September 12, according to Australian media, the Taliban have opened a diplomatic office in Qatar, and will soon be recognized by the United States as an legitimate political organization.

Qatar is also the biggest Arab supporter of the U.S., U.K. and French backed Libyan rebels.  Qatar is also being implicated, along with Saudi Arabia, of instigating armed uprisings in Syria.

Foreign media tried to get reaction from White House officials, but declined comment.  Reports say this is a step towards peace talks between the Taliban and the United States.  Such peace talks would recognize the Taliban as the de facto rulers of Afghanistan.

Earlier in the year there were reports that Turkey would allow a Taliban embassy, but now it looks like Qatar has become the location of choice by U.S. officials.

The Taliban are seeking assurances that its representatives in Doha, the Qatari capital, would be free from harassment or arrest.