NPR

Afghan President Declares Cease-Fire With Taliban — But How Will Taliban Respond?

The unilateral, temporary cease-fire set to begin next week marks one of Ashraf Ghani's biggest peace overtures yet. But after years of bloodshed, it's unclear if the militant group will reciprocate.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has extended a significant peace overture to the Taliban, unilaterally declaring an unconditional cease-fire with the militant Islamist group on Thursday. Ghani said the peace in Afghanistan will begin June 12 and will last for roughly a week as Muslims mark the end of Ramadan.

The cease-fire does not include al-Qaida or the Islamic State.

"This ceasefire is an opportunity for Taliban to reflect on the fact that their violent campaign is not winning them hearts and.

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