More talks and troop withdrawals coming
American and Taliban officials signed a historic agreement Saturday, setting the table for a reduction of U.S. forces in Afghanistan and unprecedented negotiations between the militant group and the central government.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo attended the signing in Qatar. “We’re just at the beginning,” he said. “Furthering the cause of peace would require serious work and sacrifice by all sides.”
A prior seven-day “reduction in violence” agreement had been successfully concluded, leading to the signing of the new deal that involves a renunciation of terrorism by the Taliban and the beginning of peace talks in exchange for a gradual American withdrawal from the country.
Current American plans include a reduction of troop presence in the region to 8,500. That should take place over the next 35 days. The remaining American and NATO forces are scheduled to leave Afghanistan “within 14 months… subject to the Taliban’s fulfillment of its commitments under the U.S.-Taliban agreement,” a separate joint declaration said.
Taliban activities will be closely monitored according to Defense Secretary Esper, who said, “Should the Taliban fail to honor their commitments, they will forfeit their chance to sit with fellow Afghans and deliberate on the future of their country. Moreover, the United States would not hesitate to nullify the agreement.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the Afghanistan government to be accepting of the agreement between the U.S. and the Taliban.
- That the Taliban would be true to their word and fulfill the conditions of the agreement reached with the United States.
- For the 19-year-long war in Afghanistan to finally come to an end.
Sources: Washington Examiner, CNN
