Context
Washington has backed plans for Taliban to open headquarters in Qatar by the end of the year. According to media reports, this would be the first internationally recognized representation of the Taliban since their ouster from power in 2001. The office would serve as diplomatic and political headquarters for the group to negotiate peace. Western diplomats hope the prospect of talks will help bring an end to the war in Afghanistan. The office will however not be allowed to raise funds for the group.
The office is deliberately proposed to be set up in Doha, Qatar out of Pakistan’s sphere of influence.
