United States and Taliban seal deal to withdraw troops from Afghanistan

An important step to seal peace between the United States and the Taliban was taken on Saturday (29), in Doha, Qatar. The agreement signed between an American special envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, and the leader of the Islamic group, Abdul Ghani Baradar, provides for the complete withdrawal, within 14 months, of American and NATO troops from Afghanistan . The United States and the Taliban have been clashing in Afghan territory since 2001. The move could end the longest war in American history, which began after the September 11 attacks, which has spanned three US presidencies and killed more than 3 500 soldiers, only from the United States and the coalition.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, who did not participate in the negotiations between the United States and the Taliban, said that some points in the pact will need "considerations" and will be discussed with the Islamic group. "We hope the agreement will lead to a permanent ceasefire," said Ghani. The withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, an impoverished country in Central Africa, is also a campaign promise from President Donald Trump, who is seeking re-election in November.

According to the historical document signed on Saturday, in addition to the withdrawal of American and NATO troops, the agreement provides for a series of procedures and measures to be adopted in the coming months. Among the most important, according to Reuters and the BBC, are:

- The United States and the coalition pledge to withdraw, in four months (135 days), soldiers from five military bases. The initiative would reduce the American force in Afghan territory from around 13,000 to 8,600 soldiers. - The American government also promises to work "with all relevant sides" to free political and combat prisoners.

- The United States would withdraw sanctions from Taliban members until August.

- The Taliban, meanwhile, agreed not to allow AL-Qaeda or any other extremist group to operate in areas controlled by it.

Still in the signed document, the United States pledged to seek support for the agreement from the UN Security Council. The document is signed after a partial week-long truce in Afghanistan, to show that the Taliban can control its forces. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance supports the agreement and is ready to "adjust and reduce" its presence in the country. Stoltenberg, however, said that if the situation in the region worsens, NATO could start to increase its activities again.

In a statement before the agreement was signed, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeu called on the Taliban group to cut ties with al-Qaeda and continue the fight against Islamic State. Pompey also said that peace will require “work and sacrifice from all sides”.