Topic: Burhanuddin Rabbani

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What is a loya jirga? Afghanistan's most pivotal jirgas since 2002.

A loya jirga, or grand assembly, is really just a traditional meeting that serves to bring local leaders from all over the country together to discuss a critical issue during a time of instability. While the meetings are seen as a critical part of Afghan political life, they are a relatively rare occurrence. In the past 300 years, Afghanistan has had fewer than 20 loya jirgas, about a quarter of which have taken place in the past decade. But as the Afghan political system grows stronger and develops democratic institutions such as the parliament, many now question their value altogether. Here are the four most pivotal jirgas of the past decade and what came out of the meetings:
11/16/2011 12:37 pm

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Key actors in Afghan peace process say it's a no-go

While the US has pledged to work toward a negotiated settlement with insurgents, some insiders say the US is pulling back from that.
Suicide bombings in Afghanistan highlight difficult task ahead for US, NATO (+video)

The Taliban claimed responsibility for a twin suicide bombing today in Kandahar that killed at least 22 people. Officials say controlling suicide attacks in Afghanistan is near impossible.
Second Afghan peace broker assassinated

Gunmen killed a senior member of Afghanistan's High Peace Council Sunday morning, in yet another signal that some elements within the insurgency are against talks.
Assault on Kabul: Taliban claim attacks as show of strength

Teams of insurgents struck within Kabul and three other cities in coordinated attacks on Sunday. A Taliban spokesman called it the opening of their spring offensive.
Pakistan: It's 'preposterous' we could bring Taliban chief to talks

After a meeting of the presidents of Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, Pakistan's foreign minister said her country was unsure what help Afghanistan wants in its peace talks with the Taliban.
Global News Blog A cricket game to end all war? Afghanistan takes on Pakistan.

Maybe not, but as Afghanistan played its first major international cricket match today against rival Pakistan, some hoped the goodwill between the players on the field would translate into better relations off it.
Afghanistan women: 'Give us a seat at the peace table'

Given the Taliban's history, women say it's critical that they're at the table to make sure concessions aren't made at their expense.
Global News Blog Buckle up. Talking with the Taliban won't be easy.

The Taliban announcement that it would open an office in Qatar is a first step toward talks. But history shows that negotiated withdrawals are often designed to test the patience of the departing Army.
Secret US-Taliban talks reach turning point

Negotiations between the US and Taliban in Afghanistan have reached a critical juncture, with a potential breakthrough of future peace talks.
12/19/2011 11:38 am
With peace stalled, Afghanistan looks to extend foreign aid

With Taliban uninterested in peace talks, Afghan President Karzai seeks long-term pledges from donors at peace conference in Bonn, Germany.
12/05/2011 01:33 pm
West will continue to support to Afghanistan

The international community has 'much to lose if the country again becomes a source of terrorism and instability,' said Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
12/05/2011 11:25 am
What is a loya jirga? Afghanistan's most pivotal jirgas since 2002.

A loya jirga, or grand assembly, is really just a traditional meeting that serves to bring local leaders from all over the country together to discuss a critical issue during a time of instability. While the meetings are seen as a critical part of Afghan political life, they are a relatively rare occurrence. In the past 300 years, Afghanistan has had fewer than 20 loya jirgas, about a quarter of which have taken place in the past decade. But as the Afghan political system grows stronger and develops democratic institutions such as the parliament, many now question their value altogether. Here are the four most pivotal jirgas of the past decade and what came out of the meetings:
11/16/2011 12:37 pm
Reforming the Taliban: US aims to teach Afghan fighters new livelihoods

A US military-run reintegration effort in Afghanistan aims to teach captured Taliban fighters how to earn a legal living upon release. Critics say the US program is premature and undermines the Afghan government.
10/27/2011 11:09 am
US soldiers feel new sense of urgency in Afghanistan war

The prevailing attitude among US soldiers is that while their remaining time on the ground may be limited, they have plenty of time to prepare Afghan forces to adequately replace them.
10/05/2011 04:34 pm
Pressuring Pakistan, Afghanistan's Karzai signs deal with India

Afghanistan signed a strategic partnership with India today that allows arms transfers and military training in India. The move puts pressure on Pakistan to rein in militants.
10/04/2011 04:26 pm
Terrorism & Security Karzai visits rival India amid tensions with Pakistan

Afghan President Karzai arrives in India today to discuss economic and security partnerships amid a recent volley of Afghan accusations against Pakistan, India's longtime foe.
10/04/2011 09:45 am
Global News Blog Good Reads: Why the assassination of former Afghan president Rabbani matters

The assassination of former Afghan President Burhanuddin Rabbani scuppers any further chance of negotiation with the Taliban, which could mean a grinding war until the US withdrawal in 2014.
09/21/2011 09:39 am
How the Afghanistan war became tangled in India vs. Pakistan rivalry

India-Pakistan tensions muddy US efforts in Afghanistan, where Pakistan's cooperation is needed. One key issue: Islamabad is wary of India's broadening regional role.
01/20/2011 04:04 pm
Afghanistan looks to Pakistan for help with Taliban

As Pakistan deals with the fallout from Tuesday's assassination of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, former Afghan President Burhanuddin Rabbani met Wednesday with Pakistan's military chief to help nudge the Taliban to the negotiating table.
01/05/2011 04:21 pm
Are the Taliban really ready for peace talks in Afghanistan?

Despite the Afghan government’s declaration that the Taliban is ready for official peace talks, Taliban statements have indicated otherwise, underscoring the difficulty of dealing with a multifaceted insurgency.
10/14/2010 03:57 pm
Terrorism & Security Afghanistan's Hamid Karzai says he's talking to the Taliban

Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai confirmed that he's talking to the Taliban, seeking a political settlement with the group that harbored Al Qaeda prior to and just after 9/11.
10/11/2010 10:16 am
Afghanistan aid workers' deaths highlights delicate position of Christian-affiliated groups

The killing of 10 aid workers with the International Assistance Mission in Afghanistan underscores the suspicion Christian-affiliated groups can face from some Afghans and government opponents. Such groups point to codes of conduct they follow in the country.
08/09/2010 02:10 pm
Afghan peace conference urges government negotiations with insurgents

The Afghan peace conference wrapped up Friday by urging the government to take step towards negotiations with insurgents.
06/04/2010 12:37 pm
Afghan opposition courts Taliban

Talks began in 2007, a powerful coalition revealed last week. Experts say the move, an effort to undercut the government, could draw Taliban into the political process.
04/03/2008 01:00 am