Britain's Special Envoy to Afghanistan Resigns

Cowper Cowles, Britain's special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan has stepped down amid controversy over military strategy in Afghanistan

Mr Cowles, a leading defender of peace negotiations with the Taliban has stepped down from his role after a period of extended leave.

He had previously served as Britain's Ambassador to Afghanistan.

The British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, praised Mr Cowles's contribution to the UK policy towards Afghanistan.

Karen Pierce, UK's Foreign Office Director for South Asia and Afghanistan will replace Mr Cowles in his position.

Much of his time was spent persuading the Americans to pursue the strategy of negotiations with the Taliban in the face of hostile feelings towards the Taliban leadership and Mullah Omar in particular.

He is thought to have been unhappy with the UK's approach to Afghanistan, but is satisfied with the British government's recent pledge that UK's troops will be withdrawn from Afghanistan within five years.

Mr Cowles is expected to be appointed to another senior role in the British Foreign Office.