In a significant development signaling a new willingness by Afghanistan's rulers to engage with the international community, the Qatari Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, held secret talks with the supreme leader of the Taliban, Haibatullah Akhunzada.

The meeting, which took place on May 12 in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar, marked the first known encounter between the reclusive Taliban chief and a foreign leader.

According to a source familiar with the meeting, the United States President Joe Biden's administration was briefed on the discussions and is coordinating on the topics raised by both leaders. Among the issues discussed were further dialogue with the Taliban and addressing concerns related to the ban on girls' education and women's employment, which Sheikh Mohammed emphasized.

The meeting is seen as a diplomatic success for Qatar, which has been critical of the Taliban's restrictions on women's rights. Qatar has maintained longstanding ties with the Islamist movement and has used its influence to advocate for greater engagement between the international community and Kabul.

The United States has been at the forefront of efforts calling for the Taliban to lift the bans on girls' schooling and women working. This includes allowing the participation of UN agencies and humanitarian groups and restoring freedom of movement for women. The objective is to involve Afghans outside of the Taliban ranks in the government and address the dire humanitarian and financial crises that have left millions of Afghans unemployed and hungry.

While the White House declined to comment on the talks, the State Department and the Qatar embassy in Washington have not responded to requests for comment. The Taliban has also not provided an immediate response.

These discussions indicate a potential shift in the engagement between the Taliban and the international community, as efforts are made to find solutions to the ongoing challenges in Afghanistan and alleviate the suffering of its people.