The U.S. Special Envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan (and ASF 2012 speaker), Marc Grossman, is set to visit Kabul and meet with Afghan President Hamid Karzai later this week. The visit aims to improve relations between Kabul and Washington, and also serves as a stepping stone for future peace talks with the Taliban. Grossman’s meeting with the Afghan President should usher in the blessings needed to commence negotiations with the Taliban.

Marc Grossman has assured to the Afghan President, Hamid Karzai, that peace talks with Taliban representatives will not be held without the Afghan government's presence. Before any discourse is held, Grossman also urges the Taliban to "dissociate entirely from international terrorism." 

The Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Hina Rabbani, is expected to invite Mr. Grossman to Islamabad next month in order to  " 'revive' normal relations" with the United States. Mr. Grossman was denied a similar visit last week after discussing intentions to consult with Taliban representatives in Qatar.