Thread by @JJSchroden

"The current Afghan system is totally corrupt and incapable," began one of the senior members of the #Taliban's negotiating team, suggesting that forming a coalition with the "sinking ship" of President @ashrafghani’s government would "drown the Taliban as well." 3/n

"The int’l community shouldn't be nervous," the deputy leader of the #Taliban's negotiating team insisted. Stanikzai said that, in return for being treated as a legitimate political entity in #Afghanistan, "we will be nice this time, more responsible in respect to int’l law." 4/n

“The senior #Taliban negotiator, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the previous TB regime—forced from power by the 2001 US-led invasion of #Afghanistan—was "inexperienced" and dismissed by the rest of the world, leaving it to "slide away from the int’l community." 5/n

“Now, he said, the group has accepted that women and members of other religions have a role in government: "We won't mind having even a few women [government] ministers, and we will accommodate all minorities with justice in our system."” 6/n

“Another member of the #Taliban's negotiation team [said] the group, "should be given a handy share in the system," suggesting leadership of "at least 5 key govt ministries" & integ of the TB into the #ANDSF, all under "an Islamic regime acceptable to all Afghans."” 7/n

“The #Taliban are a reality on the ground in #Afghanistan," the first negotiating team member told Yousafzai. "Only the Taliban can end this war and bring stability into Afghanistan." 8/n

“At the moment the U.S. and Afghan governments have no plan B," the official said. "Only the #Taliban have a plan A and B. Our plan A is a peaceful political solution, and Plan B, definitely a military takeover." 9/n

“The #Taliban, he said, "has upper hand in the situation, and we know how to mobilize this situation in the Taliban's favor."” 10/10