For the first time ever since the 2001 US invasion of Afghanistan, Taliban militants and government forces lay down their arms and avoided conflict. They even went as far as celebrating the major Muslim festivity, eid al fitr together. Then shortly afterwards they both came under a deadly Daesh ("ISIS/ISIL") attack. People and analysts were hoping of trust building and moves toward peace talks but the Taliban refused to extend the govt. proposed truce as long as foreign forces are present in the country.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said peace talks would have to include a discussion on the role of "international actors and forces".
The recent unprecedented development has raised hopes of permanent peace in the war ravaged country.
Prop4Peace