Khalilzad restarts shuttling between Doha and Kabul as violence intensifies

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, has restarted traveling to Doha and Kabul aimed at discussing implementation of the US-Taliban peace deal signed on February 29 as the violence have drastically increased, particularly in major Afghan cities, between Afghan security forces and the Taliban in recent days.

“In Doha, Ambassador Khalilzad will meet with Taliban representatives to discuss implementation of the U.S.-Taliban agreement and press for steps necessary to commence intra-Afghan negotiations, including a significant reduction of violence,” said a statement issued by the Department of State on Monday, May 18. The statement added that Khalilzad will also meet senior Afghan government officials in Kabul to explore the needed steps for starting intra-Afghan negotiations.