammed the Trump administration for holding direct talks with the Taliban and described it as "surrender discussion" with the terror outfit and warned that such an effort would not result in peace in this war-torn country.

In a hard-hitting speech at the think-tank, the Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib cautioned the US not to take its relationship with Afghanistan for granted as he completely opposed the ongoing direct talks.

"It is not a fixed partnership. It is open to review and should be reviewed as contexts change," he said, adding that there is a much better and less expensive way to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, if that is the objective, rather than surrendering before a terrorist outfit like the Taliban for that purpose.

Mohib warned the United States that peace in Afghanistan will not emerge out of any back-door deal between the Taliban and any entity that is not the Afghan government.

"The Afghan government is the only legitimately elected representative of the Afghan people and there is no substitute for that," he said.

"We will continue to defend our democratic gains whether the US forces stay or withdraw from Afghanistan. And we will not seek a replacement should the United States choose to withdraw. We believe that as long as the threat of terrorism remains a global one, Afghanistan will remain an important ally, and that is not bound to change even if peace with the Taliban is achieved," Mohib said.

The capable Afghan forces, he said are prepared to protect the country.&nbsp;

The issue of Pakistan Army's support to the Taliban and other terror groups should be included in the Afghan peace talks and they must come clean on the scope and scale of their destructive relationship, a top Afghan leader has said.

The issue of Pakistan Army's support to the Taliban and other terror groups should be included in the Afghan peace talks and they must come clean on the scope and scale of their destructive relationship, a top Afghan leader has said. Earlier this month, a high-powered American delegation led by Special US Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Mamozy Khalilzad held marathon meetings in Doha, Qatar with a high-level Taliban team led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. The talks have been going on for several days to finalise a draft agreement on a potential foreign troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and to end the 17-year war in the country. The US and others have long complained that Pakistan provides a safe haven to militant networks, allowing them to carry out cross-border attacks in Afghanistan. "There is a pan Afghan demand that the issue of the sanctuaries in Pakistan and the support by the Pakistan Army for the Taliban and other terrorist groups... Be included in the agenda (of peace talks)," former interior minister of Afghanistan Amrullah Saleh told a Washington audience. "The Taliban and Pakistan government must come clean on the scope and scale of their destructive relationship. All dark layers of this bloody conflict which has left deep scars in the body and the psyche of our nation has to be addressed and our allies must stand on our side in honour of our continued sacrifices so we discuss these matters ourselves," he said in his address to the Hudson Institute think-tank. The prepared remarks of Saleh were read by Husain Haqqani, the former Pakistan ambassador to the US, as he could not come to the US due to some last-minute issues. "We understand that the US has initiated direct talks with the Taliban and Khalilzad tweeted after sixteen days of secret talks in Doha that he has reached an agreement with the Taliban on a draft agreement. Did the Taliban also represent global terrorism in the talks? We don't know," he said. Saleh, who was country's interior minister from December 2018? January 19, said that there is no substitute and alternative to the direct talks between the Afghan Government and the Taliban. Without direct participation of the Afghan state negotiation will not only be counterproductive but also in violation of all the UNSC resolutions, Saleh said. The era of the Taliban regime was an era of ungoverned Afghanistan dark and inaccessible, he said adding that the territory they control today is nothing different from the 90s and the harsh rules they enforce has not changed. "We, therefore, appeal to the world community not to undermine our collective achievements and thus not give un-needed and un-necessary elevation to a terrorist group which has done nothing to prove itself otherwise," Saleh said. Meanwhile, Afghanistan has slammed the Trump administration for holding direct talks with the Taliban and described it as "surrender discussion" with the terror outfit and warned that such an effort would not result in peace in this war-torn country. In a hard-hitting speech at the think-tank, the Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib cautioned the US not to take its relationship with Afghanistan for granted as he completely opposed the ongoing direct talks. "It is not a fixed partnership. It is open to review and should be reviewed as contexts change," he said, adding that there is a much better and less expensive way to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, if that is the objective, rather than surrendering before a terrorist outfit like the Taliban for that purpose. Mohib warned the United States that peace in Afghanistan will not emerge out of any back-door deal between the Taliban and any entity that is not the Afghan government. "The Afghan government is the only legitimately elected representative of the Afghan people and there is no substitute for that," he said. "We will continue to defend our democratic gains whether the US forces stay or withdraw from Afghanistan. And we will not seek a replacement should the United States choose to withdraw. We believe that as long as the threat of terrorism remains a global one, Afghanistan will remain an important ally, and that is not bound to change even if peace with the Taliban is achieved," Mohib said. The capable Afghan forces, he said are prepared to protect the country.

Taliban, Pakistan government must come clean on scope & scale of their destructive relationship: Afghan ex-minister

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-failure-to-designate-masood-azhar-would-run-counter-to-goal-of-regional-stability-us-202991">China's failure to designate Masood Azhar would run counter to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-failure-to-designate-masood-azhar-would-run-counter-to-goal-of-regional-stability-us-202991">goal</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-failure-to-designate-masood-azhar-would-run-counter-to-goal-of-regional-stability-us-202991"> of regional stability: US</a>

China has been reluctant in declaring Azhar as an international terrorist and has blocked his listing at United Nation's Security Council's 1267 committee.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-rejects-prime-minister-theresa-mays-brexit-deal-by-149-votes-202966">Britain in Brexit chaos: Parliament rejects Theresa May's European Union deal again</a>

Lawmakers voted against May's amended Brexit deal by 391 to 242 as her last-minute talks with EU chiefs on Monday to assuage her critics' concerns ultimately proved fruitless.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-test-fires-smart-weapon-for-pafs-jf-17-thunder-fighter-jet-202980">Pakistan test-fires 'smart weapon' for PAF's JF-17 Thunder fighter jet</a>

Amid tensions with India, Pakistan on Tuesday announced that it has successfully test-fired an indigenously developed extended range&nbsp;"smart weapon" from JF-17 Thunder fighter&nbsp;jet to provide it a very potent day and night capability to engage variety of targets with pinpoint accuracy.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-not-to-suspend-boeing-737-max-plane-federal-aviation-administration-202979">US not to suspend Boeing 737 MAX plane: Federal Aviation Administration</a>

The US aviation regulator said on Tuesday it would not ground&nbsp;Boeing Co 737 MAX planes&nbsp;after a crash in Ethiopia that killed 157 people, bucking a trend of countries around the world that have&nbsp;suspended the aircraft's operations.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-talks-end-for-now-with-no-afghan-peace-deal-202982">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-talks-end-for-now-with-no-afghan-peace-deal-202982">, Taliban talks end for now with no Afghan peace deal</a>

US and Taliban negotiators wrapped up their longest round of peace talks on Tuesday with progress made but no agreement on when foreign troops might withdraw, officials from both sides said.

China's failure to designate Masood Azhar would run counter to goal of regional stability: US China has been reluctant in declaring Azhar as an international terrorist and has blocked his listing at United Nation's Security Council's 1267 committee.

China's failure to designate Masood Azhar would run counter to goal of regional stability: US China has been reluctant in declaring Azhar as an international terrorist and has blocked his listing at United Nation's Security Council's 1267 committee. Britain in Brexit chaos: Parliament rejects Theresa May's European Union deal again Lawmakers voted against May's amended Brexit deal by 391 to 242 as her last-minute talks with EU chiefs on Monday to assuage her critics' concerns ultimately proved fruitless. Pakistan test-fires 'smart weapon' for PAF's JF-17 Thunder fighter jet Amid tensions with India, Pakistan on Tuesday announced that it has successfully test-fired an indigenously developed extended range "smart weapon" from JF-17 Thunder fighter jet to provide it a very potent day and night capability to engage variety of targets with pinpoint accuracy. US not to suspend Boeing 737 MAX plane: Federal Aviation Administration The US aviation regulator said on Tuesday it would not ground Boeing Co 737 MAX planes after a crash in Ethiopia that killed 157 people, bucking a trend of countries around the world that have suspended the aircraft's operations. US, Taliban talks end for now with no Afghan peace deal US and Taliban negotiators wrapped up their longest round of peace talks on Tuesday with progress made but no agreement on when foreign troops might withdraw, officials from both sides said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

US and Taliban negotiators wrapped up their longest round of peace talks on Tuesday with progress made but no agreement on when foreign troops might withdraw, officials from both sides said.

The 16 days of talks, in which the United States also sought assurances that the Taliban would not allow militant groups to use Afghanistan to stage attacks, are expected to resume in late March.

The negotiations in Doha, Qatar included the Taliban's political chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and a US team led by special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad.

Khalilzad, an Afghan-born veteran US diplomat, said the sides made progress on discussions about counter-terrorism assurances and a troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The conditions for peace have improved. It`s clear all sides want to end the war. Despite ups and downs, we kept things on track and made real strides," Khalilzad said on Twitter.

The Taliban have held multiple rounds of peace talks with the American team led by Khalilzad but have so far refused to talk to the Afghan government.

"When the agreement in draft about a withdrawal timeline and effective counter-terrorism measures is finalised, the Taliban and other Afghans, including the government, will begin intra-Afghan negotiations on a political settlement and comprehensive ceasefire," Khalilzad said.

SOME PROGRESS

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the sides made progress on the issues of withdrawing foreign forces and preventing future attacks on other countries from Afghanistan.

But, in a statement, he stressed that no agreement was reached on a ceasefire or talks with the Afghan government.

A spokesman for Afghan President Ashraf Ghani tweeted that he hoped to see a long-term ceasefire agreement and the start of direct talks between the government and Taliban soon.

The talks were held in a closed-off banquet hall at the five-star Ritz-Carlton seaside hotel on the southern end of Doha.

Qatar has hosted the Taliban`s political office since 2013 and has looked to position itself as an important regional player for conflict resolution.

"We appreciate how difficult it is to end 18 years of war. Qatar looks forward to resumption of the talks in the coming weeks," said Qatar`s lead mediator Mutlaq Bin Majid Al-Qahtani.

No date has been set for the next round.

Khalilzad said he would return to Washington to brief US and international officials.&nbsp;

Talks ended on a day in which Taliban insurgents stepped up pressure on the battlefield, killing 20 Afghan soldiers and capturing another 20 in western Afghanistan. In another province, officials said an airstrike killed both Taliban fighters and civilians.&nbsp;

About 14,000 US troops are based in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. Some US forces carry out counter-terrorism operations.

The United States has been pushing the Taliban to agree to a ceasefire and to talk with Afghanistan`s government, which the militant group considers a US puppet regime.&nbsp;

"The US officials were pressing the Taliban to declare a ceasefire, but our leaders were clear that a ceasefire can only be announced after the foreign force withdrawal announcement (is) made," said a senior Taliban commander privy to the talks.

Another Taliban source said on condition of anonymity there was frustration on some issues during the peace talks and that a senior member of the Islamist group told US officials at one point that the Taliban are "not their servants" and need no US approval for any future decisions.

Washington intervened in Afghanistan in 2001 to help overthrow a Taliban government that had sheltered Osama bin Laden`s al Qaeda group, responsible for the September 11 attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people in the United States.

A US-led international force has fought since then against a Taliban insurgency. The foreign presence peaked in 2010 at more than 130,000 troops including 100,000 Americans but was sharply cut back after 2014.

Nearly 3,500 foreign troops including 2,300 Americans have died in Afghanistan. The United Nations has tallied the deaths of more than 30,000 Afghan civilians since 2009, most killed by insurgent attacks. Tens of thousands of members of the Afghan security forces and an unknown number of insurgents have also been killed.

US and Taliban negotiators wrapped up their longest round of peace talks on Tuesday with progress made but no agreement on when foreign troops might withdraw, officials from both sides said.

US and Taliban negotiators wrapped up their longest round of peace talks on Tuesday with progress made but no agreement on when foreign troops might withdraw, officials from both sides said. The 16 days of talks, in which the United States also sought assurances that the Taliban would not allow militant groups to use Afghanistan to stage attacks, are expected to resume in late March. The negotiations in Doha, Qatar included the Taliban's political chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and a US team led by special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad. Khalilzad, an Afghan-born veteran US diplomat, said the sides made progress on discussions about counter-terrorism assurances and a troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. "The conditions for peace have improved. It`s clear all sides want to end the war. Despite ups and downs, we kept things on track and made real strides," Khalilzad said on Twitter. The Taliban have held multiple rounds of peace talks with the American team led by Khalilzad but have so far refused to talk to the Afghan government. "When the agreement in draft about a withdrawal timeline and effective counter-terrorism measures is finalised, the Taliban and other Afghans, including the government, will begin intra-Afghan negotiations on a political settlement and comprehensive ceasefire," Khalilzad said. SOME PROGRESS Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the sides made progress on the issues of withdrawing foreign forces and preventing future attacks on other countries from Afghanistan. But, in a statement, he stressed that no agreement was reached on a ceasefire or talks with the Afghan government. A spokesman for Afghan President Ashraf Ghani tweeted that he hoped to see a long-term ceasefire agreement and the start of direct talks between the government and Taliban soon. The talks were held in a closed-off banquet hall at the five-star Ritz-Carlton seaside hotel on the southern end of Doha. Qatar has hosted the Taliban`s political office since 2013 and has looked to position itself as an important regional player for conflict resolution. "We appreciate how difficult it is to end 18 years of war. Qatar looks forward to resumption of the talks in the coming weeks," said Qatar`s lead mediator Mutlaq Bin Majid Al-Qahtani. No date has been set for the next round. Khalilzad said he would return to Washington to brief US and international officials. Talks ended on a day in which Taliban insurgents stepped up pressure on the battlefield, killing 20 Afghan soldiers and capturing another 20 in western Afghanistan. In another province, officials said an airstrike killed both Taliban fighters and civilians. About 14,000 US troops are based in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. Some US forces carry out counter-terrorism operations. The United States has been pushing the Taliban to agree to a ceasefire and to talk with Afghanistan`s government, which the militant group considers a US puppet regime. "The US officials were pressing the Taliban to declare a ceasefire, but our leaders were clear that a ceasefire can only be announced after the foreign force withdrawal announcement (is) made," said a senior Taliban commander privy to the talks. Another Taliban source said on condition of anonymity there was frustration on some issues during the peace talks and that a senior member of the Islamist group told US officials at one point that the Taliban are "not their servants" and need no US approval for any future decisions. Washington intervened in Afghanistan in 2001 to help overthrow a Taliban government that had sheltered Osama bin Laden`s al Qaeda group, responsible for the September 11 attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people in the United States. A US-led international force has fought since then against a Taliban insurgency. The foreign presence peaked in 2010 at more than 130,000 troops including 100,000 Americans but was sharply cut back after 2014. Nearly 3,500 foreign troops including 2,300 Americans have died in Afghanistan. The United Nations has tallied the deaths of more than 30,000 Afghan civilians since 2009, most killed by insurgent attacks. Tens of thousands of members of the Afghan security forces and an unknown number of insurgents have also been killed.

US, Taliban talks end for now with no Afghan peace deal

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