Taliban amnesty

last updated 8 January 2015

Kabul

Afghanistan’s peace and reconciliation commission this week offered amnesty to all rebels fighting U.S. and Afghan forces—even to former Taliban leader Mullah Muhammad Omar. “This peace that we want is for all, there is no exception,” said the commission’s head, Sebaghatullah Mojadeddi. “Those who are armed, they should lay down their weapons when they come, accept the constitution, and obey the government.” Mojadeddi insisted he has complete authority to offer amnesty, though the Afghan government previously said it would exclude top Taliban officials. A U.S. military spokesman said this week that those guilty of terrorism would not be eligible for the reconciliation program. Insurgent attacks have increased in recent weeks.