U.S. forces in Afghanistan now stand at about 66,000 but are expected to fall to 32,000 by the end of the year , and there will be even fewer in 2014 . Peace talks between U.S. and Taliban are `` a first step in the process '' of reconciliation . But details remain to be worked out about the Taliban disavowing al Qaeda . State Department spokeswoman is asked : `` Is Taliban a terrorist group ? '' Yes, they have been designated as such by the United States government.
Peace talks between U.S. and Taliban are `` a first step in the process '' of reconciliation . But details remain to be worked out about the Taliban disavowing al Qaeda . State Department spokeswoman is asked : `` Is Taliban a terrorist group ? '' Yes, they have been designated as such by the United States government.