Trump Vows to Resolve Afghanistan-Pakistan Crisis ‘Very Quickly’

UPDATE: U.S. President Donald Trump has pledged to resolve the escalating Afghanistan-Pakistan crisis “very quickly,” as peace talks between the two nations enter their second day. This urgent development comes amid the deadliest clashes in years, severely straining relations between the two neighbors.

The peace negotiations, which began on September 23, 2023, in Istanbul, focus on solidifying a fragile ceasefire established earlier this month in Doha. The conflict has escalated tensions, with each side accusing the other of aggression, raising alarms in a region where groups like al-Qaida are attempting to reassert their influence.

During a speech at the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, Trump stated, “I heard that Pakistan and Afghanistan have started up. But I’ll get that solved very quickly.” His remarks indicate a strong commitment to fostering closer ties with both countries, particularly as Pakistan’s leadership seeks to strengthen its relationship with the White House.

Recent fighting has resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries, primarily in Afghanistan. While Pakistan denies targeting civilians, it claims its military operations focus solely on militants and their hideouts. The Taliban has condemned these claims, asserting that the violence is unwarranted.

In a significant move, Afghan representatives submitted a draft agreement after 15 hours of talks, emphasizing the need for Pakistan to respect Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and not allow its territory to be used against Afghan interests. Reports from RTA, a Taliban-controlled media outlet, suggest a willingness to establish a “four-way channel” aimed at monitoring the ceasefire and addressing any violations collaboratively.

Pakistan has also submitted a draft proposal in response, although officials remain silent on the details. Trump’s intervention is expected to invigorate Pakistani political and military leadership, particularly following his earlier success in diffusing tensions with India.

As these critical discussions unfold, the impact on regional stability remains to be seen. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, recognizing the potential for further conflict if a lasting peace framework is not established.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and watch for the outcomes of these pivotal negotiations in the coming days.