The Taliban is showing signs of splitting, with thousands of fighters ready to defect to a resurgent Islamic State over peace talks that are being held with the United States.American officials and the Taliban have resumed talks in Qatar to try to end the almost 18-year war, the longest in American history. Key details of a deal are still to be resolved, including the timing of a US withdrawal and a Taliban ceasefire.
While the insurgents appear confident — suggesting that President Trump’s eagerness to be rid of having to deal with Afghanistan means that an end to the foreign “occupation” is in sight — away from the talks the Taliban are in danger of splintering. Rifts have opened between the leadership and hardline military commanders…