31 August 2019

Taliban hardliners turn to Isis over US peace deal

Hugh Tomlinson, Haroon Janjua
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The Taliban is showing signs of splitting, with thousands of fighters ready to defect to a resurgent Islamic State over peace talks that are being held with the United States.

American officials and the Taliban have resumed talks in Qatar to try to end the almost 18-year war, the longest in American history. Key details of a deal are still to be resolved, including the timing of a US withdrawal and a Taliban ceasefire.

While the insurgents appear confident — suggesting that President Trump’s eagerness to be rid of having to deal with Afghanistan means that an end to the foreign “occupation” is in sight — away from the talks the Taliban are in danger of splintering. Rifts have opened between the leadership and hardline military commanders…


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