Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Afghan Taliban Close Qatar Office Effectively Ending Peace Talks

Taliban group close its political office in Qatar. Khaama Press

Taliban Close Qatar Office In Protest At Flag Removal -- The Telegraph

The Afghan Taliban have closed their office in the Gulf state of Qatar to protest the removal of its flag and a sign identifying the movement as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, a diplomat and Taliban official have said.

The office was opened less than a month ago to facilitate peace talks with Afghanistan and the United States but immediately came under pressure over its sign and flag - the same white standard flown during the Taliban’s five-year rule of Afghanistan that ended with the US-led invasion in 2001.

Qatar took down both last month after Afghan President Hamid Karzai called a halt to peace efforts amid anger in Kabul that the Taliban had been allowed to present the office as the embassy of as a government-in-exile.

Both officials, familiar with the peace talks in the Qatari capital of Doha said on Tuesday that the offices have been closed at least temporarily.

Read more ....

More News On The Taliban Closing Their Qatar Office

Taliban Protest Leaves Qatar Office Closed -- Radio Free Europe
Taliban close Qatar office in dispute with U.S., Afghan government over signage -- CBS News
Taliban group close its political office in Qatar -- Khaama Press
Taliban closes Qatar office to protest flag fracas -- NITI Central
Qatar initiative in jeopardy: Angry Afghan Taliban ‘abandon’ Doha office -- Express Tribune

My Comment: This analysis is spot on .... the Afghanistan negotiations are not going well (Atlantic Wire).

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