Trump tentatively green-lights Taliban deal

KABUL, an American newspaper reported on Wednesday.

If signed, the deal would pave the ground for a US troop pullout if the Taliban honour their commitment to a reduction in violence for week later this month.

The New York Times reported Secretary of State Mike Pompeo shared with senior Afghan leaders the proposed plan in phone calls on Tuesday.

The newspaper quoted a top diplomat as saying the tentative deal was 95 percent agreed to in principle. “If the Taliban do end hostilities and a deal is signed, the US would then begin a gradual withdrawal of American troops.”

As a result, the Times said, direct negotiations would get under way between the Taliban and Afghan leaders on the future of their war-torn country.

Familiar with the peace talks in Qatar, a Taliban leader said there were “positive movements”. However, he refused to give further details.

Meanwhile, Trump’s national security adviser expressed his cautious optimism about a US-Taliban agreement over the next days or weeks.

But Robert O’Brien said a withdrawal of American forces was not imminent. “I think we’re making significant progress,” he added.

O’Brien said: “You hate to make predictions when it comes to Afghanistan … but I’ll say we’re cautiously optimistic that some good news could be forthcoming on that front.”

PAN Monitor/mud

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