US says it will resume talks with Afghan Taliban next week

Published November 24, 2021
In this file photo taken on August 12, Head of the Taliban delegation Abdul Salam Hanafi (R), accompanied by Taliban officials (2R to L) Muttaqi, Shahabuddin Delawar and Abdul Latif Mansour, walks down a hotel lobby during the talks in Qatar's capital Doha. — AFP
In this file photo taken on August 12, Head of the Taliban delegation Abdul Salam Hanafi (R), accompanied by Taliban officials (2R to L) Muttaqi, Shahabuddin Delawar and Abdul Latif Mansour, walks down a hotel lobby during the talks in Qatar's capital Doha. — AFP

The United States will resume talks with the Taliban next week in Qatar, addressing among other issues the fight against terrorism and the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

The American delegation will be led by the US special representative for Afghanistan, Tom West, for the planned two weeks of discussions, State Department spokesman Ned Price said on Tuesday.

The two sides will discuss “our vital national interests” which include counterterrorism operations against the militant Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda, humanitarian assistance, Afghanistan's devastated economy, and safe passage out of Afghanistan for US citizens and Afghans who worked for the United States during the 20-year war.

Explainer: Can the Taliban suppress the potent IS threat?

West met two weeks ago in Pakistan with representatives of the Taliban that seized power in August as US forces completed their withdrawal.

A first session between the two sides was held October 9-10 in the Qatari capital Doha, where US diplomats overseeing relations with Afghanistan transferred after the Taliban takeover.

West on Friday reiterated US conditions for the Taliban to receive US financial and diplomatic support: fight terrorism, install an inclusive government, respect the rights of minorities, women and girls, and provide equal access to educations and employment.

He said the United States would continue to have dialogue with the Taliban and for now provide only humanitarian aid.

Foreign minister of the Taliban government, Amir Khan Muttaqi, which is not recognised by the international community, called last week in an open letter to the US Congress for the release of Afghan assets frozen by the US.

Opinion

Editorial

Mixed messaging
Updated 02 Jun, 2026

Mixed messaging

It is fair to ask how these actions fit into a strategy that is supposedly aimed at reaching a negotiated settlement.
Sugar: the bitter truth
02 Jun, 2026

Sugar: the bitter truth

THEY are at it again. Politically powerful sugar mill owners are back with their demand seeking permission to export...
Uphill battle
02 Jun, 2026

Uphill battle

A DISPUTE has broken out between Karachi’s political representatives over illegal encroachments on the city’s...
Budget concerns
Updated 01 Jun, 2026

Budget concerns

Mistaking IMF compliance for sound economic management is what is driving the economy into deeper stagnation.
Gaza’s tragedy
01 Jun, 2026

Gaza’s tragedy

HISTORY may record this as one of the most brazen deceptions of our time. President Donald Trump’s so called Board...
New sports policy
01 Jun, 2026

New sports policy

BETTER sense has prevailed with a new national sports policy set to be rolled out, thus preventing a clash between...