But the peace talks haven’t prevented the Taliban from carrying out its summer offensive against the government. The talks between Taliban representatives and Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. special representative, are primarily focussed on withdrawing foreign troops from Afghanistan. The government is willing to engage the insurgents, a move which has now been endorsed by the Loya Jirga as well. The Taliban will change tack only if it is forced to do so militarily or through pressure. It must put pressure on the Taliban to cease hostilities and engage with Mr. Ghani’s government.

Source: The Hindu May 09, 2019 18:22 UTC