TALIBAN WRITES TO ‘AMERICAN PEOPLE’

KABUL

In a rambling nearly 3,000-word letter issued Wednesday, the Taliban urged the “American people” to press their government to withdraw from Afghanistan, reminding them that the Afghan war is the longest conflict in which they have been embroiled — and at a cost of “trillions of dollars.”

The letter was addressed to “the American people, officials of independent nongovernmental organizations and the peace loving Congressmen.”

It repeated the Taliban’s long-standing offer of direct talks with Washington, which the United States has repeatedly refused.

The letter promised a more inclusive regime, education and rights for all, including women. However, it seemed to rule out powersharing, saying they had the right to form a government.