US Responds to Taliban

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