Image Source: TRIBUNE

American lawmakers have described the landmark US-Taliban peace deal as a step in the right direction to bring peace in war-torn Afghanistan, but expressed skepticism over the Afghan militant group adhering to its commitment.

The deal signed by Special US Representative Zalmay Khalilzad and Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Baradar in the presence of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Doha Saturday facilitates intra-Afghan dialogue in Oslo this month and the withdrawal of all US troops from Afghanistan in 14 months.

“I am very suspicious of the Taliban ever accepting the Afghan Constitution and honouring the rights of religious minorities and women. Time will tell if reconciliation in Afghanistan can be accomplished with honour and security, but after more than 18 years of war, it is time to try,” Senator Lindsey Graham said.

“I will support any reasonable effort to negotiate an end to the war in Afghanistan... However, any peace agreement must be sustainable, honourable and include protections for the American homeland against international terrorist organisations that are alive and well in Afghanistan,” Graham said.