Envoy to Afghanistan says US not 'cutting and running'
US envoy talking to the Taliban says America is not "cutting and running" from its longest war
WASHINGTON — The U.S. envoy talking to the Taliban says America is not "cutting and running" from its longest war and that women will continue to have seats at peace negotiations to end the fighting.
Zalmay Khalilzad (Kah-LEEL-zahd) addressed an audience in Washington via video from Qatar following a two-day all-Afghan peace conference. The meeting ended with a statement saying a post-war Afghanistan would have an Islamic legal system, protect women's rights and ensure equality for all ethnic groups.
Women still fear that a peace accord with the militant group will return them to the repression they experienced under Taliban rule.
Assistant Secretary of State Alice Wells said during Thursday's event at Georgetown University that no future Afghan government should count on international support if it relegates Afghan women to second-class status.
