- U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has arrived in Kabul to discuss reconciliation with the Taliban government
- He arrived Tuesday and unannounced due to security concerns
U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has arrived in the Afghan capital to facilitate a reconciliation with the Taliban government.
His visit will take stock of the war, with emphasis on prospects for drawing at least some Taliban fighters towards reconciling with the Afghan government.
His visit Tuesday was unannounced due to security concerns.
Sultan Qaboos of Oman, right, means US Secretary of Defense James Mattis, center in Muscat from earlier this month at the Omani Royal Palace
The visit comes as the US injects new resources into the stalemated war.
Speaking to reporters, Mattis says that victory is still possible, meaning a political settlement with the Taliban could be in the cards.
Mattis said he would be meeting with President Ashraf Ghani and top U.S. commanders.
Mattis, said he would be meeting with President Ashraf Ghani and top U.S. commanders
Mattis planned to meet with Gen. John Nicholson, the top American commander in Afghanistan, as well as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.
Last week, senior U.S. intelligence officials gave Congress a decidedly mix forecast for Afghanistan.
They said that while Afghan forces are getting better, the Taliban is likely to threaten Afghan stability in 2018.