U.S. Could Sign Peace Deal With The Taliban This Week

The transcript discusses US-Taliban peace negotiations in Qatar, endorsed by President Trump, which hinge on the Taliban reducing violence for a short period. If successful, US troop numbers in Afghanistan could decrease. Defense Secretary Mark Esper suggests that fewer troops are needed. Previous peace talks were halted after a Taliban attack killed a US service member and Afghan civilians.

What condition did President Trump set for endorsing a peace deal with the Taliban?

• Taliban agreeing to a ceasefire for a month

• Immediate withdrawal of all US troops

• Taliban releasing all prisoners

• Taliban reducing violence for seven to ten days

What is the potential change in the number of US troops in Afghanistan if an agreement is reached?

• Increase to 15,000

• Decrease to 5,000

• Decrease to less than 9,000

• Remain the same

According to Defense Secretary Mark Esper, how many US troops are needed in Afghanistan?

• Less than 9,000

• More than 12,000

• Exactly 10,000

• Around 15,000

Why did President Trump previously halt peace talks with the Taliban?

• The US wanted to increase troop numbers

• The Taliban demanded more troops

• A US service member and Afghan civilians were killed

• The Taliban refused to negotiate

What troop number does the US feel confident in maintaining to accomplish their tasks in Afghanistan?

• 12,000

• 10,000

• 7,500

• 8,600