Four-way talks on Afghanistan start, with much to overcome - Washingtonpost

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Afghanistan is seeking unprecedented cooperation from Pakistan’s military to jump-start peace talks with the Taliban, but officials cautioned Monday that face-to-face discussions between the warring parties may still be months away.

After a six-month delay, representatives from the United States, China, Afghanistan and Pakistan met in Islamabad on Monday to discuss whether negotiations between the Taliban and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s government are even possible.

The day-long meeting, led by Pakistani and Afghan Foreign Ministry officials and U.S. and Chinese special envoys, broke up with a pledge to convene next Monday in Kabul.

“All four countries underscored the importance of bringing an end to the conflict in Afghanistan that continues to inflict senseless violence on the Afghan people and also breeds insecurity throughout the region,” the delegation — which included Richard G. Olson, President Obama’s special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan — said in a statement. “The participants emphasized the immediate need for direct talks.”

Afghan officials expect Pakistan to hand over a list of Taliban leaders willing to participate in the talks. Once they are known, Afghan leaders want Pakistan’s help to retaliate against those who refuse to negotiate, officials said. - Read More

Four-way talks on Afghanistan start, with much to overcome