Dubai: After decades of conflict, Afghanistan's warring sides will open long-anticipated negotiations on Saturday in search of a lasting peace that will also provide an exit for US and NATO troops after nearly 19 years.
The mostly ceremonial opening in the Gulf state of Qatar, where Afghanistan's Taliban insurgents maintain a political office, is the latest in a flurry of diplomatic activity by the Trump administration ahead of the US presidential election in November.
Saturday's launch of intra-Afghan talks, attended by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, follows the Washington-brokered recognition of Israel by two Gulf nations — Bahrain on Friday and the United Arab Emirates earlier this month.
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The talks in Doha bring together negotiators appointed by the Afghan government and the Taliban's 21-member delegation.
After a ceremonial opening, the sides will try to tackle tough issues. It includes the terms of a permanent cease-fire, the rights of women and minorities and the disarming of tens of thousands of Taliban fighters and militias loyal to warlords, some of them aligned with the government.
The sides are also expected to discuss constitutional changes and power-sharing.
Even seemingly mundane issues like the flag and the name of the country - the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan or as the Taliban's administration had been known, when it ruled, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan - could find their way on to the negotiation table and roil tempers.
AP
