Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- January 28, 2019

BBC: Taliban talks: Will negotiations lead to peace in Afghanistan?

The "significant progress" said to have been made during six days of talks between US officials and the Afghan Taliban suggests that both sides are serious about trying to find a peaceful solution to a 17-year conflict that has scarred Afghanistan.

But with the Taliban currently refusing to hold direct talks with Afghan officials, and negotiations relating to "unsolved matters" still to continue, what has actually been agreed during the meetings in Qatar?

Secunder Kermani, the BBC's Afghanistan correspondent, and senior Afghan journalist Sami Yousafzai, look at what we know so far about the talks, and what it could mean for the future of the country and the foreign forces operating there.

Read more ....

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- January 28, 2019

Peace in Afghanistan? Don't Count On It. -- Lyle J. Goldstein, National Interest

Taliban deal would satisfy Trump but poses risks -- AFP

What 2018 Taught Us About North Korea -- Robert E. Kelly, National Interest

The real culprits behind the Philippine church bombing -- Bong S Sarmiento, Asia Times

Is Trump baiting Iran into an armed confrontation? -- Ted Regencia, Al Jazeera

Kissinger’s Prophecy Fulfilled in Syria -- Kamal Alam, War On The Rocks

Thanks to Trump, China's economy is rapidly decelerating -- Here's what could happen next -- Andy Puzder, FOX News

What Does Xi Want from Taiwan? (And What Can Taiwan Do About It?) -- China File

A resurgent Russia sets its sights on Asia -- Bertil Lintner, Asia Times

Macron’s fight with Europe’s populists is backfiring -- John Keiger, The Spectator

Venezuela's Friends and Foes Square Off Over Maduro -- Stratfor

Presidential standoff may worsen Venezuelans’ misery -- Joshua Goodman and Scott Smith, AP

What Venezuela's Interim President Must Do -- Daniel Di Martino, National Interest

Maduro v Guaido: The two men locked in Venezuela power struggle -- SKY News

As Venezuela's two presidents face off, children scavenge for food and soldiers run out of patience -- Nick Paton Walsh, Barbara Arvantidis, Alex Platt, CNN