DUBAI – After decades of conflict, Afghanistan’s warring sides will open long anticipated negotiations Saturday in search of a lasting peace that will also provide an exit for U.S.
and NATO troops after nearly 19 years. The mostly ceremonial opening in the Gulf state of Qatar, where Afghanistan's Taliban insurgents maintain a political office, is the latest in a flurry of diplomatic activity by the Trump administration ahead of the U.S.
presidential election in November. Saturday's launch of intra-Afghan talks, attended by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, follows the U.S.-brokered recognition of Israel by two Gulf nations — Bahrain on Friday and the United Arab Emirates earlier this month.The talks in Doha bring together negotiators.