The National Interest: The Kabul government seems headed toward an agreement with the militant wing of Hezb-i-Islami (HIG), a group that for the last fifteen years has been at war with the Afghan state. Returning fighters will receive amnesty and many may eventually be incorporated into the Afghan security forces. Key leaders are also being promised housing
Tolo News: The independent commission for overseeing the implementation of the constitution said they are concerned over the implementation of government’s agreement with Hizb-e-Islami as according to them parts of the deal are against the Afghan Constitution. It also criticized the first paragraph of the 11th article of the agreement which is about judicial immunity, arguing that
Tolo News: Junbesh-e-Adalat Khawhi Baray Qurbanian-e-Jang, or ‘The Movement Seeking Justice for War Victims’, has criticized the Afghan government for entering peace talks with Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, the leader of Hizb-e-Islami, a group which has been in opposition with the Afghan government for years. Click here to read more (external link).
Khaama Press: The Presidential Palace announced Tuesday that there is no specific time frame for the conclusion of peace deal with Hezb-e-Islami led by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. Deputy presidential spokesman Syed Zafar Hashemi told reporters that peace process is always complicated and it would be a mistake to confirm a time frame regarding the peace agreement. Click
Asia Times: Kabul hopes the possible peace deal with Hezb-i-Islami leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and his return could serve as a template for ending the 15-year war with the Taliban. While the deal with his inactive militant group may be more symbolic, it could help President Ashraf Ghani to win over the Taliban through talks. However, many
Khaama Press: The Afghan government has signed the draft peace agreement with Hezb-e-Islami group led by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, Deputy Chief Executive Mohammad Khan said. He told reporters that the draft agreement has been signed and will become enforceable once the Hezb-e-Islami party signs it. Click here to read more (external link). Related NUG Upbeat About Draft
VOA News Akmal Dawi, Noor Zahid May 16, 2016 The United States on Monday said it will not oppose the ongoing political talks aimed at resolving conflicts between the Afghan government and the insurgent group Hezb-i-Islami led by former prime minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. A Department of State official told VOA’s Afghan Service “the United States does
The Los Angeles Times: He was a CIA ally against the Soviet Union, a friend of Osama bin Laden and a ruthless insurgent leader whose forces killed thousands of civilians during the Afghan civil war. Now the inveterate militant Gulbuddin Hekmatyar is trying to open a new chapter by making peace with the Afghan government. Click here to
VOA News Ayaz Gul May 15, 2016 ISLAMABAD—Afghanistan security forces said Sunday they have halted advances overnight by the Taliban on a key northern city and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. The fighting on the outskirts of Pul-e-Khumri, capital of Baghlan province, erupted when the Taliban overran several villages and security outposts, residents and
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty May 14, 2016 The Afghan High Peace Council (AHPC) says it has agreed on the main points of a peace deal with the Hezb-e Islami militant group. A spokesman for the AHPC, the presidentially appointed body tasked with pursuing peace settlements with militant groups, told RFE/RL’s Radio Free Afghanistan that the