In Afghanistan, hundreds of Afghan elders and notables are gathering in Kabul to discuss how to persuade Taliban fighters to lay down their arms. President Hamid Karzai is aiming to use the three-day Peace Jirga to enlist support for his plan to offer economic incentives to reformed militants. According to reports, about 1,600 delegates, including tribal elders, religious leaders and Members of Parliament from all over the country are expected to take part in the traditional meeting which is due to finish late on Friday. Taliban chiefs have dismissed the talks and threatened delegates with death. They are waging a nine-year battle to overthrow the US-backed government and expel the 130,000 foreign troops there.