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June 19, 2013

Taliban Renounces Foreign Attacks, Opens Political Office in Doha 
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On the Taliban side, the negotiations were directly approved by Mullah
Mohammed Omar, the Taliban leader in hiding since the U.S. invasion of
Afghanistan in 2001. On Tuesday, a Taliban spokesperson disavowed the
use of Afghan soil to threaten other countries, a precondition that
allows it to open its new office in Doha.

Sohail Shaheen: "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan simultaneously
follows both military and political options in aims which are limited to
Afghanistan. To initiate contact with the United Nations as well as with
international, regional and non-governmental organizations."

Mirroring President Obama's stance on military operations, the Taliban
has pledged to continue armed attacks on U.S. forces even as the
negotiations are held. Four U.S. soldiers were killed earlier today in a
rocket attack on the Bagram military base.

 

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