Reuters: Qatar's Prime Minister Held Secret Meeting with Taliban Leader

Reuters reported, citing a source familiar with the negotiations, that the Prime Minister of Qatar held a secret meeting with the Supreme Leader of the Taliban, describing it as a sign of the Taliban's willingness to discuss ending their isolation. This meeting took place in Kandahar, southern Afghanistan, between Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar, and Hibatullah Akhundzada, marking the first time the Taliban leader has met with a foreign leader. The informed source told Reuters that the Biden administration was also aware of the discussions and is 'coordinating on the topics discussed' by the two, including ongoing talks with the Taliban. U.S. officials did not respond to Reuters' request for comment. The source also mentioned that Sheikh Mohammed and Hibatullah discussed the need to end the ban on girls' education and women's employment by the Taliban. Hibatullah Akhundzada, a hardline Islamist, has shown little willingness to compromise on his edicts against women and human rights. This meeting between the Taliban leader and Sheikh Mohammed indicates that he is ready to find a solution to end Afghanistan's isolation and strengthen humanitarian programs. The source told Reuters that Sheikh Mohammed and Hibatullah also talked about efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. The United Nations states that about three-quarters of Afghanistan's 40 million population need assistance and has warned that funding is running out. Qatar has long pressured the international community to establish a 'roadmap' for recognizing the Taliban, arguing that Afghanistan's isolation could further jeopardize regional security.