The largest concentration of terrorist organizations in the world is in Afghanistan, and unless the Taliban is serious about negotiations, there will not be a long-lasting peace there, US Senator Tom Cotton said Friday.
“Obviously we will have the Taliban be part of any ultimate political solution in Afghanistan,” the Arkansas Republican told Fox News’ “Fox and Friends.” “We have to remember the Taliban has not renounced violence, has not renounced ties to Al-Qaeda or affiliated groups and does not recognize the government in Kabul.”
If the Taliban are willing to take those kinds of steps and reach a ceasefire, that is something with which the United States can work, said Cotton, but they want only to make empty promises in exchange for concrete concessions, he does not think that would be a foundation for a solid peace deal.
President Donald Trump on Thursday, after a surprise Thanksgiving Day visit with U.S. troops in Afghanistan, said the U.S. and Taliban have been engaged in ongoing peace talks and said he believes the Taliban want a cease-fire.”
