Afghan Peace Talks Cause Rift Between Karzai and U.S.

The maneuvering between the different parties (Taliban, Pakistan, Afghan government, and the U.S.) to future Afghan peace talks is providing cause for concern.  Afghan government and U.S. relations are somewhat strained since the U.S. and Taliban have started initial discussions about potential peace talks to be held in Qatar.  Karzai has responded by saying he will talk directly with the insurgents in either Saudi Arabia or Turkey. There are some folks that believe a political settlement is necessary with the Taliban if the Afghan government is to survive after 2014.  While the Taliban may be talking in private, publicly they are denying their readiness to sit at a peace table.  Read more in "Taliban deny they are ready for Afghan peace talks", USA Today, February 1, 2012.