Saudi Arabia mediates between Karzai Gov't, Taliban
Informed Comment — Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah recently hosted talks in Mecca, between Taliban and the Karzai government. And that's the good news!

Saudis Hosting Taliban- Afghan Confab
A Blog For All — There are multiple reports noting that the Saudis are busy trying to work out a deal between the Afghan government and Taliban forces. The Taliban would have to cease their war against the government and their terror ties in exchange for a peaceful arrangement. The current round of talks is anticipated to be a first step in a long process. According to the source close to the talks, it has taken two years of behind-the-scenes meetings to get to this point. The talks took place between September 24 and 27 and involved 11 Taliban delegates, two Afghan government officials, a ...

Robert Naiman: On Invasion Anniversary, British Govt Says: Talk to Taliban
Politics on HuffingtonPost.com — ... Indeed, talks between Taliban representatives and Afghan government officials took place recently in Saudi Arabia, CNN reports: ...

Robert Naiman: What the Debate Missed on Afghanistan: Brits Say Talk to Taliban
Politics on HuffingtonPost.com — ... table and talk about a political settlement, then that's precisely the sort of progress that concludes insurgencies like this." The British government supported the commander's statements: a spokesman said the UK's ministry of defense "did not have a problem" with warning the UK public not to expect a "decisive military victory" and to prepare instead for a possible deal with the Taliban. Meetings between Taliban representatives and Afghan government officials took place recently in Saudi Arabia. Defense Secretary Gates made partially ...