Trump says U.S. in 'very strong' negotiations in Afghanistan

By Roberta Rampton

 

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks via video teleconference with troops from Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., November 22, 2018. REUTERS/Eric Thayer

 

PALM BEACH, Fla. (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States was "in very strong" peace negotiations in Afghanistan but he did not known whether they would be successful.

 

"I really think the people of Afghanistan ... are tired of fighting," Trump told reporters after delivering a Thanksgiving holiday message to U.S. troops in Afghanistan, scene of one of America's longest-ever wars.

 

"We are talking about peace and we'll see if that happens ... We have negotiations going on. I don't know that they are going to be successful, probably they're not. Who knows? They might be, they might not be."

 

Trump was speaking after Taliban leaders met with U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad at their political headquarters in Qatar last week for the second time in the past month.

 

Khalilzad said on Sunday he hoped to reach a peace deal by April 20, a deadline that coincides with the date set for presidential elections in Afghanistan.

 

However, the Taliban said their three-day meeting with Khalilzad to pave the way for peace talks ended with no agreement on any issue and they had not accepted any deadline set by the United States to wrap up talks.

 

Khalilzad's public statement that the Taliban believe they will "not win militarily" apparently angered senior members of the group, who warned U.S. officials against mixed messages that could muddle the peace process.

 

U.S. troops invaded Afghanistan in 2001 as part of a campaign to topple the Taliban following the Sept. 11 attacks in the United States. Some 14,000 U.S. personnel are still there.

 

The Taliban have strengthened their grip over the past three years, with the government in Kabul controlling just 56 percent of Afghanistan, down from 72 percent in 2015, a U.S. government report showed this month.

 

Two senior U.S. officials confirmed this week that a second round of peace talks ended last week and the Taliban expected Khalilzad to visit Qatar for a meeting before the end of 2018.

 

Trump hinted he may go to Afghanistan, a country he has yet to visit almost two years into his presidency, even though previous U.S. commanders-in-chief have routinely visited troops in active war zones.

 

Trump told troops in the teleconference that while they were fighting, he was taking tough action to secure the southern borders of the United States from illegal immigration.

 

"You are doing it over there; we are doing it over here," he said.

 

"We have a very powerful border now ... We took old broken wall and we wrapped it with barbed wire plus ... nobody is getting through these walls and we're going to make sure they're the right people because that's what you and your family want," he said.

 

"That's why we're all fighting – you know, we're fighting for borders, we're fighting for our country."

 

(Reporting by David Brunnstrom and Roberta Rampton; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Sandra Maler)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2018-11-23

Although 90% of the Afghan population are said to be Sunni muslim, there appears to nothing else that they share or agree upon. The uneducated, brutal and backward 'leaders' of various sects and tribes are determined to battle it out for their own benefit. So just who is Trump negotiating with this time? Another warlord, drug dealer or religious sect leader? People who are determined to fight among themselves can not be made to agree by a bunch of outsiders.

So getting your rear ends kicked is strong negotiations. 

17 years and they still haven't managed to overcome a bunch of goat herders

2 hours ago, Lungstib said:

Although 90% of the Afghan population are said to be Sunni muslim, there appears to nothing else that they share or agree upon. The uneducated, brutal and backward 'leaders' of various sects and tribes are determined to battle it out for their own benefit. So just who is Trump negotiating with this time? Another warlord, drug dealer or religious sect leader? People who are determined to fight among themselves can not be made to agree by a bunch of outsiders.

and you can thank the US for funding, supporting and encouraging this mess from the 80s on

54 minutes ago, grumbleweed said:

<SNIP>

17 years and they still haven't managed to overcome a bunch of goat herders

Try reading some content by US military who've served in Afghanistan, they usually consider the Taliban excellent fighters.

 

trump coming up with his moronic cover his arse statements cannot be of assistance to the US negotiating team.

Thailand has Big Joke in charge of Immigration. USA has a bigger joker in charge Commander in Chief.

Well if anybody can solve the decades old Afghanistan problem I would put my money on Trump to come up with a workable solution. I just hope he has taken into account the main problem.

 

 The most effective solution that would please both Afghans and the rest of the civilized world would be a Sentinelese style solution. Afghanistan would be 100% cut off from the rest of the world. Nobody coming in or out by any transport method. No electricity/fuel/water would pass the borders which would be fortified like Fort Knox. Inside Afghanistan they can practice pure unadulterated islam and revel in it. From the outside we will know nothing, nor care nothing about how they implement their beloved Sharia. They can live in caves, like stone age neanderthals. They can pray - backsides to the sky - all day, all night. Whatever pleases them. Go for it guys.

 

 But in reality, there will be this block to recognize why Afghanistan is such a dump, and likely implement some policy that western liberal democracies will praise. And which will fail. Because no understanding was made of the root problem. Trump, of course, knows the problem, and it is possible he will publicly deal with it. There is some hope.

Edited November 23, 20187 yr by TopDeadSenter

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Trump hinted he may go to Afghanistan,

Yeah, right, this from a man who won’t brave the rain to pay respect to his nation’s fallen heroes. 

Edited November 23, 20187 yr by Bluespunk

4 hours ago, webfact said:

the Taliban said their three-day meeting with Khalilzad to pave the way for peace talks ended with no agreement on any issue and they had not accepted any deadline set by the United States to wrap up talks.

Do they have a North Korean advisor?

Negotiations sound very familiar.

Maybe Trump will offer a Taliban Summit Meeting?

11 minutes ago, TopDeadSenter said:

Well if anybody can solve the decades old Afghanistan problem I would put my money on Trump to come up with a workable solution. I just hope he has taken into account the main problem.

 

 The most effective solution that would please both Afghans and the rest of the civilized world would be a Sentinelese style solution. Afghanistan would be 100% cut off from the rest of the world. Nobody coming in or out by any transport method. No electricity/fuel/water would pass the borders which would be fortified like Fort Knox. Inside Afghanistan they can practice pure unadulterated islam and revel in it. From the outside we will know nothing, nor care nothing about how they implement their beloved Sharia. They can live in caves, like stone age neanderthals. They can pray - backsides to the sky - all day, all night. Whatever pleases them. Go for it guys.

 

 But in reality, there will be this block to recognize why Afghanistan is such a dump, and likely implement some policy that western liberal democracies will praise. And which will fail. Because no understanding was made of the root problem. Trump, of course, knows the problem, and it is possible he will publicly deal with it. There is some hope.

Dream on. 

1 hour ago, grumbleweed said:

So getting your rear ends kicked is strong negotiations. 

17 years and they still haven't managed to overcome a bunch of goat herders

Lol... now we just need to wait awhile, until donal comes out and says exactly this, whilst perhaps blaming another war hero for failing to overcome a bunch of goat herders ????????

26 minutes ago, TopDeadSenter said:

Well if anybody can solve the decades old Afghanistan problem I would put my money on Trump to come up with a workable solution. I just hope he has taken into account the main problem.

 

 The most effective solution that would please both Afghans and the rest of the civilized world would be a Sentinelese style solution. Afghanistan would be 100% cut off from the rest of the world. Nobody coming in or out by any transport method. No electricity/fuel/water would pass the borders which would be fortified like Fort Knox. Inside Afghanistan they can practice pure unadulterated islam and revel in it. From the outside we will know nothing, nor care nothing about how they implement their beloved Sharia. They can live in caves, like stone age neanderthals. They can pray - backsides to the sky - all day, all night. Whatever pleases them. Go for it guys.

 

 But in reality, there will be this block to recognize why Afghanistan is such a dump, and likely implement some policy that western liberal democracies will praise. And which will fail. Because no understanding was made of the root problem. Trump, of course, knows the problem, and it is possible he will publicly deal with it. There is some hope.

I’m assuming that this is a blatant troll... because it’s the only explaination for such a load of rubbish

4 hours ago, webfact said:

We are talking about peace and we'll see if that happens ... We have negotiations going on. I don't know that they are going to be successful, probably they're not. Who knows? They might be, they might not be.

What?

????????????????????

or rather... what an idiot... MAGA!

1 minute ago, farcanell said:

I’m assuming that this is a blatant troll... because it’s the only explaination for such a load of rubbish

Your having no understanding of a topic is clearly causing frustration. How about remaining calm and respectful and offering your ideas for a peaceful solution. I am entitled to my opinion, and just because it may differ to your own, is no reason or excuse to make flame posts. My post offers a solution which will offer relative peace(how they would behave would be horrific for westerners, but in accordance with their religious book). 

 The standard "might is right" response to foreign nations is normally disastrous. Just look at Libya, Iraq and others. Time to start understanding the root cause of trouble. I identified that root in my post. Thank you.

1 minute ago, TopDeadSenter said:

Your having no understanding of a topic is clearly causing frustration. How about remaining calm and respectful and offering your ideas for a peaceful solution. I am entitled to my opinion, and just because it may differ to your own, is no reason or excuse to make flame posts. My post offers a solution which will offer relative peace(how they would behave would be horrific for westerners, but in accordance with their religious book). 

 The standard "might is right" response to foreign nations is normally disastrous. Just look at Libya, Iraq and others. Time to start understanding the root cause of trouble. I identified that root in my post. Thank you.

It seems clear that the lack of understanding is not on the part of Farcanell. How do you propose to compel Afghanistan's neighbors which includes, Iran, Pakistan, India, and China to enforce such a quarantine? Not to mention the 3 "stans" which have strong ties to various ethnic groups within Afghanistan. And even if these neighbors could be compelled to try, how would they accomplish it? Afghanistan has an extraordinarily rugged and difficult terrain to patrol. As the Russians not so long ago discovered.

Are you proposing a magic wand solution?

1 minute ago, TopDeadSenter said:

Your having no understanding of a topic is clearly causing frustration. How about remaining calm and respectful and offering your ideas for a peaceful solution. I am entitled to my opinion, and just because it may differ to your own, is no reason or excuse to make flame posts. My post offers a solution which will offer relative peace(how they would behave would be horrific for westerners, but in accordance with their religious book). 

 The standard "might is right" response to foreign nations is normally disastrous. Just look at Libya, Iraq and others. Time to start understanding the root cause of trouble. I identified that root in my post. Thank you.

Wow... you were serious... you have my unreserved apologies.

 

that said... I’m thinking your post demonstrates that it’s you who have no understanding of this topic... actually... no understanding of a whole truck load of things, as your post is the most preposterous post I’ve ever seen on this forum... a forum I’ve been reading for ten years!

 

you identified the root cause, or so you claim.... can you elaborate on this assertion?

 

And.... offering a solution... ????????????????.... wake up, Freddy Kruger is coming!!!

 

 

4 minutes ago, TopDeadSenter said:

Your having no understanding of a topic is clearly causing frustration. How about remaining calm and respectful and offering your ideas for a peaceful solution. I am entitled to my opinion, and just because it may differ to your own, is no reason or excuse to make flame posts. My post offers a solution which will offer relative peace(how they would behave would be horrific for westerners, but in accordance with their religious book). 

 The standard "might is right" response to foreign nations is normally disastrous. Just look at Libya, Iraq and others. Time to start understanding the root cause of trouble. I identified that root in my post. Thank you.

No, you didn't. You made the following statement:

"Because no understanding was made of the root problem. Trump, of course, knows the problem, and it is possible he will publicly deal with it."

Care to elaborate?

 

You also said this:

" The most effective solution that would please both Afghans and the rest of the civilized world would be a Sentinelese style solution. Afghanistan would be 100% cut off from the rest of the world. Nobody coming in or out by any transport method. No electricity/fuel/water would pass the borders which would be fortified like Fort Knox."

Have you ever looked at a map of/seen a documentary from Afghanistan? If you had you would have known that cutting it off 100% is as achievable as the MAWA pipe dream.

But hey, we're all allowed to dream, right?

37 minutes ago, Srikcir said:

Do they have a North Korean advisor?

Negotiations sound very familiar.

Maybe Trump will offer a Taliban Summit Meeting?

Singapore is nice this time of the year.

54 minutes ago, TopDeadSenter said:

Well if anybody can solve the decades old Afghanistan problem I would put my money on Trump to come up with a workable solution. I just hope he has taken into account the main problem.

 

 The most effective solution that would please both Afghans and the rest of the civilized world would be a Sentinelese style solution. Afghanistan would be 100% cut off from the rest of the world. Nobody coming in or out by any transport method. No electricity/fuel/water would pass the borders which would be fortified like Fort Knox. Inside Afghanistan they can practice pure unadulterated islam and revel in it. From the outside we will know nothing, nor care nothing about how they implement their beloved Sharia. They can live in caves, like stone age neanderthals. They can pray - backsides to the sky - all day, all night. Whatever pleases them. Go for it guys.

 

 But in reality, there will be this block to recognize why Afghanistan is such a dump, and likely implement some policy that western liberal democracies will praise. And which will fail. Because no understanding was made of the root problem. Trump, of course, knows the problem, and it is possible he will publicly deal with it. There is some hope.

From the above one can only deduce you have zero knowledge of the current conflict and the huge sacrifices made by Afghan forces countering the Taliban and Khorasan ISIS.

 

Would be pleased to know trump's understanding on the current conflict and resolution. From the OP it appears he doesn't have any other than morale destroying vague wishful thinking.

@TopDeadSenter

 

Here ya go... let me help “flesh out” your plan a bit

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Alesia

I see two problems right off #1 trump#2 negotiate we have seen this man in action yeiks!!

• 5 hours ago, webfact said:

"We are talking about peace and we'll see if that happens ... We have negotiations going on. I don't know that they are going to be successful, probably they're not. Who knows? They might be, they might not be."

True Trump speak. Wishy washy, maybe yes, maybe no. We'll see.

Never got the Nobel prize for N K. Never will. Won't get one here either.

But the Taliban ....... "they are really good guys, really good".

If previous presidents, who listened to their generals, couldn't end the war, how can anybody expect this one to ?

2 hours ago, TopDeadSenter said:

Well if anybody can solve the decades old Afghanistan problem I would put my money on Trump to come up with a workable solution. I just hope he has taken into account the main problem.

 

 The most effective solution that would please both Afghans and the rest of the civilized world would be a Sentinelese style solution. Afghanistan would be 100% cut off from the rest of the world. Nobody coming in or out by any transport method. No electricity/fuel/water would pass the borders which would be fortified like Fort Knox. Inside Afghanistan they can practice pure unadulterated islam and revel in it. From the outside we will know nothing, nor care nothing about how they implement their beloved Sharia. They can live in caves, like stone age neanderthals. They can pray - backsides to the sky - all day, all night. Whatever pleases them. Go for it guys.

 

 But in reality, there will be this block to recognize why Afghanistan is such a dump, and likely implement some policy that western liberal democracies will praise. And which will fail. Because no understanding was made of the root problem. Trump, of course, knows the problem, and it is possible he will publicly deal with it. There is some hope.

You really need to look at the history of Afghanistan.

 

quote from your post.

 

"Well if anybody can solve the decades old Afghanistan problem".

 

The problem with Afghanistan is not just decades old but centuries old and not one country, president or prime minister has ever managed to fix the problem.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghanistan

 

Human habitation in Afghanistan dates back to the Middle Paleolithic Era, and the country's strategic location along the Silk Road connected it to the cultures of the Middle East and other parts of Asia. The land has historically been home to various peoples and has witnessed numerous military campaigns, including those by Alexander the Great, Mauryas, Muslim Arabs, Mongols, British, Soviet, and since 2001 by the United States with NATO-allied countries. It has been called "unconquerable"[12][13] and nicknamed the "graveyard of empires".

 

Now if those leaders and countries going back centuries have not been able to fix the problem how on earth do you thin Cadet Bonespurs will do the trick? He has NO military experience, does not want to listen to advice from anybody and yet YOU believe he can do it.

 

quote "And which will fail. Because no understanding was made of the root problem. Trump, of course, knows the problem." IMHO Trump has less idea and less chance of "fixing' the problem of Afghanistan than my cat does.

 

However if you truly believe what you have written then good luck to you.

 

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Trump says U.S. in 'very strong' negotiations in Afghanistan

They riding to the negotiating tables on Lavrov's coat-tails?

5 hours ago, simple1 said:

Try reading some content by US military who've served in Afghanistan, they usually consider the Taliban excellent fighters.

Years of live fire experience, a training that few soldiers ever get and no fear of death due to religious fervour. Who in their right minds want to fight people like this? If they are happy to stay in that harsh mountain environment and leave me alone I am only too willing to let them be.

Trump is lying once again. If there is one thing you can be absolutely sure about, it is that when he opens his mouth, a lie is going to come pouring out. The man has no relationship with truth. The Taliban has been gaining ground steadily in Afghanistan for years now. We are at the lowest point we have been, since we started this sad war, over 15 years ago. Everything the government and Trump tells us about this war is a lie. Everything.

 

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/09/08/world/asia/us-misleads-on-afghanistan.html

 

What US government says:   The Taliban controls 44% of nationwide districts.                                                               What military analysts say: The Taliban controls 61% of nationwide districts. 

 

The yellow areas indicate Taliban controlled areas. And that number is going up each month. It is a failed operation.                                                                                     

 

 

 

 

Edited November 23, 20187 yr by spidermike007

12 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Trump is lying once again. If there is one thing you can be absolutely sure about, it is that when he opens his mouth, a lie is going to come pouring out. The man has no relationship with truth. The Taliban has been gaining ground steadily in Afghanistan for years now. We are at the lowest point we have been, since we started this sad war, over 15 years ago. Everything the government and Trump tells us about this war is a lie. Everything.

 

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/09/08/world/asia/us-misleads-on-afghanistan.html

 

What US government says:   The Taliban controls 44% of nationwide districts.                                                               What military analysts say: The Taliban controls 61% of nationwide districts. 

 

The yellow areas indicate Taliban controlled areas. And that number is going up each month. It is a failed operation.                                                                                     

 

 

 

 

What "lie" did Trump tell ?

Just quote the "lie"

"I made a tremendous difference in this country,” Trump said. “Nobody’s done more for the military than me.” Fake news. Military support for Trump has dropped to 43%. Among women 27%. You are not a patriot. You are the deferment king, the bankruptcy king & a Coward.

8 hours ago, Lungstib said:

Years of live fire experience, a training that few soldiers ever get and no fear of death due to religious fervour. Who in their right minds want to fight people like this? If they are happy to stay in that harsh mountain environment and leave me alone I am only too willing to let them be.

An honest question: Why ARE we still there, exactly? What is the goal of the mission? Is there any reason we can't just leave them to it?

OK, that was three questions. But I would be interested in your answers...

1 hour ago, baboon said:

An honest question: Why ARE we still there, exactly? What is the goal of the mission? Is there any reason we can't just leave them to it?

OK, that was three questions. But I would be interested in your answers...

Originally went there to clear out Al Qaida. A recent report suggested that there are 4 times as many Jihadist terrorists in Afghanistan now as there were when they arrived.

 

Must do better. Pretty embarrassing for the US.