Negotiating With the Taliban

Negotiating with the Taliban to save lives in Afghanistan

When the U.S. pulled up stakes in Afghanistan this past August, the Biden administration didn't expect the Taliban to seize control of the country so quickly. Twenty years of nation-building and an Afghan military crumbled within days.

To contain the Taliban's power, the international community acted quickly – freezing Afghan assets, shutting down foreign aid, and extending sanctions. Now, the country is facing mass starvation and economic collapse.

We went to Afghanistan; reported from its provinces and capital and had a rare conversation with a Taliban minister. We also met with humanitarian groups who have been left to pick up the pieces while negotiating with the Taliban.