KABUL (SW) – For the first time, the U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, met Mullah Beradar of the Taliban in Doha, Qatar for talks.
In a series of tweets, Khalilzad said this could be a significant moment. “Appreciate Qatar for hosting and Pakistan in facilitating travel. Now the work begins in earnest”.
A number of former Taliban-era officials claim the fresh round of talks Qatar would be centered on the proposed withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan.
A former Taliban-era official, Syed Akbar Agha, told Salam Watandar the talks between the U.S. and the Taliban in Qatar can only yield positive result if it manages to produce a timetable for the withdrawal of troops. He said only after this there could be progress on the proposed ceasefire and direct talks with the Afghan government.
He went on to say the two parties in these talks decided in the previous session to form a joint commission on the withdrawal of troops, but no progress was made. He hoped this subject would be discussed in Doha again.
Muhibullah Sharif, an analyst on political affairs, said the two sides discussed withdrawal of troops, not allowing terrorists to use Afghanistan, proposed ceasefire and direct talks with the Afghan government in the previous session. He said the latest round of talks might not yield any significant outcome, but it remains fruitful for the peace process.
Mullah Beradar is now head of the Taliban’s so-called political office in Qatar. He is believed to be wielding significance influence among the Taliban.
ENDS
