Security guards stand outside the new Taliban political office in Doha before the official opening on June 18, 2013. PHOTO: AFP
"I think the United States will have its first meeting with the Taliban for several years in a couple of days in Doha," a senior US official told reporters, dubbing the move the "beginning of a very difficult road."
In April Afghan President Hamid Karzai said the opening of a Taliban office in Doha could “facilitate the peace process”.
He made the remarks in an interview with Al Jazeera following talks in Doha with the ruler of the energy-rich Gulf state of Qatar.
The Afghan president previously opposed a Taliban office in Qatar over fears that his government would be frozen out of any future peace deal involving the extremists and the United States.
COMMENTS (6)
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Mr Karzai: Why have'nt you able to take over the charge from U.S despite full training and shiploads of money? Why you showed such incompetecy for running your own domestic affairs that either this or that neighbor has to run your country for you? Last but not least; do you think the people's support for the Taliban arrise from your selected office bearer's extreme corruption and outright disregard of locals' needs and complains?
We don't care if you think your support for these barbarians is vindicated. We just want peace. We want to be left alone to our own destiny. If Pakistan has decided its time for peace in line with whatever interests it has decided for itself. Then good, we support the notion if regional stability for all nations.
I only have one word for this: FARCE
Pakistan's 12-year stance has been vindicated.
After all they have to leave Afghanistan.