KABUL A week-long, partial truce appeared to be largely holding across Afghanistan on Saturday, with jubilant civilians celebrating in the streets to mark a potentially historic turning point in the war, even as isolated attacks threatened to undermine the process. The Taliban, US and Afghan forces have all agreed to a “reduction in violence” which, if it holds, will be only the second lull in fighting since 2001. It is expected to set the conditions for Washington and the insurgents to sign a deal that could, ultimately, pull American troops out after more than 18 years and launch war-weary Afghanistan into an uncertain future. “It is the first morning that I go out without the fear of being killed by a bomb or suicide bomber. I hope it continues forever,” taxi driver Habib Ullah told AFP in Kabul early Saturday. A successful week would show the Taliban can control their forces and demonstrate good faith ahead of any signing, which both the US and the insurgents have said could be done on February 29 in Doha. It also give a muchneeded respite to civilians, who have long borne the brunt of the bloody war. The UN said last year that more than 100,000 people have been killed or wounded in Afghanistan in the last decade. In southern Kandahar, considered the Taliban heartland, and eastern Jalalabad, dozens of Afghans could be seen dancing the attan — a traditional Pashtun dance — in the streets in celebration overnight. In Kabul, which for years now has been one of the deadliest places in the country for civilians, those who spoke to AFP were slightly more wary. “A temporary break in war is good but we want a permanent ceasefire,” said government worker Fazul Rahman, adding he also wants peace talks between the Taliban and Kabul to begin “as soon as possible”. Shopkeeper Emamuddin, who like many Afghans goes by one name, said Afghan want peace “whatever it takes”. “A week of no violence will pass in a blink of the eye,” he said. “They should find a long-lasting solution for this country’s problem.” Details of how exactly the reduction in violence will work have remained scant. The US has said there is an “understanding” for a “significant and nationwide reduction in violence across Afghanistan”, while Afghan security forces will remain “on active defence status” during the week. “The Taliban must demonstrate their commitment to a meaningful reduction in violence,” US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said on Twitter. “Should the Taliban reject the path of peace, we remain prepared to defend ourselves and our Afghan partners,” he added.– Agencies
