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My Afghan friend, actually he's like a brother, tells me he has little hope that the Afghan Government will survive once we pull out. That is a sin for all the progress we've made improving women's lives over there. It ain't great, but it's a heck of a lot better than it was before we got there.
Taliban and the Afghan government begin peace talks for the first time after decades of war. Afghanistan's warring sides started negotiations on Saturday in Qatar, bringing together delegates appointed by the Afghan government and the Taliban. The sides will be tackling tough issues, including the terms of a permanent cease-fire and the rights of women and minorities. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo attended the opening ceremony. Ref. USAToday.
With all that is going on in the world you don't hear much from the Taliban anymore but its great to know they have reached the stage of talking but honestly I think that is all it will be… talk and nothing more.
One American among group detained in Kabul, according to reports. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said in a brief statement Friday that two journalists on assignment with the organization have been detained in Kabul with Afghan nationals who were working alongside them. The Wall Street Journal and New York Times reported one American among Westerners detained by the Taliban since December. Source 1w.