The US has responded to yesterday’s announcement from the Afghan Taliban, saying that
the organization has reached a preliminary agreement to set up a political office
in the Gulf nation of Qatar. U.S. State Department Spokeswoman Victoria Nuland says
its possible a Taliban office could play a positive role, though she explains that
the U.S. already has its policy on Afghanistan in place. Speaking to reporters on
Tuesday, Nuland said any reconciliation talks must be approved and led by the Afghan
government. The early Afghan response came from the High Peace Council - the body
charged with seeking a negotiated end to the country's decade-long war. A spokesman
for the Council said he welcomed the Taliban's decision, calling it a gesture of “good
faith”. In addition to opening an office in Qatar, the Taliban also demanded the release
of prisoners held at the U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Listen