U.S. To Keep Presence In Afghanistan Whether Or Not Deal Is Reached

President Trump announced a reduction of US troops in Afghanistan from 14,000 to 8,600, with the possibility of further reductions if a peace deal with the Taliban is reached. Negotiations have been ongoing in Qatar since 2018, aiming to end the 18-year Afghan war. The deal requires the Taliban to agree to a ceasefire and direct talks with Kabul, which they view as a Western puppet. The US may refer to the Taliban by its former regime name, Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, as part of the concessions. The withdrawal of troops will be gradual, and the US plans to scale back its embassy in Afghanistan.

What concessions might the U.S. have to make in the negotiations with the Taliban?

How is the withdrawal of U.S. troops expected to be conducted?