The top U.S. general in Afghanistan on Monday denied reports that American forces are ready to negotiate directly with the Taliban to end the war.
Gen. John “Mick” Nicholson said a comment he made during a visit with Afghan officials had been mischaracterized and that he instead backs a peace process led by the U.S.-aligned government in Kabul. The news service Reuters had quoted him directly in a story Monday as supporting direct talks with the Taliban.
“The United States is not a substitute for the Afghan people or the Afghan government,” said Nicholson, who is the outgoing commander of NATO’s Resolute Support mission. “My reaffirmation of Secretary [of State Mike] Pompeo’s statement in which he said peace talks would include a discussion of international forces and that the United States is ready to work with the Taliban, the Afghan government and the Afghan people towards lasting peace was mischaracterized.”
Meanwhile, the New York Times reported in a separate story that the Trump administration has ordered its diplomats to seek out direct talks with the group to hasten an end to the 17-year-old war.
President Trump unveiled a new strategy nearly a year ago that included about 4,000 more troops to support the Afghans. It aims to force the Taliban into peace talks.
A brief cease-fire last month provided a glimmer of hope for Afghanistan. But the war between the Taliban and U.S.-backed Afghan security forces has continued apace.
