Tribal elders in eastern Afghanistan have achieved a month-long ceasefire between the Taliban and the Afghan government that will let local farmers harvest this year's wheat crop and allow thousands of students to sit annual examinations. Elders in Alinger district drafted a demand letter -- known locally as an "ariza" -- which was then signed by two local officials each of the Taliban and the government. Farmers had planned to start their harvest on the traditional start date of May 22, but Taliban and Afghan forces were "fingers-on-triggers, looking for a small excuse to fire at each other,” said one elder.

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