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Reduction in Violence Begins; US-Taliban Set Date to Sign Deal

Ayesha Tanzeem

   ISLAMABAD - In simultaneously issued statements, U.S. Secretary of
   State Michael Pompeo and the Taliban announced Friday that a deal
   between the U.S. and the Taliban will be signed February 29, paving the
   way toward ending the longest American war in history.

   The deal calls for a phased withdrawal of all U.S. forces from
   Afghanistan in return for guarantees from the Taliban it will not allow
   Afghan soil to be used for terrorism, and it will participate in a
   reconciliation process with other Afghans.

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