Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani speaks during a news conference in Kabul, Afghanistan December 31, 2015. REUTERS/OMAR SOBHANI
Washington Post: Afghan president sets aside peace bids and vows harsher fight against Taliban
KABUL — Afghan President Ashraf Ghani stepped back Monday from attempts to engage Taliban insurgents in peace talks, vowing that Afghanistan will instead “execute” enemies of the state and undertake preparations for an extended war.
In a speech that signaled a significant shift in policies, Ghani left open the prospect for dialogue with Taliban fighters who put down their weapons. But Ghani deemed the broader Taliban organization and its Pakistan-based offshoot, the Haqqani network, “terrorists” and promised expanded attacks by the Afghan military.
Ghani’s remarks are a setback for the Obama administration’s hopes that the 14-year Taliban insurgency could be ended through a negotiated settlement. Back-channel discussions have been ongoing for the past three years to try to establish a framework for such talks.
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WNU Editor: It looks like Afghanistan has given up on Pakistan's peace efforts .... The Pakistan-Haqqani nexus and Kabul's misgivings (DW). This also does not help Afghan-Pakistan relations .... Clash among Afghan and Pakistan forces in Goshta district of Nangarhar (Khaama Press).
More News On The War In Afghanistan
No more peace talks with Taliban, Afghanistan's president says -- L.A. Times
Afghan president blasts Taliban 'slaves', says little time left for peace -- Reuters
Afghan President: Pakistan Should Fight Taliban, Not Bring Them To Talks -- RFE
Afghan President Demands Pakistan Take Military Action Against Taliban -- NYT
A hardline stance: Afghan leader implores Pakistan to battle Taliban -- AFP
Afghan Leader Demands Removal of Taliban from Pakistan -- VOA
Taliban military chief in Kunduz arrested by Afghan special forces -- Khaama Press
Afghanistan in 'worst humanitarian crisis' since 2001 following Nato drawdown -- The Telegraph
'People will be killed': Federal MP and former soldier Andrew Hastie slams Australian operations in Afghanistan and reveals how he stopped local forces executing prisoners 'in cold blood' -- Daily Mail
Kabul security chief appeals to Australian troops to stay in Afghanistan -- The Australian
Former US Ambassador to Kabul Reflects on Missed Opportunities -- VOA
Afghan Taliban showing no sign of weakness -- China Post/The Statesman/Asia News Network editorial
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