Secret talks to end the war in Afghanistan have begun between representatives of the Taliban and the government of Afghan President Hamid Karzai, The Washington Post reported on its website Tuesday night.
Afghan and Arab sources cited by the Post said they believe for the first time that Taliban representatives are fully authorized to speak for the Quetta Shura, the Afghan Taliban organization based in Pakistan, and its leader, Mohammad Omar, according to the newspaper. The sources requested anonymity to discuss the development.
Omar's representatives have shunned negotiations in the past, insisting that all foreign troops withdraw first.
However, the Post reported that its sources said the Quetta Shura has begun to talk about a comprehensive agreement that would include participation of some Taliban figures in the government and the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops.
The source told the Post said the leadership of the Taliban believed "they are going to be sidelined."
Is this a result of the positive peace-seeking environment created by President Obama or the result of the clatter of guns and bombs. I think it's a combo of both.
Discuss, spin, exaggerate, hate, etc.
