What Is Next For The That Afghan - Taliban Peace Talks?

Muhammad Akbar Notezai, The Diplomat: What Next for the Afghanistan Peace Talks?

The Taliban leadership issue appears to have derailed the process.

The admission by the Taliban that its leader Mullah Mohammed Omar had in fact died two years ago has appeared to derail nascent talks between the group and the government of Afghanistan. The confusion that has been on display over the past week or so has also exposed some serious rifts within the Taliban, with a hardline faction clearly opposed to any peace negotiations with Kabul. The new leader, Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour has promised to continue fighting, but it is unclear how much control he has over the Taliban rank and file.

WNU editor: Some are hoping that these talks will continue .... Pakistan Official Hopes Kabul-Taliban Talks to Resume Soon (NYT/AP) .... others see this as an opportunity to deal a blow against the Taliban .... Former warlord: Now is the time to deal a defeating blow to a weak and divided Taliban (Breitbart). My prediction .... too many in the Taliban still want to continue the war, and there are many in the Afghan government who share the same opinion.

More News And Analysis On The Afghan - Taliban Peace Talks

Divisive Afghan Taliban leadership succession will indefinitely delay peace talks and weaken President Ghani's domestic position -- IHS Jane's 360
The implication of Mullah Omar’s death on peace talks and Taliban’s future -- Ahmad Hasib farhan, Khaama Press
Taliban leader’s death hobbles Afghan peace process -- Michael Pizzi, Al Jazeera
Pakistan Official Hopes Kabul-Taliban Talks to Resume Soon -- NYT/AP