The article discusses the impact of imperialism on Afghanistan, drawing parallels between British colonialism and the US intervention. It criticizes the US for its lack of cultural sensitivity and the creation of an elite disconnected from Afghan society. The author argues that the current Afghan government, influenced by the US, is corrupt and incompetent, and suggests that a political order without these elites might better serve Afghanistan's needs.

The increase in Taliban violence in Afghanistan is affecting the legitimacy of their negotiating team in Qatar and complicating US-Taliban talks. The delay allows the Afghan political elite to prepare for the next phase of negotiations, emphasizing the need for an inclusive approach and a unified mandate. The Afghan government's appointment of Abdul Salam Rahimi as Minister for Peace and the disputed presidential election results add to the complexity. The article suggests that learning from past experiences and including new political figures are crucial for a successful peace process.

A meeting hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Doha aims to address the formation of an inclusive Afghan government, a key precondition for the Taliban's recognition. The term 'inclusivity' evokes negative memories for Afghans due to past experiences with warlords, complicating efforts to build trust and cooperation. The Taliban resists international pressure to include other political forces, leveraging public sentiment against warlordism. The article highlights the challenges of finding qualified non-Taliban political figures and suggests that the Taliban should have the autonomy to choose who to include in the government to improve the current situation.

Pakistan's interim government has announced a 28-day deadline for 'illegal immigrants,' primarily targeting 1.73 million Afghan refugees, to leave the country or face deportation. This decision, lacking evidence for its security claims, has been condemned by international organizations. The article highlights Pakistan's historical support for Afghan refugees and criticizes the current government's short-sighted and reactionary measures. It underscores the complex relationship between Pakistan, the Afghan Taliban, and the Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan (TTP), urging Pakistan to reconsider its stance and uphold the dignity and safety of Afghan refugees.

Pakistan's interim government has announced the deportation of 1.73 million Afghan refugees, citing security concerns without providing evidence. This decision has been condemned by international organizations and is seen as a reactionary measure that undermines the long-standing friendship between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The article highlights the historical context of Pakistan's involvement with the Afghan Taliban and the Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan (TTP), emphasizing that ordinary Afghans should not be punished for the actions of their government. The author calls for Pakistan to respect the dignity and safety of Afghan refugees, warning that the deportation could harm bilateral relations for years to come.

Moderate candidate Pezeshkian is anticipated to win Iran's presidential race, according to an Iranian source. The article highlights the political landscape and the expectations surrounding the election.

The article discusses the complexities of engaging with the Taliban in Afghanistan, highlighting the moral and practical challenges. It explores different historical approaches to dealing with strict regimes, using Adam Michnik's categorization of revolutionary camps in Poland as a framework. The text categorizes most Afghans and international actors as revisionists, neo-positivists, or new-evolutionists, each with different strategies for engagement. The article emphasizes the need for the international community to support local projects and grassroots movements to create meaningful change, while criticizing current approaches like those of Geneva Calls for their lack of effectiveness.

Recent reports indicate deepening divides within Taliban leadership, with senior leaders like Sirajuddin Haqqani and Mullah Yaqoob publicly criticizing the group's leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, over issues such as the monopolization of power and bans on girls' education. These internal rifts highlight a growing impatience with ultra-conservative policies. While some argue that these criticisms reflect genuine ideological divides, others see them as strategic posturing. The article suggests that meaningful reform within the Taliban would require constitutional changes to limit the Emir's power and distribute authority among ministers, potentially leading to greater internal cohesion and international legitimacy.

The United States has adjusted its approach to engaging with the Taliban, moving past the precondition of addressing human rights issues to foster better relations. A meeting in Doha on July 31, the first official engagement since August 2021, showed signs of progress, with coherent statements from both parties and discussions on confidence-building measures. The presence of US Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls, and Human Rights Rina Amiri indicated a shift in strategy, aiming to incentivize the Taliban to form an inclusive government and address social policies internally. The UN Assistance Mission for Afghanistan plans to continue these dialogues, which could lead to international recognition for the Taliban and provide the US an opportunity to address past failures in Afghanistan.

The article criticizes the Taliban for failing to establish an inclusive government and for its socioeconomic and rights violations. It argues that the international community's efforts to impose certain individuals and groups on the Taliban for national dialogue have been counterproductive. The article suggests that the Taliban should be allowed to lead the national dialogue process, with loose conditions for ethnic and gender inclusion, to allow for the growth of a native, grassroots opposition. It highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting young people and civil society members who are working to make a difference in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan faces a growing threat from Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) amid the withdrawal of foreign forces and the Taliban's unwillingness to compromise. The Taliban's proposed political settlement includes a religious jurisprudence council, raising concerns about theocratic democracy. The U.S. State Department's human rights report criticizes Russia, Iran, and the Taliban for abuses. The Taliban's media crackdown and economic challenges are also highlighted. Afghan refugees in Iran express fears over a potential war with Israel. In India, the Citizenship Amendment Act excludes Muslims, affecting Afghan migrants' hopes for naturalization.

The article examines the Taliban's governance in Afghanistan one year after the U.S. withdrawal, highlighting their failures in human rights, particularly regarding women's rights and media freedom, and their problematic association with Al Qaeda. Despite these issues, the Taliban have managed to maintain nationwide security and have shown some willingness to engage with the international community. The author argues that the U.S. and other international actors should adopt a more nuanced approach to engagement with the Taliban to address security and humanitarian concerns effectively. The article underscores the importance of communication and trust-building to avoid repeating past mistakes and to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a failed state that could benefit extremist groups like ISIS-K.

A year after the Taliban assumed power in Afghanistan, their quest for international recognition remains unfulfilled. Despite controlling the country, the Taliban struggle to meet international standards for legitimacy. The US holds significant influence, particularly regarding Afghanistan's frozen assets, but has been a challenging partner. China and other regional players show interest, but legal and regulatory issues pose risks. Qatar and Türkiye offer diplomatic support, with Türkiye advocating for recognition. The Taliban must balance relations with Pakistan and India and address internal legitimacy to gain external recognition. The global political landscape, including the war in Ukraine, adds urgency to their efforts.

The UN Security Council imposed a travel ban on two junior Taliban members while extending a suspension of a broader ban to facilitate peace talks. The author argues that targeted sanctions could pressure the Taliban without harming Afghans and criticizes the UN for not taking a stronger stance. The article suggests that targeted bans could signal displeasure with the Taliban and break the current stalemate, potentially influencing US policy. It emphasizes the need for engagement to address national issues, international human rights, and moral policing by the Taliban, advocating for a balance between sanctions and dialogue.

The article discusses the challenges and dynamics of international diplomacy related to the war in Ukraine, highlighting the shifting military and political landscape. It covers the strained relations between Ukraine and Russia, the involvement of NATO, and the roles of various countries and organizations in mediating the conflict. The text also touches on the broader geopolitical implications, including the positions of China, Switzerland, and other potential mediators. Additionally, it explores the political landscape in Europe and India, noting the rise of right-wing populism and its impact on international relations.

The article discusses the end of the war in Afghanistan and the current challenges faced by the country under Taliban rule. It argues against armed resistance, highlighting the suffering already endured by Afghans and the failures of past violent movements. Instead, it advocates for non-violent political action, referencing Gene Sharp's work on nonviolent resistance and suggesting that such methods could lead to long-term change. The piece emphasizes the importance of internal efforts and warns against foreign-imposed solutions, while also cautioning against the polarization of political discourse in Afghanistan.

The article discusses the fall of the Afghan Republic and the subsequent rise of the Taliban, highlighting the need for a localized democratic system in Afghanistan. It emphasizes the importance of civil societies and civil rights movements in fostering public discourse and preventing democratic backsliding. The author argues for the international community to support Afghan-led efforts subtly, without imposing foreign solutions. The piece calls for the formation of formal dissident groups and social movements to negotiate with the Taliban and re-establish norms and laws within the country.

The article argues for the unfreezing of Afghanistan's assets, emphasizing the dire humanitarian crisis and the need for a functioning economy. It clarifies misconceptions about the nature of the funds and proposes a monitored, step-wise release to private banks and later, potentially, to the Taliban with strict conditions. The piece highlights the Taliban's internal social contract and the potential for ISIS-K to attract defectors. It criticizes sanctions as ineffective and harmful to the general population, and stresses the need for engagement with the Taliban to coordinate aid distribution and avoid a worsening humanitarian disaster. The author suggests that the US's peace deal with the Taliban has inadvertently granted them legitimacy and that sanctions may be perceived as punishing the Afghan population rather than the Taliban. The article concludes that engagement with the Taliban is essential to prevent Afghanistan from becoming 'hell on earth'.

The Taliban's use of scorched-earth tactics in Panjshir Valley and its heavy-handed approach to counterinsurgency, mirroring past US mistakes, is fostering a cycle of hatred and vengeance in Afghanistan. The group's strategy includes unlawful detentions, torture, and extrajudicial killings, such as the killing of Salafi scholar Obaidullah Mutawakil and the beheading of Mawlawi Izzatullah Mohbi. This approach is driving opponents, including ex-Afghan National Security Forces members, towards Daesh-K for survival, while Iran considers alternatives to the Taliban. The Taliban's failure to adapt its strategy and respect human rights may lead to an unwinnable war and push the population towards endorsing Daesh-K and other resistance movements.

Afghanistan is facing severe economic and humanitarian crises, with widespread food insecurity and poverty. The author argues that the U.S. must release nearly $10 billion in frozen Afghan assets to help revive the economy and alleviate suffering. Sanctions are criticized as ineffective and counterproductive, pushing the population towards the Taliban rather than encouraging democratic change. The international community is urged to work with local civil organizations for effective aid distribution and to avoid past mistakes. The piece emphasizes the urgent need for a new approach to foreign policy to prevent further deterioration of Afghanistan's situation.

The article discusses the challenges and necessities of negotiating with the Taliban after their takeover of Afghanistan. It criticizes former President Ashraf Ghani for fleeing the country without negotiating a transfer of power, which could have preserved some rights and institutions. The Taliban must recognize the importance of a cohesive society and reconcile their values to avoid failure. The international community should support Afghan civil society subtly to avoid alienating them from the Taliban. The Taliban's inconsistent behavior and the trust deficit with Afghan society are highlighted as obstacles to establishing a stable post-conflict society. The article suggests that a sustainable society requires the inclusion of all parties, including opponents, in the dialogue.

Afghan students face severe educational challenges due to economic limitations, brain drain, and the Taliban's focus on consolidating power. Universities are struggling with reduced staff and student attendance, while students lack access to their savings. The international community and Afghan academia must step up to provide financial aid, scholarships, and online teaching support. Unesco could lead international efforts to fund and plan for Afghanistan's higher education needs. Ensuring continued education is crucial for Afghanistan's future stability and development.

Afghans face a bleak future under Taliban rule, which is marked by a strict adherence to traditionalism and religious code, potentially limiting their ability to adapt and govern effectively. The Taliban's victory, while reducing bloodshed, resulted in the collapse of political institutions and an exodus of human capital. Despite the opportunity to build an inclusive government and gain the population's trust, the Taliban's dominance by the old guard and conservative vision may lead to heavy-handed governance and a lack of inclusivity, particularly for women.

The Taliban's rapid takeover of Afghanistan has led to significant societal changes, including restrictions on women's education and employment. The article criticizes former US President Donald Trump's peace deal with the Taliban and highlights the disparity between urban and rural Afghan populations. It advocates for political activism and civil society involvement to address grievances and prevent economic recession and famine. The author emphasizes the need for dialogue between the Taliban and urban populations to find a sustainable middle ground.

The Taliban announced a Taliban-exclusive caretaker government, excluding women and ethnic minorities, particularly the Hazara community. This move has sparked protests in Kabul and raised international skepticism about the Taliban's intentions. The article criticizes the Taliban's lack of inclusivity and warns of potential internal strife and international isolation. It suggests that the Taliban's approach to governance, based on military contributions rather than merit, is unsustainable. The only positive noted is the end of the political vacuum in Afghanistan, though the Taliban's heavy-handed security measures remain a concern.

Obaidullah Baheer discusses the delicate balance the international community must maintain with the Taliban to support Afghans who remain in the country post-U.S. withdrawal. He suggests that international legitimacy, sanctions, and foreign aid are levers that can be used to influence the Taliban's behavior. Baheer points to the importance of the United States and its allies in defending Afghan rights and maintaining relations with the Taliban, despite the group's total victory. He also compares the situation to incremental changes in autocratic states like Saudi Arabia and Iran, emphasizing the role of civil society and conditioned aid in fostering change. The article warns against too much compromise with the Taliban or overly idealistic expectations, which could lead to a failing and isolated Afghanistan.

The author, Obaidullah Baheer, shares a personal narrative about his family's historical ties with the Taliban and his current fears for his friends' safety following the Taliban's takeover of Kabul. Despite being raised to oppose Western values, Baheer now works as a lecturer in conflict resolution at the American University of Afghanistan. The article highlights the stark contrast between his family's past and his present concerns.

Obaidullah Baheer, a lecturer at the American University of Afghanistan and grandson of mujahideen leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, recounts his transformation from celebrating the 9/11 attacks to advocating for peace and understanding. Raised in a jihadist environment, Baheer's exposure to diverse perspectives through education and interaction with international activists led him to reject extremism. Despite his family's history, he fears for his friends' safety under Taliban rule and hopes to bridge the gap between Afghanistan's progressive and conservative factions.

The article explores the conditions under which the Taliban might gain international recognition, focusing on the need for an inclusive government, women's and minority rights, and preventing Afghanistan from being used against US interests. It discusses the Taliban's potential strategies for governance, including forming a Supreme State Council and maintaining some democratic institutions. The piece also highlights the challenges the Taliban faces in gaining trust and legitimacy, particularly regarding human rights and security concerns. The international community's role in ensuring Afghanistan does not become a failed state is emphasized, balancing the risks of isolation and cautious recognition.

The Taliban's rapid advance towards Kabul, having already taken control of Kandahar and Herat, has led to over 120,000 Afghans seeking refuge in the capital, with total internally displaced nearing 3.4 million. The Afghan government's strategy to consolidate forces in cities has backfired, losing 15 provinces to the Taliban. US intelligence predicts the Afghan regime could collapse within 90 days. President Ghani's mismanagement is highlighted, and the article suggests he consider resignation and a power-sharing agreement. The Taliban's recent actions, including the treatment of surrendered warlord Ismail Khan and promises of human rights compliance, indicate a desire for international legitimacy. The international community could leverage recognition and aid for a peaceful transition. Without a peaceful power transition, Kabul could face a devastating battle reminiscent of the 1990s civil war.

The security situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating, with the Taliban capturing territory and the Afghan government struggling to respond. President Ashraf Ghani has called for war, but the Taliban's gains suggest a lack of effective military strategy. The international community is warned to devise a clear policy towards the conflict, as the Taliban's actions, including war crimes, indicate either a lack of control or disregard for international norms. The article suggests that the international community should define a threshold for Taliban defiance and consider sanctions against their sponsors, revoke the US-Taliban deal, and close the Taliban's Doha office to pressure the group. It emphasizes the need for non-military intervention to give the Afghan government space to strategize and restore balance to the conflict.

The article discusses the narrative war in Afghanistan, highlighting the Taliban's effective communication strategies and the Afghan government's failure to counter them. It emphasizes the importance of narratives in motivating fighters and legitimizing ideologies, noting the Taliban's use of religious legitimacy, foreign agent, and impending victory narratives. The Afghan government's shortcomings in challenging these narratives and its strategic and political failures are critiqued. The article suggests that the government should improve its messaging and seek international support to manage the narrative contest and gain support in the face of a potential civil war.

The article critiques the recent US intelligence assessment predicting the collapse of the Afghan government within six months of troop withdrawal, arguing that such predictions could demoralize Afghan forces and embolden the Taliban. It questions the accuracy of the assessment due to the lack of concrete data and the unpredictable nature of the conflict. The piece highlights the strategic decisions of the Afghan defense forces and the potential long-term consequences of the US withdrawal, urging the Biden administration to act as a responsible partner rather than making rash assessments.

Following a significant military disengagement in February, the India-China border dispute in Ladakh has reached a stalemate, with both military and political tensions persisting. India views China's actions as unprovoked aggression, while China perceives a shift in India's policy under Prime Minister Modi. The article highlights the need for clarifying the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to prevent future conflicts, but China remains reluctant. The broader geopolitical implications, including India's strategic alignment with the United States and the Quad, are also discussed. Both nations' conflicting positions on the LAC and overall bilateral relations suggest a grim outlook for reconciliation.

The article discusses the potential consequences of the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, focusing on the Taliban's misperception of continued regional support and the likelihood of a future civil war. It examines the strategic interests of Pakistan, Iran, and Qatar in supporting the Taliban and how these interests may change post-withdrawal. The piece highlights the potential for increased regional instability, economic disparity, and refugee crises, urging the Taliban to reconsider their approach. It also touches on the shifting international context and the reduced likelihood of Taliban success without political settlement.

Turkey's delay of the Istanbul summit has left Afghans anxious about their future. The US and its partners' failure to negotiate a Taliban acceptance of the new troop withdrawal timeline is partly to blame, but the Afghan republic side was also unprepared. The High Council for Peace and Reconciliation failed to produce a unified peace proposal, and President Ghani's own proposal complicates matters. The Taliban, despite being portrayed as fragmented, have shown cohesion, while Afghan elites remain divided. The US may withdraw regardless of a political settlement, potentially leading to another civil war in Afghanistan.

The United States claims to want to preserve the progress made in Afghanistan over the past twenty years but also seeks to evade responsibility, as evidenced by President Joe Biden's remarks and decision to withdraw troops. The US has kept the Afghan government on the brink of collapse and in a state of dependency, undermining the legitimacy of the government, especially in rural areas. The article questions the true progress made and the ability of Afghanistan to sustain it post-withdrawal. It highlights the corruption and power accumulation by elites, the Taliban's strategy of sabotaging any semblance of state, and the failure to change the mindset that welcomed the Taliban initially. The progress touted is limited to urban pockets, with rural Afghans unable to see the promised new Afghanistan, leading to disillusionment with the imposed democracy and susceptibility to anti-change propaganda.

The United States, despite claiming to protect progress made in Afghanistan over two decades, is evading responsibility as it withdraws troops, according to President Joe Biden. The US's portrayal of its intervention as a liberating mission is questioned, and the article argues that democracy has not been effectively demonstrated to the Afghan people, with elites continuing to amass wealth and power. The US's strategy of financial aid without addressing fundamental issues has polarized rural populations against the republic. The Taliban's strategy has been to disrupt governance rather than out-govern, capitalizing on the government's corruption. The article suggests that the structural ideology supporting the Taliban persists, and the progress claimed is limited to major cities, leaving rural Afghans disillusioned with the foreign-imposed democracy. The piece concludes that the moderate voice in Afghanistan is likely to be lost, with the Taliban potentially integrating into a social order that still harbors pre-2001 beliefs or even more radicalized views.

The article examines the potential war scenario in Afghanistan if peace talks fail and foreign troops withdraw. It compares the current situation to the past conflict involving President Najib's regime and the Mujahideen, highlighting differences in military capacity and funding. The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) are seen as having tactical superiority and foreign support, while the Taliban are underfunded and rely on guerrilla tactics. The article also discusses the ideological motivations of both sides and the potential impact of foreign actors like Pakistan, Iran, and Russia. Despite the Taliban's momentum, an all-out overrun of the Afghan government is deemed improbable, with a likely outcome being an escalated stalemate.

The article discusses the challenges faced by the Taliban in adhering to their pledge to cut ties with al-Qaida amidst the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. It highlights the improbability of the Taliban's capacity to govern effectively and control al-Qaida, given their historical incompetence and reliance on the group. The analysis also touches on the broader implications of state fragility in Afghanistan and the potential for jihadi groups to thrive under such conditions. The evolving political landscape and the reduced power asymmetry between the Taliban and other political parties are also examined, raising concerns about the future stability of Afghanistan.