Pakistani and Afghan leaders have announced plans to hold talks with resistance groups, including the Taliban. The decision came out of a two-day council known as a ‘jirga’ attended by tribal leaders. Former Afghan foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah announced the move.

Abdullah Abdullah: “We agreed that contacts should established with the opposition in both sides, joint contacts through Jirgagai. Apart from whatever else is happening in that regard, joint contacts will be established by the — through Jirgagai by using other influential figures to the opposition groups in both countries.”

The decision comes as US military commanders have reportedly asked for another 20,000 troops in Afghanistan. Some 4,000 troops are expected to arrive by January. But the Washington Post reports military commanders now want another 10,000 “support troops” on top of the additional 12,000 that has yet to be approved.