afghanistan peace negotiations

The selection of such an inexperienced commander has also hinted at possible divisions within the Taliban, which has undergone bitter leadership transitions and growing internal dissent in recent years.

"Except at the beginning, we never really fought to win."

Trump did not say when he would meet with Taliban leaders.

Defense Secretary Mark Esper called the 14-month timeline in the agreement “aspirational.”

“I know there’s the base agreement and some annexes," said Defense Secretary Mark Esper. "I don’t know if those have been agreed upon as secret or something."

'I think peace deserves a chance -- but it will demand that all parties comply with their obligations if we move forward.'