On Monday, the Taliban claimed that a peace agreement on the table, expected to be agreed upon soon, to end the 18-year-old war between the United States and Afghanistan.
“The U.S. agreed to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan and resolve the Afghan issue peacefully,” Taliban Shief Spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on Monday. However, he did not elaborate on a timeline when it came to the withdrawal of troops.
Another Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, stated that negotiators are smoothing out the details of pulling forces led by the U.S. from Afghanistan. He said, "Inshallah [God willing], this time we are hopeful that each and every thing will be finalized. Work is underway to streamline the mechanism, but there is no such sticking point left that is not agreeable."
Despite what the Taliban leaders are saying, Trump declared that the United States will not leave without first instating a residual force. However, the troops left behind will be to maintain that the Taliban keeps their end of the bargain when it comes to the peace agreement.
VOA [Voice of America] suggested that the residual force may only remain in the country until the end of 2020. President Trump, however, said the United States will “always” maintain a presence in Afghanistan.
Sher Muhammad Abbas Stanekzai, the top Taliban peace negotiator, recently described the potential agreement as a victory for the terrorist group.
He boasted that the Taliban brought U.S.-led foreign forces to “their knees” in war, VOA learned from a video disseminated Saturday by media outlets friendly to the terrorist group.
“I believe that Americans will leave Afghanistan very soon. Americans stand defeated, and Afghanistan will again be liberated,” Stanekzai said.
Hmmm, I don't think it is Americans who are defeated. With talk like that, I wouldn't be surprised if troops aren't pulled after all!
The U.S. also expects the Taliban to accept a ceasefire with U.S.-backed Afghan security forces. Moreover, the U.S. demands that the Taliban agree to intra-Afghan talks. Reuters, however, reported Monday that the peace pact with the United States would not prevent the terrorist group from targeting U.S.-backed Afghan security forces.
“We will continue our fight against the Afghan government and seize power by force,” a Taliban commander said, “The Americans will not come to the assistance of the Afghan government and its forces in their fight against us."
Shaheen added, "We want an Islamic government in Afghanistan participated in by all Afghans, from all ethnicities, all walks of life, all groups so it will be a very strong Islamic government."
I would not be surprised if we are at war with them again in the near future. They can't be trusted.
