More signs of openings in the Afghan war
By Brian M Downing

This week brought news that the United States was releasing a number of Taliban figures of mid-to-high standing in the insurgent group's political and military apparatus.

This is a good sign of efforts to bring about meaningful peace talks, which were thought to have been on hold following the recent Koran burnings and atrocity incidents. The US has made a quid and is awaiting a quo from the Taliban, if it has not already been arranged. This is how negotiations begin and wars end.

The prisoner release comes on the heels of reports of war weariness in the Taliban

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/NE09Df01.html

you cant negotiate with pashtuns. Ive tried it and it cant be done, it lasts forever.