Inside Story

Is there a chance for peace in Afghanistan?

A deal between Afghanistan’s government and the Taliban has been hailed as a breakthrough in peace negotiations.

After months of discussions, the Afghan government and the Taliban are finally taking up an opportunity for peace.

The two sides have agreed on a set of rules that would allow substantive negotiations to start.

The breakthrough was announced in Qatar’s capital Doha on Wednesday and aims to put an end to almost 20 years of conflict.

Not many details have been given on the political agenda or when the talks will begin.

The Afghan government has repeatedly demanded Taliban fighters stop their attacks.

But the group has refused to agree to a ceasefire until other issues have been resolved.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani reiterated his demand for a truce. But could any future peace deal hold?

Presenter:

Bernard Smith

Guests:

Omar Samad – non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and former adviser to Afghan chief executive

Abdullah Abdullah Mushtaq Rahim – founding member of Afghanistan Affairs Unit think-tank

Richard Ponzio – former US State Department adviser on Afghanistan