“Increased optimism around the peace talks along with persistent fears about insecurity and the economy continue to influence Afghan views,” Abdullah Ahmadzai, The Asia Foundation’s country representative in Afghanistan was quoted as saying in the survey. He said the United States broke off talks and when it wants to resume them, the Taliban are ready. Following the collapse of peace talks and election delays, which took place after this year’s survey field work, prospects for a sustainable political settlement are unclear, Ahmadzai said. According to the foundation, peace talks and the long-delayed presidential election have been at the forefront of public discourse in Afghanistan this year. Just last week, a leading Afghan presidential candidate, Abdullah Abdullah, organized protests over a recount in the September election that has been mired in accusations of fraud.

Source: Washington Post December 03, 2019 06:32 UTC