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Fear of Taliban conquering Kabul are overblown, says US envoy to Afghanistan
Zalmay Khalilzad, Washington’s special envoy to Afghanistan, argued that the Taliban have reason not to push for a military victory and instead pursue a negotiated political settlement.
By Robert Burns, The Associated Press
Taliban say they are readying for talks with Kabul leaders
The Taliban have started putting together their agenda for negotiations with the political leadership in Kabul, Taliban officials said, a significant first step toward talks seen as perhaps the most critical next phase in the Afghan peace process.
US envoy working to resuscitate flagging Afghan peace deal as US warplanes pound ISIS-K
The first visit to Kabul by Washington’s peace envoy since Afghanistan's squabbling political leadership reached a power-sharing agreement comes amid increased violence blamed mostly on an Islamic State affiliate that has been targeted in stepped-up U.S. bombing.
Taliban suicide attack kills 5 Afghan civilians; condemns maternity clinic attack
A suicide bombing in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktia province on Thursday that looked to target a military compound but exploded before its destination killed five civilians and wounded at least 29 others, including civilians and military personnel, Afghan officials said.
Taliban say they don’t have missing US contractor
Taliban leaders searched their ranks, including in the much-feared Haqqani network, and on Sunday told The Associated Press they are not holding Mark R. Frerichs, a Navy veteran turned contractor who disappeared in Afghanistan in late January.
Afghans set to release 1,500 Taliban; US wants less violence
A recent peace deal signed between the United States and the Taliban called for the release of up to 5,000 prisoners ahead of the much sought-after negotiations.
US begins troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, official says
Hundreds of troops are heading out of the country as previously planned, but they will not be replaced as the U.S. moves ahead with plans to cut the number of forces in the country from about 13,000 to 8,600, the official said.
By Lolita C. Baldor, The Associated Press
Best pics of the week: March 1, 2020
Drinking snake blood at Exercise Cobra Gold, freestyle drill routines, the agreement that may result in all foreign troops leaving Afghanistan, and more of this week's best military photos.
All US troops to leave Afghanistan in 14 months if Taliban meets commitments of peace deal
The signing could help President Donald Trump fulfill a key campaign promise to extract America from its “endless wars.” Under the agreement, the U.S. will begin withdrawing thousands of troops in exchange for Taliban commitments to prevent Afghanistan from being a launchpad for terrorist attacks.
By Howard Altman
US, Taliban agree to reduction in violence, paving way for peace agreement
“Upon a successful implementation of this understanding, signing of the U.S.-Taliban agreement is expected to move forward,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.
By Diana Stancy