Talks with the Taliban

[david63]

Does anyone actually believe that the "talks" between the US and the Taliban will amount to anything?

As far as I can see both sides are still as far apart as they were 12 years ago.

I would sincerely hope that I am wrong - but time will tell.

[gfwgfw]

I do believe that all munchos are getting a bit pissed off with the frutility of of this sad long standing fricas

There could be light at the end of the "bloody" tunnel

Fingers crossed

[paultheeagle]

At long last they are trying to talk but......Does anyone really know who the Taliban are...Where they are...or indeed what they look like....The reason war is so hard to win in these modern times is the enemy are almost invisible.....Can anyone name the leader of the Taliban?

I hope they can sort something out, at least they are trying and the only way they will succeed is to stop killing each other and talk.

[noddy10]

One can hope I am sure that it was once said that there would be relative peace in Northern Ireland but as a country it has come a long way since the troubles.

[Quizzical Bob]

Whatever's we try to do, they live there and we don't.

[Silver_Shiney]

I think this is a very difficult situation.

For years, the mighty Soviet army battled the Afghans and were eventually forced to withdraw. How on earth did NATO and its allies think they would succeed where the Soviets failed?

IMHO, we should never have gone there in the first place.... however, it's too late for that now. We have lost far, far too many brave men and women, sent out on a politico's whim - and for what? To pull out now would mean the sacrifice these heroes made was in vain. To stay would mean risking more needless deaths and ruined lives.

I cannot see the Taliban making any concessions. As has been said, they live there, we don't.

Then we have the new situation of extremists bringing the fight to the countries of the allies in retribution. Even if some sort of deal was brokered, I can't see those attacks ceasing. I hope I'm wrong.

I am really glad I do not have to make the decision on this.

[towny44]

Do you think P&O will have a Taliban guest speaker shortly?

[uknick]

I think this is the opportunity the USA and its NATO allies have been looking for to allow a withdrawal without losing face. Something the USA, after Vietnam, could not let happen again.

I would not at all be surprised if an "agreement" is reached that lasts just about long enough to let NATO completely withdraw.

Then it will go back to the pre 2001 situation.

But, as said above, this is not exactly unexpected as no hostile foreign armed force has ever been able to successfully occupy Afghanistan.