Something curious is happening. Al-Qaeda leaders are being reported as dead or dying by U.S. officials as Washington closes in on a deal with the Afghan Taliban.
Afghan Taliban
Hamza bin Laden, the son of al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden, is reportedly dead.
These trendlines should create alarm in Kabul and Washington.
The Trump administration would like to secure a preliminary deal with the Taliban by September 1. But Afghanistan’s messy politics could get in the way.
Trump is keen on an exit from Afghanistan, but believes a residual intelligence presence is required to prevent another attack on the homeland.
Donald Trump wants out of Afghanistan, but Kabul’s messy politics may get in the way.
An informal dialogue between Afghans has been canceled, making Trump’s push for a negotiated settlement to the war more difficult.