Washington, May 17 : The Obama administration is reported to have decided to speed up direct talks with the Taliban to report progress toward a settlement of the Afghanistan war in the U. S. Congress.

According to the Washington Post, a U. S. representative attended at least three meetings in Qatar and Germany, one as recently as "eight or nine days ago," with a Taliban official considered close to leader Mohammad Omar.

State Department spokesman Michael A. Hammer said Monday that the United States has been having a "broad range of contacts across Afghanistan and the region, at many levels, but refused to divulge details about the administration was in touch with.

According to officials in Washington, the talks with the Taliban have proceeded on several tracks, including through non-governmental intermediaries and Arab and European governments.

The Taliban is insisting on direct negotiations with the Americans and has proposed establishing a formal political office, with Qatar under consideration as a venue, according to U. S. officials.

After years of trying and failing to establish contact with the Taliban, the Obama administration is "getting more sure" that the contacts currently underway are with those who have a direct line to Omar and influence in the Pakistan-based Quetta Shura, or ruling council, he heads. (ANI)