US envoy hails 'significant progress' in Taliban talks

The US envoy negotiating with the Taliban hailed "significant progress" Saturday in finding a solution to end Afghanistan's long-running war. Khalilzad met for an unexpectedly long six days with the Taliban in Qatar. While he did not give further details, floated proposals include a withdrawal by the United States of its troops in return for Taliban guarantees not to shelter foreign extremists -- the initial reason for the US intervention.