In early September, it appeared that the United States and the Taliban were a few quick signatures away from finalizing an agreement. After nearly a year of frustrating and at times hostile discussions between U.S. chief negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban representatives, the two settled on a transaction: The U.S. would withdraw approximately 5,000 of its troops if the Taliban committed themselves to breaking ties with al Qaeda, ensured terrorists are unable to use Afghanistan as a launch pad for attacks against Americans, and entered discussions with the Afghan government on a comprehensive political settlement.
That deal, of course, was never signed. President Trump rescinded his invitation to the Taliban for a Camp David summit and pulled out of the talks completely, declaring them “dead” after a Taliban attack killed a dozen Afghans including a U.S. soldier. This was just the latest casualty, as 21 American troops have died in Afghanistan this year.
