JRL NEWSWATCH: “Taliban Say They Will Attend Afghan Peace Talks in Russia” – New York Times/Rick Gladstone

August 24, 2018 JRL Russia List Afghanistan, Central Asia, Terrorism, United States, U.S.-Russian Relations

“… The Taliban’s acceptance of an invitation by Russia to … Sept. 4 talks planned in Moscow was a reversal for the group, and came after the government of Afghanistan and its main supporter, the United States, declined invitations to attend. … the Taliban said … that the chief of their political office in Qatar would lead a delegation to the Moscow talks. How such talks would proceed without all parties present is unclear. … the outreach by Russia has threatened to disrupt diplomacy undertaken by Afghan and American officials. …”