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Taliban-US Afghan Peace Talks Stall Again

Ayaz Gul

   ISLAMABAD - The Afghan Taliban's turbulent negotiations with the United
   States on a peace deal have ground to a halt over differences on how to
   reduce insurgent violence.

   The latest standoff in the peace process, being hosted by Qatar,
   comesamid a sharp increase in Taliban attacks on U.S.-backed Afghan
   government forces over the past week despite a very harsh winter. The
   violence has killed scores of combatants on both sides and caused more
   civilian casualties across Afghanistan.

   Suhail Shaheen, who speaks for the Taliban's negotiating team, told VOA
   on Friday that the U.S. side was to be blamed for the latest challenges
   facing the talks.

   "We agree to provide a secure environment during the days of the
   signing of the agreement, but the Americans put forward do-more
   demands," Shaheen said. "This has created hurdles in the process."

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