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Prerequisites of peace
Durable peace and security in Afghanistan will depend on the level of external interference in its affairs.
Afghan War
Afghan War
Afghan Taliban may meet Saudi crown prince in Islamabad
Taliban leader in Qatar claims no decision made yet on whether they will meet MBS.
Afghan Taliban announce talks with US in Islamabad: spokesman
Taliban say they will also meet PM Imran Khan for “comprehensive discussions” about bilateral affairs with Afghanistan.
Nato defence chiefs to review Afghan peace efforts
Defence ministers from 29 Nato countries to meet in Brussels today to assure Afghanistan of continued support.
Acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan arrives in Afghanistan
Shanahan says he is not been directed to "step down" US forces in Afghanistan.
US special envoy resumes Afghan peace diplomacy
President Ghani asks Taliban to open office in Afghanistan.
'Afghan Taliban will regard Pakistan as brother when in power, seek ties based on mutual respect'
Pakistan is regarded as a "second home" by Afghans, says Taliban spokesman.
Bilawal alerts Pakistan as US hopes to reach Afghan peace deal in July
Khalilzad acknowledges role played by Islamabad towards reconciliation.
Pakistan in behind-the-scenes push to aid US-Taliban talks
Taliban leader says Pakistan has kept "unprecedented pressure" on militants and their relatives over past few months.
Pakistan freed Baradar at US request, says Khalilzad
US envoy insists US wants "better relations with Pakistan".
Any agreement on Afghan crisis to address Pakistan’s equities: US
"Some military cooperation activities" between US and Pakistan continue despite suspension of aid, says Jospeh Votel.
'I'm ready for talks ─ are they?': FM Qureshi throws down gauntlet on dialogue with Delhi
"Give Kashmiris the right to self-determination, and whatever they decide, Pakistan will accept."
How can Afghanistan achieve sustainable peace?
If there is no Afghan reconciliation, the greatest impact will be felt by Pakistan.
Editorial: What is the way forward for Afghanistan?
A multiethnic democratic Afghanistan that protects the rights of all minority groups is the objective here.
Half of US troops to leave Afghanistan by May 1: Taliban
The US has issued no details on any potential withdrawal plan.
Afghan Taliban take centre stage as Kabul cut out of peace talks
Elephant in the room is President Ghani, whose US-backed govt has not been invited to the table despite efforts.
'Great nations don't fight endless wars': Trump defends troops' withdrawal in State of Union address
"After two decades of war, the hour has come to at least try for peace,” says US president.
US Senate votes against Trump’s withdrawal plan
Resolution, adopted by a 70-26 vote, stresses US "faces threats" from terrorist groups in Syria and Afghanistan.
Political talks with Taliban key part of endgame, says US commander
Gen Scott Miller says peace talks with Afghan Taliban "are positive".
Taliban to meet anti-govt leaders in Moscow
Despite Ghani's appeal for talks, Afghan Taliban have opted to talks to govt opponents, stirring frustration in Kabul.
Taliban talking to US from position of strength
Author Ahmed Rashid believes Taliban may not agree on ceasefire until they gain more territory.
‘US has broken taboo of not talking to Taliban’
Americans now want less to do in region, says scholar Vali Nasr at Adab Festival.
US keen to wash its hands of Afghanistan, says scholar
“If there is any existentialist threat to America, it’s Trump himself,” says Vali Nasr.
Trump 'serious' about withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, Taliban say
Taliban spokesman outlines the “Islamic system” that the group says it hopes to establish under any peace deal.
Russian minister's remarks on Daesh militant movements from Pakistan 'slip of tongue': foreign ministry
Russia will serve as reliable partner to countries around Afghanistan in effort to ensure border security: official.
'We never want to go back': Afghan women fear cost of peace under Taliban
"I was a kid, but I remember they burned our school right in front of our eyes," says woman who grew up under Taliban.
Russia invites Taliban, anti-govt leaders for talks
Afghan Taliban have so far refused to hold talks with "puppet" government.
Kabul continues to lose control over area, people: US report
No evidence to suggest that Trump's new South Asia policy was effective in bringing stability to Afghanistan: SIGAR.
‘Motivated statements’ to affect Afghan peace efforts, US warned
FO spokesman says no restrictions on Aasia Bibi’s movement.
US-Taliban talks 'on the right path' but far from conclusion: special envoy Khalilzad
Sceptics have “rushed to judgement”, US envoy says, adding that “you can't eat an elephant in one bite!”