US and Taliban to sign deal paving way for troop pullout and peace talks

[brooklynite]

Source: The Guardian

The US and Taliban are due to sign an agreement on 29 February that will lead to the withdrawal of thousands of US troops and the start of comprehensive peace talks between the Afghan government and the insurgents.

The US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, announced that the agreement would be signed once there has been a week-long “nationwide reduction in violence”, to start at midnight on Friday, according to an understanding reached by US and Taliban negotiators meeting in Doha.

“Upon a successful implementation of this understanding, signing of the US-Taliban agreement is expected to move forward. We are preparing for the signing to take place on 29 February,” Pompeo said.

“Intra-Afghan negotiations will start soon thereafter, and will build on this fundamental step to deliver a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire and the future political roadmap for Afghanistan.”

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/21/mike-pompeo-us-reached-understanding-taliban-violence-afghanistan-peace

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Let's be clear, the Taliban effectively controls large swaths of Afghan territory, and will likely return to its history of religious intolerance (esp. towards women) once "peace" breaks out.

[DallasNE]

1. This Gives The Taliban Everything They Want

So much for the art of the deal. Just as Saigon fell, so will Kabul and for pretty much the same reason.

[keithbvadu2]

2. The Taliban's word is just as credible as Trump's.

The Taliban's word is just as credible as Trump's.

[Bayard]

3. Don't look at what they say,

Look at what they do.

[Boulevardier]

4. Long past time for the US to leave Afghanistan.