Afghanistan: ‘a decent interval’

There is movement towards peace in Afghanistan—or at least towards an end to the American military ordeal there, which has lasted for almost 18 years. The only losers in the settlement will be the Afghans, who have to live under Taliban rule again. But that was always going to happen in the end.

If the remaining 14,000 U.S. troops and their associated air power leave, it’s game over for President Ashraf Ghani’s ‘puppet’ government (as the Taliban call it). The U.S. implicitly recognizes this reality because it’s only American diplomats, not official Afghan government representatives, who are negotiating with the Taliban in Qatar.Photograph courtesy of Commons Wikimedia

Opinion

BY GWYNNE DYER

July 22, 2019

LONDON, U.K.—There is movement towards peace in Afghanistan—or at least towards an end to the American military ordeal there, which has lasted for almost 18 years. U.S. officials and representatives of the Taliban insurgents h...

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Weekend Point of View Newsletter

A round up of the past weekâ€™s opinion writers and columnists on Saturdays and Sundays.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy