12.08.2019 - 22:54 [ New York Times ]

As U.S. Nears a Pullout Deal, Afghan Army Is on the Defensive

The woeful state of the regular Afghan forces has been widely seen as giving the Taliban a valuable edge in its negotiations with the United States, which have gone on for eight rounds in Doha, Qatar, and are believed to be near a conclusion. An announcement could come as early as Tuesday but also may be delayed, perhaps for weeks.