• News
  • Sport
  • TV
  • Radio
  • Education
  • TV Licences
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
  • SOUTH AFRICA
  • POLITICS
  • BUSINESS
  • SPORT
  • AFRICA
  • WORLD
  • SCI-TECH
  • LIFESTYLE
  • FEATURES
  • OPINION
Home World

US-Taliban sign historic troop withdrawal deal in Doha

29 February 2020, 5:20 PM  |
Reuters Reuters |  @SABCNews
While the agreement paves the way for the US to gradually pull out of its longest war, many expect that talks to come between the multiple Afghan sides will be far more complicated.

While the agreement paves the way for the US to gradually pull out of its longest war, many expect that talks to come between the multiple Afghan sides will be far more complicated.

Image: Reuters

While the agreement paves the way for the US to gradually pull out of its longest war, many expect that talks to come between the multiple Afghan sides will be far more complicated.

The United States signed a historic deal with Taliban insurgents on Saturday that could pave the way toward a full withdrawal of foreign soldiers from Afghanistan over the next 14 months and represent a step toward ending the 18-year-war there.

While the agreement paves the way for the US to gradually pull out of its longest war, many expect that talks to come between the multiple Afghan sides will be far more complicated.

The deal was signed in the Qatari capital Doha by US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban political chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was on hand to witness the ceremony.

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper meanwhile travelled to Kabul on a visit that officials and experts said was aimed at reassuring the Afghan government about the US’ commitment to the country.

For US President Donald Trump, the deal represents a chance to make good on his promise to bring US troops home. But security experts have also called it a foreign policy gamble that would give the Taliban international legitimacy.

“Today is a monumental day for Afghanistan,” the US Embassy in Kabul said on Twitter. “It is about making peace and crafting a common brighter future. We stand with Afghanistan.”

Hours before the deal, the Taliban ordered all its fighters in Afghanistan “to refrain from any kind of attack…for the happiness of the nation.”

“The biggest thing is that we hope the US remains committed to their promises during the negotiation and peace deal,” said Zabiullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the hardline Islamist group.

Mujahid said it was “irritating and provocative” that foreign military aircraft continued to fly over Taliban territory, but militia fighters were following the order to stand-down.

For millions of Afghans, the deal represents some hope for an end to years of bloodshed.

“Peace is extremely simple and my country deserves it. Today is the day when maybe we will see a positive change,” said Javed Hassan, 38, a school teacher living on the outskirts of Afghan capital, Kabul.

Hassan’s children were killed in a bomb blast carried out by the Taliban in 2018. Since then, he has been writing letters to world leaders urging them to end the Afghan war.

UNCERTAIN PROSPECTS

But prospects for peace remain uncertain given the next step is reaching agreement with the Afghan government.

Senior members of the Afghan government and countries surrounding Afghanistan have been concerned that the United States could abandon Kabul much like it was perceived to have left the region after the Soviet Union exited Afghanistan decades ago.

The accord also comes amid a fragile political situation in Afghanistan. The Independent Election Commission said on 18 February that Ghani won a 28 September vote beset by allegations of rigging, technical problems and other irregularities.

Afghanistan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah rejected the results, claimed to be the victor and vowed to name a parallel government.

Michael Kugelman, deputy director Asia Programme at the Wilson Centre, said of Esper’s trip to Kabul that “Washington is essentially trying to show that its full strength is behind this deal and it wants to also indicate to Kabul that it’s fully behind Afghanistan as the peace and reconciliation process moves toward a formal beginning.”

“(Esper’s trip is) perhaps an indication that the US is ready to essentially accept the new government in Afghanistan,” he added.

The war, which has killed tens of thousands of people, began when the US launched attacks on Afghanistan just weeks after the 11 September 2001, attacks on New York and Washington by the Afghanistan-based al Qaeda militant group.

Washington accused the Taliban of harbouring al Qaeda and its leader Osama bin Laden, and with its allies ousted the group from power. But the Taliban has remained a potent force and currently controls about 40% of Afghan territory.

TROOP WITHDRAWAL

Trump said in a statement on Friday said the deal will pave way for US troop numbers to drop to 8 600 from about 13 000 in the weeks following the deal.

Further reductions of Western forces will hinge on the Taliban adhering to a “reduction in violence” pledge, a condition that will be assessed by the US.

Under the deal, the Taliban wants 5 000 fighters to be released from Afghan-run jails, but it is not clear whether the Afghan government will agree.

There are also questions about whether Taliban fighters loyal to hardline Islamist splinter groups will be willing to adhere to the reduction in violence agreement.

Some senior commanders of the Taliban in Doha for the signing said they will ensure that the US and Afghan governments accept all the conditions laid down by the group, according to Afghan defense officials.

Sources in the Taliban earlier this month said they were prepared to launch a spring offensive and had recruited more than 6 000 fighters and suicide bombers if the agreement collapses.

Share article
Tags: TalibanMullah Abdul Ghani BaradarZalmay KhalilzadUnited StatesAfghanistan
Previous Post

Young DA members throw their weight behind Ntuli

Next Post

International airlines feast on SAA’s lucrative routes

Related Posts

Five former Memphis police officers were charged on Thursday (January 26) with murder in the death of Tyre Nichols, a Black man who died three days after a traffic stop, prosecutors said.

United States awaits release of Tyre Nichols’ video

27 January 2023, 9:11 PM
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

UN chief says social media, advertisers ‘complicit’ in fueling hate

27 January 2023, 8:46 PM
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor co-chairing the 15th South Africa–European Union Ministerial Political Dialogue with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy, Mr. Josep Borrell.

EU pledges its support for South Africa’s transition to greener, cleaner energy

27 January 2023, 5:13 PM
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban attends a media briefing in Budapest, Hungary, December 21, 2022.

Hungary will veto EU sanctions on Russian on nuclear energy: PM Orban

27 January 2023, 10:12 AM
Advocate Mojankunyane Gumbi  is currently the Chancellor of the University of Venda

Venda University VC named UN special adviser on racism in workplace

26 January 2023, 10:16 PM
Missiles traces are seen in a sky, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Donbas region, Ukraine January 25, 2023. REUTERS/Oleksandr Ratushniak

Russia unleashes missiles at Ukraine after Kyiv secures tanks

26 January 2023, 5:35 PM
Next Post
British Airways recently announced that it is increasing its local services by adding three more direct flights between Heathrow and Cape Town International Airport.

International airlines feast on SAA's lucrative routes

Most Viewed

  • 24hrs
  • Week
  • Month
  • Northern Cape’s Kakamas to be exempted from blackouts
  • Scorcher predicted in Northern Cape for two weeks
  • Chances of reaching Stage 8 blackouts are receding: Eskom
  • Residents shut down Komani over power woes
  • Eswatini human rights lawyer gunned down in the presence of his family
  • Parts of the Northern Cape to be exempted from rolling blackouts
  • VIDEO | St Benedict College’s Matric learner gets 11 distinctions
  • Limpopo matriculant from child-headed household attains diploma pass
  • Female circumcision practice thriving in Eastern Cape
  • Babes Wodumo breaks her silence at Mampintsha’s funeral
  • Mahlengi Bhengu replaces Pule Mabe as ANC chief spokesperson
  • VIDEO | Government has no concrete plan to deal with load shedding: Malema
  • KZN farmer fined R1.5 million for unauthorised water use
  • UPDATE: Thapelo Amad elected as new Mayor of Joburg
  • Malema calls on South Africans to reject Just Energy Transition

LATEST

Workers disgruntled over low wages and changes to terms and conditions of employment, go on strike outside a Massmart Holdings owned Makro store in Johannesburg, South Africa, November 19, 2021.
  • Business

Contingency plans in place at Makro stores amid wage strike


Central Karoo mayor Gayton McKenzie at work.
  • Politics

Mckenzie warns new Joburg Mayor about DA insults


[File photo] Demonstrators cheer as they tear down a street lamp during a protest.
  • South Africa

Contralesa condemns in Port St Johns violence


[File photo] Cataracts eye surgery.
  • Sci-tech

Cataract screenings for Touws River residents


ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula addressing the media in Nasrec, December 2022.
  • Politics

Ramaphosa to announce an energy emergency package


[File photo] A teacher of sign language says "I love you" with her hands.
  • South Africa

Schools could add sign language to curriculum: Justice Dept


Weather

  • About the SABC
  • Contact Us
  • Jobs
  • Advertise
  • Disclaimer
  • Site Map

SABC © 2022

No Result
View All Result
  • SOUTH AFRICA
  • POLITICS
  • BUSINESS
  • SPORT
  • AFRICA
  • WORLD
  • SCI-TECH
  • LIFESTYLE
  • FEATURES
  • OPINION

© 2022

Previous Young DA members throw their weight behind Ntuli
Next International airlines feast on SAA’s lucrative routes