DOHA, Qatar — U.S. representatives in continuing talks with the Taliban are confident of finally achieving the illusion of victory in Afghanistan, sources say.

Top American negotiator Charles “Charlie” Brown has told the State Department that the US is offering significant troop withdrawals in exchange for a Taliban agreement to cease supporting transnational terrorism. Although experts note that the Taliban has a perfect record of tanking previous such accords, "We’re not about to let facts and history influence these negotiations” Brown is reported to have said.

According to attendees at the talks, Taliban lead negotiator Lucy al-Vanpelt gave Brown a seemingly heartfelt promise to honor the agreement, the latest in a series of commitments.