The Doha Withdrawal Agreement – What You Need to Know
The Doha Withdrawal Agreement, also known as the Qatar Withdrawal Agreement, is a diplomatic agreement signed between the United States and the Taliban on February 29, 2020. The agreement was signed in Doha, Qatar, after months of negotiations, with the aim of ending the nearly two-decade-long war in Afghanistan.
The agreement stipulates the conditions for the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan in exchange for commitments from the Taliban to prevent attacks on the U.S. and its allies. The agreement also includes a framework for intra-Afghan negotiations, which were meant to begin in March of 2020 but have been delayed several times due to disagreements over prisoner swaps and the release of Taliban prisoners.
The Withdrawal of U.S. Troops
The Doha Withdrawal Agreement states that the U.S. will withdraw all its troops from Afghanistan within 14 months of the agreement`s signing. The timeline for the withdrawal is contingent upon the Taliban`s commitment to preventing attacks on the U.S. and its allies.
Under the agreement, the U.S. agreed to reduce its military presence in Afghanistan from approximately 12,000 troops to 8,600 within 135 days of the agreement`s signing. The remaining troops would be withdrawn within 14 months, provided that the Taliban continues to adhere to its commitments.
Intra-Afghan Negotiations
One of the key components of the Doha Withdrawal Agreement is the commitment to intra-Afghan negotiations. This refers to talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government aimed at reaching a lasting peace agreement.
The agreement calls for the start of intra-Afghan negotiations by March 10, 2020. However, the negotiations were delayed by disagreements over the release of Taliban prisoners, and eventually began in September of 2020. The negotiations have been ongoing, but progress has been slow due to continued violence and disputes over the agenda.
Future Outlook
While the Doha Withdrawal Agreement was a crucial first step towards ending the war in Afghanistan, it faces several challenges that could impede its success. The agreement is contingent upon the Taliban`s commitment to preventing attacks on the U.S. and its allies, and there have been reports of continued violence in Afghanistan.
Additionally, the intra-Afghan negotiations are expected to be lengthy and complicated. They involve a wide range of issues, including the role of the Taliban in a future Afghan government, the rights of women and minorities, and the future of Afghanistan`s security forces.
Despite these challenges, the Doha Withdrawal Agreement remains a significant milestone in the efforts to bring peace to Afghanistan. Its success will depend on all parties involved fulfilling their commitments and working towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.