Talks between Taliban and the Afghanistan government set to open in Doha

The Government of Afghanistan and the Taliban start talks in Doha on Saturday (12 September) in an effort to end fighting in the country which has lasted for nearly two decades.

These intra-Afghan talks were envisaged in the US-brokered peace deal signed by the Taliban in February 2020. The agreement also promised a complete withdrawal of the roughly 12,000 US troops stationed on Afghan territory by April 2021 if the Taliban committed to not attacking the US or its Allies. This process is already underway, with America having reduced its presence to around 8,600 in June.

However, the talks, originally scheduled to begin in March, were delayed due to continued disputes surrounding prisoner swaps. This week the deadlock was finally broken when an agreement was reached that six Taliban members held by the Afghan government would be transferred to Qatar and held in custody there. Shortly after the prisoners arrived, both sides formally announced that they would be attending the peace talks.

"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan would like to declare its readiness to take part in the inauguration ceremony of the intra-Afghan negotiations that shall be held in Qatar on September 12," the Taliban said in a statement.

There remains a long way to go in the negotiation process given the history of violence and mistrust between both groups and their opposed views on issues such as women's rights. Nevertheless, these talks offer a rare chance at peace and mark a historic step in the right direction of dialogue, mediation and compromise - Saturday will be the first time since 2001 that the Taliban and the Afghan government have officially sat down together.

US Forces led an international coalition in overthrowing the Taliban rule in Afghanistan in 2001 following the deadly 9/11 al-Qaeda attacks in the United States. The Taliban, who protected al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, had refused to hand him over.

President Trump announced on Thursday (10/09) that Mike Pompeo would also attend the talks. The U.S. secretary of state added, "This opportunity must not be squandered... I urge the negotiators to demonstrate the pragmatism, restraint, and flexibility this process will require to succeed."

source: commonspace.eu with agencies

photo: Taliban prisoners about to be released after a deal with the United States in March (archive picture)

 

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Stumbling blocks for Armenia and Azerbaijan on the Road to SCO Membership

Stumbling blocks for Armenia and Azerbaijan on the Road to SCO Membership

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, held on August 31–September 1, 2025, in Tianjin, China, brought together leaders of the 10 member states, as well as representatives from over 20 countries and 10 international organisations. The summit resulted in the adoption of the Tianjin Declaration and the SCO Development Strategy until 2035, outlining key directions for cooperation and security. Armenia officially announced its intention to join the SCO on July 3, 2025, emphasising its commitment to the organisation’s core principles, territorial integrity, non-use of force, and inviolability of borders. Azerbaijan submitted its application later, in August. Currently, the process of admitting Armenia and Azerbaijan to the SCO is in the preliminary co-ordination stage, involving the attainment of partner status with the prospect of transitioning to full membership in the future.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Stumbling blocks for Armenia and Azerbaijan on the Road to SCO Membership

Stumbling blocks for Armenia and Azerbaijan on the Road to SCO Membership

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, held on August 31–September 1, 2025, in Tianjin, China, brought together leaders of the 10 member states, as well as representatives from over 20 countries and 10 international organisations. The summit resulted in the adoption of the Tianjin Declaration and the SCO Development Strategy until 2035, outlining key directions for cooperation and security. Armenia officially announced its intention to join the SCO on July 3, 2025, emphasising its commitment to the organisation’s core principles, territorial integrity, non-use of force, and inviolability of borders. Azerbaijan submitted its application later, in August. Currently, the process of admitting Armenia and Azerbaijan to the SCO is in the preliminary co-ordination stage, involving the attainment of partner status with the prospect of transitioning to full membership in the future.