U.S. Envoy Meets Taliban Leaders to End Afghan War

On Saturday, US envoy Zabiullah Mujahid wrapped up his 10-day diplomatic mission to Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Returning to Qatar, Mujahid held a historical meeting with Taliban leaders to discuss the possibility of peace in the region.

The meeting took place on Friday and marked a significant breakthrough in both sides’ efforts to push for a peaceful resolution.

Khalilzad, appointed only last month by President Donald Trump, suggested that the talk was a successful attempt by the administration to include all Afghans in the peace process.

“The United States shares the aspirations of all Afghans for a peaceful Afghanistan where all Afghans see themselves included. All citizens of Afghanistan must be a part of this reconciliation process,” said Khalilzad in an embassy statement.

The militant group confirmed that the meeting generated “very positive signals”.

“Both sides spoke about an end to the occupation and a peaceful solution to the Afghan issue. Both sides agreed to continue meeting in the future,” Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid claimed in an email statement.

Communication between the U.S. and the Taliban will continue and may possibly lead to peace talks that finally put an end to the 17-year war, he said.

Mujahid, however, also pointed out that for negotiations to move forward, the U.S. has to withdraw its troops in Afghanistan, which currently constitutes the “greatest obstacle” to the de-escalation of conflict.

Indeed, ever since the U.S. orchestrated the Taliban’s removal from power in 2001, constant outbreaks of violence have led many to rethink the U.S. approach to the war.

Since then, the Taliban has conquered a number of strategic provinces across Afghanistan and continues to cause civilian deaths. The United Nations reported last week that in the first nine months of 2018 alone, there were more than 8,050 Afghan civilians killed or injured by suicide bombs and other violent devices.

Fighting between the Taliban and Afghan forces continues 17 years after US intervention (AP/Rahmat Gul)

Given the dire situation, a readjustment of U.S. strategies in the region seems imperative. Exactly how it would play out remains to be seen.

Despite both sides’ claims that the Friday meeting was productive, there is no doubt that it was only a talk about talks.

“It was an introductory meeting in which an eight-member U.S. delegation held a detailed meeting with members of our political office,” said a senior Taliban member.

He disclosed that Khalizad requested Taliban leaders to declare a ceasefire for six months before the parliamentary polls on October 20^th.

The militant group in turn urged the Afghan government to immediately clear out all foreign troops from the country. The release of imprisoned Taliban fighters was another of their demands.

“Neither side agreed to accept the other’s demands immediately, but they agreed to meet again and find a solution to the conflict,” he said.

Featured Image via Reuters/Jonathan Ernst