Friday, December 8, 2023
Press
Experts from the U.S. Institute of Peace provide the latest analysis and perspective on the world’s critical hot spots, U.S. and global security and issues involved in violent conflict, based on the Institute’s work on the ground and with key individuals, governments and organizations. They give interviews and background briefings to journalists and write for news outlets around the world.
Saudi Arabia backs cease-fire in Afghanistan, suggesting new role in quest for peace - Washington Post
The kingdom of Saudi Arabia threw its weight behind the Afghan government’s attempts to kindle a peace process with the Taliban this week, reflecting growing international pressure to bring Afghanistan’s long war to a negotiated end.
Afghanistan declares temporary cease-fire with Taliban in new peace effort - Washington Post
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday announced a unilateral, week-long cease-fire with the Taliban, the latest move in his government’s increasingly urgent bid for peace and a reflection of the insurgent group’s battlefield strength.
In Afghanistan, U.S. military sprints to prove it can reverse insurgent tide - Washington Post
The U.S. military is racing to demonstrate it is making progress in Afghanistan during a critical period that will test President Trump’s strategy and, potentially, political support for the war. Military leaders say the arrival of new troops and aircraft, along with a renewed mission to advise local operations more...
A bold Afghan peace offer, but are the Taliban interested? - AP
Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani has put a peace offer on the table, and analysts say the ball is now in the Taliban’s court. But so far the militants are showing no sign of being interested.
Shifting alliances as Pakistan manages relationship with US - AP
As Pakistan navigates its troubled relationship with the United States and scrambles to avoid being blacklisted for doing too little, too late to stop terror funding, regional alliances are shifting and analysts ponder whether a cozier relationship with countries like Russia will complicate efforts to move toward peace in neighboring Afghanistan.
Afghan officials and Taliban talk despite wave of violence - AP
Afghan officials are carrying out at least two tracks of talks with the Taliban, The Associated Press has learned, even after a month of brutal bombings and attacks by the militants that killed nearly 200 and despite President Donald Trump's angry rejection of any negotiations for now.
Stepped Up Violence Alternately Claimed by IS and Taliban - AP
The Islamic State group and the Taliban are competing to take credit for a horrific spike in violence in Afghanistan over the last month, and analysts say both insurgent groups are growing in strength as security forces wither under their relentless attacks and a feuding government struggles to win over citizens.
Q&A: Why Afghanistan suffers unrelenting attacks - AP
Afghanistan has endured a month of relentless attacks claimed by the Taliban and a rival Islamic State affiliate, capped by Saturday's assault, in which a Taliban suicide bomber driving an ambulance filled with explosives struck in the heart of Kabul, killing more than 100 people.
Minister Rabbani meets USIP vice president for Asian programs - Kabul Times
Minister of Foreign Affairs Salahuddin Rabbani met Andrew Wilder, the vice president of Asia programs for US Institute for Peace (USIP) here yesterday in his office, a statement from...
'The Taliban Can't Win,' Says Commander Of U.S. Forces In Afghanistan - NPR
Gen. John W. "Mick" Nicholson settles into his wood-paneled office inside the American-led military headquarters in Kabul. It's lined with plaques, pictures and ceremonial swords. He has spent more time in Afghanistan, in various jobs, than any other senior American officer — a total of 5 1/2 years. The commander of NATO's Resolute Support mission and U.S. forces in Afghanistan since March 2016, Nicholson is a genial West Point graduate with salt-and-pepper hair — and a renewed confidence.