On February 29, 2020, the United States and the Taliban signed an agreement in Doha, Qatar, aimed at ending the 19-year war in Afghanistan. The deal was seen as a significant step towards peace, although it drew criticism from some who felt it was a hasty exit from the country.
The agreement has four primary pillars: a commitment from the Taliban to reduce violence, a pledge from the US to withdraw all troops within 14 months, the start of intra-Afghan peace talks, and a commitment from the Taliban to prevent terrorist groups from using Afghanistan as a base of operations.
The reduction in violence period began on February 22, 2020, and saw a significant decrease in attacks in Afghanistan. This was seen as a good sign for the start of peace talks, which began on September 12, 2020, in Doha.
However, the intra-Afghan talks have faced significant challenges, with a lack of progress on key issues such as a ceasefire, power-sharing, and women`s rights. The talks were further complicated by ongoing violence in Afghanistan, with the Taliban continuing to carry out attacks despite the agreement.
The US has been steadily withdrawing troops from Afghanistan since the agreement, with the number of troops dropping from around 12,000 to around 4,000. The withdrawal is set to continue, with the goal of completely removing all US troops within the next few months.
While the agreement has been criticized by some for being too hasty, it has been praised by others for being a significant step towards peace in Afghanistan. Many Afghans hope that the talks will lead to a lasting peace that will allow them to rebuild their country and improve their lives.
In conclusion, the US-Taliban agreement was a milestone in the long-running conflict in Afghanistan. While the peace talks have faced significant challenges, the commitment from both sides to work towards a lasting peace continues. As the US continues to withdraw its troops, the world watches to see what the future holds for Afghanistan and its people.