Free Republic

The Taliban said on Saturday they will not work with the U.S. to contain extremism in Afghanistan. Taliban political spokesman Suhail Shaheen told The Associated Press the group will independently deal with extremist groups such as the Islamic State. “We are able to tackle Daesh independently,” Shaheen said, using an Arabic acronym for the group. The position comes ahead of talks between senior Taliban officials and U.S. officials in Doha, Qatar. These are the first direct talks the two groups will have since the U.S. evacuated Afghanistan in August, with the U.S. saying the talks are not a sign the...

Taliban chief wants direct talks with US Group committed to regional security and would not pose a danger to other countries KABUL: The leader of the Taliban said Saturday there will be no peace in Afghanistan as long as the foreign “occupation” continues, reiterating the group’s position that the 17-year war can only be brought to an end through direct talks with the United States. In a message released on occasion of the Eid Al Adha holiday, Maulvi Haibatullah Akhunzadah said the group remains committed to “Islamic goals,” the sovereignty of Afghanistan and ending the war. The Taliban have had...