Shamsia Alizada dropped out of the Madwdud Academy in Kabul after a suicide bomber killed more than 40 students. But she returned — and has scored top grades on the country's college entrance exams.
The historic negotiations represent the first direct talks between the long-warring sides. However, leaders warn that reaching a peace deal could take time.
Ali Al-Tamimi was sentenced to life in prison 15 years ago for encouraging several young men to join the Taliban and fight U.S. forces. He is being held in the federal Supermax prison in Colorado.
The Taliban and Afghan government agreed to halt fighting for three days during the upcoming Eid al-Adha, a move that could renew momentum toward negotiations.
A bounty program on U.S. soldiers would constitute a "massive escalation" in Moscow's testy relations with Washington, says one Russia expert. A Russian lawmaker asks: "What would we get out of this?"
