Why in the news?

• The new Biden administration in America is thinking to review the US-Taliban deal signed in Feb 2020.

What is the US-Taliban peace deal?

• This pact was done in Feb, 2020 between the United States and Taliban in Doha.
• The pact said that there will be a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire between Taliban and Afghan Government which will be resolved with a round of talks and Afghan political map will be prepared.
• This peace deal is essential as withdrawal of US troops along with bringing down NATO or coalition troop numbers  from Afghanistan is taking place.
• The US and NATO forces withdrawal will be completed within 14 months after signing this agreement. 
• Taliban has also promised in this deal that it will not allow any of its members, other individuals or groups, including al-Qaeda, to use the soil of Afghanistan to threaten the security of the United States and its allies
• Taliban has asked for removal of sanctions and releasing prisoners held by both sides and ceasefire.
• Apart from this, a joint agreement between the US, Taliban and Afghanistan government has been signed as a symbolic commitment.

What is the significance of this deal?

• This gave the Taliban significant international identity.
• This has also strengthened Pakistan, the Taliban’s benefactor, and the Pakistan Army and the ISI’s influence appears to be on the rise.

Issues with the deal

• The Afghan government was completely sidelined during the talks between the US and the Taliban. Therefore, the future for the people of Afghanistan is uncertain and will depend on how the Taliban honours its commitments
• Taliban has been following anti-democratic views, people of afghanistan fear as what Taliban want out of a political settlement is unclear.

Reference:

1. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/us-taliban-deal-joe-biden-7158772/