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Two years after the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan, the debates around whether the group remains intact or has become divided have surfaced once again. In the immediate aftermath of the fall of Kabul in August 2021, there were speculations that the country could be going into a civil war or the Taliban would eventually come to a split. This brief analyses the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s resurgence in Kabul and weighs in o
This alliance is still capable of recruiting, training, and executing largescale, coordinated attacks. Hence, a need to see an end to this alliance is
Recent political developments suggest that the Taliban is taking measures to gain important political points while not committing to anything concrete. The US-Afghan rift has not only created confusion regarding the future of the country but also given the Taliban some breathing Space.
By all accounts, the new Taliban is more aggressive, well armed and trained, in collaboration with Al Qaeda and other terrorist elements, determined to take over, to begin with, southern Afghanistan, despite the presence of coalition forces.
The situation for most Afghans remains critical
Increased insurgent violence in Afghanistan since the start of the Taliban's 'spring offensive' in May has further deteriorated the country's state of security.
There are increasing signs of Talibanisation striking roots in some of the districts of Punjab, the political and military centre of Pakistan, said Prof. Kalim Bahadur, well-known expert on Pakistan, during a discussion organised at Observer Research Foundation on September 12 in New Delhi.
Relations between India and the Central Asia Republics (CARs) have matured over the past three decades, primarily in the areas of military technology, defence, counterterrorism, and economy, and culture. Following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan and the resultant security, geostrategic, and geoeconomic challenges, India and the CARs must aim to strengthen their ties. This brief assesses the evolving situation in Afghanistan
Afghanistan and India enjoyed a “romantic relationship,” with close cultural ties.
The Taliban walks a tightrope as it tries to balance India and Pakistan.
As Pakistan grapples with an existential polycrisis of the state, the response of the TTP and Afghan Taliban across the border raise additional concer
In the midst of the chaotic withdrawal of the US-led forces from Afghanistan, the Taliban swept back to power in Kabul on 15 August 2021. Since then, the Taliban have repeatedly attempted to project a more moderate brand of governance. However, the Taliban leaders have yet to enunciate clear policies on issues such as women’s and girls’ access to education, employment, and political participation. Early indications nonetheless suggest that th
With the Taliban grappling with both internal and external challenges, the need of the hour is to help it develop a joint security system.
Afghan female journalists have no choice but to give up their profession as the Taliban increases pressure.
With the common enemy gone, would the simmering tensions within the Taliban movement lead to a full-fledged split?
Despite glaring evidence of women's rights violations in Afghanistan, the international community remains silent.
More than six months into his tenure, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani is possibly as far from achieving a breakthrough with the Taliban. There is no unanimity in the Taliban for peace talks. And Pakistan's failure to bring the Taliban to the table could possibly be a reflection of its limited influence over the group and a bigger obstacle to the talks may be the Taliban itself.
Since the fall of Kabul, women and girls are increasingly living under deplorable conditions in Afghanistan
With the reinstallation of the Taliban’s power in 2021, a humanitarian nightmare still persists
The change in leadership in Kabul has provided a new opportunity for the US and Afghanistan to work together. Media reports suggesting a larger role for the United States post-2014 than originally envisaged have been doing the rounds for the better part of the past six months.
Though small at the moment, the ISKP has the potential to gain momentum from the rebuilding of Afghanistan post US withdrawal
The security situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating and there is an overall sense of anxiety about a possible economic collapse and a Taliban takeover. The role of Pakistan and China will add to India's challenging task to ensure stability in Afghanistan in the next few years.
Before engaging with the Taliban on counterterrorism, the global community needs to realise that this move will have both political limitations and re
Labelling the discrimination against women under the Taliban as “gender apartheid” could work as a catalyst for change in Afghanistan
Much has already been written about both the drawdown of US troops from the region, and the recent Iranian nuclear deal and the possible impact it could have on Iran-US relations.
A decade after the 'Twin Towers' came crashing down in New York, the US has given its blessings for the Taliban to open its political office in the distant West Asian State of Qatar.
For the first time, Taliban and Government representatives met publicly on June 27 in Japan, signalling another round of parleys between the belligerents to find a negotiated end to the insurgency.
This deal temporarily shields US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, but has directly harmed Afghan civilians, security forces and allies in the region.
The re-rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan is a stark reminder of how the more the world changes, the more it remains the same. In the end, America will move on and India will manage. But it is the ordinary Afghans who had placed their faith in the goodwill of these nations that are left to fend for themselves.
How will the takeover by the Taliban affect Bangladesh and will we see a strong resurgence of Taliban-inspired Islamist outfits?
Taliban's origins are very much in the Pakistan's State agencies and hence it cannot be called a non-State actor. It is too large and too fragmented to be taken up as one enemy. For PM Nawaz Sheriff to declare that there is 'no good or bad Taliban' is just an empty rhetoric and still part of the same old double-speak.
Over the past two years, the Taliban has faced internal power tussles and demolished key inherited institutions which has greatly impacted the Afghan
The rush towards demanding political inclusivity from the Taliban has been downgraded to a mere talking point while realpolitik takes charge
China has appointed a new ambassador to Afghanistan, signaling its growing support for the Taliban. While other countries have not formally recognized the emirate, China's decision to appoint a new ambassador demonstrates its willingness to make its support more explicit without de jure recognition. China has already signed oil and mining deals with the Taliban, and has shown interest in investing in Afghanistan's mineral deposits.
Both Beijing and the Taliban hope to secure their interests by engaging bilaterally, with both sides increasing repression in their respective countri
If New Delhi lets domestic political passions overwhelm the need for a carefully crafted strategy towards Pakistan, it will find the Afghan dynamic will soon make matters a lot more difficult for India.
The oil deal could be a fundamental test for the future of Afghanistan-China cooperation
International recognition of government has always been more based on realpolitik rather than agreed upon priniciples
Trump's move is likely to be temporary, as he is keen to show that he has upheld his election commitments.
