Afghan Taliban names new political head

Kandahar, November 23

The Afghan Taliban have named a new head for their political office in Qatar, with a militant source saying today he is a supporter of peace talks with Kabul.

Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, a former anti-Soviet fighter, and his deputy Abdul Salam Hanafi were appointed by the insurgents’ leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour, a member of the Quetta Shura ruling council told AFP today.

Stanekzai is a senior Taliban leader who served as Afghanistan’s deputy health minister during the militants’ 1996-2001 time in power. “They are in favour of peace talks, and were selected to reach to an understanding with the Afghan government and the international community,” the source told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The Qatar office was established in 2013 to facilitate such talks.

An historic first round of talks between Taliban leaders and the Afghan government was held in July, but a second round was derailed after the announcement of long-time Taliban leader Mullah Omar’s death.

Many in the movement were unhappy the death had been kept secret for two years - during which time annual Eid statements were issued in Omar’s name. — AFP