U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry Meets with Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai

Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry discussed prisoner transfers and conciliation talks with the Taliban during the latter’s unannounced trip to Afghanistan. Karzai was earlier reported to be going to Qatar to talk with Taliban representatives about peace in his country.

Bagram Prison

In the same vein, the United States had earlier transferred Bagram Prison, along with the last Afghan prisoners, to the Afghan government. The prison has been a sore point in the relations between the two countries. The U.S. kept Taliban prisoners in Bagram prison. The U.S. had agreed to the transfer two weeks earlier. Unfortunately, the U.S. fears that the Afghan government, might release prisoners who would be able to continue fighting the Americans and other allied forces. As part of the Bagram Prison agreement most of the prisoners will be transferred to Afghanistan. The United States will keep several prisoners who remain to be security risks.

Keeping the Peace

Kerry’s visit was meant to help the Afghan government with the peace process. There have been instances when Karzai had used rhetoric which appeared to show a lack of support for the U.S. and its allies. After the discussion, Kerry said that the two countries are “on the same page.” Ironing out the issues would pave the way for the total withdrawal of the United States armed forces from Afghanistan.

With the peace process expected to be a lengthy process, Karzai is going to Qatar this week to discuss with the Qatar government the opening of an office which would be used in talks between the Taliban and the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

April 2015 Presidential Elections

Another sensitive topic Kerry raised during his visit was Afghanistan’s commitment for a safe, secure and transparent presidential elections in April 2014.