Afghan peace process: US peace plan in Afghanistan a ray of hope or a prelude to further destruction?
EPA A new plan and a letter from the new US administration for peace and a permanent ceasefire in Afghanistan have emerged, with new proposals for the peace process in Afghanistan. A letter from US Secretary of State Anthony John Blankenship to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and the head of the Peace Council, Abdullah (a copy of which has also been received) warns them that in case of withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan the security situation could worsen and more areas could fall to the Taliban. The Afghan presidential palace in Kabul has confirmed receipt of the letter, but has not yet formally responded. However, Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh has categorically rejected the new US plan, saying that the Afghan people's vote has not been given a place in the plan and he cannot allow anyone to take away this right of the Afghan people. He said he was ready to talk to the Tal...