Pompeo in Kabul amid Multiple Crises

By Staff, Agencies

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in the Afghan capital Monday amid an ongoing political crisis, a raging Taliban insurgency and rising coronavirus cases, all of which further threaten an already-floundering so-called peace process.

Pompeo was set to meet with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani along with his arch-rival Abdullah Abdullah, who also claims presidency, following a contested election last year.

Pompeo’s visit comes just a day after the Afghan government and the Taliban held their first discussion on arranging prisoner exchanges -- a key step in a broader push for peace following a withdrawal deal signed between Washington and the militants last month.

The agreement established a framework for bringing to an end America's longest war following the occupation of Afghanistan in 2001.