US officials have been considering moving the detainees to Afghan custody in
Qatar as one of a series of good-faith measures that, if successful, could
lead to talks on Afghanistan’s future between militants and the government
of Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
On Wednesday, Leon Panetta, US defence secretary, announced the United States
wants to end its combat role in Afghanistan by the middle of next year and
switch to an “advice and assist” role with the Afghan army
Last month a team of senior Taliban diplomats arrived in Qatar in preparation
for the opening of a political office to host the negotiations.
A Taliban declaration earlier this month that the movement would open an
office “to come to an understanding with other nations” is seen as
the most significant political breakthrough in the conflict.
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