Afghan Taliban agree three-day ceasefire for Eid

[UN talkz]

The Taliban have announced a three-day ceasefire with Afghan government forces coinciding with Eid later this month.
This is the Taliban's first ceasefire since they were toppled by the 2001 US-led invasion and comes days after a unilateral truce by government troops.

The group said it would stop all offensive operations during the holiday, except against foreign forces.

The announcement came hours after Taliban fighters killed over 60 Afghan security forces across the country.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said the Taliban move was an opportunity for the militants to realise "their violent campaign" was "not winning them hearts and minds but further alienating the Afghan people from their cause".

Government forces will not stop fighting other militants operating in Afghanistan, like the Islamic State (IS) group.

Why now?

The Afghan government's unconditional truce follows a meeting of clerics, who earlier this week issued a fatwa condemning militant violence as un-Islamic.

The clerics were themselves targeted in a suicide attack claimed by IS, which killed 14 people outside their peace tent in Kabul this week.

The Taliban did not specify why they made the surprise decision to agree to the truce in their statement, but they did say they would consider releasing prisoners of war as long they did not continue fighting against them.
However, the group warned that it would "strongly defend" itself if it came under attack.

Afghan officials hailed the Taliban's move to join the ceasefire. UN special representative for Afghanistan, Tadamichi Yamamoto, said he hoped it would "serve as as stepping stone" towards peace talks.

When will it actually happen?

No exact date has been given. It is timed to coincide with Eid-al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Afghan calendars mark the end of Ramadan as 15 June.

What about foreign forces?

In Washington, the state department said US forces and coalition partners in Afghanistan would "honour the ceasefire".
Foreign troop levels in the country have dropped to about 15,000.

Their presence has been a major sticking point for the Taliban, who have long demanded they completely withdraw from the country as a pre-condition for peace talks to begin.

Other foreign combat forces withdrew from Afghanistan in 2014.

What's the latest on the ground?

News of the upcoming truce has not prevented further violent incidents across Afghanistan. On Saturday alone, more than 60 members of the Afghan security forces were killed in separate Taliban attacks:

23 soldiers killed and nine wounded in southern Kandahar province and another 17 killed in Herat, in the west

19 police officers killed in north-eastern Kunduz province

Six killed and seven injured in northern Sar-e-Pol province

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44423032

 

[MenInG]

I Am pretty sure that Pakistan has a role to play in this ceasefire - cannot imagine Afghan govt being able to arrange this by themselves.

 

[King-Misbah]

I Am pretty sure that Pakistan has a role to play in this ceasefire - cannot imagine Afghan govt being able to arrange this by themselves.

Pakistan should have nothing to do with Afghanistan. Pak needs to leave AFG as even if PAK does a good thing; it is considered to be the bad guy.

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

I Am pretty sure that Pakistan has a role to play in this ceasefire - cannot imagine Afghan govt being able to arrange this by themselves.

Not at all.

I am hearing news that Pakistan has started supporting ISIS in Afghanistan instead of Taliban now. They think Taliban are getting weak.

 

[MenInG]

Not at all.

I am hearing news that Pakistan has started supporting ISIS in Afghanistan instead of Taliban now. They think Taliban are getting weak.

Would be great if you can provide your sources for such news.

 

[Lonewarrior]

Not at all.

Pakistan, US break the ice as secretary of state calls up COAS to discuss Afghan peace


https://tribune.com.pk/story/1729848/1-gen-bajwa-discusses-bilateral-relations-mike-pompeo/

I am hearing news that Pakistan has started supporting ISIS in Afghanistan instead of Taliban now. They think Taliban are getting weak.

do you even know what are you talking about ?

Ex Afghanistan president: ISIS using US bases

 

[Sirris]

I Am pretty sure that Pakistan has a role to play in this ceasefire - cannot imagine Afghan govt being able to arrange this by themselves.

At one hand we, the Pakistani nation, like to say that we don't support terrorists. Pakistani general public might not see Afghan Taliban as terrorists but I am sure the Afghan government at the very least considers them as such. So we don't support them have no connection with while at the same time have enough influence over them to lure them into the first temporary ceasefire, since the beginning of the war.

We need to make up our minds whether we have influence over them or not. If we do then it is implied that there must be a very good reason why we are able to influence them since it can't just be out of their goodwill towards us. At the same time if we can influence them it follows that we are directly or indirectly supporting them in their fight.

 

[blackanhyellow]

At one hand we, the Pakistani nation, like to say that we don't support terrorists. Pakistani general public might not see Afghan Taliban as terrorists but I am sure the Afghan government at the very least considers them as such. So we don't support them have no connection with while at the same time have enough influence over them to lure them into the first temporary ceasefire, since the beginning of the war.

We need to make up our minds whether we have influence over them or not. If we do then it is implied that there must be a very good reason why we are able to influence them since it can't just be out of their goodwill towards us. At the same time if we can influence them it follows that we are directly or indirectly supporting them in their fight.

Pakistan has maintained from the beginning that it wants to facilitate peace talks between Afghan Taliban and U.S./Afghan government.

Influence over the group does not equate to supporting them.

Rather, the influence comes from not targeting them.

Pakistan has its own battles to face (i.e. Pakistani taliban). Unfortunately Pakistan does not have the resources that the United States does, it can fight a battle on multiple fronts. Therefore it is doing what is in its best interest and targeting terrorists that are the higher priority (ISIS, Pakistani Taliban, Al Qaida).

However, I may add that Pakistan is trying to fence off the border. This way Afghan taliban can not cross the border so easily, at the same time Pakistan does not have to target them. So if this works out, Afghan government and Afghan taliban can sort things out themselves (hopefully through peace talks).

 

[blackanhyellow]

Not at all.

I am hearing news that Pakistan has started supporting ISIS in Afghanistan instead of Taliban now. They think Taliban are getting weak.

Not targeting Afghan Taliban was one thing, as Taliban had no beef with Pakistan.

ISIS is against Pakistani government / Army as it only believes in its "caliphate".

So who are you hearing this from?

 

[Slim]

Not at all.

I am hearing news that Pakistan has started supporting ISIS in Afghanistan instead of Taliban now. They think Taliban are getting weak.

Hahahaha, are you for real? Its your American overlords that have flown ISIS from Syria to Afghanistan so that they can start trouble in Pakistan. We are actually very concerned about this new development. America is playing a silly game.

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

Hahahaha, are you for real? Its your American overlords that have flown ISIS from Syria to Afghanistan so that they can start trouble in Pakistan. We are actually very concerned about this new development. America is playing a silly game.

I hear this as well. That US is supporting them as well.

 

[Slim]

I hear this as well. That US is supporting them as well.

Its actually quite horrific and crazy that America gets away with doing this? How does no one notices this and why is it not in mainstream media? I used to be a big believer in America's fight against terrorism but as time has passed by and as i have read more it really has shown how evil American government is.

 

[enkidu_]

I hear this as well. That US is supporting them as well.

The US supports ISIS because it gives them a free license to remain in the region, but why would Pak support a group who's main objective is to negate the very idea of nation-State, thus threateting its own national sovereignty ?

Keep in mind Pak support for Talibans is not religious or ideological but ethnic (pro Pashtun ; it was the policy of the late Maj. Gen. Naseerullah Babar under Bhutto, in order to curb Afghan sponsoring of separatism) and those who support the rivals of Talibans play the ethnic card as well.

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

The US supports ISIS because it gives them a free license to remain in the region, but why would Pak support a group who's main objective is to negate the very idea of nation-State, thus threateting its own national sovereignty ?

Keep in mind Pak support for Talibans is not religious or ideological but ethnic (pro Pashtun ; it was the policy of the late Maj. Gen. Naseerullah Babar under Bhutto, in order to curb Afghan sponsoring of separatism) and those who support the rivals of Talibans play the ethnic card as well.

Afghan government is very pro India.
No support for Pakistan in the Afghan government - from any ethnic group.
This is not acceptable.
It's all politics.

 

[enkidu_]

Afghan government is very pro India.
No support for Pakistan in the Afghan government - from any ethnic group.
This is not acceptable.
It's all politics.

Talibans aren't pro Pakistan either (look at that instance in the late 90s when a Taliban delegation brought up the Durrand line issue with Pak officials), but they are Pashtuns, and that's what matter to a lot of Pak Army officers (Babar was a Pashtun). It's not a question of India either, but of Pashtuns vs Uzbeks/Tajiks/Hazaras. You could say if Pak didn't have 15-20% of its pop. being Pashtun (in absolute numbers, that's more than Pashtuns in Afg), they wouldn't have cared as much.

 

[Sirris]

Pakistan has maintained from the beginning that it wants to facilitate peace talks between Afghan Taliban and U.S./Afghan government.

Influence over the group does not equate to supporting them.

Rather, the influence comes from not targeting them.

Pakistan has its own battles to face (i.e. Pakistani taliban). Unfortunately Pakistan does not have the resources that the United States does, it can fight a battle on multiple fronts. Therefore it is doing what is in its best interest and targeting terrorists that are the higher priority (ISIS, Pakistani Taliban, Al Qaida).

However, I may add that Pakistan is trying to fence off the border. This way Afghan taliban can not cross the border so easily, at the same time Pakistan does not have to target them. So if this works out, Afghan government and Afghan taliban can sort things out themselves (hopefully through peace talks).

You say Pakistani forces doesn't target the Afghan Taliban. This is in direct contrast to what Pakistani Army itself said about the in June 2014 started military operation against the militants in North Waziristan. The army claimed that each and every militant fraction is being targeted irrespective of their loyalties.

There is a hole in the story, somewhere.

I want clarity on this matter. The world accuses us of playing a double-game. While we deny it vehemently. However from time to time the general public likes to fantasizes about us defeating the Americans and NATO indirectly through Afghan Taliban.

 

[blackanhyellow]

You say Pakistani forces doesn't target the Afghan Taliban. This is in direct contrast to what Pakistani Army itself said about the in June 2014 started military operation against the militants in North Waziristan. The army claimed that each and every militant fraction is being targeted irrespective of their loyalties.

There is a hole in the story, somewhere.

I want clarity on this matter. The world accuses us of playing a double-game. While we deny it vehemently. However from time to time the general public likes to fantasizes about us defeating the Americans and NATO indirectly through Afghan Taliban.

Army is definitely not targeting Afghan Taliban. Hence, Afghan Taliban does not carry out attacks in Pakistan.

Here are the reasons why:

1) History. History shows that this area is almost impossible to conquer. The tough terrain and the hard headed people make sure of that. What has NATO gained in Afghanistan after two decades, hundreds of thousands of troops deployed, and trillions of dollars spent?

How much area does the U.S. backed Afghan government actually control? Can the Afghan government keep its head above water for even a month without U.S. support?

Will this conflict ever end?

Lets say Pakistan also targets the Taliban, will Pakistan be able to do what hundreds of thousands of NATO troops couldn't? Does this make sense?

History shows the American people will lose the will to keep flushing trillions down the toilet. They will eventually leave, leaving Pakistan in an impossible situation. They did this after the Soviets were expelled a few decade ago. They left Pakistan with a whole mess to clean up in its neighborhood.

So the message was clear all those years ago. U.S. is not a dependable ally, they will use you, and then be on their merry way leaving you with your junk in your hand, pardon the figure of speech.

Pakistan will then have the Afghan Taliban, the Afghan government (which will always be Pro-India no matter what Pakistan does, because they think half of Pakistan belongs to them), India, Pakistani Taliban, Al Qaida, ISIS all carrying out attacks in Pakistan or agitating its borders.

It is common sense, Pakistan would not target the Afghan Taliban, as long as they dont target it.

Why would Pakistan Army want a life long enemy who will have the full capability to carry out attacks in Pakistan, to please the Americans who will only be in the area for a short while?

Do you know Pashtun tribal culture? When a father is killed, the family will tell the sons dont you have any gheirat (honor) wont you do something about this?

2) Reason number two. Even if Pakistan wanted to target Afghan Taliban, it couldn't. Pakistan is already taxed out with protecting its borders against India. Not to mention the constant threat of terrorism due to Pakistani taliban and other organizations.

Pakistan is not a rich nation. It borrows money at high interest rates just to keep itself going. This war on terror has devastated the economy.

How can anyone expect Pakistan to fight a war on so many fronts in a sustained manner?

It is madness.

Pakistan is doing what it can with what it has. Its first priority will be to protect its own citizens. Hence organizations that carry out attacks in Pakistan are targeted.

 

[Sirris]

Army is definitely not targeting Afghan Taliban. Hence, Afghan Taliban does not carry out attacks in Pakistan.

So you are agreeing with the critics who tell us that we are playing a double game. Because our official stand on this matter at the global stage is that we take care of our side of the business which includes the targeting of militants and terrorists irrespective of their affiliation.

If we unofficially accept that our leaders are playing a double-game then why do we get offended if other show us our hypocrisy. Why do we show a lack of understanding when Afghan cricket board accuses us of providing safe heavens to militants. After all not targeting a group which is internationally being targeted is the same as providing them with a safe place.

I don't care about the long-winded justification as to why it is a wise stand to not target a certain group.

I care about authenticity and being upright with one's motive and intention. Luckily this is only your opinion. I am still trying to figure out how much double-game the army is truly playing. After all Afghan Taliban not carrying out any attacks on Pakistani soil can't be any proof. Since they officially haven't carried out any attacks outside of Afghanistan in any country.

Bottom line is I believe the Afghan Taliban make their own independent decisions irrespective of Pakistan's view on the matter. I think we are deluding ourselves if we think we have a strong influence over them.

 

[blackanhyellow]

So you are agreeing with the critics who tell us that we are playing a double game. Because our official stand on this matter at the global stage is that we take care of our side of the business which includes the targeting of militants and terrorists irrespective of their affiliation.

If we unofficially accept that our leaders are playing a double-game then why do we get offended if other show us our hypocrisy. Why do we show a lack of understanding when Afghan cricket board accuses us of providing safe heavens to militants. After all not targeting a group which is internationally being targeted is the same as providing them with a safe place.

I don't care about the long-winded justification as to why it is a wise stand to not target a certain group.

I care about authenticity and being upright with one's motive and intention. Luckily this is only your opinion. I am still trying to figure out how much double-game the army is truly playing. After all Afghan Taliban not carrying out any attacks on Pakistani soil can't be any proof. Since they officially haven't carried out any attacks outside of Afghanistan in any country.

Bottom line is I believe the Afghan Taliban make their own independent decisions irrespective of Pakistan's view on the matter. I think we are deluding ourselves if we think we have a strong influence over them.

Reason for the double game is quite simply because Pakistan was cornered into complying to the United States.

They essentially said you are with us or against us. Help us or we will bomb you back to the stone age.

Is this how allies ask for help? What do they expect, true friendship after this?

So Pakistan is "helping" them.

You keep going on and on about a double game.

The bottom line is every nation does what is in their best interest.

I explained to you in my last post why Pakistan is behaving the way it is.

 

[AssassinatedDevil]

At least 26 dead in Afghanistan suicide attack during Eid ceasefire

A suicide bomber killed at least 26 people at a gathering of Taliban and Afghan armed forces in the eastern province of Nangarhar on Saturday, an official said, as soldiers and militants celebrated an unprecedented Eid ceasefire.

The blast in the town of Ghazi Aminullah Khan wounded at least 54 others ─ including Taliban, security forces and civilians ─ who were marking the suspension of fighting in Nangarhar's Rodat district, according to Attaullah Khogyani, spokesman for the provincial governor, Tolo News reported.

Dozens of unarmed Taliban militants had earlier entered the Afghan capital and other cities to celebrate Eid. Afghan security forces and civilians hugged and took selfies with each other across the country, in an outpouring of emotion over the ceasefire.

"A suicide bomber detonated among people, security forces and Taliban who were celebrating the ceasefire," provincial governor spokesman Attaullah Khogyani told AFP.

The militant Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack. The group's Amaq news agency said the target was "a gathering of Afghan forces" but gave no details. The Taliban had already denied involvement.

The Taliban had announced a ceasefire for the first three days of Eid, which started on Friday, promising not to attack Afghan security forces for the first time since the 2001 US invasion. They said they would continue attacking US-led Nato troops.

The Taliban's ceasefire followed President Ashraf Ghani's announcement that police and troops would cease operations against the Taliban for eight days, starting last Tuesday — though he warned that operations against other militants, including IS, would continue.

The attack came as Ghani announced an extension of the government's week-long ceasefire with the militant group after both sides agreed to halt hostilities for Eid.

Ghani made the statement in a rare televised address to the nation, in which he also asked the Taliban to extend their three-day ceasefire which is due to end on Sunday, and to begin peace talks.

"I order the security forces to remain on their defensive positions," Ghani said, adding details of the extension would be released later.

It was not clear if Ghani knew about the bomb in the east when he made his address.

'Tired of war'
In the contested district of Bati Kot in Nangarhar, Taliban fighters carrying assault weapons and rocket-propelled grenade launchers travelled by car and motorbike, waving Afghan and Taliban flags.

Afghan forces manning checkpoints offered Eid greetings to the fighters, embracing and posing for photos with the same people they are usually trying to kill — a scene that would have been unthinkable only a few days ago.

Villagers also flocked around the insurgents, hugging them and happily taking selfies with the heavily armed fighters as they celebrated Eid.

"I am here to offer greetings to our brothers in the police and army," Taliban commander Baba told AFP.

"We have held the ceasefire well so far. Everyone is tired of war and if our leaders order us to continue the ceasefire, we will hold it forever."

Afghans shared photos on social media purportedly showing Taliban fighters around the country gathering with security forces and locals for the holiday.

The bizarre images served as powerful propaganda for both sides and have fanned hopes among war-weary Afghans for the ceasefire to continue.

"Look, they are brothers. If their leaders come, sit and talk just like their soldiers we will have peace tomorrow," Said Hasibullah posted on Facebook under a photo purportedly showing a Taliban fighter and Afghan soldier having a cup of tea together.

The Taliban had "exploited" the opportunity to show their popularity among ordinary Afghans, a Western diplomat in Kabul told AFP.

"(That's) no bad thing if they are able to see the benefits of talking not fighting," he said.

"They are unarmed, as they handed over their weapons at the entrances," Kabul police spokesman Hashmat Stanekzai told Reuters. Their weapons would be returned when they leave, he said.

Interior Minister Wais Ahmad Barmak met Taliban fighters in Kabul, Tolo news said, an unthinkable prospect just two weeks ago.

Video and pictures on news websites showed cheerful soldiers and Taliban hugging one another and exchanging Eid greetings in Logar province, south of Kabul, in Zabul in the south and in central Maidan Wardak. Some people were dancing and clapping as onlookers took photos.

Members of rights groups organised a brief meeting between Afghan forces and Taliban insurgents in Helmand's capital city, Lashkar Gah, where the Taliban have delivered a series of blows to government forces this year.

'Hard to describe joy'
Men and women gathered around the soldiers and Taliban fighters and urged them to keep their weapons holstered before they hugged each other.

"It was the most peaceful Eid. For the first time we felt safe. It is hard to describe the joy," said Qais Liwal, a student in Zabul.

The main square of Kunduz city, capital of the province of the same name, which has witnessed a series of bloody clashes, became a friendly meeting ground.

Resident Mohammad Amir said his younger brother had told him the Taliban were casually entering the city.

"I could not believe my eyes," he told Reuters. "I saw Taliban and police standing side by side and taking selfies."

Photos on news websites showed armed police standing in line at the corner of the street hugging Taliban fighters one by one.

A video showed a huge crowd of people screaming and whistling as they welcomed the Taliban. In some districts of the eastern city of Jalalabad, civilians were offering dry fruit, traditional sweets and ice cream to Taliban militants.

A Reuters reporter in Jalalabad saw more than a dozen Taliban insurgents enjoying their food and playing with children.

The unusual bonhomie between the two sides came as Ghani confirmed that banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leader Mullah Fazlullah had been killed in a US drone strike.

US forces targeted Fazlullah in a counterterrorism strike on Thursday in eastern Kunar province, close to the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, US officials said, without confirming his death.

Ghani said Pakistani leaders had assured him the strike was a "great step toward building trust between the two nations," while urging them to "bring (the) Afghan Taliban residing in Pakistan to the negotiation table".

On Tuesday, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited Kabul where he met with Ghani.

'US ready to support peace'
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo echoed Ghani's address, saying peace talks would have to include a discussion on the role of "international actors and forces".

"The United States is prepared to support, facilitate, and participate in these discussions," Pompeo said in a statement.

"The United States stands ready to work with the Afghan government, the Taliban, and all the people of Afghanistan to reach a peace agreement and political settlement that brings a permanent end to this war."

https://www.dawn.com/news/1414519/a...ghanistan-suicide-attack-during-eid-ceasefire

 

[MenInG]

The Taliban on Sunday ordered its fighters in Afghanistan to avoid gatherings of security forces and civilians, a day after a suicide bomber killed 25 people including members of the militant group celebrating an unprecedented ceasefire.

Saturday's attack on the outskirts of Jalalabad in the eastern province of Nangarhar marred an otherwise extraordinary Eid holiday as Taliban members hugged, posed for selfies and prayed with Afghan police and troops, politicians and civilians around the country — scenes that would have been unthinkable only a few days ago.

It was the first formal nationwide ceasefire since the 2001 US invasion and the display of jubilation and unity has fuelled hopes among war-weary Afghans that peace is possible.

The attack on a crowd celebrating the truce in Rodat district also wounded 54 people and was blamed by officials on the Islamic State group.

After the bombing the Taliban ordered fighters to stay at their posts or in areas under its control.

“To avoid harm to civilians, which God forbid we may cause (by our presence), all commanders should stop mujahedeen from attending such gatherings,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Twitter. “The enemy has misused the ceasefire issue and there is a chance of more such bad incidents happening.”

Some Taliban commanders also told AFP they disapproved of their fighters visiting government-controlled areas and celebrating with security forces.

Mujahid made no mention of President Ashraf Ghani's announcement on Saturday extending the government's eight-day ceasefire with the Taliban that was due to end on Tuesday, and his call for the Taliban to do the same.

Ghani also said 46 Taliban prisoners had been released, a trend that “is going to continue”.

Other militants, including IS, are not part of the government's ceasefire.

The Taliban had agreed to a truce but only for the first three days of Eid, which started Friday, promising not to attack Afghan soldiers or police.

They would, however, continue attacking US-led NATO troops.

Ghani's extension of the ceasefire drew immediate international support and calls for the Taliban to reciprocate.

The European Union called the truce “historic”.

NATO's Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan and US Forces vowed to respect Ghani's announcement.

The head of Afghanistan's High Peace Council, charged with negotiating with the Taliban, called Sunday on the Taliban to “consider the wishes of the people” and extend its own ceasefire.

“If the ceasefire is extended, the next step will be the exchange of prisoners and then we will have a good base for the start of direct negotiations between the two sides, “Mohammad Karim Khalili told reporters.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1414531/a...rs-to-stay-at-posts-after-attack-on-ceasefire

 

[MenInG]

JALALABAD: An Afghan government ceasefire with the Taliban was extended on Saturday despite a suicide bombing killing at least 25, which marred an otherwise remarkable Eid holiday that has seen militants hugging security forces and civilians in celebration of the unprecedented truce.

President Ashraf Ghani made the announcement in a rare televised address, in which he also asked the Taliban to extend their three-day ceasefire, which is due to end Sunday night. So far the group has not responded.

“I order the security forces to remain on their defensive positions,” Ghani said, adding details of the extension would be released later.

The government’s ceasefire was due to end Tuesday.

Ghani’s comments came on the second day of Eidul Fitr.

It has been marked by incredible scenes of Taliban fighters embracing and even praying with security forces, politicians, and civilians across the war-battered country, in a mass outpouring of emotion over the first nationwide ceasefire since the 2001 US invasion.

Car bomb kills 26 during Eid ceasefire in east Afghanistan

Saturday’s attack on a crowd celebrating the ceasefire in Rodat district, in the eastern province of Nangarhar, was the first major incident of violence since the start of Eid.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the assault, which provincial governor spokesman Attaullah Khogyani said in a statement killed at least 25 people and wounded 54.

“A suicide bomber detonated among people, security forces and Taliban who were celebrating the ceasefire,” Khogyani said earlier.

An Afghan security source said that the Islamic State group — which was not part of Kabul’s ceasefire — was to blame.

Provincial health director Najibullah Kamawal confirmed the casualty toll.

In scenes that would have been unthinkable only a few days ago, Afghan forces manning checkpoints in the contested district of Bati Kot in Nangarhar offered Eid greetings to Taliban fighters, embracing and posing for photos with the same people they are usually trying to kill.

Hope and despair

The fighters travelled openly by car and motorbike, carrying assault weapons and rocket-propelled grenade launchers and waving Afghan and Taliban flags.

Villagers also flocked around the insurgents, hugging them and happily taking selfies.

“I am here to offer greetings to our brothers in the police and army,” Taliban commander Baba said.

“We have held the ceasefire well so far. Everyone is tired of war and if our leaders order us to continue the ceasefire, we will hold it forever.”

The Taliban announced their truce for the first three days of Eid, which started on Friday, promising not to attack Afghan security forces for the first time in the nearly 17-year conflict.

They said they would continue attacking US-led Nato troops.

That came after Ghani announced that police and troops would cease operations against the Taliban for eight days, starting last Tuesday — though he warned that operations against other militants, including IS, would continue.

Ghani’s extension of the ceasefire drew immediate international support.

Nato’s Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan and US Forces said in a joint statement they would respect the announcement.

Pictures of Mullah Fazlullah’s grave surface after President Ghani-COAS phone call

The European Union called the truce “historic”.

“President Ghani’s latest decision to offer an extension of the ceasefire is another courageous step to make way for peace negotiations and we call on the Taliban to reciprocate,” said the EU’s foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini in a statement.

“The Afghan people deserve a lasting peace.”

Extraordinary images posted on social media appearing to show Taliban, security forces and civilians celebrating together served as powerful propaganda for both sides and fanned hopes among ordinary Afghans for the ceasefire to continue.

“Look, they are brothers. If their leaders come, sit and talk just like their soldiers we will have peace tomorrow,” Said Hasibullah posted on Facebook under a photo purportedly showing a Taliban fighter and Afghan soldier having a cup of tea together.

The Taliban had “exploited” the opportunity to show their popularity among ordinary Afghans, a Western diplomat in Kabul said.

“[That’s] no bad thing if they are able to see the benefits of talking not fighting,” he said.

The unusual bonhomie between the two sides also came as Ghani confirmed that Pakistani Taliban chief Maulana Fazlullah had been killed in a US drone strike.

US forces targeted Fazlullah in a counterterrorism strike on Thursday in eastern Kunar province, close to the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, US officials said, without confirming his death.

Ghani said Pakistani leaders had assured him the strike was a “great step toward building trust between the two nations.”

https://tribune.com.pk/story/173653...ds-taliban-ceasefire-suicide-attack-kills-25/

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Horrible news about the suicide attack.Inna Lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un.

 

[PakLFC]

Really sad to see another suicide attack in Afghanistan just after Eid. Taliban have not accepted the extension of the ceasefire. ISIS is causing further mayhem.

 

[AssassinatedDevil]

Taliban kill 30 Afghan troops in first attack after Eid

KABUL: Taliban militants killed 30 Afghan soldiers and captured a military base in the western province of Badghis on Wednesday, the provincial governor said, their first major attack since a ceasefire for the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

The three-day Taliban ceasefire ended on Sunday.

Provincial governor Abdul Ghafoor Malikzai said the Taliban attacked two security posts in the early hours. Abdul Aziz Bek, head of the Badghis provincial council, said one military base was targeted, in the district of Balamerghab.

“Large numbers of Taliban came from several directions,” Bek said. “After hours of heavy fighting 30 Afghan security forces were killed and the Taliban captured the base.”

Fifteen Taliban were killed in other areas of the province overnight, he said, adding that the militants prepared their attacks and did reconnaissance of the area during their ceasefire.

The Taliban said heavy fighting was continuing and that so far “tens” of soldiers had been killed.

Naqibullah Amini, spokesman for the Badghis police, confirmed the death of 30 soldiers and said the Taliban killed four soldiers in separate attacks on security checkpoints in the same district.

The government also called a ceasefire for the holiday and Taliban fighters headed into cities across the country over the weekend as both sides celebrated the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. President Ashraf Ghani extended his unilateral ceasefire, initially due to end on Wednesday, by 10 days.

Some have criticised his ceasefire, which allowed the Taliban to freely enter government-held areas, including the capital, Kabul.

“The consequences could be disastrous,” a senior Western diplomat in Kabul said this week.

British Army Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell, deputy commander of Resolute Support, said he had not seen intelligence reporting that the Taliban had used the ceasefire as an opportunity to scope targets in government-held areas.

“Candidly, the Taliban that came into Kabul on Saturday seemed to be more focused on taking selfies, going to the barber, buying ice cream and things like that,” Cripwell told Pentagon reporters in Washington.

https://dawn.com/news/1415130/taliban-kill-30-afghan-troops-in-first-attack-after-eid

 

[giri26]

US criticises Taliban, Pakistan over peace talks

KABUL: The United States has said the Taliban’s failure to engage in talks to end Afghanistan’s nearly 17-year conflict is “unacceptable” and called on Pakistan to exert more pressure on the militants.

US envoy Alice Wells made the remarks during a visit to Kabul on Saturday, two weeks after an unprecedented ceasefire triggered spontaneous street celebrations involving Taliban fighters and security forces.

“I think it [the ceasefire reaction] creates this impulse for everyone to renew their efforts to find a negotiated political solution,” Ms Wells, the principal deputy assistant secretary for the State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, told reporters in remarks embargoed until Sunday.


“Increasingly I think it’s becoming simply unacceptable for the Taliban not to negotiate.” The Taliban have so far ignored President Ashraf Ghani’s offer of peace negotiations. Instead, they have insisted on direct talks with the United States, which Washington has repeatedly refused.

One of the Taliban’s key demands for engaging in talks is the complete withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan.

Ms Wells said that since the Afghan government and United States were willing to start talking without preconditions, the onus was now on the Taliban to respond. “Right now it’s the Taliban leaders... who aren’t residing in Afghanistan, who are the obstacle to a negotiated political settlement,” she said.

Ms Wells, who is due to hold talks in Pakistan on Monday, said Islamabad needed to do more to pressurise the Taliban and bring them to the negotiating table.

“Pakistan has an important role to play... but we have not yet seen that sustained and decisive action on the part of Islamabad,” she said. “It’s going to be very hard for us to achieve our objectives... if Pakistan isn’t working with us.” — AFP

President Ghani has said that Afghanistan and Pakistan have forged a unique deal to root out terrorism from their region, Anwar Iqbal in Washington adds.

Mr Ghani’s statement — made at a Saturday afternoon event in Kabul — came a day after the Afghan government formally ended the Eid ceasefire, allowing Afghan forces to resume fighting after more than two weeks of unprecedented peace.

“It has been agreed on paper for the first time. The Afghanistan-Pakistan negotiations framework is now on paper. Now, serious actions are required,” Mr Ghani said.

Afghanistan’s Tolo news agency reported that the Afghan president also talked about “some recent improvements” in counter-terrorism cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan but did not explain what those improvements were.

Mr Ghani insisted that “the issue of Taliban should be solved in our relations with Pakistan,” said the Tolo report. “Some things have been done in this respect and some things are still needed to be done,” he added.

The report — reproduced by some US media outlets — also included a quote from Zahid Nasrullah, Pakistan’s ambassador to Kabul, pointing out that Pakistan had strongly supported the Eid ceasefire.

“Pakistan’s President Mamnoon Hussain was in China when he announced that Pakistan is strongly supporting the ceasefire. Pakistan knows its role well in peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan and we will fulfil our role very well,” he said.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1417350/us-criticises-taliban-pakistan-over-peace-talks

 

[King-Misbah]

KABUL: The United States has said the Taliban’s failure to engage in talks to end Afghanistan’s nearly 17-year conflict is “unacceptable” and called on Pakistan to exert more pressure on the militants.

US envoy Alice Wells made the remarks during a visit to Kabul on Saturday, two weeks after an unprecedented ceasefire triggered spontaneous street celebrations involving Taliban fighters and security forces.

“I think it [the ceasefire reaction] creates this impulse for everyone to renew their efforts to find a negotiated political solution,” Ms Wells, the principal deputy assistant secretary for the State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, told reporters in remarks embargoed until Sunday.


“Increasingly I think it’s becoming simply unacceptable for the Taliban not to negotiate.” The Taliban have so far ignored President Ashraf Ghani’s offer of peace negotiations. Instead, they have insisted on direct talks with the United States, which Washington has repeatedly refused.

One of the Taliban’s key demands for engaging in talks is the complete withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan.

Ms Wells said that since the Afghan government and United States were willing to start talking without preconditions, the onus was now on the Taliban to respond. “Right now it’s the Taliban leaders... who aren’t residing in Afghanistan, who are the obstacle to a negotiated political settlement,” she said.

Ms Wells, who is due to hold talks in Pakistan on Monday, said Islamabad needed to do more to pressurise the Taliban and bring them to the negotiating table.

“Pakistan has an important role to play... but we have not yet seen that sustained and decisive action on the part of Islamabad,” she said. “It’s going to be very hard for us to achieve our objectives... if Pakistan isn’t working with us.” — AFP

President Ghani has said that Afghanistan and Pakistan have forged a unique deal to root out terrorism from their region, Anwar Iqbal in Washington adds.

Mr Ghani’s statement — made at a Saturday afternoon event in Kabul — came a day after the Afghan government formally ended the Eid ceasefire, allowing Afghan forces to resume fighting after more than two weeks of unprecedented peace.

“It has been agreed on paper for the first time. The Afghanistan-Pakistan negotiations framework is now on paper. Now, serious actions are required,” Mr Ghani said.

Afghanistan’s Tolo news agency reported that the Afghan president also talked about “some recent improvements” in counter-terrorism cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan but did not explain what those improvements were.

Mr Ghani insisted that “the issue of Taliban should be solved in our relations with Pakistan,” said the Tolo report. “Some things have been done in this respect and some things are still needed to be done,” he added.

The report — reproduced by some US media outlets — also included a quote from Zahid Nasrullah, Pakistan’s ambassador to Kabul, pointing out that Pakistan had strongly supported the Eid ceasefire.

“Pakistan’s President Mamnoon Hussain was in China when he announced that Pakistan is strongly supporting the ceasefire. Pakistan knows its role well in peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan and we will fulfil our role very well,” he said.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1417350/us-criticises-taliban-pakistan-over-peace-talks

America putting their incompetence on Pakistan again. Why should Pakistan do the engagement? America has been there for 17 years now and shifting the blame.

 

[giri26]

Senior US official arrives to discuss Afghan peace

ISLAMABAD: A senior official of the US State Department, Ambassador Alice Wells, reached Islamabad from Kabul on Monday to again ask Pakistani authorities for pressurising the Taliban to join the peace process in Afghanistan.

Ambassador Wells, deputy assistant secretary of state at the State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, opened her trip with a meeting with Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua at the Foreign Office. She is expected to meet other civil and military officials on Tuesday.

During her stay in Kabul, she had said that the Taliban’s refusal to join the political process was “unacceptable”. She also accused the “Taliban ….who are not residing in Afghanistan” of being obstacle to the peace talks. She was apparently referring to Pakistan-based Taliban against whom the US has long asked for action.

Last Saturday Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had asked his forces to resume counterterrorism operations after nearly a two-week-long ceasefire for Eid. Mr Ghani had initially unilaterally announced the ceasefire and later extended the pause in hostilities after the success of his Eid initiative.

The Taliban too observed an unprecedented three-day ceasefire on Eid, but resumed fighting after its expiry.

Afghanistan has also been seeking Pakistan’s help for resumption of ceasefire and bringing Taliban to peace talks.

A high-level Afghan security delegation visited Islamabad immediately after Eid for discussing bilateral security and intelligence cooperation and exploring the prospects for Pakistani support for peace efforts in Afghanistan.

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have recently witnessed improvement and the two countries have committed to a new bilateral ties framework.

President Ghani while speaking in Kabul last weekend said: “The issue of Taliban should be solved in our relations with Pakistan. Some things have been done in this respect and some things are still needed to be done. … Now, serious actions are required”.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1417551/senior-us-official-arrives-to-discuss-afghan-peace

 

[AssassinatedDevil]

Pakistan, US to work towards peace in Afghanistan

This was agreed during a meeting between US Deputy Assistant Secretary at the State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Ambassador Alice Wells and Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa at the General Headquarters.

“Both reaffirmed the commitment towards the common goal of peace and stability in the region and discussed measures towards that end. Both also agreed on continued engagement at multiple levels,” the Inter-Services Public Relations said in a statement.

Amb Wells was on a three-day visit to Pakistan to again seek Pakistani authorities’ help for the Afghan peace process. She met Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar, Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Bajwa and Chief of the General Staff Lt Gen Bilal Akbar.

She also met business leaders and ambassadors from other embassies in Islamabad.

During her visit to Kabul, which preceded the Islamabad trip, Amb Wells said Taliban’s refusal to join the political process was “unacceptable”. She had further accused the “Taliban ….who are not residing in Afghanistan” of being obstacle to the peace talks. She was apparently referring to Pakistan-based Taliban against whom the US has long asked for action.

During her meetings, she reminded her interlocutors of Pakistan’s commitment to take action against all terrorist groups that might be found on its territory. “Ambassador Wells discussed Pakistan’s stated commitment to eliminating all terrorist groups present within its borders,” the US embassy said in an apparent reference to the Taliban elements claimed to be present in Pakistan.

The embassy said that Amb Wells’ discussion was consistent with the Trump administration’s South Asia and Afghanistan strategy. The strategy announced last year signalled that Washington might take coercive steps to push Pakistan to crack down against the Taliban and Haqqani network.

The US strategy for the region had aggravated an already tense bilateral relationship with Pakistan. The two sides have since then been unable to put their ties on an even keel despite an extensive engagement. However, lately both sides took steps that led to hopes of improvement in the relationship. The Pakistan Army last month reaffirmed its commitment to seeing the US exit Afghanistan after winning the protracted war. The US, meanwhile, eliminated Afghanistan-based terrorist Mullah Fazlullah, whose capture or elimination was long demanded by Pakistan.

The ceasefire between Afghan warring factions further raised hopes of a peaceful settlement of the Afghan conflict. But, things are again turning for worse in Afghanistan where the Taliban resumed fighting immediately after Eid and the Afghan government order resumption of counter-terrorism operations last weekend.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1417812/pakistan-us-to-work-towards-peace-in-afghanistan

 

[marlonbrowndo]

America putting their incompetence on Pakistan again. Why should Pakistan do the engagement? America has been there for 17 years now and shifting the blame.

The US with regards to foreign policy especially are a really despicable and shameful country. So many people are either ignorant or choose to overlook their role