U.S., Taliban get closer to peace talks, but truce's success will be difficult to determine

The United States and the Taliban are inching closer to a peace settlement, but it won't be easy, The Associated Press reports. A reduction in violence agreement between the two sides went into effect early Saturday in Afghanistan, and the U.S. has halted offensive operations. If it's successful, the week-long truce will be followed by a peace accord, scheduled to be signed Feb. 29, wrapping up the 18-year conflict and paving the way for American troops to gradually head home. If that deal is si...