US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad, speaking at a virtual event hosted by the US Institute of Peace (USIP) on Thursday, spoke optimistically about the peace talks but acknowledged there were challenges ahead.

Asked about the current increase of violence in the country, he said: "We know that a reduction in violence is possible,” and he cited the two Eid ceasefires in the past year as evidence that a ceasefire can be implemented if decided. 

At the same time, he acknowledged that the Taliban see violence as a key leverage point in the negotiations and are therefore unlikely to agree to a comprehensive ceasefire early in the process. 

In this episode host Nemat Rawan discusses the topic with the following guests:

Azizullah Fazli, adviser to the Ministry of Peace in Government Affairs
Tahir Khan, reporter in Pakistan
Abdul Raouf Shpon, parliament member