Obama: Deal With Taliban Won’t Be Easy

It won't be quick, and it won't be easy.

That's President Barack Obama's assessment of the upcoming talks between the United States and the Taliban, aimed at finding a political solution after nearly 12 years of war in Afghanistan.

The Taliban met a key U.S. demand by pledging not to use Afghanistan as a base from which to threaten other countries. The Americans say the Taliban must also denounce al-Qaida.

Obama says the opening of a Taliban political office in Qatar is an important first step toward reconciliation between the Taliban and Afghanistan's government.

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