U.S. discusses Afghan troop levels; Kabul holds talks with Taliban

U.S. President Barack Obama holds a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington January 14, 2014. Seated beside Obama is Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

WASHINGTON/KABUL (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama met his senior military commanders to discuss the American presence in Afghanistan as officials in Kabul confirmed President Hamid Karzai's government has been holding secret talks with Taliban insurgents.

The United States said it welcomed any talks that would bring peace to Afghanistan.