Separately, Taliban has met with Afghan leaders since 2017, because Taliban views Afghan as puppet regime of West. ... U.S negotiators seek permanent cease-fire among U.S., Taliban, and Afghan government forces prior to peace deal, and Taliban insists on putting off..…

The silly argument by those in favor of increasing American troops in place amid the peace talks - is the same throughout the war, that Afghan government is not capable of beating Taliban on their own, and that US pullout would add pressure to that struggling military.  . ..…

For religious reasons the Taliban banned alcohol, banned smoking for public servants, and in 2000 banned opium production. ... The Afghan Taliban banned alcohol, banned smoking for public servants, and after 2000 banned opium production. ..…