However following days of sideline discussions, it appears negotiators have now cleared the way for full peace talks to get underway. Among the sticking points so far, the Taliban and the Afghan government have struggled to agree on common language on two main issues. Another contentious topic is how the US-Taliban deal will shape a future peace deal and how it will be referred to. The Doha peace talks opened after the Taliban and Washington signed a deal in February, with the US agreeing to withdraw all foreign forces in exchange for security guarantees and a Taliban promise to start talks. Despite the talks, violence has surged across Afghanistan, with the Taliban stepping up daily attacks against Afghan security forces.

Source: Dhaka Tribune November 20, 2020 15:56 UTC