US, Taliban sign landmark deal

Doha, February 29

The US signed a landmark deal with the Taliban on Saturday, laying out a timetable for a full troop withdrawal from Afghanistan within 14 months as it seeks an exit from its longest-ever war.

The agreement is expected to lead to a dialogue between the Taliban and Kabul Government, which, if successful, could ultimately see an end to the grinding 18-year conflict.

Taliban fighter-turned-dealmaker Mullah Baradar signed the accord alongside Washington’s chief negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad here.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo looked on as the two inked the deal, after urging the insurgents to “keep your promises to cut ties with al-Qaida”. On the eve of the signing, President Donald Trump urged Afghan people to embrace the chance for a new future. “If the Taliban and the government of Afghanistan live up to these commitments, we will have a powerful path forward to end the war in Afghanistan and bring our troops home,” he said.

But the position of the Afghan Government, which has been excluded from direct US-Taliban talks, remains unclear and the country is gripped by a fresh political crisis amid contested election results. The signing comes after a week-long partial truce that has mostly held across Afghanistan.

Under the deal, after an initial reduction of troops to 8,600 within 135 days of Saturday’s signing, the US and its partners “will complete withdrawal of all remaining forces from Afghanistan” within 14 months. — AFP

What the two sides have agreed on

• US will reduce troops from current 13,000 to 8,600 in 135 days
• Taliban won’t allow al-Qaida, other groups to operate in their areas
• Laying groundwork for negotiations between Afghan Govt, Taliban

Towards ending 18-yr bloddy conflict

2001 US invaded Afghanistan

2,400 US troops killed

13,000 Troops still in country

$1 tn Spent by US