As it pushes to jump-start an Afghan peace process, the U.S. faces a Taliban that is stronger than any time since an American-led military coalition deposed it 17 years ago, say U.S. and Afghan officials, current and former militants and experts. The movement’s battlefield successes and territorial gains give it more sway in talks, in which it seeks the withdrawal of U.S.-led foreign forces from Afghanistan and to forge an ultraconservative Islamic government.

Source: Wall Street Journal November 05, 2018 10:30 UTC