The Kabul government is steadily losing its grip over parts of Afghanistan even as American forces intensify their air campaign against insurgent groups, a US government watchdog said Thursday.

The latest grim assessment of Afghanistan's security situation comes as the US pursues talks with the Taliban and urgently seeks a way out of the 17-year war.

Numbers provided by Resolute Support, the US-led NATO mission in Afghanistan, show that as of October 31, only 63.5 per cent of Afghans are living in areas controlled or influenced by the Kabul government -- down from 65.2 per cent the previous quarter.

According to the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), which compiled the data, the decrease came as Kabul's control or influence over Afghan districts dropped.

SIGAR said just 53.8 per cent of Afghanistan's 407 districts are in government hands, and experts on Afghanistan say the number is lower still.

Instead of looking at population metrics, the Pentagon in a response to SIGAR said it is more important to "focus on the principal goal of the strategy of concluding the war in Afghanistan on terms favourable to Afghanistan and the United States."

Officials pointed to ongoing talks between the Taliban and US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who this week said he had sealed the outlines of a peace deal.

Unsustainable losses 

Highlighting the ongoing security crisis, SIGAR said the US has dramatically increased air strikes, dropping 6,823 bombs in the first 11 months of 2018.&nbsp;

The "figure was already 56 per cent higher than the total number of munitions released in 2017 (4,361), and is more than five times the total in 2016," SIGAR said in its report.

Meanwhile, the strength of Afghan security forces has continued to dwindle, and currently stands at 308,693 personnel. That means only 87.7 per cent of positions are filled, the lowest level since January 2015.

Afghan forces have suffered staggering losses since they assumed responsibility for their country's security four years ago.

President Ashraf Ghani last week said 45,000 security forces have been killed since he took office in September 2014.&nbsp;

NATO combat forces pulled out at the end of that year, and observers say the losses may not be sustainable.

Surrender?

Officials say President Donald Trump has decided to pull half of America's forces from Afghanistan. The Pentagon insisted the numbers in SIGAR's report do not necessarily reflect poorly on his strategy to find an end to the conflict.

"Measures of population control are not indicative of effectiveness of the South Asia strategy or of progress toward security and stability in Afghanistan," the Pentagon said, according to SIGAR.

Khalilzad has provided few specifics about a potential deal with the Taliban, but the militants are believed to have promised not to provide shelter again to foreign extremists.

However, the Taliban have so far refused another key US demand -- that they talk to the internationally recognized government in Kabul, which the insurgents view as American "puppets."

Ghani has warned against rushing into a deal, citing violence following the Soviet withdrawal in 1989.

Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said Tuesday that he saw "some very encouraging possibilities" in Khalilzad's negotiations. 
"But we need to give them time and space," Shanahan said.

Ryan Crocker, a former US ambassador to multiple nations including Afghanistan, said in an opinion piece in The Washington Post that US negotiations with the Taliban are akin to "surrender."

"The Taliban will offer any number of commitments, knowing that when we are gone and the Taliban is back, we will have no means of enforcing any of them," Crocker wrote.

The Kabul government is steadily losing its grip over parts of Afghanistan even as American forces intensify their air campaign against insurgent groups, a US government watchdog said Thursday.

The Kabul government is steadily losing its grip over parts of Afghanistan even as American forces intensify their air campaign against insurgent groups, a US government watchdog said Thursday. The latest grim assessment of Afghanistan's security situation comes as the US pursues talks with the Taliban and urgently seeks a way out of the 17-year war. Numbers provided by Resolute Support, the US-led NATO mission in Afghanistan, show that as of October 31, only 63.5 per cent of Afghans are living in areas controlled or influenced by the Kabul government -- down from 65.2 per cent the previous quarter. According to the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), which compiled the data, the decrease came as Kabul's control or influence over Afghan districts dropped. SIGAR said just 53.8 per cent of Afghanistan's 407 districts are in government hands, and experts on Afghanistan say the number is lower still. Instead of looking at population metrics, the Pentagon in a response to SIGAR said it is more important to "focus on the principal goal of the strategy of concluding the war in Afghanistan on terms favourable to Afghanistan and the United States." Officials pointed to ongoing talks between the Taliban and US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who this week said he had sealed the outlines of a peace deal. Unsustainable losses Highlighting the ongoing security crisis, SIGAR said the US has dramatically increased air strikes, dropping 6,823 bombs in the first 11 months of 2018. The "figure was already 56 per cent higher than the total number of munitions released in 2017 (4,361), and is more than five times the total in 2016," SIGAR said in its report. Meanwhile, the strength of Afghan security forces has continued to dwindle, and currently stands at 308,693 personnel. That means only 87.7 per cent of positions are filled, the lowest level since January 2015. Afghan forces have suffered staggering losses since they assumed responsibility for their country's security four years ago. President Ashraf Ghani last week said 45,000 security forces have been killed since he took office in September 2014. NATO combat forces pulled out at the end of that year, and observers say the losses may not be sustainable. Surrender? Officials say President Donald Trump has decided to pull half of America's forces from Afghanistan. The Pentagon insisted the numbers in SIGAR's report do not necessarily reflect poorly on his strategy to find an end to the conflict. "Measures of population control are not indicative of effectiveness of the South Asia strategy or of progress toward security and stability in Afghanistan," the Pentagon said, according to SIGAR. Khalilzad has provided few specifics about a potential deal with the Taliban, but the militants are believed to have promised not to provide shelter again to foreign extremists. However, the Taliban have so far refused another key US demand -- that they talk to the internationally recognized government in Kabul, which the insurgents view as American "puppets." Ghani has warned against rushing into a deal, citing violence following the Soviet withdrawal in 1989. Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said Tuesday that he saw "some very encouraging possibilities" in Khalilzad's negotiations. "But we need to give them time and space," Shanahan said. Ryan Crocker, a former US ambassador to multiple nations including Afghanistan, said in an opinion piece in The Washington Post that US negotiations with the Taliban are akin to "surrender." "The Taliban will offer any number of commitments, knowing that when we are gone and the Taliban is back, we will have no means of enforcing any of them," Crocker wrote.

Kabul control slips in Afghanistan amid US talks with Taliban

Negotiations in Afghanistan are going well, US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday after US officials earlier this week said there had been significant progress in talks to end 17 years of war in the country.

Talks "are proceeding well," Trump wrote on Twitter. He did not address any possible peace accord with the Taliban or the presence of US troops in Afghanistan.

On Monday, US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad told the New York Times that the United States and the insurgent group had sketched the outlines of an eventual peace deal. Analysts, however, said there was no sign that the Taliban had agreed to US demands.

A US State Department spokesman said this week the talks had been "positive" but that no agreement had been reached.

The Trump administration has moved toward withdrawals of US forces after years of overseas deployments. A US official said last month that Trump planned to withdraw more than 5,000 of the 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan.

But Trump's fellow Republican US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday offered legislation urging the United States to keep troops in Afghanistan as well as Syria, although it was uncertain whether it would become law

Negotiations in Afghanistan are going well, US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday after US officials earlier this week said there had been significant progress in talks to end 17 years of war in the country.

Negotiations in Afghanistan are going well, US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday after US officials earlier this week said there had been significant progress in talks to end 17 years of war in the country. Talks "are proceeding well," Trump wrote on Twitter. He did not address any possible peace accord with the Taliban or the presence of US troops in Afghanistan. On Monday, US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad told the New York Times that the United States and the insurgent group had sketched the outlines of an eventual peace deal. Analysts, however, said there was no sign that the Taliban had agreed to US demands. A US State Department spokesman said this week the talks had been "positive" but that no agreement had been reached. The Trump administration has moved toward withdrawals of US forces after years of overseas deployments. A US official said last month that Trump planned to withdraw more than 5,000 of the 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan. But Trump's fellow Republican US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday offered legislation urging the United States to keep troops in Afghanistan as well as Syria, although it was uncertain whether it would become law

Trump says Afghanistan talks 'proceeding well'

A United States intelligence report has warned terror attacks in India and Afghanistan due to "safe havens" provided to militants by Pakistan.&nbsp;

The "worldwide threat assessment of US intelligence community" report released by "The office of the director of national intelligence" said, "militant groups supported by Pakistan will continue to take advantage of their "safe haven"&nbsp;in Pakistan to plan and conduct attacks in India and Afghanistan, including against US interests."

Coming out strongly against "Islamabad’s narrow approach to counterterrorism cooperation" by "using some groups as policy tools and confronting only the militant groups that directly threaten Pakistan", the report said, will certainly "frustrate US counterterrorism efforts against the Taliban."

The report comes even as the US has been engaged with Taliban for a pact that will see <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-peace-talks-arab-divide-shadows-the-talks-as-us-says-negotiations-will-continue-193946">American troops leave Afghanistan </a>after 17 years. On the situation in Afghanistan, the report assesses a stalemate between the Afghan government and the Taliban in the coming year in terms of making any gains "if coalition support remains at current levels."

Lauding the Afghan forces, it said it has been able to "secure cities and other government strongholds" but the Taliban has "increased large-scale attacks".

Indo-Pak ties

The 42-page report doesn't see a major breakthrough in India-Pakistan ties. It listed "cross-border terrorism, firing across the Line of Control (LoC), divisive national elections in India, and Islamabad’s perception of its position with the United States relative to India" as the main factors that is contributing to "strained" Indo-Pak ties at least till May, 2019 when India's elections get over.

It further adds,"continued terrorist attacks and cross-border firing in Kashmir" has hardened "each country’s position" and "reduced their political will to seek rapprochement".

In November last year, both countries agreed to build Kartarpur corridor so that Indian pilgrims can visit the holy Gurudwara at Kartarpur, where the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak stayed for 18 years. It is expected to be opened this year to celebrate the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji.

India-China ties

On India-China ties the report was gloomy saying that relations will remain tense despite "efforts on both sides to manage tensions." It said "misperceptions of military movements or construction" might result in tensions "escalating into armed conflict."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times in 2018 starting with the famous Wuhan Summit in April. In 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit India for the second informal summit. 2017 was a tense year for Sino India ties as the Chinese army sought to build a road in the Doklam area of Bhutan which was repelled by the Indian Army leading to a 73-day standoff.

Indian elections

The report also spoke on the Indian general elections saying that if the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) stresses on "Hindu nationalist themes" it might result in "the possibility of communal violence". It added, communal clashes "could alienate Indian Muslims and allow Islamist terrorist groups in India to expand their influence."

A United States intelligence report has warned terror attacks in India and Afghanistan due to "safe havens" provided to militants by Pakistan. The "worldwide threat assessment of US intelligence community" report released by "The office of the director of national intelligence" said, "militant groups supported by Pakistan will continue to take advantage of their "safe haven" in Pakistan to plan and conduct attacks in India and Afghanistan, including against US interests.

A United States intelligence report has warned terror attacks in India and Afghanistan due to "safe havens" provided to militants by Pakistan. The "worldwide threat assessment of US intelligence community" report released by "The office of the director of national intelligence" said, "militant groups supported by Pakistan will continue to take advantage of their "safe haven" in Pakistan to plan and conduct attacks in India and Afghanistan, including against US interests." Coming out strongly against "Islamabad’s narrow approach to counterterrorism cooperation" by "using some groups as policy tools and confronting only the militant groups that directly threaten Pakistan", the report said, will certainly "frustrate US counterterrorism efforts against the Taliban." The report comes even as the US has been engaged with Taliban for a pact that will see American troops leave Afghanistan after 17 years. On the situation in Afghanistan, the report assesses a stalemate between the Afghan government and the Taliban in the coming year in terms of making any gains "if coalition support remains at current levels." Lauding the Afghan forces, it said it has been able to "secure cities and other government strongholds" but the Taliban has "increased large-scale attacks". Indo-Pak ties The 42-page report doesn't see a major breakthrough in India-Pakistan ties. It listed "cross-border terrorism, firing across the Line of Control (LoC), divisive national elections in India, and Islamabad’s perception of its position with the United States relative to India" as the main factors that is contributing to "strained" Indo-Pak ties at least till May, 2019 when India's elections get over. It further adds,"continued terrorist attacks and cross-border firing in Kashmir" has hardened "each country’s position" and "reduced their political will to seek rapprochement". In November last year, both countries agreed to build Kartarpur corridor so that Indian pilgrims can visit the holy Gurudwara at Kartarpur, where the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak stayed for 18 years. It is expected to be opened this year to celebrate the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji. India-China ties On India-China ties the report was gloomy saying that relations will remain tense despite "efforts on both sides to manage tensions." It said "misperceptions of military movements or construction" might result in tensions "escalating into armed conflict." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times in 2018 starting with the famous Wuhan Summit in April. In 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit India for the second informal summit. 2017 was a tense year for Sino India ties as the Chinese army sought to build a road in the Doklam area of Bhutan which was repelled by the Indian Army leading to a 73-day standoff. Indian elections The report also spoke on the Indian general elections saying that if the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) stresses on "Hindu nationalist themes" it might result in "the possibility of communal violence". It added, communal clashes "could alienate Indian Muslims and allow Islamist terrorist groups in India to expand their influence."

Militant groups supported by Pak will continue to conduct attacks on India, Afghanistan: US intelligence report

Russia will host the Taliban and Afghan politicians <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-participate-in-all-formats-of-talks-that-bring-peace-india-on-afghan-peace-process-194136">opposed to President Ashraf Ghani </a>on Tuesday, Russian and Taliban sources said, promoting its role of power broker in what a US official called an attempt to "muddle" the US-backed peace process.

Moscow snubbed the Afghan government, sources said, to ensure the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-control-slips-in-afghanistan-amid-us-talks-with-taliban-194042"> participation of the Taliban</a> who refuse to hold talks with Ghani's representatives to end the 17-year-old Afghan war, branding them puppets of the United States.

"Senior Taliban leaders and prominent Afghan politicians will travel to Moscow for a day-long summit. At this sensitive stage, it was best to not have Afghan government officials at the table," said a Russian official on condition of anonymity.

The Russian embassy in Kabul was not available for comment.

The Moscow talks underline the increasing role Russia is playing in Afghanistan, decades after Soviet forces withdrew from the country, with business investment plans, diplomatic and cultural outreach and small military support for the central government.

They also come as the Afghan government is struggling to recover control of districts lost to the Taliban.

The latest quarterly report by the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction noted that the control of Afghanistan's territory and population "became somewhat more contested (and) Afghan government control or influence continued to decline".

The news of Russia hosting Ghani's critics, including former President Hamid Karzai who believes Russia can play a decisive role in ending America’s longest war, has angered Kabul and US officials.

"Russia is again trying to muddle the US-backed peace process and the political situation of Afghanistan," said a senior US official, adding that Russia's repeated overtures towards the Taliban and Ghani's critics proved its determination to belittle the government.

Prominent outspoken critics of Ghani, Mohammad Mohaqiq, Mohammad Ismail Khan and Atta Mohammad Noor, who fought against the Soviets after their 1979 invasion, will travel to Moscow.

Sohail Shahin, a spokesman for the Taliban political office in Qatar, said a delegation led by Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, a senior political leader, would travel to Moscow for what he said would be a two-day meeting.

Last November, Moscow hosted a multilateral summit to try to find ways to end the war, drawing delegates from a body appointed by the Western-backed government, the Taliban and officials from a dozen nations, including the United States.

Analysts said Russia wants to maintain good relations with the Taliban, who are fighting to restore strict Islamic rule after their 2001 ouster.

"Russia knows that Ghani's government was established with American support that is why they are not giving importance to it," said Wadir Safi, a political science professor at Kabul University.

"The Moscow meeting can cause hurdles to the ongoing peace talks if it is not in close cooperation with the US peace efforts."

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in January her country welcomed Washington’s peace initiative, but US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad’s attempts to convince the Taliban to sit down to talks with the Kabul government have failed.

The United States has some 14,000 troops in Afghanistan as part of the NATO-led Resolute Support mission and a separate counter-terrorism effort largely directed at groups such as al Qaeda and Islamic State.

The next round of peace talks between Khalizad and the Taliban's newly appointed political leader, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, is scheduled for Qatar on February 25th.

Russia will host the Taliban and Afghan politicians opposed to President Ashraf Ghani on Tuesday, Russian and Taliban sources said, promoting its role of power broker in what a US official called an attempt to "muddle" the US-backed peace process.

Russia will host the Taliban and Afghan politicians opposed to President Ashraf Ghani on Tuesday, Russian and Taliban sources said, promoting its role of power broker in what a US official called an attempt to "muddle" the US-backed peace process. Moscow snubbed the Afghan government, sources said, to ensure the participation of the Taliban who refuse to hold talks with Ghani's representatives to end the 17-year-old Afghan war, branding them puppets of the United States. "Senior Taliban leaders and prominent Afghan politicians will travel to Moscow for a day-long summit. At this sensitive stage, it was best to not have Afghan government officials at the table," said a Russian official on condition of anonymity. The Russian embassy in Kabul was not available for comment. The Moscow talks underline the increasing role Russia is playing in Afghanistan, decades after Soviet forces withdrew from the country, with business investment plans, diplomatic and cultural outreach and small military support for the central government. They also come as the Afghan government is struggling to recover control of districts lost to the Taliban. The latest quarterly report by the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction noted that the control of Afghanistan's territory and population "became somewhat more contested (and) Afghan government control or influence continued to decline". The news of Russia hosting Ghani's critics, including former President Hamid Karzai who believes Russia can play a decisive role in ending America’s longest war, has angered Kabul and US officials. "Russia is again trying to muddle the US-backed peace process and the political situation of Afghanistan," said a senior US official, adding that Russia's repeated overtures towards the Taliban and Ghani's critics proved its determination to belittle the government. Prominent outspoken critics of Ghani, Mohammad Mohaqiq, Mohammad Ismail Khan and Atta Mohammad Noor, who fought against the Soviets after their 1979 invasion, will travel to Moscow. Sohail Shahin, a spokesman for the Taliban political office in Qatar, said a delegation led by Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, a senior political leader, would travel to Moscow for what he said would be a two-day meeting. Last November, Moscow hosted a multilateral summit to try to find ways to end the war, drawing delegates from a body appointed by the Western-backed government, the Taliban and officials from a dozen nations, including the United States. Analysts said Russia wants to maintain good relations with the Taliban, who are fighting to restore strict Islamic rule after their 2001 ouster. "Russia knows that Ghani's government was established with American support that is why they are not giving importance to it," said Wadir Safi, a political science professor at Kabul University. "The Moscow meeting can cause hurdles to the ongoing peace talks if it is not in close cooperation with the US peace efforts." Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in January her country welcomed Washington’s peace initiative, but US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad’s attempts to convince the Taliban to sit down to talks with the Kabul government have failed. The United States has some 14,000 troops in Afghanistan as part of the NATO-led Resolute Support mission and a separate counter-terrorism effort largely directed at groups such as al Qaeda and Islamic State. The next round of peace talks between Khalizad and the Taliban's newly appointed political leader, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, is scheduled for Qatar on February 25th.

Russia to host Taliban, Afghan politicians opposed to President Ghani: Sources

According to the reports, the US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban negotiator Maulana Abdul Ghani Baradar negotiated a deal in Doha for the withdrawal of foreign troops from war-ravaged Afghanistan within 18 months.&nbsp;

This week, the US Director of National Intelligence, Dan Coats, warned about the possibility of an increase in the attacks by Taliban, Daesh/IS, TTP, and Al-Qaeda on the Afghan state and foreign forces.

At this moment, nobody is certain about the future of political uncertainty and peace process in Afghanistan. However, it seems that US President Donald Trump is quite right in his analysis of the Af-Pak policy. The US has given more than $33.4 billion to Pakistani army for the war on terror in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

On the contrary, the Pakistani army facilitated the safe passage of Osama bin Laden from Tora Bora mountains, Afghanistan to a residential army colony in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

In order to take leverage of the strategic depth in Afghanistan, the Pakistani army formally established diplomatic relations with the Taliban and helped Saudi Arabia and UAE to tie formal diplomatic relations with the Taliban.&nbsp;

Pakistani army did not hesitate to invite China against the US strategic interests in this region too. &nbsp;

Afghanistan has been always considered geopolitical chessboard, where the US, Afghan state, Taliban, the Pakistani army, and regional powers like Iran, India, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, UAE are involved. In post-9/11 scenarios, despite several rounds of Afghan general elections, neither the roots of robust democracy took place nor did the Afghan national army and Afghan national police succeeded in taking back Taliban-controlled areas.

With the active support from Pakistani army, the Taliban not just survived over the years but also attacked the foreign forces and Afghan army bases in the last 17 years. According to Afghanistan deputy defence minister Hilaluddin Helal, there are currently 21 terrorist organisation with the strength of around 50200 militants, where Taliban is the biggest with 38000 militants. However, Daesh/IS has more than 2000 militants, which includes 70 per cent Pakistani, 6 per cent Uzbekistani, 4 per cent Chechens and 3 per cent Arabs.&nbsp;

Indeed, the Pakistani army is over joyous in the aftermath of the withdrawal of foreign forces and increased legitimacy of the Taliban in Afghanistan. But it would be highly premature to celebrate their political mileage at this moment because Afghan state, Afghan national army and Afghan police forces are still in place with the support of the US and regional players (Iran, India, Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, UAE) in the peacebuilding efforts and infrastructure development process in Afghanistan. &nbsp;

The history tells us that the Pakistani army relationship with Taliban has been full of ups and down. Some of the major incidents include the Taliban refusal to protect the Bamiyan Buddha and furthermore, it never agreed to recognise the Durand line between Afghanistan and North-West Frontier Pakistan - &nbsp;a colonial legacy indeed. The Taliban opened a political office in Doha, participated in a conference in Moscow, and above all is cultivating relationships with regional powers including Iran, Uzbekistan, Russia, China and the US. &nbsp;

In the long run, the Afghan economy will rely on the foreign aid and official developmental assistance by the regional powers. In order to boost bilateral trade with Afghanistan, many regional countries started air cargo transportation, while the Chabahar port will facilitate alternative trade routes to Afghanistan.

Consequently, the bilateral trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan has reached the lowest level in the last 17 years. Pakistan’s external financing has significantly dropped by over 60 per cent in the shape of loans and grants from July, 2018 to December, 2018, under the leadership of prime minister Imran Khan.&nbsp;

According to the UK-based advisory service Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the real GDP growth to average 2.9 per cent per year from 2018-19 to 2022-23. The economic success story of Bangladesh proves that the root of Pakistani macroeconomic problems is not economic, but predominantly Pakistani army’s obsession with strategic and military adventurism under which terrorism is an instrument to exploit the so-called strategic depth in the Afghan theatre.&nbsp;

In short, harbouring and sponsoring terrorist groups has always been a policy of the successive selected governments under the diktat of Pakistan army.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The Pakistani army has been a common source of concern for both Afghanistan and India. In order to understand its dominance in the Pakistani political system, one needs to remember that the Pakistani army has ruled for more than 33 years out of 70 years. Pakistani defence allocation in general budget constitutes over 34 per cent without any audit and scrutiny.&nbsp;

Indeed, the Pakistani army is more a&nbsp;problem rather than the solution. Therefore, Indian interests in Afghanistan are two-fold, directed towards Afghan led-peace process on the one hand, while reducing the abilities of the Pakistani army to operate cross-border terrorism on the other.

Indeed, regional powers have a common concern with regards to Daesh/IS, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Al-Qaeda, East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), and Taliban. In the growing face of any one of these terrorist groups in the Afghan, the theatre would bring a whole new level of action and reactions. On these backdrops, one needs to ask these critical questions: How to build an inclusive, pluralistic Afghan state, whose future hinges on democracy, economic development and human rights? Can Taliban and Afghan state devise a mechanism to work together? In the absence of foreign forces, how effective the Pakistani army would be in Afghan state affairs? &nbsp;

India’s Afghanistan policy is oriented towards Afghan-led, Afghan-controlled, Afghan-owned peace process, which in reality will be a true representative of Pashtuns, Tajiks, Uzbeks and Hazaras. Since 2002, India has given over $3 billion foreign aid to Afghanistan.&nbsp;

In order to strengthen the Afghan army, India has promised to give four Mi-25 attack helicopters before July, 2019. India has built roads, schools. Dams (Salma dam and proposed Shahtoot dam), and even Afghan parliament. Indian developmental assistance can be summarised in five categories - infrastructure development, economic development, humanitarian assistance, connectivity and capacity building projects.&nbsp;

In conclusion, perhaps the best possible Indian approach to the Afghan crisis lies in the combination of both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. India-Central Asia-Afghan trilateral meet and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) can be very effective platforms to strengthen the Afghan state. &nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

According to the reports, the US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban negotiator Maulana Abdul Ghani Baradar negotiated a deal in Doha for the withdrawal of foreign troops from war-ravaged Afghanistan within 18 months.

According to the reports, the US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban negotiator Maulana Abdul Ghani Baradar negotiated a deal in Doha for the withdrawal of foreign troops from war-ravaged Afghanistan within 18 months. This week, the US Director of National Intelligence, Dan Coats, warned about the possibility of an increase in the attacks by Taliban, Daesh/IS, TTP, and Al-Qaeda on the Afghan state and foreign forces. At this moment, nobody is certain about the future of political uncertainty and peace process in Afghanistan. However, it seems that US President Donald Trump is quite right in his analysis of the Af-Pak policy. The US has given more than $33.4 billion to Pakistani army for the war on terror in Afghanistan. On the contrary, the Pakistani army facilitated the safe passage of Osama bin Laden from Tora Bora mountains, Afghanistan to a residential army colony in Abbottabad, Pakistan. In order to take leverage of the strategic depth in Afghanistan, the Pakistani army formally established diplomatic relations with the Taliban and helped Saudi Arabia and UAE to tie formal diplomatic relations with the Taliban. Pakistani army did not hesitate to invite China against the US strategic interests in this region too. Afghanistan has been always considered geopolitical chessboard, where the US, Afghan state, Taliban, the Pakistani army, and regional powers like Iran, India, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, UAE are involved. In post-9/11 scenarios, despite several rounds of Afghan general elections, neither the roots of robust democracy took place nor did the Afghan national army and Afghan national police succeeded in taking back Taliban-controlled areas. With the active support from Pakistani army, the Taliban not just survived over the years but also attacked the foreign forces and Afghan army bases in the last 17 years. According to Afghanistan deputy defence minister Hilaluddin Helal, there are currently 21 terrorist organisation with the strength of around 50200 militants, where Taliban is the biggest with 38000 militants. However, Daesh/IS has more than 2000 militants, which includes 70 per cent Pakistani, 6 per cent Uzbekistani, 4 per cent Chechens and 3 per cent Arabs. Indeed, the Pakistani army is over joyous in the aftermath of the withdrawal of foreign forces and increased legitimacy of the Taliban in Afghanistan. But it would be highly premature to celebrate their political mileage at this moment because Afghan state, Afghan national army and Afghan police forces are still in place with the support of the US and regional players (Iran, India, Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, UAE) in the peacebuilding efforts and infrastructure development process in Afghanistan. The history tells us that the Pakistani army relationship with Taliban has been full of ups and down. Some of the major incidents include the Taliban refusal to protect the Bamiyan Buddha and furthermore, it never agreed to recognise the Durand line between Afghanistan and North-West Frontier Pakistan - a colonial legacy indeed. The Taliban opened a political office in Doha, participated in a conference in Moscow, and above all is cultivating relationships with regional powers including Iran, Uzbekistan, Russia, China and the US. In the long run, the Afghan economy will rely on the foreign aid and official developmental assistance by the regional powers. In order to boost bilateral trade with Afghanistan, many regional countries started air cargo transportation, while the Chabahar port will facilitate alternative trade routes to Afghanistan. Consequently, the bilateral trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan has reached the lowest level in the last 17 years. Pakistan’s external financing has significantly dropped by over 60 per cent in the shape of loans and grants from July, 2018 to December, 2018, under the leadership of prime minister Imran Khan. According to the UK-based advisory service Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the real GDP growth to average 2.9 per cent per year from 2018-19 to 2022-23. The economic success story of Bangladesh proves that the root of Pakistani macroeconomic problems is not economic, but predominantly Pakistani army’s obsession with strategic and military adventurism under which terrorism is an instrument to exploit the so-called strategic depth in the Afghan theatre. In short, harbouring and sponsoring terrorist groups has always been a policy of the successive selected governments under the diktat of Pakistan army. The Pakistani army has been a common source of concern for both Afghanistan and India. In order to understand its dominance in the Pakistani political system, one needs to remember that the Pakistani army has ruled for more than 33 years out of 70 years. Pakistani defence allocation in general budget constitutes over 34 per cent without any audit and scrutiny. Indeed, the Pakistani army is more a problem rather than the solution. Therefore, Indian interests in Afghanistan are two-fold, directed towards Afghan led-peace process on the one hand, while reducing the abilities of the Pakistani army to operate cross-border terrorism on the other. Indeed, regional powers have a common concern with regards to Daesh/IS, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Al-Qaeda, East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), and Taliban. In the growing face of any one of these terrorist groups in the Afghan, the theatre would bring a whole new level of action and reactions. On these backdrops, one needs to ask these critical questions: How to build an inclusive, pluralistic Afghan state, whose future hinges on democracy, economic development and human rights? Can Taliban and Afghan state devise a mechanism to work together? In the absence of foreign forces, how effective the Pakistani army would be in Afghan state affairs? India’s Afghanistan policy is oriented towards Afghan-led, Afghan-controlled, Afghan-owned peace process, which in reality will be a true representative of Pashtuns, Tajiks, Uzbeks and Hazaras. Since 2002, India has given over $3 billion foreign aid to Afghanistan. In order to strengthen the Afghan army, India has promised to give four Mi-25 attack helicopters before July, 2019. India has built roads, schools. Dams (Salma dam and proposed Shahtoot dam), and even Afghan parliament. Indian developmental assistance can be summarised in five categories - infrastructure development, economic development, humanitarian assistance, connectivity and capacity building projects. In conclusion, perhaps the best possible Indian approach to the Afghan crisis lies in the combination of both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. India-Central Asia-Afghan trilateral meet and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) can be very effective platforms to strengthen the Afghan state. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India’s Afghanistan policy: What needs to be done

While India is keenly watching the developments in Afghanistan including the expected pact between the United States and Taliban, top sources have told WION that New Delhi won't change its official stance of talking to Taliban and if a call is taken "it will be political".&nbsp;

Sources also dismissed that during US Special Representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, India&nbsp;held any conversation&nbsp;to dilute its policy on talks with Taliban.

India's official policy on Afghanistan's peace process has been that it should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with the participation of the government of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Sources said, barring one country no one would like Taliban to be back at the helm of affairs in Kabul and it seems highly unlikely that there will be a complete withdrawal of US forces from the landlocked South Asian country.

This comes even as Russia is expected to host another round of talks under its Moscow format talks on Afghanistan involving the Taliban for which New Delhi is expected to get an "invitation very soon".

India last year participated on "unofficial level" at Moscow format talks by sending its former ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha and former Indian high commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan. A few days ago the Army chief General Bipin Rawat had backed talks with Taliban but without any preconditions.

Countries in the region are already engaging with the group. Iran has publically acknowledged its talks with the Taliban and has even offered its offices if New Delhi wants to engage with the grouping.&nbsp; 
The US has been engaging with the Taliban and in its last meeting in Doha it was that a pact may be in the offing that can help American troops leave Afghanistan after 17 years.&nbsp;

On Monday, Russia's Special Representative on Afghanistan, Ambassador Zamir Kabulov was in Pakistan and met the Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and according to the Pakistani release Islamabad, "Is facilitating the ongoing talks between the US and the Taliban as a shared responsibility and in good faith" and "hoped that the talks will result in an intra-Afghan dialogue leading to lasting peace in the country."

While India is keenly watching the developments in Afghanistan including the expected pact between the United States and Taliban, top sources have told WION that New Delhi won't change its official stance of talking to Taliban and if a call is taken "it will be political".

While India is keenly watching the developments in Afghanistan including the expected pact between the United States and Taliban, top sources have told WION that New Delhi won't change its official stance of talking to Taliban and if a call is taken "it will be political". Sources also dismissed that during US Special Representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, India held any conversation to dilute its policy on talks with Taliban. India's official policy on Afghanistan's peace process has been that it should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with the participation of the government of Afghanistan. Sources said, barring one country no one would like Taliban to be back at the helm of affairs in Kabul and it seems highly unlikely that there will be a complete withdrawal of US forces from the landlocked South Asian country. This comes even as Russia is expected to host another round of talks under its Moscow format talks on Afghanistan involving the Taliban for which New Delhi is expected to get an "invitation very soon". India last year participated on "unofficial level" at Moscow format talks by sending its former ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha and former Indian high commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan. A few days ago the Army chief General Bipin Rawat had backed talks with Taliban but without any preconditions. Countries in the region are already engaging with the group. Iran has publically acknowledged its talks with the Taliban and has even offered its offices if New Delhi wants to engage with the grouping. The US has been engaging with the Taliban and in its last meeting in Doha it was that a pact may be in the offing that can help American troops leave Afghanistan after 17 years. On Monday, Russia's Special Representative on Afghanistan, Ambassador Zamir Kabulov was in Pakistan and met the Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and according to the Pakistani release Islamabad, "Is facilitating the ongoing talks between the US and the Taliban as a shared responsibility and in good faith" and "hoped that the talks will result in an intra-Afghan dialogue leading to lasting peace in the country."

India's talks with Taliban will be a political call: Sources to WION

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-call-off-peace-talks-with-us-officials-189044">US diplomats and the Afghan Taliban</a> have seen cause for hope in talks to end the United States' longest war, but the pivotal issues of a ceasefire and the militants sitting down with the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-pact-struck-with-us-over-deadline-to-end-afghan-war-taliban-178172">Afghan </a>government are far from being resolved.

Areas in which both sides have hailed progress - plans for the withdrawal of foreign troops 17 years after the US-led ouster of the Taliban and assurances that Afghanistan won't become a base for al Qaeda or Islamic State - still need detailed negotiation, sources on both sides said.

The withdrawal, for example, is contingent on a ceasefire that the Taliban have yet to discuss.

"We want to be absolutely sure that the US is leaving before we call off the fight," said a senior Taliban official on condition of anonymity.

But a senior US official privy to the negotiations was clear a ceasefire had to come first: "How could we even do a withdrawal without a ceasefire?"

And the Taliban's assurances on counter-terrorism also come with caveats.

They say they can guarantee the United States the security of the half of the country they now control, but they would have to be in an interim government to be sure of stopping al Qaeda or Islamic State from attacking anywhere else.

Left to watch the unlikely US and Taliban tango as he eyes a second term, Western-backed Afghan president Ashraf Ghani refuses to accept an interim government as part of any deal.

"We want peace, we want it quickly, but we want a proper plan ... so the mistakes of the past do not repeat," Ghani said in a televised address on Monday, referring to a bloody history of failed governments, military coups and civil war.

Ghani mentioned the deaths of previous rulers, including former President Najibullah, who was hanged from a Kabul lamppost when Taliban guerrillas swept into the capital in 1996.

NEW NEGOTIATOR

The next round of talks will be held in Qatar on February 25 when Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a former mujahideen fighter against the Soviet occupation of the 1980s, will head the Taliban side following his release last year from eight years in a Pakistani jail.

US officials told Reuters they hope he will have the authority to negotiate on the ceasefire and the need for discussions with the Afghan government. The Taliban have so far refused to talk to the government which they dismiss as a puppet of the United States.

Baradar, a co-founder of the movement and a former military commander in western Afghanistan, will enter new talks from a position of relative strength as its new political chief, Taliban officials said.

For years, the Taliban have fought to expel foreign forces and drive the government from power, so they can restore their version of hardline Islamic law across Afghanistan.

After intensifying attacks over the last two years, the Taliban are more powerful than any at other time since they were toppled by Western forces.

And senior Taliban officials say they know the United States and other foreign forces are tired and want out. While they, meanwhile, can sense victory and a future role in government.

"If the Afghan government and the Taliban have an agreement, it will involve altering government arrangements in some respect, creating a more inclusive government and consolidating the Afghan security forces and the Taliban in some new security architecture," said James Dobbins, a former diplomat who is now senior fellow at the RAND Corporation think-tank.

Dobbins, who was the Obama administration's special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan in 2013, said it would take a long time to reach a deal that would be sustainable.

But however much time the talks took, the senior US official privy to the talks, who did not want to be identified, insisted: "We will not leave Afghanistan without a deal. We want to leave a good legacy."

UNCERTAIN FUTURE

Doubts have increased in recent weeks whether US President Donald Trump would stomach a protracted presence in Afghanistan amid mixed signals from Washington.

US officials told Reuters last month that Trump had issued verbal orders to plan for a withdrawal of about half of the 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan. However, they said he could reverse course.

The US troops in Afghanistan are part of a NATO-led mission and a US counterterrorism mission largely directed at groups such as Islamic State and al Qaeda.

Some 8,000 troops from 38 other countries are participating in the operation, known as Resolute Support.

Diplomats and military attaches from many of those countries describe an intense desire to leave. Italy is considering sending home its 900 troops within a year.

The period after any deal and withdrawal is also fraught with risks.

&nbsp;Kabul-based Western envoys say little hard thought has been given to how aid plans and other support would have to be intensified and tailored to fit a new era of peace, and possible power-sharing.

Some also warn of a spike in violence as fighters on both sides return to villages and start new lives.

Afghans and regional diplomats also fear a US bid to cut a hasty deal with the Taliban could allow militia groups to exploit ethnic rivalries to usurp power.

Then there is the worry that the country's nascent democracy and women's rights could crumble in the absence of foreign forces.

Ghani made clear this week they are worries he shares, even if question marks remain over his ability to shape events ahead.

"I, as an elected leader in charge of 35 million Afghans, ... know what are the probable dangers and threats after the peace deal."

US diplomats and the Afghan Taliban have seen cause for hope in talks to end the United States' longest war, but the pivotal issues of a ceasefire and the militants sitting down with the Afghan government are far from being resolved.

US diplomats and the Afghan Taliban have seen cause for hope in talks to end the United States' longest war, but the pivotal issues of a ceasefire and the militants sitting down with the Afghan government are far from being resolved. Areas in which both sides have hailed progress - plans for the withdrawal of foreign troops 17 years after the US-led ouster of the Taliban and assurances that Afghanistan won't become a base for al Qaeda or Islamic State - still need detailed negotiation, sources on both sides said. The withdrawal, for example, is contingent on a ceasefire that the Taliban have yet to discuss. "We want to be absolutely sure that the US is leaving before we call off the fight," said a senior Taliban official on condition of anonymity. But a senior US official privy to the negotiations was clear a ceasefire had to come first: "How could we even do a withdrawal without a ceasefire?" And the Taliban's assurances on counter-terrorism also come with caveats. They say they can guarantee the United States the security of the half of the country they now control, but they would have to be in an interim government to be sure of stopping al Qaeda or Islamic State from attacking anywhere else. Left to watch the unlikely US and Taliban tango as he eyes a second term, Western-backed Afghan president Ashraf Ghani refuses to accept an interim government as part of any deal. "We want peace, we want it quickly, but we want a proper plan ... so the mistakes of the past do not repeat," Ghani said in a televised address on Monday, referring to a bloody history of failed governments, military coups and civil war. Ghani mentioned the deaths of previous rulers, including former President Najibullah, who was hanged from a Kabul lamppost when Taliban guerrillas swept into the capital in 1996. NEW NEGOTIATOR The next round of talks will be held in Qatar on February 25 when Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a former mujahideen fighter against the Soviet occupation of the 1980s, will head the Taliban side following his release last year from eight years in a Pakistani jail. US officials told Reuters they hope he will have the authority to negotiate on the ceasefire and the need for discussions with the Afghan government. The Taliban have so far refused to talk to the government which they dismiss as a puppet of the United States. Baradar, a co-founder of the movement and a former military commander in western Afghanistan, will enter new talks from a position of relative strength as its new political chief, Taliban officials said. For years, the Taliban have fought to expel foreign forces and drive the government from power, so they can restore their version of hardline Islamic law across Afghanistan. After intensifying attacks over the last two years, the Taliban are more powerful than any at other time since they were toppled by Western forces. And senior Taliban officials say they know the United States and other foreign forces are tired and want out. While they, meanwhile, can sense victory and a future role in government. "If the Afghan government and the Taliban have an agreement, it will involve altering government arrangements in some respect, creating a more inclusive government and consolidating the Afghan security forces and the Taliban in some new security architecture," said James Dobbins, a former diplomat who is now senior fellow at the RAND Corporation think-tank. Dobbins, who was the Obama administration's special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan in 2013, said it would take a long time to reach a deal that would be sustainable. But however much time the talks took, the senior US official privy to the talks, who did not want to be identified, insisted: "We will not leave Afghanistan without a deal. We want to leave a good legacy." UNCERTAIN FUTURE Doubts have increased in recent weeks whether US President Donald Trump would stomach a protracted presence in Afghanistan amid mixed signals from Washington. US officials told Reuters last month that Trump had issued verbal orders to plan for a withdrawal of about half of the 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan. However, they said he could reverse course. The US troops in Afghanistan are part of a NATO-led mission and a US counterterrorism mission largely directed at groups such as Islamic State and al Qaeda. Some 8,000 troops from 38 other countries are participating in the operation, known as Resolute Support. Diplomats and military attaches from many of those countries describe an intense desire to leave. Italy is considering sending home its 900 troops within a year. The period after any deal and withdrawal is also fraught with risks. Kabul-based Western envoys say little hard thought has been given to how aid plans and other support would have to be intensified and tailored to fit a new era of peace, and possible power-sharing. Some also warn of a spike in violence as fighters on both sides return to villages and start new lives. Afghans and regional diplomats also fear a US bid to cut a hasty deal with the Taliban could allow militia groups to exploit ethnic rivalries to usurp power. Then there is the worry that the country's nascent democracy and women's rights could crumble in the absence of foreign forces. Ghani made clear this week they are worries he shares, even if question marks remain over his ability to shape events ahead. "I, as an elected leader in charge of 35 million Afghans, ... know what are the probable dangers and threats after the peace deal."

Afghanistan: Ex-mujahideen fighter Abdul Ghani Baradar to head Taliban talks with US in next round

The White House has reacted to the developments in Afghanistan even as the Arab divide seems to shadow the Afghan peace talks.

White House Spokesperson Sarah Sanders in a briefing said, "Our priority is to end the war in Afghanistan and to ensure there is never a base for terrorism in Afghanistan again. Negotiations are going to continue.''

But the Arab divide is looming large on the Afghan peace talks.

The United Arab Emirates Ambassador to India Dr Ahmed Albanna lashed out at Qatar for hosting "terrorists". Doha last week hosted the US Taliban talks.

He said, "Qataris are hosting terrorist and exporting terrorist from there country. Terrorist are graduates of Guantanamo."

Adding, "Qatar supports extremism and continues to interfere in internal affairs of other states. Qatar represents a threat"

It's interesting to add that Abu Dhabi had also hosted US-Taliban talks.&nbsp;

UAE along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Senegal, Jordan, Djibouti severed ties with Qatar in 2017. Currently, Qatari planes and ships are denied airspace and sea route to these countries.

The Afghan peace talks are expected to pave way for American troops to leave the country after 17 years. Stakes seem to be high and experts say dealing with Taliban will require a lot of patience.&nbsp;

India's former Ambassador to Afghanistan, Amar Sinha reacting to US Taliban Pact told WION, "We have seen only the outlines of a framework agreement and have also heard US Special Representative say that "nothing is agreed till everything is agreed". &nbsp;But we all know "the devil &nbsp;is in the details."

Speaking to WION, Michael Kugelman South Asia senior associate at The Wilson Centre said, "It’s a big deal because it represents the first formal attempt to chart a way forward. There have been many meetings between the US and Taliban in the past, but not until now have they formally pledged to address each other’s demands. Could all this progress come crashing down? Certainly. At the end of the day, if the Taliban doesn’t like what’s on the table, it could easily break off the dialogue and fully redirect its attention to the battlefield. That’s why the talks that take place in the coming days will need to be carried out carefully."

India is cautiously watching the developments but so far hasn't reacted. The Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib was in Delhi in early January.

India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj met the Afghan foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani in Samarkand, Uzbekistan a few weeks ago on the sidelines of first India Central Asia dialogue.&nbsp;

Talking about India, Kugelman said, "For India, these talks are a reminder that its say in Afghanistan’s future, at least for now, is limited. India is a key regional player. But for now, it is left on the outside looking in and hoping that the result, whatever it is, doesn’t risk further instability for its Afghan friend."

The White House has reacted to the developments in Afghanistan even as the Arab divide seems to shadow the Afghan peace talks. White House Spokesperson Sarah Sanders in a briefing said, "Our priority is to end the war in Afghanistan and to ensure there is never a base for terrorism in Afghanistan again.

The White House has reacted to the developments in Afghanistan even as the Arab divide seems to shadow the Afghan peace talks. White House Spokesperson Sarah Sanders in a briefing said, "Our priority is to end the war in Afghanistan and to ensure there is never a base for terrorism in Afghanistan again. Negotiations are going to continue.'' But the Arab divide is looming large on the Afghan peace talks. The United Arab Emirates Ambassador to India Dr Ahmed Albanna lashed out at Qatar for hosting "terrorists". Doha last week hosted the US Taliban talks. He said, "Qataris are hosting terrorist and exporting terrorist from there country. Terrorist are graduates of Guantanamo." Adding, "Qatar supports extremism and continues to interfere in internal affairs of other states. Qatar represents a threat" It's interesting to add that Abu Dhabi had also hosted US-Taliban talks. UAE along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Senegal, Jordan, Djibouti severed ties with Qatar in 2017. Currently, Qatari planes and ships are denied airspace and sea route to these countries. The Afghan peace talks are expected to pave way for American troops to leave the country after 17 years. Stakes seem to be high and experts say dealing with Taliban will require a lot of patience. India's former Ambassador to Afghanistan, Amar Sinha reacting to US Taliban Pact told WION, "We have seen only the outlines of a framework agreement and have also heard US Special Representative say that "nothing is agreed till everything is agreed". But we all know "the devil is in the details." Speaking to WION, Michael Kugelman South Asia senior associate at The Wilson Centre said, "It’s a big deal because it represents the first formal attempt to chart a way forward. There have been many meetings between the US and Taliban in the past, but not until now have they formally pledged to address each other’s demands. Could all this progress come crashing down? Certainly. At the end of the day, if the Taliban doesn’t like what’s on the table, it could easily break off the dialogue and fully redirect its attention to the battlefield. That’s why the talks that take place in the coming days will need to be carried out carefully." India is cautiously watching the developments but so far hasn't reacted. The Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib was in Delhi in early January. India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj met the Afghan foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani in Samarkand, Uzbekistan a few weeks ago on the sidelines of first India Central Asia dialogue. Talking about India, Kugelman said, "For India, these talks are a reminder that its say in Afghanistan’s future, at least for now, is limited. India is a key regional player. But for now, it is left on the outside looking in and hoping that the result, whatever it is, doesn’t risk further instability for its Afghan friend."

Priority is to end Afghan war, peace negotiations will continue: White House

As the United States and Taliban plan&nbsp;an expected pact that can <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/priority-is-to-end-afghan-war-peace-negotiations-will-continue-white-house-spokesperson-193660">pave way for American withdrawal</a> from the south Asian country after 17 years, many including New Delhi are keenly watching the developments that can have huge ramifications.&nbsp;

New Delhi has been playing an important role as a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-not-stay-longer-than-necessary-in-afghanistan-nato-chief-193642">development partner in the war-torn country </a>and has provided aid worth more than $3 billion besides constructing the Afghan Parliament and the India Afghan friendship dam in western Herat province.&nbsp;

While New Delhi has not officially reacted, former Indian ambassador to Afghanistan, Amar Sinha has said the clock could be turned back.

Speaking to WION he said, "On the face of it this agreement has the flavour of being pushed by an impatient Washington on the one hand, and a patient and confident Rawalpindi on the other. &nbsp;In the process, interests of Afghan civilians and the democratic constituency built over the last 18 years is being sacrificed. The clock is being turned back."

Sinha added, "We have seen only the outlines of a framework agreement and have also heard US Special Representative say that "nothing is agreed till everything is agreed". But we all know "the devil &nbsp;is in the details."

Sinha along with India's former High Commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghava represented India "non-officially" at the Moscow talks on Afghanistan last year. Taliban was also present at the talks.&nbsp;

In January, alone a number of ministerial meets happened between India and Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib was in Delhi in early January and India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj met the Afghan foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani in Samarkand, Uzbekistan a few weeks ago on the sidelines of the first India-Central Asia dialogue.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, calling the pact a "big deal" since it represented the "first formal attempt to chart a way forward", Michael Kugelman South Asia senior associate at The Wilson Center suggested caution when it comes to dealing with Taliban.&nbsp;

He said, "There have been many meetings between the US and Taliban in the past, but not until now have they formally pledged to address each other’s demands. Could all this progress come crashing down? Certainly. At the end of the day, if the Taliban doesn’t like what’s on the table, it could easily break off the dialogue and fully redirect its attention to the battlefield. That’s why the talks that take place in the coming days will need to be carried out carefully."

On India, Kugelman said "these talks are a reminder" that New Delhi's say in Afghanistan's future, "at least for now, is limited."&nbsp;

Explaining further, he said "India is a key regional player" but for now "it is left on the outside looking in and hoping that the result, whatever it is, doesn’t risk further instability for its Afghan friend."

As the United States and Taliban plan an expected pact that can pave way for American withdrawal from the south Asian country after 17 years, many including New Delhi are keenly watching the developments that can have huge ramifications.

As the United States and Taliban plan an expected pact that can pave way for American withdrawal from the south Asian country after 17 years, many including New Delhi are keenly watching the developments that can have huge ramifications. New Delhi has been playing an important role as a development partner in the war-torn country and has provided aid worth more than $3 billion besides constructing the Afghan Parliament and the India Afghan friendship dam in western Herat province. While New Delhi has not officially reacted, former Indian ambassador to Afghanistan, Amar Sinha has said the clock could be turned back. Speaking to WION he said, "On the face of it this agreement has the flavour of being pushed by an impatient Washington on the one hand, and a patient and confident Rawalpindi on the other. In the process, interests of Afghan civilians and the democratic constituency built over the last 18 years is being sacrificed. The clock is being turned back." Sinha added, "We have seen only the outlines of a framework agreement and have also heard US Special Representative say that "nothing is agreed till everything is agreed". But we all know "the devil is in the details." Sinha along with India's former High Commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghava represented India "non-officially" at the Moscow talks on Afghanistan last year. Taliban was also present at the talks. In January, alone a number of ministerial meets happened between India and Afghanistan. The Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib was in Delhi in early January and India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj met the Afghan foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani in Samarkand, Uzbekistan a few weeks ago on the sidelines of the first India-Central Asia dialogue. Meanwhile, calling the pact a "big deal" since it represented the "first formal attempt to chart a way forward", Michael Kugelman South Asia senior associate at The Wilson Center suggested caution when it comes to dealing with Taliban. He said, "There have been many meetings between the US and Taliban in the past, but not until now have they formally pledged to address each other’s demands. Could all this progress come crashing down? Certainly. At the end of the day, if the Taliban doesn’t like what’s on the table, it could easily break off the dialogue and fully redirect its attention to the battlefield. That’s why the talks that take place in the coming days will need to be carried out carefully." On India, Kugelman said "these talks are a reminder" that New Delhi's say in Afghanistan's future, "at least for now, is limited." Explaining further, he said "India is a key regional player" but for now "it is left on the outside looking in and hoping that the result, whatever it is, doesn’t risk further instability for its Afghan friend."

Clock could be turned back, says India's ex-ambassador to Afghanistan Sinha on US-Taliban talks

After Afghan president Ashraf Ghani appealed to the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-doesnt-seek-permanent-afghan-military-presence-official-193451"> Taliban to "enter into serious talks"</a> with the government during talks in Qatar with sources informing&nbsp;WION that a package deal is expected.

Sources said US pullout has been finalised for a one and a half year timeframe but it shall be in phases with progress in peace talks and security of Afghanistan to be taken into consideration. First, the US will announce its withdrawal and it is expected that US president Trump will announce it in his State of the Union Address on Tuesday or whenever it happens.

After&nbsp;it is publicly announced, sources said the Taliban shall announce a ceasefire and peace talks with the Afghan government. Sources said the Afghan Taliban military council which authorises attacks has asked for the release of Aafia Siddiqui but that demand has not been actively taken up by the rest. There are two members from the military council taking part in talks in Qatar.

The eight-member Afghan Taliban delegation includes chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, three members from the political office including Abbas Stanikzai and one senior member of the&nbsp;Haqqani Network.

Mullah Yaqoob who is the youngest son of Mullah Omar and ex-Afghan Taliban chief is also taking part in talks. Ghani spoke hours after his office released a statement saying that US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad had assured them that the focus of the talks in Qatar remains finding a way to facilitate peace negotiations between the militants and Kabul.

Khalilzad arrived in Afghanistan late Sunday after six days of talks between Taliban representatives and US officials in Doha. Both parties have cited "progress" as hopes rise that the unprecedented length of the negotiations could mean a deal paving the way for Afghan peace talks may be in sight, although sticking points remain.

"We want peace, we want it fast but we want it with a plan," Ghani continued Monday.

"We should not forget that the victims of this war are Afghans and the peace process should also be Afghan-led," the president added. 
&nbsp;

After Afghan president Ashraf Ghani appealed to the Taliban to "enter into serious talks" with the government during talks in Qatar with sources informing WION that a package deal is expected.

After Afghan president Ashraf Ghani appealed to the Taliban to "enter into serious talks" with the government during talks in Qatar with sources informing WION that a package deal is expected. Sources said US pullout has been finalised for a one and a half year timeframe but it shall be in phases with progress in peace talks and security of Afghanistan to be taken into consideration. First, the US will announce its withdrawal and it is expected that US president Trump will announce it in his State of the Union Address on Tuesday or whenever it happens. After it is publicly announced, sources said the Taliban shall announce a ceasefire and peace talks with the Afghan government. Sources said the Afghan Taliban military council which authorises attacks has asked for the release of Aafia Siddiqui but that demand has not been actively taken up by the rest. There are two members from the military council taking part in talks in Qatar. The eight-member Afghan Taliban delegation includes chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, three members from the political office including Abbas Stanikzai and one senior member of the Haqqani Network. Mullah Yaqoob who is the youngest son of Mullah Omar and ex-Afghan Taliban chief is also taking part in talks. Ghani spoke hours after his office released a statement saying that US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad had assured them that the focus of the talks in Qatar remains finding a way to facilitate peace negotiations between the militants and Kabul. Khalilzad arrived in Afghanistan late Sunday after six days of talks between Taliban representatives and US officials in Doha. Both parties have cited "progress" as hopes rise that the unprecedented length of the negotiations could mean a deal paving the way for Afghan peace talks may be in sight, although sticking points remain. "We want peace, we want it fast but we want it with a plan," Ghani continued Monday. "We should not forget that the victims of this war are Afghans and the peace process should also be Afghan-led," the president added.

Peace process should be Afghan-led, says President Ghani after talks with Taliban in Qatar

A senior US government official, speaking after six days of talks between a US team and the Afghan Taliban, said on Monday that Washington was committed to the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan after 17 years of war.

The official, who declined to be identified, described "significant progress" in talks last week with Afghan Taliban militants in Qatar on a foreign troop pullout, but more negotiations were needed on a ceasefire and its timing.

"Of course we don't seek a permanent military presence in Afghanistan," the official said in the capital Kabul.

"Our goal is to help bring peace in Afghanistan and we would like a future partnership, newly defined with a post-peace government," the official told Reuters. "We would like to leave a good legacy."

There could not be a withdrawal without a ceasefire, the official added.

Both US officials and the hardline Islamic group hailed progress after the talks on Saturday but the US official said that no draft deal had been finalised.

As well as the sticking point of the ceasefire, the Taliban did not discuss the need for talks with the Afghan government to reach a political settlement that the US believes is a core part of a deal.

The Taliban have repeatedly refused to talk to the Western-backed Afghan government, which they see as a puppet of the United States.

The US team, headed by special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, is in Kabul this week meeting<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-sirisena-calls-on-taliban-to-enter-serious-talks-with-kabul-193440"> Afghan President Ashraf Ghani</a>.

After being toppled by a US-led invasion in 2001, the Taliban control about half of Afghanistan and are staging daily attacks amid the diplomacy.

Further talks are due to start in Qatar on February 25.

As well as the withdrawal of troops, the official said progress was made on addressing US concerns that Afghanistan is not used as a base by al Qaeda or Islamic State for attacks against the United States and its allies.

"That is why we came to Afghanistan in the first place," the official said.

Meanwhile, Ghani said the presence of foreign forces was based on an international agreement and they will not be required in the long term.

"No Afghans want foreign forces in their country for the long term," Ghani said in a televised address.

"The current presence of foreign forces is based on need, and this need has always been contemplated and will be contemplated ... and according to an exact and arranged plan we are trying to bring down that number to zero," he said.

A senior US government official, speaking after six days of talks between a US team and the Afghan Taliban, said on Monday that Washington was committed to the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan after 17 years of war.

A senior US government official, speaking after six days of talks between a US team and the Afghan Taliban, said on Monday that Washington was committed to the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan after 17 years of war. The official, who declined to be identified, described "significant progress" in talks last week with Afghan Taliban militants in Qatar on a foreign troop pullout, but more negotiations were needed on a ceasefire and its timing. "Of course we don't seek a permanent military presence in Afghanistan," the official said in the capital Kabul. "Our goal is to help bring peace in Afghanistan and we would like a future partnership, newly defined with a post-peace government," the official told Reuters. "We would like to leave a good legacy." There could not be a withdrawal without a ceasefire, the official added. Both US officials and the hardline Islamic group hailed progress after the talks on Saturday but the US official said that no draft deal had been finalised. As well as the sticking point of the ceasefire, the Taliban did not discuss the need for talks with the Afghan government to reach a political settlement that the US believes is a core part of a deal. The Taliban have repeatedly refused to talk to the Western-backed Afghan government, which they see as a puppet of the United States. The US team, headed by special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, is in Kabul this week meeting Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. After being toppled by a US-led invasion in 2001, the Taliban control about half of Afghanistan and are staging daily attacks amid the diplomacy. Further talks are due to start in Qatar on February 25. As well as the withdrawal of troops, the official said progress was made on addressing US concerns that Afghanistan is not used as a base by al Qaeda or Islamic State for attacks against the United States and its allies. "That is why we came to Afghanistan in the first place," the official said. Meanwhile, Ghani said the presence of foreign forces was based on an international agreement and they will not be required in the long term. "No Afghans want foreign forces in their country for the long term," Ghani said in a televised address. "The current presence of foreign forces is based on need, and this need has always been contemplated and will be contemplated ... and according to an exact and arranged plan we are trying to bring down that number to zero," he said.

US doesn't seek permanent Afghan military presence: Official

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-peace-envoy-visits-kabul-to-consult-afghanistan-president-ashraf-ghani-on-talks-with-taliban-193206">Afghan president Ashraf Ghani called on the Taliban </a>to "enter serious talks" with the government in Kabul Monday, following unprecedented marathon negotiations between the insurgents and the US in Qatar last week.

"I call on the Taliban to... show their Afghan will, and accept Afghans' demand for peace, and enter serious talks with the Afghan government," he said in a nationally televised address from the presidential palace in Kabul.&nbsp;

Afghan authorities have previously complained of being excluded from the discussions in Qatar and warned that any deal between the US and the Taliban would require Kabul's endorsement.&nbsp;

However, the Taliban have long refused to speak directly to Ghani's government, branding them "puppets".

Ghani spoke hours after his office released a statement saying that US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad had assured them that the focus of the talks in Qatar remains to find a way to facilitate peace negotiations between the militants and Kabul.

Khalilzad arrived in Afghanistan late Sunday after six days of talks between Taliban representatives and US officials in Doha.&nbsp;

Both parties have cited "progress" as hopes rise that the unprecedented length of the negotiations could mean a deal paving the way for Afghan peace talks may be in sight, although sticking points remain.

"We want peace, we want it fast but we want it with a plan," Ghani continued Monday.&nbsp;

"We should not forget that the victims of this war are Afghans and the peace process should also be Afghan-led."

Afghan president Ashraf Ghani called on the Taliban to "enter serious talks" with the government in Kabul Monday, following unprecedented marathon negotiations between the insurgents and the US in Qatar last week.

Afghan president Ashraf Ghani called on the Taliban to "enter serious talks" with the government in Kabul Monday, following unprecedented marathon negotiations between the insurgents and the US in Qatar last week. "I call on the Taliban to... show their Afghan will, and accept Afghans' demand for peace, and enter serious talks with the Afghan government," he said in a nationally televised address from the presidential palace in Kabul. Afghan authorities have previously complained of being excluded from the discussions in Qatar and warned that any deal between the US and the Taliban would require Kabul's endorsement. However, the Taliban have long refused to speak directly to Ghani's government, branding them "puppets". Ghani spoke hours after his office released a statement saying that US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad had assured them that the focus of the talks in Qatar remains to find a way to facilitate peace negotiations between the militants and Kabul. Khalilzad arrived in Afghanistan late Sunday after six days of talks between Taliban representatives and US officials in Doha. Both parties have cited "progress" as hopes rise that the unprecedented length of the negotiations could mean a deal paving the way for Afghan peace talks may be in sight, although sticking points remain. "We want peace, we want it fast but we want it with a plan," Ghani continued Monday. "We should not forget that the victims of this war are Afghans and the peace process should also be Afghan-led."

Afghan president Ghani calls on Taliban to 'enter serious talks' with Kabul

Another round of peace talks between Afghanistan`s Taliban and the United States is tentatively set for February 25, a Qatari foreign ministry official said on Sunday, after a draft pact was reached to potentially end the United States` longest war.

"Both parties agreed tentatively to reconvene on February 25th," the official told Reuters.

The draft deal, agreed after six days of talks last week, stipulates that US troops would leave within 18 months of the agreement being signed, potentially ending the war more than 17 years after American-led forces invaded Afghanistan.

According to Taliban sources, the hardline Islamic group gave assurances that Afghanistan will not be allowed to be used by al-Qaeda and Islamic State militants to attack the United States and its allies - a key early demand of Washington.

The reported progress comes as the Taliban continues to stage near-daily attacks against the Western-backed Afghan government and its security forces.

Despite the presence of US-led foreign forces training, advising and assisting their Afghan counterparts, the Taliban controls nearly half of Afghanistan. 
&nbsp;

Another round of peace talks between Afghanistan`s Taliban and the United States is tentatively set for February 25, a Qatari foreign ministry official said on Sunday, after a draft pact was reached to potentially end the United States` longest war.

Another round of peace talks between Afghanistan`s Taliban and the United States is tentatively set for February 25, a Qatari foreign ministry official said on Sunday, after a draft pact was reached to potentially end the United States` longest war. "Both parties agreed tentatively to reconvene on February 25th," the official told Reuters. The draft deal, agreed after six days of talks last week, stipulates that US troops would leave within 18 months of the agreement being signed, potentially ending the war more than 17 years after American-led forces invaded Afghanistan. According to Taliban sources, the hardline Islamic group gave assurances that Afghanistan will not be allowed to be used by al-Qaeda and Islamic State militants to attack the United States and its allies - a key early demand of Washington. The reported progress comes as the Taliban continues to stage near-daily attacks against the Western-backed Afghan government and its security forces. Despite the presence of US-led foreign forces training, advising and assisting their Afghan counterparts, the Taliban controls nearly half of Afghanistan.

Next round of Afghanistan talks tentatively set for February 25

Afghans harboured tentative hopes Sunday that talks between the US and Taliban leaders could end decades of conflict, despite fears an American withdrawal might unleash even more violence.

American negotiators and the Taliban said Saturday the two sides had made substantial progress in the most recent round of talks in Qatar, promising to meet again to continue seeking a deal that could pave the way for official peace negotiations.

The length and apparent progress in the ongoing talks are unprecedented, signalling that both Washington and the Taliban might see a path forward.

Hopes were rising on Twitter. "We r feeling the breeze of #peace coming," tweeted Afghan user Haris Sherzad.

Civilians in Kabul, who have paid a disproportionate price in casualties since the US invasion of 2001, were more cautious.&nbsp;

"I don't believe the Taliban will make peace," Kabul resident Rajab Ali told AFP.

"But if we have peace it will be so great. There is nothing better than peace," he added.&nbsp;

The goal of the talks is ostensibly to find a way to bring the Taliban to the table for official peace negotiations with Kabul. However, the militants steadfastly refuse to engage with the government, which has yet to release any statement on the talks after complaining of being cut out of the process.

Meanwhile, the US has expressed a clear desire to end its longest war.&nbsp;

"This will be peace between the Taliban and US, not the people of Afghanistan," wrote Facebook user Jamshid Ayoubi. "We will be left alone to the mercy of extremists once again."&nbsp;

Kabul residents said a deal between the militants and the government was vital to bringing an end to 17 years of bloodshed. &nbsp;

"It will never be stable if Taliban and the government keep fighting each other and killing Afghans," resident Sharbatullah told AFP.

'Time for us to leave'

The Taliban are widely believed to want to return to power and reimpose their own strict interpretation of sharia law. &nbsp;

They have shown no interest in sharing power with the current government in Kabul, and already have the upper hand on the battlefield, where Afghan forces are taking what experts have described as "unsustainable" losses.

Earlier this week President Ashraf Ghani revealed that some 45,000 Afghan security forces have been killed since he took power in September 2014 -- a staggering rate of more than 28 every day.

If Washington exits before a peace deal is in place there are fears the already-plummeting morale of Afghan security forces will shatter and that they will break along ethnic lines, igniting a full-scale civil war or even usher in a new era of Taliban rule.

"A hasty withdrawal of foreign troops will be interpreted as a victory for the Taliban and other religious extremists across the region," warned one Facebook user, Hamed Haidari.

"Time for us to leave this country. You will see extremists flood the country once again."

"Darker days await Afghanistan," wrote user Ashraf Sultani. &nbsp;

"Once the US is out, the Taliban will issue a fatwa for continuation of their war, and the country will plunge into another bloody civil war again."

Afghans harboured tentative hopes Sunday that talks between the US and Taliban leaders could end decades of conflict, despite fears an American withdrawal might unleash even more violence.

Afghans harboured tentative hopes Sunday that talks between the US and Taliban leaders could end decades of conflict, despite fears an American withdrawal might unleash even more violence. American negotiators and the Taliban said Saturday the two sides had made substantial progress in the most recent round of talks in Qatar, promising to meet again to continue seeking a deal that could pave the way for official peace negotiations. The length and apparent progress in the ongoing talks are unprecedented, signalling that both Washington and the Taliban might see a path forward. Hopes were rising on Twitter. "We r feeling the breeze of #peace coming," tweeted Afghan user Haris Sherzad. Civilians in Kabul, who have paid a disproportionate price in casualties since the US invasion of 2001, were more cautious. "I don't believe the Taliban will make peace," Kabul resident Rajab Ali told AFP. "But if we have peace it will be so great. There is nothing better than peace," he added. The goal of the talks is ostensibly to find a way to bring the Taliban to the table for official peace negotiations with Kabul. However, the militants steadfastly refuse to engage with the government, which has yet to release any statement on the talks after complaining of being cut out of the process. Meanwhile, the US has expressed a clear desire to end its longest war. "This will be peace between the Taliban and US, not the people of Afghanistan," wrote Facebook user Jamshid Ayoubi. "We will be left alone to the mercy of extremists once again." Kabul residents said a deal between the militants and the government was vital to bringing an end to 17 years of bloodshed. "It will never be stable if Taliban and the government keep fighting each other and killing Afghans," resident Sharbatullah told AFP. 'Time for us to leave' The Taliban are widely believed to want to return to power and reimpose their own strict interpretation of sharia law. They have shown no interest in sharing power with the current government in Kabul, and already have the upper hand on the battlefield, where Afghan forces are taking what experts have described as "unsustainable" losses. Earlier this week President Ashraf Ghani revealed that some 45,000 Afghan security forces have been killed since he took power in September 2014 -- a staggering rate of more than 28 every day. If Washington exits before a peace deal is in place there are fears the already-plummeting morale of Afghan security forces will shatter and that they will break along ethnic lines, igniting a full-scale civil war or even usher in a new era of Taliban rule. "A hasty withdrawal of foreign troops will be interpreted as a victory for the Taliban and other religious extremists across the region," warned one Facebook user, Hamed Haidari. "Time for us to leave this country. You will see extremists flood the country once again." "Darker days await Afghanistan," wrote user Ashraf Sultani. "Once the US is out, the Taliban will issue a fatwa for continuation of their war, and the country will plunge into another bloody civil war again."

Afghans hope for peace but fear bloodshed as US, Taliban talk

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dueling-plans-to-end-us-shutdown-fail-in-senate-talks-resume-192581">Dueling</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dueling-plans-to-end-us-shutdown-fail-in-senate-talks-resume-192581"> plans to end US shutdown fail in Senate, talks resume</a>

The US Senate on Thursday blocked dueling plans to reopen shuttered federal agencies, a fresh setback in efforts to end a month-long government shutdown, but President Donald Trump signalled he could back a new proposal if it includes border security.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-to-close-us-embassy-consulates-maduro-192578">Venezuela to close US embassy, consulates: Nicolas Maduro</a>

Venezuela will close its embassy and all consulates in the United States, President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday, one day after he broke off diplomatic relations in response to US recognition of an opposition leader as interim president.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-appoints-new-political-leader-to-join-us-taliban-peace-talks-192600">Taliban appoints </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-appoints-new-political-leader-to-join-us-taliban-peace-talks-192600">new</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-appoints-new-political-leader-to-join-us-taliban-peace-talks-192600"> political leader to join peace talks with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-appoints-new-political-leader-to-join-us-taliban-peace-talks-192600">US</a>

A co-founder of the Taliban was appointed as the leader of its political office in Qatar on Thursday to strengthen its hand in peace talks with the United States as they try to establish a mechanism to end the 17-year Afghan war.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-miles-and-miles-from-resolving-trade-conflict-official-192584">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-miles-and-miles-from-resolving-trade-conflict-official-192584">, China 'miles and miles' from resolving trade conflict: Official</a>

Washington and Beijing are "miles and miles" from resolving their trade war, US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Thursday.

A high-level Chinese delegation is due in Washington next week for talks to resolve the dispute by March 1, when US duty rates on Chinese imports are due to rise sharply, but Ross tried to tamp down expectations to those meetings.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-envoy-says-dialogue-is-indispensable-to-resolve-tensions-between-india-pakistan-192594">Pak envoy says 'dialogue is indispensable' to resolving tensions between India, Pakistan</a>

Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood on Thursday advocated talks and sustained engagement between the two countries to find common ground for improvement of bilateral relations.

Dueling plans to end US shutdown fail in Senate, talks resume The US Senate on Thursday blocked dueling plans to reopen shuttered federal agencies, a fresh setback in efforts to end a month-long government shutdown, but President Donald Trump signalled he could back a new proposal if it includes border security.

Dueling plans to end US shutdown fail in Senate, talks resume The US Senate on Thursday blocked dueling plans to reopen shuttered federal agencies, a fresh setback in efforts to end a month-long government shutdown, but President Donald Trump signalled he could back a new proposal if it includes border security. Venezuela to close US embassy, consulates: Nicolas Maduro Venezuela will close its embassy and all consulates in the United States, President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday, one day after he broke off diplomatic relations in response to US recognition of an opposition leader as interim president. Taliban appoints new political leader to join peace talks with US A co-founder of the Taliban was appointed as the leader of its political office in Qatar on Thursday to strengthen its hand in peace talks with the United States as they try to establish a mechanism to end the 17-year Afghan war. US, China 'miles and miles' from resolving trade conflict: Official Washington and Beijing are "miles and miles" from resolving their trade war, US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Thursday. A high-level Chinese delegation is due in Washington next week for talks to resolve the dispute by March 1, when US duty rates on Chinese imports are due to rise sharply, but Ross tried to tamp down expectations to those meetings. Pak envoy says 'dialogue is indispensable' to resolving tensions between India, Pakistan Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood on Thursday advocated talks and sustained engagement between the two countries to find common ground for improvement of bilateral relations.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A co-founder of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-says-talks-with-the-us-enter-fourth-day-in-qatar-192513">Taliban was appointed as the leader</a> of its political office in Qatar on Thursday to strengthen its hand in peace talks with the United States as they try to establish a mechanism to end the 17-year Afghan war.&nbsp;

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar was released from a prison in Pakistan in October last year has been authorised to lead the political team and take decisions, two Taliban sources in Afghanistan said.

The Taliban issued a statement to announce Baradar's appointment and a reshuffle in their team to put senior leaders into key positions as the talks with US officials gain momentum.

"This step has been taken to strengthen and properly handle the ongoing negotiations process with the United States," the Taliban said in statement.

US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad`s meeting with the Taliban representatives, which was originally due to run over two days, entered its fourth day on Thursday.&nbsp;

It was not clear whether the talks were to continue on Friday, or how soon Baradar could join the talks.&nbsp;

"Baradar will soon fly to Qatar. He has been given the new position because the US wanted senior Taliban leadership to participate in peace talks," a senior Taliban official said.&nbsp;

Baradar, who coordinated the insurgent group’s military operations in southern Afghanistan, was arrested in 2010 by a team from Pakistan’s military-controlled intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence, and the US Central Intelligence Agency.

His release, according to security experts, was part of high-level negotiations led by Khalilzad with the Taliban.

Diplomatic efforts to end the United State's longest running conflict intensified last year after the appointment of the Afghan-born Khalilzad to lead direct talks with the Taliban.

He has held at least four meetings with the Taliban representatives. But there has been no let up in the violence.&nbsp;

And abiding fears about how Afghan government forces would withstand the Taliban threat without US military support has been heightened by reports that US President Donald Trump wants to bring home almost half of the 14,000 US troops deployed in Afghanistan.

But the unexpected extension of peace talks was a positive sign, according to two senior Taliban leaders in Afghanistan who have been kept informed of the progress made in Qatar.

During the first two days, the talks focussed on a roadmap for the withdrawal of the foreign forces and a guarantee that Afghanistan would not be used for hostile acts against the United States and its allies, according to one of Taliban leaders.

"The mechanism for a ceasefire and ways to enter into an intra-Afghan dialogue were the two other big topics that were supposed to be discussed on Thursday," he told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

A third source based in the Gulf, who has close ties to the Taliban representatives, said the decision to extend the meeting in the Qatari capital Doha came after "positive progress" during the first two days.

Members of Afghanistan’s High Peace Council (AHPC), a body which oversees peace efforts but does not represent the government said they were hoping for positive news.

"When talks take a long time it means the discussion is in a sensitive and important stage, and the participants are getting close to a positive result," said Sayed Ehsan Taheri, the spokesman for AHPC in Kabul.

The Taliban who are fighting to oust foreign troops have repeatedly rejected the offer to hold direct talks with President Ashraf Ghani’s government, which they consider an illegitimate foreign-imposed regime.&nbsp;

The US and regional powers insist that the peace process should be "Afghan-led and Afghan-owned".

Newly appointed Baradar will also hold the additional post of third deputy of Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of Taliban and work with Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, a veteran Taliban official who has been running the group`s political office in Qatar since 2015 and has participated in the latest rounds of peace talks.

"Stanekzai was given the responsibility but he was not powerful to make all decisions," said a second Taliban official on conditions of anonymity.&nbsp;

A co-founder of the Taliban was appointed as the leader of its political office in Qatar on Thursday to strengthen its hand in peace talks with the United States as they try to establish a mechanism to end the 17-year Afghan war.

A co-founder of the Taliban was appointed as the leader of its political office in Qatar on Thursday to strengthen its hand in peace talks with the United States as they try to establish a mechanism to end the 17-year Afghan war. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar was released from a prison in Pakistan in October last year has been authorised to lead the political team and take decisions, two Taliban sources in Afghanistan said. The Taliban issued a statement to announce Baradar's appointment and a reshuffle in their team to put senior leaders into key positions as the talks with US officials gain momentum. "This step has been taken to strengthen and properly handle the ongoing negotiations process with the United States," the Taliban said in statement. US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad`s meeting with the Taliban representatives, which was originally due to run over two days, entered its fourth day on Thursday. It was not clear whether the talks were to continue on Friday, or how soon Baradar could join the talks. "Baradar will soon fly to Qatar. He has been given the new position because the US wanted senior Taliban leadership to participate in peace talks," a senior Taliban official said. Baradar, who coordinated the insurgent group’s military operations in southern Afghanistan, was arrested in 2010 by a team from Pakistan’s military-controlled intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence, and the US Central Intelligence Agency. His release, according to security experts, was part of high-level negotiations led by Khalilzad with the Taliban. Diplomatic efforts to end the United State's longest running conflict intensified last year after the appointment of the Afghan-born Khalilzad to lead direct talks with the Taliban. He has held at least four meetings with the Taliban representatives. But there has been no let up in the violence. And abiding fears about how Afghan government forces would withstand the Taliban threat without US military support has been heightened by reports that US President Donald Trump wants to bring home almost half of the 14,000 US troops deployed in Afghanistan. But the unexpected extension of peace talks was a positive sign, according to two senior Taliban leaders in Afghanistan who have been kept informed of the progress made in Qatar. During the first two days, the talks focussed on a roadmap for the withdrawal of the foreign forces and a guarantee that Afghanistan would not be used for hostile acts against the United States and its allies, according to one of Taliban leaders. "The mechanism for a ceasefire and ways to enter into an intra-Afghan dialogue were the two other big topics that were supposed to be discussed on Thursday," he told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. A third source based in the Gulf, who has close ties to the Taliban representatives, said the decision to extend the meeting in the Qatari capital Doha came after "positive progress" during the first two days. Members of Afghanistan’s High Peace Council (AHPC), a body which oversees peace efforts but does not represent the government said they were hoping for positive news. "When talks take a long time it means the discussion is in a sensitive and important stage, and the participants are getting close to a positive result," said Sayed Ehsan Taheri, the spokesman for AHPC in Kabul. The Taliban who are fighting to oust foreign troops have repeatedly rejected the offer to hold direct talks with President Ashraf Ghani’s government, which they consider an illegitimate foreign-imposed regime. The US and regional powers insist that the peace process should be "Afghan-led and Afghan-owned". Newly appointed Baradar will also hold the additional post of third deputy of Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of Taliban and work with Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, a veteran Taliban official who has been running the group`s political office in Qatar since 2015 and has participated in the latest rounds of peace talks. "Stanekzai was given the responsibility but he was not powerful to make all decisions," said a second Taliban official on conditions of anonymity.

Taliban appoints new political leader to join peace talks with US

Afghanistan is investigating reports that at least 16 civilians including women and children were killed in an air strike in southern Helmand province, the defence ministry said in a statement Friday.

The reports come as civilian deaths from air strikes have risen sharply in the past year after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-may-offer-fta-to-pakistan-to-assist-in-ending-afghan-war-report-192453">Afghan and US forces</a> intensified their aerial bombardment of Taliban and Islamic State group militants.&nbsp;

Afghan forces backed by US air power were conducting counter-terrorism operations in Sangin district late Wednesday when the air strike was carried out, the ministry and NATO said.

"Some reports have been published that civilians were killed and wounded, and the defence ministry formed a delegation to conduct a serious investigation into the civilian casualties," the ministry statement said.

NATO's Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan said the "large Afghan-led, multi-day operation... supported by US advisors and coalition air strikes" was ongoing, and that it was still looking into the claims.

But the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said the reports of civilian casualties, including children, were "credible", and that it was also investigating.

"I have got reports from the residents of the area where the strike took place. Sixteen people -- ten children, four women, two men, all civilians -- were killed," Afghan senator Hashim Alkozay told AFP.

Helmand provincial governor Mohammad Yasin said the strike "also hit an adjacent civilian house".

"A number" of Afghans were killed and wounded, he added.

The strike came as Taliban representatives were meeting with US officials in Qatar this week, with four straight days of discussion raising expectations as both sides seek a way out of the 17-year Afghan conflict.

Civilians continue to pay a disproportionate price in the fighting.

UNAMA says the number of Afghan civilians killed by aerial bombings from January until October 2018 reached a record high of 313, with a further 336 wounded.

The figures represent an increase of 39 per cent compared to the same time period in 2017.&nbsp;

UNAMA data shows that in total, 2,798 civilians were killed and 5,252 wounded in the first ten months of 2018.&nbsp;

The Taliban are responsible for about half of the civilian casualties, with the remaining deaths attributed to the Islamic State group and coalition strikes, according to the report.

UNAMA is due to publish its full-year report on civilian casualties in 2018 next month.

Afghanistan is investigating reports that at least 16 civilians including women and children were killed in an air strike in southern Helmand province, the defence ministry said in a statement Friday.

Afghanistan is investigating reports that at least 16 civilians including women and children were killed in an air strike in southern Helmand province, the defence ministry said in a statement Friday. The reports come as civilian deaths from air strikes have risen sharply in the past year after the Afghan and US forces intensified their aerial bombardment of Taliban and Islamic State group militants. Afghan forces backed by US air power were conducting counter-terrorism operations in Sangin district late Wednesday when the air strike was carried out, the ministry and NATO said. "Some reports have been published that civilians were killed and wounded, and the defence ministry formed a delegation to conduct a serious investigation into the civilian casualties," the ministry statement said. NATO's Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan said the "large Afghan-led, multi-day operation... supported by US advisors and coalition air strikes" was ongoing, and that it was still looking into the claims. But the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said the reports of civilian casualties, including children, were "credible", and that it was also investigating. "I have got reports from the residents of the area where the strike took place. Sixteen people -- ten children, four women, two men, all civilians -- were killed," Afghan senator Hashim Alkozay told AFP. Helmand provincial governor Mohammad Yasin said the strike "also hit an adjacent civilian house". "A number" of Afghans were killed and wounded, he added. The strike came as Taliban representatives were meeting with US officials in Qatar this week, with four straight days of discussion raising expectations as both sides seek a way out of the 17-year Afghan conflict. Civilians continue to pay a disproportionate price in the fighting. UNAMA says the number of Afghan civilians killed by aerial bombings from January until October 2018 reached a record high of 313, with a further 336 wounded. The figures represent an increase of 39 per cent compared to the same time period in 2017. UNAMA data shows that in total, 2,798 civilians were killed and 5,252 wounded in the first ten months of 2018. The Taliban are responsible for about half of the civilian casualties, with the remaining deaths attributed to the Islamic State group and coalition strikes, according to the report. UNAMA is due to publish its full-year report on civilian casualties in 2018 next month.

Afghanistan investigates civilian deaths in air strike in southern province

Negotiations between the Taliban and US officials in Qatar entered a fourth straight day Thursday, according to the insurgents, as the two sides pursue a potential deal to bring an end to Afghanistan's 17-year conflict.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that "discussions are still ongoing".

"We will talk in detail later when we reach agreement," the spokesman added.

Washington has been stepping up efforts for a peace deal that could pave the way for the Taliban's participation in the next government.

"Both sides are discussing the various aspects of the US troops' withdrawal," a senior Taliban commander based in an unknown location in Pakistan told AFP, adding that a statement could be released later in the day or on Friday.

The Pakistan foreign ministry also confirmed that talks were ongoing between the two sides. However, there was no immediate comment from the US embassy or NATO in Kabul.

The US said Tuesday it had resumed talks with the insurgents in Qatar, where special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad was meeting Taliban representatives.

Rahimullah Yusufzai, an expert on the Taliban, said the continuation of the talks represented "unprecedented" progress. "I have never seen anything like this before," he said.

"This is the first serious effort. And it has continued since July... They have agreed to disagree and continued to meet. That's why it's unprecedented."&nbsp;

Talks have primarily focused on three major points: the withdrawal of US troops, a vow to prevent Afghan soil from being a base for attacks on other countries, and a potential ceasefire, according to Yusufzai.

Washington wants the insurgents to enter talks with the Afghan government, but they have long refused, denouncing Kabul as a US puppet.

The talks come after Khalilzad spent the weekend in Pakistan where he met with Prime Minister Imran Khan as part of a regional tour that saw the envoy shuttling between India, China and Afghanistan.

The US is not the only country engaged in talks with the militants.

Russia and Iran have held meetings with the Taliban in recent months, while China has also made overtures. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan are all participating in the US efforts.&nbsp;

Negotiations between the Taliban and US officials in Qatar entered a fourth straight day Thursday, according to the insurgents, as the two sides pursue a potential deal to bring an end to Afghanistan's 17-year conflict.

Negotiations between the Taliban and US officials in Qatar entered a fourth straight day Thursday, according to the insurgents, as the two sides pursue a potential deal to bring an end to Afghanistan's 17-year conflict. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that "discussions are still ongoing". "We will talk in detail later when we reach agreement," the spokesman added. Washington has been stepping up efforts for a peace deal that could pave the way for the Taliban's participation in the next government. "Both sides are discussing the various aspects of the US troops' withdrawal," a senior Taliban commander based in an unknown location in Pakistan told AFP, adding that a statement could be released later in the day or on Friday. The Pakistan foreign ministry also confirmed that talks were ongoing between the two sides. However, there was no immediate comment from the US embassy or NATO in Kabul. The US said Tuesday it had resumed talks with the insurgents in Qatar, where special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad was meeting Taliban representatives. Rahimullah Yusufzai, an expert on the Taliban, said the continuation of the talks represented "unprecedented" progress. "I have never seen anything like this before," he said. "This is the first serious effort. And it has continued since July... They have agreed to disagree and continued to meet. That's why it's unprecedented." Talks have primarily focused on three major points: the withdrawal of US troops, a vow to prevent Afghan soil from being a base for attacks on other countries, and a potential ceasefire, according to Yusufzai. Washington wants the insurgents to enter talks with the Afghan government, but they have long refused, denouncing Kabul as a US puppet. The talks come after Khalilzad spent the weekend in Pakistan where he met with Prime Minister Imran Khan as part of a regional tour that saw the envoy shuttling between India, China and Afghanistan. The US is not the only country engaged in talks with the militants. Russia and Iran have held meetings with the Taliban in recent months, while China has also made overtures. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan are all participating in the US efforts.

Taliban says talks with the US enter fourth day in Qatar

Afghanistan's main spy agency has killed a Taliban commander who was the mastermind of this week's deadly attack on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/around-65-killed-in-taliban-attack-on-afghan-intel-base-official-191962">Afghan forces at a military base</a> in the central province of Maidan Wardak, officials said on Wednesday.

The National Directorate of Security (NDS) said the commander, whose name it gave only as Noman, was killed in an air raid on Tuesday night.

"Noman, along with seven others, was targeted after being identified by the NDS forces in an operative task," the agency said in a statement.

"NDS will follow the terrorist group and kill them all."

Taliban officials were not immediately available to confirm the death of the commander. On Tuesday, the agency said 36 people were killed and 58 injured in Monday's attack by the Taliban but those figures were smaller than the tally of other government and security sources.

On Monday, a senior defence source had told Reuters 126 Afghan security forces were killed. On Tuesday, two senior security officials in the capital, Kabul, said at least 72 men being trained by the NDS were killed with 38 critically injured.

Afghanistan's main spy agency has killed a Taliban commander who was the mastermind of this week's deadly attack on Afghan forces at a military base in the central province of Maidan Wardak, officials said on Wednesday.

Afghanistan's main spy agency has killed a Taliban commander who was the mastermind of this week's deadly attack on Afghan forces at a military base in the central province of Maidan Wardak, officials said on Wednesday. The National Directorate of Security (NDS) said the commander, whose name it gave only as Noman, was killed in an air raid on Tuesday night. "Noman, along with seven others, was targeted after being identified by the NDS forces in an operative task," the agency said in a statement. "NDS will follow the terrorist group and kill them all." Taliban officials were not immediately available to confirm the death of the commander. On Tuesday, the agency said 36 people were killed and 58 injured in Monday's attack by the Taliban but those figures were smaller than the tally of other government and security sources. On Monday, a senior defence source had told Reuters 126 Afghan security forces were killed. On Tuesday, two senior security officials in the capital, Kabul, said at least 72 men being trained by the NDS were killed with 38 critically injured.

Afghanistan says Taliban mastermind of deadly attack on military base killed

A Pakistani activist affiliated with a group that has angered the country's powerful military with its campaign against disappearances was arrested on Monday, an MP said, leading Amnesty International to call for him to be charged or immediately released.&nbsp;

Alamzeb Mehsud was picked up by police and security officials in plain clothes in the southern metropolis Karachi, said parliamentarian Mohsin Dawar, causing a social media outcry fearing that he was the latest activist to go missing in the South Asian nation.

Karachi police did not respond to requests for comment on the matter.

Mehsud is a founding member of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) that has called for answers to the thousands of unresolved missing person cases in Pakistan, primarily from the ethnic Pashtun region bordering Afghanistan.&nbsp;

PTM leaders hold Pakistan's army responsible for the scores of disappearances that have taken place during military operations against Taliban militants in the region.&nbsp;

The army has said it does not detain individuals without evidence.

"There was a lot of social media outcry and after that, the police said he was in their custody and filed a (first information report)," Dawar, who is also a prominent PTM leader, told Reuters.&nbsp;

Soon after Mehsud`s disappearance, Amnesty International put out a statement on Twitter calling for him to be produced in court or immediately released.&nbsp;

"We are concerned about reports of the disappearance of PTM activist Alamzeb Mehsud. His whereabouts must be disclosed immediately. Either produce him in court or release him without delay," Amnesty said.

"Other PTM activists with him were allegedly beaten up. Freedom of peaceful assembly must be protected," Amnesty said.

Dozens of PTM workers have been detained in the past few months in an ongoing crackdown against the group that began soon after it emerged in January last year.

"People are picked up, interrogated, and then released," Dawar said.&nbsp;

PTM rose to prominence following the killing of a young Pashtun man in Karachi by police officials.

Its protests against alleged extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention and "disappearances" of young Pashtun men have drawn widespread support across the country.&nbsp;

Last year, in the lead up to a PTM rally in Karachi, more than 100 PTM workers were detained an interrogated by the paramilitary rangers.&nbsp;

In December, Dawar and fellow PTM leader Ali Wazir, who were both elected to parliament from Pakistan`s Waziristan region that borders Afghanistan, were placed on the no-fly list after cases against them were filed for their criticism of the military at PTM rallies. Their names have since been removed from the list.

A Pakistani activist affiliated with a group that has angered the country's powerful military with its campaign against disappearances was arrested on Monday, an MP said, leading Amnesty International to call for him to be charged or immediately released.

A Pakistani activist affiliated with a group that has angered the country's powerful military with its campaign against disappearances was arrested on Monday, an MP said, leading Amnesty International to call for him to be charged or immediately released. Alamzeb Mehsud was picked up by police and security officials in plain clothes in the southern metropolis Karachi, said parliamentarian Mohsin Dawar, causing a social media outcry fearing that he was the latest activist to go missing in the South Asian nation. Karachi police did not respond to requests for comment on the matter. Mehsud is a founding member of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) that has called for answers to the thousands of unresolved missing person cases in Pakistan, primarily from the ethnic Pashtun region bordering Afghanistan. PTM leaders hold Pakistan's army responsible for the scores of disappearances that have taken place during military operations against Taliban militants in the region. The army has said it does not detain individuals without evidence. "There was a lot of social media outcry and after that, the police said he was in their custody and filed a (first information report)," Dawar, who is also a prominent PTM leader, told Reuters. Soon after Mehsud`s disappearance, Amnesty International put out a statement on Twitter calling for him to be produced in court or immediately released. "We are concerned about reports of the disappearance of PTM activist Alamzeb Mehsud. His whereabouts must be disclosed immediately. Either produce him in court or release him without delay," Amnesty said. "Other PTM activists with him were allegedly beaten up. Freedom of peaceful assembly must be protected," Amnesty said. Dozens of PTM workers have been detained in the past few months in an ongoing crackdown against the group that began soon after it emerged in January last year. "People are picked up, interrogated, and then released," Dawar said. PTM rose to prominence following the killing of a young Pashtun man in Karachi by police officials. Its protests against alleged extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention and "disappearances" of young Pashtun men have drawn widespread support across the country. Last year, in the lead up to a PTM rally in Karachi, more than 100 PTM workers were detained an interrogated by the paramilitary rangers. In December, Dawar and fellow PTM leader Ali Wazir, who were both elected to parliament from Pakistan`s Waziristan region that borders Afghanistan, were placed on the no-fly list after cases against them were filed for their criticism of the military at PTM rallies. Their names have since been removed from the list.

Pakistan police arrest Pashtun rights activist; Amnesty calls for release

Around 65 people were killed in a Taliban-claimed attack on an Afghan intelligence base, a local official said Tuesday, raising the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-taliban-kill-12-in-car-bomb-attack-on-military-base-officials-191737">toll substantially from 12</a> announced previously.

Militants detonated a vehicle packed with explosives at the training facility before gunmen arrived in a car and opened fire.&nbsp;

"We took about 65 bodies out of the rubble yesterday," Mohammad Sardar Bakhyari, deputy head of the provincial council in Wardak province, where the attack occurred on Monday in the latest blow to beleaguered security forces. &nbsp;

A senior security official who spoke on condition of anonymity gave an even higher toll of at least 70 killed.

On Monday provincial officials told AFP just 12 people had been killed in the attack. Figures given by officials to other media ranged from 12 dead to more than 100 killed.

Bakhyari's announcement came after nearly a day of confusion surrounding the toll.

On Monday provincial officials told AFP just 12 people had been killed in the attack. Figures given by officials to other media ranged from 12 dead to more than 100 killed.

The attack was on a training facility for the NDS, the Afghan intelligence agency, meaning that any toll will likely be difficult to confirm.

It saw militants ram a Humvee filled with explosives into the National Directorate of Security (NDS) base in Maidan Shahr, the capital of Wardak, which lies about 50 kilometres south of Kabul.

The attack caused the roof to partially collapse, images from the scene show.&nbsp;

"Then at least three other attackers in a Toyota car who were following the Humvee entered the compound," Wardak provincial council member Abdul Wahid Akbarzai told AFP Tuesday.

The attackers were killed quickly, he said, but most of the casualties were caused by the roof collapse.&nbsp;

"It is a big loss," council head Akhtar Mohammad Tahiri said. "The NDS forces are better trained and equipped than the Afghan police and army soldiers who have been dying in record numbers."&nbsp;

He added the militants were dressed in uniforms used by Afghan special forces.

The attack comes days after a Taliban suicide bomber targeted the convoy of Logar province's governor, killing at least seven security guards. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Fights between security forces and Taliban fighters have continued to intensify across the country during the freezing Afghan winter, which traditionally experiences a reduction in combat.

The recent skirmishes come as the Taliban announced a resumption of talks with US officials in Qatar as the two sides discuss a possible peace deal that could pave the way for the insurgents participation in the next government.

Washington has not confirmed their claim that the talks are continuing.

US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has headed a flurry of diplomatic activity in recent months seeking to bring the Taliban to the table for talks.

However, the insurgents threatened to suspend the fledgeling process last week.

The Taliban -- who have been waging a 17-year war against the Western-backed Afghan government -- later claimed responsibility for the assault.

Around 65 people were killed in a Taliban-claimed attack on an Afghan intelligence base, a local official said Tuesday, raising the toll substantially from 12 announced previously.

Around 65 people were killed in a Taliban-claimed attack on an Afghan intelligence base, a local official said Tuesday, raising the toll substantially from 12 announced previously. Militants detonated a vehicle packed with explosives at the training facility before gunmen arrived in a car and opened fire. "We took about 65 bodies out of the rubble yesterday," Mohammad Sardar Bakhyari, deputy head of the provincial council in Wardak province, where the attack occurred on Monday in the latest blow to beleaguered security forces. A senior security official who spoke on condition of anonymity gave an even higher toll of at least 70 killed. On Monday provincial officials told AFP just 12 people had been killed in the attack. Figures given by officials to other media ranged from 12 dead to more than 100 killed. Bakhyari's announcement came after nearly a day of confusion surrounding the toll. On Monday provincial officials told AFP just 12 people had been killed in the attack. Figures given by officials to other media ranged from 12 dead to more than 100 killed. The attack was on a training facility for the NDS, the Afghan intelligence agency, meaning that any toll will likely be difficult to confirm. It saw militants ram a Humvee filled with explosives into the National Directorate of Security (NDS) base in Maidan Shahr, the capital of Wardak, which lies about 50 kilometres south of Kabul. The attack caused the roof to partially collapse, images from the scene show. "Then at least three other attackers in a Toyota car who were following the Humvee entered the compound," Wardak provincial council member Abdul Wahid Akbarzai told AFP Tuesday. The attackers were killed quickly, he said, but most of the casualties were caused by the roof collapse. "It is a big loss," council head Akhtar Mohammad Tahiri said. "The NDS forces are better trained and equipped than the Afghan police and army soldiers who have been dying in record numbers." He added the militants were dressed in uniforms used by Afghan special forces. The attack comes days after a Taliban suicide bomber targeted the convoy of Logar province's governor, killing at least seven security guards. Fights between security forces and Taliban fighters have continued to intensify across the country during the freezing Afghan winter, which traditionally experiences a reduction in combat. The recent skirmishes come as the Taliban announced a resumption of talks with US officials in Qatar as the two sides discuss a possible peace deal that could pave the way for the insurgents participation in the next government. Washington has not confirmed their claim that the talks are continuing. US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has headed a flurry of diplomatic activity in recent months seeking to bring the Taliban to the table for talks. However, the insurgents threatened to suspend the fledgeling process last week. The Taliban -- who have been waging a 17-year war against the Western-backed Afghan government -- later claimed responsibility for the assault.

65 killed in Taliban attack on Afghan intelligence base: Official

Eighteen years ago, at the height of the Taliban's power in Afghanistan, Roshan Mashal secretly taught her daughters to read and write alongside a dozen local girls who smuggled school books to her house in potato sacks.

Mashal's daughters have since gained university degrees in economics and medicine. But she now fears the looming prospect that the hardline Islamist group, whose rule barred women from education, could once again become part of the government.

"They say they have changed, but I have concerns," she said in an interview in her office in Kabul. "There is no trust ... we don't want peace to come with women losing all the achievements of the last 17 years."

As talks to end Afghanistan's long war pick up momentum, women such as Mashal fear the freedoms eked out since US-backed Afghan forces overthrew the Taliban in 2001 are about to slide backwards and complain their voices are being sidelined.

An aide to Rula Ghani, the wife of Afghanistan's president, said the first lady had launched a survey of women in 34 provinces in a bid to amplify their voices in the peace process, with a report summarizing their views slated for February.

"The war was started by men, the war will be ended by men," said the aide. "But it's the women and children who suffer the most and they have a right to define peace."

Almost two decades of war have implicated both sides in the suffering of women. The United Nations last year expressed alarm at the increased use of air strikes by US and Afghan forces, which caused a rising death toll among women and children.

CHANGED TIMES

Afghanistan is still not an easy place to be a woman, with forced marriages, domestic violence and high maternal mortality rates prevalent nationwide, and particularly in rural areas, according to gender equality advocates.

But access to public life has improved, especially in cities such as the capital Kabul, where many women work outside the home and more than a quarter of the parliament is female.

But women lawmakers and some foreign diplomats fear enshrining gender equality may take a backseat in any peace deal to the intense international focus on ending the fighting and eliminating the country's potential as a haven for militants to launch attacks overseas.

"That is the threshold. The question is how much they will accept the position of women deteriorating in the process," said a senior Western diplomat in Kabul whose country funds projects to empower women. "There may be some backsliding, but hopefully not all the way back."

Between 1996 and 2001, under the Taliban government that called itself the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, women were banned from work, required to wear the full-length burqa that covered their faces, and not allowed to leave the house without a male relative.

The Taliban say they have changed, and that they would allow women to be educated, though they say schools should be segregated by gender and women required to wear loose clothing.

"We want Afghanistan to move forward with its present achievements and developments. But there are some reforms and changes the Emirate will struggle for," spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid told Reuters last month.

That is not enough to assuage the fears of women such as Karima Rahimyaar. She is the main provider for her family after her first husband was shot and killed by the Taliban in Kunduz province in 1996 and her second was injured and left unable to work after being imprisoned by them around three years ago.

She regularly comforts her university-aged daughters, who feel sick when they hear gunshots or mention of the Taliban.

"It is very difficult for me," she said.

Like many Afghans, she is desperate for peace and wants an end to the near-daily attacks across the country, which claimed the life of her 32-year-old son, a police officer, in 2016.

But not, she says, at the expense of women's rights.

"If there are no agreements and commitments, women will be inside the home and they will be deprived of everything," she said.

FIGHTING FOR A VOICE

Wazhma Frogh, a member of Afghanistan's High Peace Council, tasked with negotiating with the Taliban, said that she and the 11 other female members of the group had to fight to have their perspective heard.

"To get access is difficult," she said, saying that at times women had to raise their voices in meetings to avoid being ignored and that gatherings were sometimes held late at night in venues women did not feel comfortable travelling to.

Though the Taliban is refusing to include the Afghan government in formal talks, Frogh and other members have informally met with the insurgent group and with US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad.

Meanwhile, young women such as Zuhal Babakarkhil, one of the fast-growing segment of the population who has reached adulthood since the fall of the Taliban, say Afghan society has changed.

"In Afghanistan, the women are no more the women from 20 years back," said the 28-year-old, who was in her first year of school when the Taliban took power and whose family fled overseas.

She now lives in Kabul, plays cricket and promotes higher education among girls. She says that social media such as Whatsapp and Facebook gives women access to organising networks at home and abroad that would be tough to curtail.

She said she has no intention to leave Afghanistan, despite her worries about the Taliban returning.

"We did it before ... but certainly this is not the way, to escape anymore," she said. "We are not leaving our home country. We will definitely stand up for our rights."

Eighteen years ago, at the height of the Taliban's power in Afghanistan, Roshan Mashal secretly taught her daughters to read and write alongside a dozen local girls who smuggled school books to her house in potato sacks.

Eighteen years ago, at the height of the Taliban's power in Afghanistan, Roshan Mashal secretly taught her daughters to read and write alongside a dozen local girls who smuggled school books to her house in potato sacks. Mashal's daughters have since gained university degrees in economics and medicine. But she now fears the looming prospect that the hardline Islamist group, whose rule barred women from education, could once again become part of the government. "They say they have changed, but I have concerns," she said in an interview in her office in Kabul. "There is no trust ... we don't want peace to come with women losing all the achievements of the last 17 years." As talks to end Afghanistan's long war pick up momentum, women such as Mashal fear the freedoms eked out since US-backed Afghan forces overthrew the Taliban in 2001 are about to slide backwards and complain their voices are being sidelined. An aide to Rula Ghani, the wife of Afghanistan's president, said the first lady had launched a survey of women in 34 provinces in a bid to amplify their voices in the peace process, with a report summarizing their views slated for February. "The war was started by men, the war will be ended by men," said the aide. "But it's the women and children who suffer the most and they have a right to define peace." Almost two decades of war have implicated both sides in the suffering of women. The United Nations last year expressed alarm at the increased use of air strikes by US and Afghan forces, which caused a rising death toll among women and children. CHANGED TIMES Afghanistan is still not an easy place to be a woman, with forced marriages, domestic violence and high maternal mortality rates prevalent nationwide, and particularly in rural areas, according to gender equality advocates. But access to public life has improved, especially in cities such as the capital Kabul, where many women work outside the home and more than a quarter of the parliament is female. But women lawmakers and some foreign diplomats fear enshrining gender equality may take a backseat in any peace deal to the intense international focus on ending the fighting and eliminating the country's potential as a haven for militants to launch attacks overseas. "That is the threshold. The question is how much they will accept the position of women deteriorating in the process," said a senior Western diplomat in Kabul whose country funds projects to empower women. "There may be some backsliding, but hopefully not all the way back." Between 1996 and 2001, under the Taliban government that called itself the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, women were banned from work, required to wear the full-length burqa that covered their faces, and not allowed to leave the house without a male relative. The Taliban say they have changed, and that they would allow women to be educated, though they say schools should be segregated by gender and women required to wear loose clothing. "We want Afghanistan to move forward with its present achievements and developments. But there are some reforms and changes the Emirate will struggle for," spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid told Reuters last month. That is not enough to assuage the fears of women such as Karima Rahimyaar. She is the main provider for her family after her first husband was shot and killed by the Taliban in Kunduz province in 1996 and her second was injured and left unable to work after being imprisoned by them around three years ago. She regularly comforts her university-aged daughters, who feel sick when they hear gunshots or mention of the Taliban. "It is very difficult for me," she said. Like many Afghans, she is desperate for peace and wants an end to the near-daily attacks across the country, which claimed the life of her 32-year-old son, a police officer, in 2016. But not, she says, at the expense of women's rights. "If there are no agreements and commitments, women will be inside the home and they will be deprived of everything," she said. FIGHTING FOR A VOICE Wazhma Frogh, a member of Afghanistan's High Peace Council, tasked with negotiating with the Taliban, said that she and the 11 other female members of the group had to fight to have their perspective heard. "To get access is difficult," she said, saying that at times women had to raise their voices in meetings to avoid being ignored and that gatherings were sometimes held late at night in venues women did not feel comfortable travelling to. Though the Taliban is refusing to include the Afghan government in formal talks, Frogh and other members have informally met with the insurgent group and with US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad. Meanwhile, young women such as Zuhal Babakarkhil, one of the fast-growing segment of the population who has reached adulthood since the fall of the Taliban, say Afghan society has changed. "In Afghanistan, the women are no more the women from 20 years back," said the 28-year-old, who was in her first year of school when the Taliban took power and whose family fled overseas. She now lives in Kabul, plays cricket and promotes higher education among girls. She says that social media such as Whatsapp and Facebook gives women access to organising networks at home and abroad that would be tough to curtail. She said she has no intention to leave Afghanistan, despite her worries about the Taliban returning. "We did it before ... but certainly this is not the way, to escape anymore," she said. "We are not leaving our home country. We will definitely stand up for our rights."

As Taliban talks gather pace, Afghan women fear clock turning back

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-taliban-says-post-occupation-discussed-with-iran-187725">Afghan Taliban</a> killed at least 12 security force members in a car bomb attack on a military base in the southern province of Maidan Wardak on Monday, officials said.

More than 28 security officials were wounded in the attack at the sprawling military base when the militants detonated the car bomb and two gunmen entered the compound, government officials said.

The Taliban claimed responsibility.

The Afghan Taliban killed at least 12 security force members in a car bomb attack on a military base in the southern province of Maidan Wardak on Monday, officials said.

The Afghan Taliban killed at least 12 security force members in a car bomb attack on a military base in the southern province of Maidan Wardak on Monday, officials said. More than 28 security officials were wounded in the attack at the sprawling military base when the militants detonated the car bomb and two gunmen entered the compound, government officials said. The Taliban claimed responsibility.

Afghan Taliban kill 12 in car bomb attack on military base: Officials

The Taliban said it met with US officials in Qatar on Monday, in the latest round of talks between the insurgents and Washington aimed at bringing an end to the 17-year war.

The US has not officially commented on the reported meeting, which follows the last confirmed talks between the two parties in the UAE in December.&nbsp;

"Following American acceptance of the agenda of ending the occupation of Afghanistan and preventing Afghanistan from being used against other countries in the future, talks with American representatives took place today in Doha, the capital of Qatar," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement.

The announcement comes a day after US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad left Pakistan where he had met with Prime Minister Imran Khan, who arrived in Doha for an official visit Monday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Khalilzad's has held a flurry of meetings around the region, including in Kabul last week, to garner support for the burgeoning dialogue.

Taliban representatives have met several times with US officials in recent months, but last week threatened to suspend the fledgling process, lambasting Washington for changing the agenda of the talks and "unilaterally" adding new subjects.

The insurgents have long refused to hold direct talks with the Kabul government -- despite US pleas -- which the Taliban dismisses as a puppet of Washington.

US officials said in December that President Donald Trump intends to withdraw as many as half of the 14,000 US troops deployed in Afghanistan.

The Taliban said it met with US officials in Qatar on Monday, in the latest round of talks between the insurgents and Washington aimed at bringing an end to the 17-year war.

The Taliban said it met with US officials in Qatar on Monday, in the latest round of talks between the insurgents and Washington aimed at bringing an end to the 17-year war. The US has not officially commented on the reported meeting, which follows the last confirmed talks between the two parties in the UAE in December. "Following American acceptance of the agenda of ending the occupation of Afghanistan and preventing Afghanistan from being used against other countries in the future, talks with American representatives took place today in Doha, the capital of Qatar," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement. The announcement comes a day after US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad left Pakistan where he had met with Prime Minister Imran Khan, who arrived in Doha for an official visit Monday. Khalilzad's has held a flurry of meetings around the region, including in Kabul last week, to garner support for the burgeoning dialogue. Taliban representatives have met several times with US officials in recent months, but last week threatened to suspend the fledgling process, lambasting Washington for changing the agenda of the talks and "unilaterally" adding new subjects. The insurgents have long refused to hold direct talks with the Kabul government -- despite US pleas -- which the Taliban dismisses as a puppet of Washington. US officials said in December that President Donald Trump intends to withdraw as many as half of the 14,000 US troops deployed in Afghanistan.

Taliban announces meeting with US officials in Qatar

The Taliban killed more than 100 members of the <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-taliban-kill-12-in-car-bomb-attack-on-military-base-officials-191737">Afghan security forces</a> inside a military compound in central Maidan Wardak province on Monday, a senior defence official said.

"We have information that 126 people have been killed in the explosion inside the military training centre, eight special commandoes are among the dead," said a senior official in the defence ministry in Kabul, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The official said the assault began on Monday morning when the attackers rammed a car full explosives through a military checkpoint and detonated the vehicle inside the campus of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) forces training centre in Maidan Shahr, the capital of Maidan Wardak province.

Two gunmen entered the campus right after the explosion and shot at many Afghan soldiers before being gunned down during the clashes.

Defence ministry officials said the Taliban had used US-made armoured Humvee vehicles captured from Afghan forces as a car bomb in order to breach the military fortifications.

A second source residing in Maidan Wardak province said more than 100 members of National Directorate of Security (NDS) were killed in the complex attack.

"I have been in touch with the NDS official in the province and they told me that over 100 members of the NDS were killed in the big explosion," the former provincial official said.

Sharif Hotak, a member of the provincial council in Maidan Wardak said he saw bodies of 35 Afghan forces in the hospital.

"Many more were killed. Several bodies were transported to Kabul city and many injured were transferred to hospitals in Kabul," said Hotak, adding that "the government was hiding the accurate casualty figures to prevent a further dip in morale of the Afghan forces."

"The explosion was very powerful. The whole building has collapsed," he said.

Government officials in Maidan Wardak and Kabul declined to comment when asked if they were obscuring the death toll.

Two senior officials in the interior ministry said the exact casualty figures was not being disclosed to prevent unrest within the armed forces.

"I have been told not to make the death toll figures public. It is frustrating to hide the facts," said a senior interior ministry official in Kabul.

A senior NDS official in Kabul said at least 50 people were killed or wounded in the complex attack.

Abdurrahman Mangal, spokesman for the provincial governor in Maidan Wardak said 12 people were killed and 12 were injured when the car bomb exploded near the Afghan special forces unit.

President Ashraf Ghani's office in a statement said the "enemies of the country" had carried out an attack against NDS personnel in Maidan Shahr. "They killed and wounded a number of our beloved and honest sons."

In recent years the Afghan government has stopped releasing detailed casualty figures. Last year Ghani has said 28,000 Afghan police officers and soldiers have been killed since 2015, breaking the longstanding suppression on casualty data.

Taliban insurgents claimed responsibility for the attack. Zabiullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the hardline Islamic militant group said they have killed 190 people in the complex attack.

Last week, Taliban fighters set off a car bomb outside a highly fortified compound killing at least five people and wounding more than 110 Afghans and expatriates in the capital, Kabul.

The Taliban killed more than 100 members of the Afghan security forces inside a military compound in central Maidan Wardak province on Monday, a senior defence official said.

The Taliban killed more than 100 members of the Afghan security forces inside a military compound in central Maidan Wardak province on Monday, a senior defence official said. "We have information that 126 people have been killed in the explosion inside the military training centre, eight special commandoes are among the dead," said a senior official in the defence ministry in Kabul, speaking on condition of anonymity. The official said the assault began on Monday morning when the attackers rammed a car full explosives through a military checkpoint and detonated the vehicle inside the campus of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) forces training centre in Maidan Shahr, the capital of Maidan Wardak province. Two gunmen entered the campus right after the explosion and shot at many Afghan soldiers before being gunned down during the clashes. Defence ministry officials said the Taliban had used US-made armoured Humvee vehicles captured from Afghan forces as a car bomb in order to breach the military fortifications. A second source residing in Maidan Wardak province said more than 100 members of National Directorate of Security (NDS) were killed in the complex attack. "I have been in touch with the NDS official in the province and they told me that over 100 members of the NDS were killed in the big explosion," the former provincial official said. Sharif Hotak, a member of the provincial council in Maidan Wardak said he saw bodies of 35 Afghan forces in the hospital. "Many more were killed. Several bodies were transported to Kabul city and many injured were transferred to hospitals in Kabul," said Hotak, adding that "the government was hiding the accurate casualty figures to prevent a further dip in morale of the Afghan forces." "The explosion was very powerful. The whole building has collapsed," he said. Government officials in Maidan Wardak and Kabul declined to comment when asked if they were obscuring the death toll. Two senior officials in the interior ministry said the exact casualty figures was not being disclosed to prevent unrest within the armed forces. "I have been told not to make the death toll figures public. It is frustrating to hide the facts," said a senior interior ministry official in Kabul. A senior NDS official in Kabul said at least 50 people were killed or wounded in the complex attack. Abdurrahman Mangal, spokesman for the provincial governor in Maidan Wardak said 12 people were killed and 12 were injured when the car bomb exploded near the Afghan special forces unit. President Ashraf Ghani's office in a statement said the "enemies of the country" had carried out an attack against NDS personnel in Maidan Shahr. "They killed and wounded a number of our beloved and honest sons." In recent years the Afghan government has stopped releasing detailed casualty figures. Last year Ghani has said 28,000 Afghan police officers and soldiers have been killed since 2015, breaking the longstanding suppression on casualty data. Taliban insurgents claimed responsibility for the attack. Zabiullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the hardline Islamic militant group said they have killed 190 people in the complex attack. Last week, Taliban fighters set off a car bomb outside a highly fortified compound killing at least five people and wounding more than 110 Afghans and expatriates in the capital, Kabul.

Over 100 security personnel killed in Taliban attack in Afghanistan: Defence ministry source

To all appearances, India's Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat set the cat among the pigeons in the second week of January when he advocated that India should talk to the Taliban “without preconditions” in the interest of peace and stability in the region.'&nbsp;

This was tom-tommed as a big shift from the government of India's long-standing policy that the peace process in Afghanistan should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, Afghan-controlled and with the participation of the government in Kabul. It made a splash because the Taliban was talking to the US ahead of the latter's plan to pull out from its 17-year-long military engagement in Afghanistan which has cost over a trillion dollars and claimed tens of thousands of lives besides turning it into a terrorist hub.&nbsp;

However, General Rawat was only taking forward the ball set rolling exactly two months before. The policy shift was already public by November 8, when two former diplomats, Amar Sinha and TCA Raghavan went to Russia for the Moscow format of talks on the Afghan peace process. Technically, Sinha and Raghavan did not represent Government of India (GoI) – their participation was “non-official”, in Track II mode. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Raghavan, who was India's High Commissioner to Pakistan, is Director-General of the GoI think tank, Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA). Sinha, a former Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, was Ambassador to Afghanistan. There was nothing really unofficial about their non-official presence in the Moscow format of talks where the Taliban and Afghanistan's High Peace Council delegations were also present.&nbsp;

By the time General Rawat stood up to say his piece, official India had already held at least one round of non-official talks. Just a day before General Rawat spoke, the Taliban had called off talks with the US as they did not want the Afghan government to be in the talks. The Taliban did this a day before the fourth round of talks with US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad. &nbsp;

Besides the US, Russia and China, the Taliban's old supporters, namely, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Pakistan were also back in the game as stakeholders in the peace process. Iran also joined the game. It went claimed “influence” over the Taliban and offered to use that influence in India's favour.&nbsp;

In the nearly two decades since the Taliban hosted the hijacked Indian Airlines plane in Kandahar -- when external affairs minister Jaswant Singh went to Taliban territory to get the hostages released in return for two Pakistani terrorists – GoI has also developed lines to the Taliban. &nbsp;

It is obvious that the Taliban holds the whip hand in the Afghan peace process. It is set on talking to the US – on its own terms – because the US is the occupation force to be sent packing. US General Austin Miller's narrow escape from the October 18 shooting, which killed Kandahar police chief General Abdul Raziq among others in a room, seems to have convinced the Americans that they can no longer continue their military occupation. This is underscored by the perception that the Taliban “allowed” General Miller to “escape” – to let the US know that they can pick their targets when they choose to. &nbsp;

With the US bowing to the Taliban's terms, others, including India, cannot risk lagging behind. The Taliban's tough talk and a tougher line on talking terms is suspected to be based on the covert support of some powerful country. That apart, there is a growing perception, including in New Delhi, that the Taliban is involved in many behind-the-scene engagements; and, these are what enable it to call the shots. &nbsp;

Thus, negotiating India's place in the peace process is as much a diplomatic and strategic minefield as Afghanistan was during the worst phase of America's war in that country.&nbsp;

&nbsp; 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

To all appearances, India's Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat set the cat among the pigeons in the second week of January when he advocated that India should talk to the Taliban “without preconditions” in the interest of peace and stability in the region.

To all appearances, India's Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat set the cat among the pigeons in the second week of January when he advocated that India should talk to the Taliban “without preconditions” in the interest of peace and stability in the region.' This was tom-tommed as a big shift from the government of India's long-standing policy that the peace process in Afghanistan should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, Afghan-controlled and with the participation of the government in Kabul. It made a splash because the Taliban was talking to the US ahead of the latter's plan to pull out from its 17-year-long military engagement in Afghanistan which has cost over a trillion dollars and claimed tens of thousands of lives besides turning it into a terrorist hub. However, General Rawat was only taking forward the ball set rolling exactly two months before. The policy shift was already public by November 8, when two former diplomats, Amar Sinha and TCA Raghavan went to Russia for the Moscow format of talks on the Afghan peace process. Technically, Sinha and Raghavan did not represent Government of India (GoI) – their participation was “non-official”, in Track II mode. Raghavan, who was India's High Commissioner to Pakistan, is Director-General of the GoI think tank, Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA). Sinha, a former Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, was Ambassador to Afghanistan. There was nothing really unofficial about their non-official presence in the Moscow format of talks where the Taliban and Afghanistan's High Peace Council delegations were also present. By the time General Rawat stood up to say his piece, official India had already held at least one round of non-official talks. Just a day before General Rawat spoke, the Taliban had called off talks with the US as they did not want the Afghan government to be in the talks. The Taliban did this a day before the fourth round of talks with US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad. Besides the US, Russia and China, the Taliban's old supporters, namely, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Pakistan were also back in the game as stakeholders in the peace process. Iran also joined the game. It went claimed “influence” over the Taliban and offered to use that influence in India's favour. In the nearly two decades since the Taliban hosted the hijacked Indian Airlines plane in Kandahar -- when external affairs minister Jaswant Singh went to Taliban territory to get the hostages released in return for two Pakistani terrorists – GoI has also developed lines to the Taliban. It is obvious that the Taliban holds the whip hand in the Afghan peace process. It is set on talking to the US – on its own terms – because the US is the occupation force to be sent packing. US General Austin Miller's narrow escape from the October 18 shooting, which killed Kandahar police chief General Abdul Raziq among others in a room, seems to have convinced the Americans that they can no longer continue their military occupation. This is underscored by the perception that the Taliban “allowed” General Miller to “escape” – to let the US know that they can pick their targets when they choose to. With the US bowing to the Taliban's terms, others, including India, cannot risk lagging behind. The Taliban's tough talk and a tougher line on talking terms is suspected to be based on the covert support of some powerful country. That apart, there is a growing perception, including in New Delhi, that the Taliban is involved in many behind-the-scene engagements; and, these are what enable it to call the shots. Thus, negotiating India's place in the peace process is as much a diplomatic and strategic minefield as Afghanistan was during the worst phase of America's war in that country. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

What lies behind the Taliban's tough line

A car bomb attack on a convoy of the governor of Afghanistan's southern Logar province killed at least eight Afghan security force members on Sunday morning but left the provincial chief unharmed, local officials said.

Shahpoor Ahmadzai, the spokesman for Logar's provincial police, said the bomber detonated an explosives-packed car close to the governor's convoy on a major highway between Logar and the capital Kabul.

"Unfortunately 10 others are wounded, and the number of casualties may rise," Ahmadzai said, adding that the provincial chief of the country's intelligence agency was also in the convoy but unhurt in the attack.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, said in a statement that the group was responsible for the blast and that a "large number" of Afghan special forces had been killed or wounded.

Logar, located around 75 km (46 miles) from Kabul, is known as a strategic gateway to the capital and is vulnerable to attacks due to the Taliban's active presence in most areas of the province.

The militant group has ramped up attacks in strategic provinces in recent months in their battle to expel foreign forces, topple the Western-backed government and restore their version of hardline Islamic law, even as peace talks with the United States ramp up.

'Unfortunately, 10 others are wounded, and the number of casualties may rise,' said Shahpoor Ahmadzai, the spokesman for Logar's provincial police.

A car bomb attack on a convoy of the governor of Afghanistan's southern Logar province killed at least eight Afghan security force members on Sunday morning but left the provincial chief unharmed, local officials said. Shahpoor Ahmadzai, the spokesman for Logar's provincial police, said the bomber detonated an explosives-packed car close to the governor's convoy on a major highway between Logar and the capital Kabul. "Unfortunately 10 others are wounded, and the number of casualties may rise," Ahmadzai said, adding that the provincial chief of the country's intelligence agency was also in the convoy but unhurt in the attack. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, said in a statement that the group was responsible for the blast and that a "large number" of Afghan special forces had been killed or wounded. Logar, located around 75 km (46 miles) from Kabul, is known as a strategic gateway to the capital and is vulnerable to attacks due to the Taliban's active presence in most areas of the province. The militant group has ramped up attacks in strategic provinces in recent months in their battle to expel foreign forces, topple the Western-backed government and restore their version of hardline Islamic law, even as peace talks with the United States ramp up.

Car bomb attack kills 8 security force members in Afghanistan's south

Dozens of families displaced from their homes in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-pakistan-talks-great-game-redux-in-afghanistan-191186">northern province of Sar-e Pul by Taliban pressure</a> have arrived in the provincial capital, as the insurgents have tightened their grip around the city, residents and officials said.

Taliban fighters have been threatening oil fields around the city of Sar-e Pul as they have stepped up operations with the apparent aim of strengthening their position during <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-taliban-reject-talks-with-us-in-pakistan-191358">peace talks with US&nbsp;officials</a>.

"In general, the security situation in Sar-e Pul province has been in critical condition and the Taliban are trying to carry out their attacks on the districts close to the city," said Zabiullah Amani, spokesman for the governor of Sar-e Pul.

The fighting comes as peace talks between US&nbsp;special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban representatives have stalled over the insurgents' demand to focus the agenda for peace talks on the withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops from Afghanistan.

The increasingly confident Taliban now control broad swathes of the countryside outside the main cities of Afghanistan and have set their stamp ever more clearly on areas under their control as government forces struggle to push them back.

In Sar-e Pul, officials said around 40 families had arrived in the provincial capital from Kohistan, an isolated district firmly under Taliban control, and have mostly been seeking shelter from the freezing winter temperatures in city mosques.

With punishing winter temperatures making life a misery for displaced people, little help has come from the government.

"These families are now in the centre of the city of Sar-e Pul and are in a very bad state because they do not have any kind of living materials," Amani said.

Accounts from the displaced families suggest the Taliban singled out families believed to have sympathies with the government or family members in the police and expelled them.

Haji Azizullah, an elder who oversaw the transfer of displaced families from Kohistan district, said those driven from their homes were all suspected of being close to the military or the security forces.

"The Taliban told us to either take your children and work together with the Taliban under our authority or move you out of this area," he said.

With the Taliban still refusing to talk directly with the Afghan government, the pressure on families on the opposing side points to some of the likely problems in any post-settlement Afghanistan after more than 17 years of war.

Saber, a resident of Kohistan who left the district with her six children last week, said Taliban had approached her a week ago and told her to bring her son, a member of the Afghan Local Police, into them.

"When I refused, four people from the Taliban came yesterday and told me I had to get out of the area," she said.

The Taliban spokesman was not immediately for comment.

&nbsp;

Taliban fighters have been threatening oil fields around the city of Sar-e Pul as they have stepped up operations with the apparent aim of strengthening their position during peace talks with US officials.

Dozens of families displaced from their homes in the northern province of Sar-e Pul by Taliban pressure have arrived in the provincial capital, as the insurgents have tightened their grip around the city, residents and officials said. Taliban fighters have been threatening oil fields around the city of Sar-e Pul as they have stepped up operations with the apparent aim of strengthening their position during peace talks with US officials. "In general, the security situation in Sar-e Pul province has been in critical condition and the Taliban are trying to carry out their attacks on the districts close to the city," said Zabiullah Amani, spokesman for the governor of Sar-e Pul. The fighting comes as peace talks between US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban representatives have stalled over the insurgents' demand to focus the agenda for peace talks on the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. The increasingly confident Taliban now control broad swathes of the countryside outside the main cities of Afghanistan and have set their stamp ever more clearly on areas under their control as government forces struggle to push them back. In Sar-e Pul, officials said around 40 families had arrived in the provincial capital from Kohistan, an isolated district firmly under Taliban control, and have mostly been seeking shelter from the freezing winter temperatures in city mosques. With punishing winter temperatures making life a misery for displaced people, little help has come from the government. "These families are now in the centre of the city of Sar-e Pul and are in a very bad state because they do not have any kind of living materials," Amani said. Accounts from the displaced families suggest the Taliban singled out families believed to have sympathies with the government or family members in the police and expelled them. Haji Azizullah, an elder who oversaw the transfer of displaced families from Kohistan district, said those driven from their homes were all suspected of being close to the military or the security forces. "The Taliban told us to either take your children and work together with the Taliban under our authority or move you out of this area," he said. With the Taliban still refusing to talk directly with the Afghan government, the pressure on families on the opposing side points to some of the likely problems in any post-settlement Afghanistan after more than 17 years of war. Saber, a resident of Kohistan who left the district with her six children last week, said Taliban had approached her a week ago and told her to bring her son, a member of the Afghan Local Police, into them. "When I refused, four people from the Taliban came yesterday and told me I had to get out of the area," she said. The Taliban spokesman was not immediately for comment.

Families in Afghanistan's north seek shelter as Taliban ups pressure

A former warlord accused of historic war crimes entered Afghanistan's presidential race on Saturday in a new challenge to President Ashraf Ghani who allowed him to return from exile two decades he was forced out by the Taliban.

Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, whose fighters killed thousands in Kabul during the bloody civil war of the 1990s, has remained a divisive figure since his return from exile in 2016.

His decision to contest the presidential polls in July is seen by analysts as the ex-warlord's attempt to legitimise his Hizb-i-Islami party. The faction has been blamed for atrocities committed during Afghanistan's brutal civil war, which led many Afghans to welcome the emergence of the Taliban in 1996 in the hope the hardline Islamist group would restore law and order.

In 2003, the US State Department listed him as a terrorist, accusing him of taking part in and supporting attacks by al Qaeda and the Taliban. But Washington later welcomed Ghani's decision to sign a peace deal with Hekmatyar.

In 2016, President Ghani's government granted immunity to Hekmatyar but the former warlord has been critical of his administration and the parliamentary election process in 2018.

Announcing his candidacy, Hekmatyar pledged to restore peace and security and said the current government had failed to end the war with the Taliban.

"Our country's situation requires a powerful central government lead by an elected president supported by the majority of people," he told a news conference in Kabul.

The July election faces serious security challenges with the Taliban threatening large parts of the country. The polls will be a crucial test for election officials who were criticised for failing to conduct free and fair parliamentary elections last October. The 2014 presidential election won by Ghani was also tainted by accusations of widespread cheating.

Afghanistan's presidential race is now in full swing, with several former officials, politicians lining up to challenge Ghani who is expected to register his candidacy for a second term on Sunday.

On Saturday Interior Minister Amrullah Saleh resigned to run for the vice-presidency as part of Ghani's team, according to two political sources.

In December, Ghani appointed Saleh, a former security official and an uncompromising opponent of the Taliban, to his government in a bid to secure the support of former opponents for a second term.

A former warlord accused of historic war crimes entered Afghanistan's presidential race on Saturday in a new challenge to President Ashraf Ghani who allowed him to return from exile two decades he was forced out by the Taliban.

A former warlord accused of historic war crimes entered Afghanistan's presidential race on Saturday in a new challenge to President Ashraf Ghani who allowed him to return from exile two decades he was forced out by the Taliban. Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, whose fighters killed thousands in Kabul during the bloody civil war of the 1990s, has remained a divisive figure since his return from exile in 2016. His decision to contest the presidential polls in July is seen by analysts as the ex-warlord's attempt to legitimise his Hizb-i-Islami party. The faction has been blamed for atrocities committed during Afghanistan's brutal civil war, which led many Afghans to welcome the emergence of the Taliban in 1996 in the hope the hardline Islamist group would restore law and order. In 2003, the US State Department listed him as a terrorist, accusing him of taking part in and supporting attacks by al Qaeda and the Taliban. But Washington later welcomed Ghani's decision to sign a peace deal with Hekmatyar. In 2016, President Ghani's government granted immunity to Hekmatyar but the former warlord has been critical of his administration and the parliamentary election process in 2018. Announcing his candidacy, Hekmatyar pledged to restore peace and security and said the current government had failed to end the war with the Taliban. "Our country's situation requires a powerful central government lead by an elected president supported by the majority of people," he told a news conference in Kabul. The July election faces serious security challenges with the Taliban threatening large parts of the country. The polls will be a crucial test for election officials who were criticised for failing to conduct free and fair parliamentary elections last October. The 2014 presidential election won by Ghani was also tainted by accusations of widespread cheating. Afghanistan's presidential race is now in full swing, with several former officials, politicians lining up to challenge Ghani who is expected to register his candidacy for a second term on Sunday. On Saturday Interior Minister Amrullah Saleh resigned to run for the vice-presidency as part of Ghani's team, according to two political sources. In December, Ghani appointed Saleh, a former security official and an uncompromising opponent of the Taliban, to his government in a bid to secure the support of former opponents for a second term.

Former Afghan warlord Hekmatyar enters presidential race

Pakistan will host the next round of talks between the US and Afghan Taliban in Islamabad, it was decided on Friday during a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, according to a media report.

Quoting diplomatic sources, GEO News reported that Pakistan decided to extend an invitation to the Afghan Taliban representatives to come to Islamabad and hold talks.

It is expected that Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar would also be part of the peace talks, it said.

The decision to hold the next round of talks between the US and Afghan Taliban in Islamabad was taken on Friday during a meeting between Qureshi and Khalilzad, the report said without giving a date for the negotiations.

US President Donald Trump has been pressing Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to facilitate Afghan peace talks, with Washington reportedly making it a condition for a future summit between the two leaders in Washington.&nbsp;

During the meeting between Qureshi and Khalilzad, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, the Foreign Minister said that the Taliban were not willing to sit with the Afghan administration nor were they willing for a ceasefire, the report said.&nbsp;

Khalilzad requested that Pakistan should play its role to make the dialogue successful, it said.&nbsp;

Khalilzad, who arrived in Pakistan on Thursday from Kabul, as part of his four-nation tour, told Qureshi that the US leadership values Pakistan's efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

Khalilzad has held three round of talks with the Afghan Taliban to reach a settlement that would allow the US to withdraw its army and end a 17-year-old war,&nbsp; America's longest.

Qureshi assured Khalilzad that Pakistan will continue its efforts to facilitate the Afghan-reconciliation process to bring peace and stability to the region.&nbsp;

"We have a shared responsibility to work towards bringing peace in Afghanistan," the minister said.&nbsp;

A US-delegation comprising the representatives of the State Department and Defence and National Security Council also attended the meeting.

Khalilzad is on his fifth visit to the region for Afghan reconciliation since he assumed office.

On Thursday, the US envoy met with Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and discussed progress on the Afghan peace process.&nbsp;

Khalilzad has already visited India and met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on January 10.

India has been a key stakeholder in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan and has committed aid worth $3 billion to the war-ravaged country.

New Delhi has also been pressing for an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace initiative to bring peace and stability in the war-ravaged country.&nbsp;

The Afghan peace initiative has been moving at a snail's pace due to refusal of the Taliban to sit for talks with the Afghan government officials.

Pakistan last year released senior Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar from imprisonment in an attempt to woo the militant group to engage in talks.&nbsp;

Baradar was deputy to the late Taliban supreme leader Mullah Muhammad Omar.&nbsp;

The report of Pakistan may host the next round of Afghan peace talks came hours after a US Congressional report said that Islamabad may view a weak and destabilised Afghanistan as preferable to a strong and unified one.

"Pakistan may view a weak and destabilised Afghanistan as preferable to a strong, unified Afghan state (particularly one led by a Pashtun-dominated government in Kabul; Pakistan has a large Pashtun minority)," the report prepared by the Congressional Research Service said.

"Pakistan sees Afghanistan as potentially providing strategic depth against India, but may also anticipate that improved relations with Afghanistan's leadership could limit India's influence in Afghanistan," said the report titled, "Afghanistan: Background and US Policy in Brief".&nbsp;

Pakistan will host the next round of talks between the US and Afghan Taliban in Islamabad, it was decided on Friday during a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, according to a media report.

Pakistan will host the next round of talks between the US and Afghan Taliban in Islamabad, it was decided on Friday during a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, according to a media report. Quoting diplomatic sources, GEO News reported that Pakistan decided to extend an invitation to the Afghan Taliban representatives to come to Islamabad and hold talks. It is expected that Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar would also be part of the peace talks, it said. The decision to hold the next round of talks between the US and Afghan Taliban in Islamabad was taken on Friday during a meeting between Qureshi and Khalilzad, the report said without giving a date for the negotiations. US President Donald Trump has been pressing Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to facilitate Afghan peace talks, with Washington reportedly making it a condition for a future summit between the two leaders in Washington. During the meeting between Qureshi and Khalilzad, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, the Foreign Minister said that the Taliban were not willing to sit with the Afghan administration nor were they willing for a ceasefire, the report said. Khalilzad requested that Pakistan should play its role to make the dialogue successful, it said. Khalilzad, who arrived in Pakistan on Thursday from Kabul, as part of his four-nation tour, told Qureshi that the US leadership values Pakistan's efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Khalilzad has held three round of talks with the Afghan Taliban to reach a settlement that would allow the US to withdraw its army and end a 17-year-old war, America's longest. Qureshi assured Khalilzad that Pakistan will continue its efforts to facilitate the Afghan-reconciliation process to bring peace and stability to the region. "We have a shared responsibility to work towards bringing peace in Afghanistan," the minister said. A US-delegation comprising the representatives of the State Department and Defence and National Security Council also attended the meeting. Khalilzad is on his fifth visit to the region for Afghan reconciliation since he assumed office. On Thursday, the US envoy met with Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and discussed progress on the Afghan peace process. Khalilzad has already visited India and met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on January 10. India has been a key stakeholder in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan and has committed aid worth $3 billion to the war-ravaged country. New Delhi has also been pressing for an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace initiative to bring peace and stability in the war-ravaged country. The Afghan peace initiative has been moving at a snail's pace due to refusal of the Taliban to sit for talks with the Afghan government officials. Pakistan last year released senior Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar from imprisonment in an attempt to woo the militant group to engage in talks. Baradar was deputy to the late Taliban supreme leader Mullah Muhammad Omar. The report of Pakistan may host the next round of Afghan peace talks came hours after a US Congressional report said that Islamabad may view a weak and destabilised Afghanistan as preferable to a strong and unified one. "Pakistan may view a weak and destabilised Afghanistan as preferable to a strong, unified Afghan state (particularly one led by a Pashtun-dominated government in Kabul; Pakistan has a large Pashtun minority)," the report prepared by the Congressional Research Service said. "Pakistan sees Afghanistan as potentially providing strategic depth against India, but may also anticipate that improved relations with Afghanistan's leadership could limit India's influence in Afghanistan," said the report titled, "Afghanistan: Background and US Policy in Brief".

Pakistan to host next round of peace talks between US and Afghan Taliban in Islamabad: Report

The Afghan Taliban rejected reports in the Pakistani media that they were prepared to resume meetings with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-envoy-on-afghanistan-arrives-in-pakistan-for-talks-191047">US special envoy</a> Zalmay Khalilzad in Islamabad and repeated their refusal to deal directly with the Afghan government.

Pakistani newspapers and television stations reported that a meeting in Islamabad was in prospect following discussions between Khalilzad and Pakistani officials including Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday.&nbsp;

Senior Taliban leaders said that regional powers including Pakistan had approached them and wanted them to meet the US delegation in Islamabad and also include the Afghan government in the peace process but that the approaches had been rejected.

"We wanted to make it clear that we will not hold any meeting with Zalmay Khalilzad in Islamabad," Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid in a statement. 
Talks between the two sides have stalled after the Taliban accused Khalilzad of straying from the agreed agenda and there is no clarity on when they may resume.&nbsp;

"We have made it clear again and again that we would never hold any meeting with the Afghan government as we know that they are not capable of addressing our demands," said one senior Taliban leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The United States says any settlement in Afghanistan must be between the internationally recognised Afghan government and the Taliban, who have so far refused to talk to an administration they describe as an illegitimate puppet regime.

The Taliban leader said peace talks with the US delegation could resume if they were assured that only three issues would be discussed - a US withdrawal from Afghanistan, an exchange of prisoners and lifting a ban on the movement of Taliban leaders.

Khalilzad arrived in Islamabad on Thursday and met Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan as well as the Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and other officials.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The two sides reviewed developments post Abu Dhabi, in order to take the Afghan peace process forward," a foreign office statement said. An Afghan Taliban delegation had a round of talks last month with US officials in Abu Dhabi.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The statement didn`t give any further details on the talks, but several local TV channels reported that Pakistan agreed to host the next round of talks between the Afghan Taliban and the United States in Islamabad.&nbsp;

Khalilzad, an Afghan-born veteran US diplomat who served as George W. Bush`s ambassador to Afghanistan, Iraq and the United Nations, was named by the Trump administration four months ago as a special envoy to negotiate peace.

Washington has long been pushing Islamabad to lean on Taliban leaders, who it says are based in Pakistan, to bring them to the negotiating table.

It often accuses the south Asian nation of covertly sheltering Taliban leaders, an accusation Islamabad vehemently denies.

The United States, which had more than 100,000 troops in Afghanistan at its peak during the first term of former President Barack Obama, withdrew most of them in 2014 but still keeps around 14,000 there.

The Afghan Taliban rejected reports in the Pakistani media that they were prepared to resume meetings with US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad in Islamabad and repeated their refusal to deal directly with the Afghan government.

The Afghan Taliban rejected reports in the Pakistani media that they were prepared to resume meetings with US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad in Islamabad and repeated their refusal to deal directly with the Afghan government. Pakistani newspapers and television stations reported that a meeting in Islamabad was in prospect following discussions between Khalilzad and Pakistani officials including Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday. Senior Taliban leaders said that regional powers including Pakistan had approached them and wanted them to meet the US delegation in Islamabad and also include the Afghan government in the peace process but that the approaches had been rejected. "We wanted to make it clear that we will not hold any meeting with Zalmay Khalilzad in Islamabad," Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid in a statement. Talks between the two sides have stalled after the Taliban accused Khalilzad of straying from the agreed agenda and there is no clarity on when they may resume. "We have made it clear again and again that we would never hold any meeting with the Afghan government as we know that they are not capable of addressing our demands," said one senior Taliban leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The United States says any settlement in Afghanistan must be between the internationally recognised Afghan government and the Taliban, who have so far refused to talk to an administration they describe as an illegitimate puppet regime. The Taliban leader said peace talks with the US delegation could resume if they were assured that only three issues would be discussed - a US withdrawal from Afghanistan, an exchange of prisoners and lifting a ban on the movement of Taliban leaders. Khalilzad arrived in Islamabad on Thursday and met Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan as well as the Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and other officials. "The two sides reviewed developments post Abu Dhabi, in order to take the Afghan peace process forward," a foreign office statement said. An Afghan Taliban delegation had a round of talks last month with US officials in Abu Dhabi. The statement didn`t give any further details on the talks, but several local TV channels reported that Pakistan agreed to host the next round of talks between the Afghan Taliban and the United States in Islamabad. Khalilzad, an Afghan-born veteran US diplomat who served as George W. Bush`s ambassador to Afghanistan, Iraq and the United Nations, was named by the Trump administration four months ago as a special envoy to negotiate peace. Washington has long been pushing Islamabad to lean on Taliban leaders, who it says are based in Pakistan, to bring them to the negotiating table. It often accuses the south Asian nation of covertly sheltering Taliban leaders, an accusation Islamabad vehemently denies. The United States, which had more than 100,000 troops in Afghanistan at its peak during the first term of former President Barack Obama, withdrew most of them in 2014 but still keeps around 14,000 there.

Won't hold any meeting with American envoy in Islamabad: Afghan Taliban reject peace talks with US

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