US Speeds Up Direct Talks With Taliban.
Hmmm. The tone of the article implies that these sped up talks are being driven by political considerations for Obama's planned July announcement of troop withdrawals rather than actual battlefield accomplishments. Sounds like Obama wants a deal with the Taliban to justify a reduction in troop strength and show progress for political gain. How does making this obvious to all help Obama with negotiations when the Taliban can just sit back and wait it out? [CDR M]