US appeals Taliban to join talks, cautions of increased violence

The United States on Monday renewed its appeal to the Taliban to join peace talks and said Afghan and US forces would have to prepare themselves for the prospect of increased violence in the spring and summer if the insurgent group did not agree to negotiations.
The Taliban said on Saturday it would not take part in peace talks brokered by representatives of Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the United States, casting doubt on efforts to revive negotiations.