International Relations
Afghan Peace Deal
- 30 Dec 2019
- 2 min read
Why in News
The Taliban’s ruling council has agreed to a temporary ceasefire in Afghanistan. It provides a window during which a peace agreement with the United States could be signed.
- However, the Taliban chief has not yet approved the cease-fire decision.
- Also, the duration of the cease-fire has not been specified.
Background
- Afghanistan has been ravaged by war since 2001 when a US-led coalition overthrew the Taliban.
- In 2018, Afghanistan was the world’s deadliest conflict.
- The Taliban initially emerged as a militia - largely consisted of students (talib), in 1994. This group comprises of militants who had been educated in traditional Islamic schools and fought during the Soviet–Afghan War (ended in 1989).
- Since October 2018, Taliban representatives and US officials have been meeting to chalk out a peace treaty.
Key Elements of Afghan Peace Deal
- Withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan.
- The U.S. currently has an estimated 12,000 troops in Afghanistan.
- To prevent Afghanistan from being used by terrorist groups.
- A permanent ceasefire between the Taliban and Afghanistan.
- Direct negotiations between the Taliban and Afghan Government (Intra - Afghan Negotiations).
- The negotiations will cover a variety of issues, including the rights of women, free speech, and changes to the country’s constitution.
- The Intra-Afghan talks would also lay out the fate of tens of thousands of Taliban fighters as well as the heavily armed militias belonging to Afghanistan’s warlords who have amassed wealth and power since the Taliban were ousted from power in 2001.
