U.S. shifting policy on Taliban talks

Published: Dec. 27, 2007 at 5:01 PM
BUSH HOSTS AFGHAN PRESIDENT KARZAI AT CAMP DAVID, MARYLAND

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- The United States reportedly signaled support for secret talks with the Taliban in Afghanistan following the expulsion of two European diplomats.

The Financial Times reported that U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan William Wood said Thursday if Afghan officials approve, there is a "place for this type of conversation."

The comment represents an apparent shift in policy since the United States has long said it would never negotiate with the Islamic militant group, the Times noted.

Wood said the two U.N. diplomats who were expelled for contacting the Taliban had done so "with absolutely the best of intentions." Wood said reconciliation with the Taliban can only be achieved if members accept the authority of the Karzai government.

© 2007 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Order reprints



Additional News Stories
UPI Sports Calendar for Saturday, Dec. 12 (27 min)
NHL: Washington 4, Florida 3 (OT) (27 min)
NBA: Dallas 106, Miami 93 (30 min)
NBA: Indiana 107, New Jersey 91 (42 min)
NHL: Florida 4, New Jersey 2 (52 min)
Rockies re-sign catcher Chris Iannetta (55 min)
COL BKB: Tennessee 75, Middle Tenn. 54 (59 min)
fark
First ever Peeps store opens. "They manage to straddle the world between cute and horrible. You...
The annual "Here, look at this crazy, old woman who threw up Christmas all over her house" video...
It took the highest court in Nebraska to determine walking from the parking lot to your workplace...
Finally, a new place to stick my sausage
Photoshop this slackline sky surfer
Caption Santa's little broker