A former Afghan Taliban official is reporting little progress in negotiations between the Taliban and the United States. The two sides are attempting to reach a political settlement to end the war in Afghanistan. Hopes for peace talks increased in June. That was when the militant group agreed to a ceasefire at the end of Ramadan, Islam’s holy month. But recently, Taliban forces launched offensives and put Afghan security forces under severe pressure. The former Taliban official, Waheed Muzhda, is in Kabul, but has been in contact with Taliban leaders. He said the negotiations are stuck over the issue of U.S. military bases in the country. The “…U.S. wants the Taliban to accept at least two military bases: Bagram and Shorabak. The Taliban are not willing to accept it,” the former official said.
