US delegation holds talks with Taliban for first time since Aug withdrawal

The U.S. called the Taliban “candid and professional” in their first official meeting since the chaotic American withdrawal from Afghanistan in August, with weekend talks focusing on wide-ranging issues including security, terrorism and human rights. 
 

The discussions in Doha, Qatar, covered the need for safe passage of U.S. citizens, other foreign nationals and Afghan partners, State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement Sunday. The U.S. also called for “the meaningful participation of women and girls in all aspects of Afghan society.”  

“The two sides also discussed the United States’ provision of robust humanitarian assistance, directly to the Afghan