Talks to try to coax at least some Taliban factions into a peace deal have apparently been derailed by Pakistan’s decision to arrest key leaders of the insurgent group. Kai Eide, the former special representative for the United Nations secretary general, told the BBC in an interview broadcast today that United Nations talks, conducted quietly in Dubai, were disrupted by the arrests of key Taliban figures, including the group’s second in command, in Pakistan. Eide suggested the move was not the result of Pakistani authorities being in the dark about the negotiations. The strategy of bringing Taliban leaders to the table in an attempt to end the war in Afghanistan has gained support among Western diplomats and governments in recent months.
General
Talks with the Taliban derailed, Eide says
Pakistan arrests key insurgent leaders