The ongoing power struggle between the Kandahari and Kabuli factions of the Taliban has garnered significant attention in post-Soviet media spaces. This internal conflict, which could potentially lead to a shift in Afghanistan’s leadership, reveals the complex dynamics at play within the organization. Central to this struggle are the disagreementsContinue Reading
Most current Taliban officials aren’t subject to U.S. or U.N. sanctions and those that are routinely are granted waivers to travel – with foreign partners often covering the costs. As part of their Captured State project, the George W. Bush Institute recently launched a new report, Taliban Travel Tracker whichContinue Reading
The ongoing freeze on U.S. foreign aid is impacting the globe, but its ramifications are different in each specific location. In Afghanistan, the United States is not merely withholding assistance; it is deepening a humanitarian catastrophe and punishing civilians for political decisions beyond their control. If history has taught usContinue Reading
Iran is currently undergoing a period of strategic reorientation. It faces energy and economic crises and its regional ascent has been reversed by events in Syria and Israel’s weakening of Hezbollah. Tensions with the United States could also soon intensify, with the Trump administration signaling a return to the “maximumContinue Reading
The decision by the Trump administration to cut billions of dollars in aid to the world’s poorest regions will have far-reaching consequences. In Afghanistan, it may lead to increased Taliban repression of the population, while China stands poised to increase its influence in the country. President Donald Trump justified hisContinue Reading
The safety of Afghan allies who stood by U.S. military and diplomatic efforts in Afghanistan is in immediate jeopardy. These individuals risked their lives to support American forces under dangerous and life-threatening conditions. Yet, despite their bravery, they are now facing immense obstacles in securing their safety through the SpecialContinue Reading
Tooba Khan Sarwari had two key dreams in life: working in law, and pursuing professional cricket. The Taliban stole both of them from her upon their return to power in 2021. But the talented athlete and her teammates on the Afghan National Women’s Cricket Team have reclaimed their shared sportingContinue Reading
Since the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988, the global incidence of poliomyelitis (polio) fell by more than 99 percent, and two of the three wild poliovirus (WPV) serotypes (types 2 and 3) were eradicated. After being endemic in over 125 countries at the time ofContinue Reading
International organizations, humanitarian advocates, and policymakers have raised concerns about the misuse of foreign aid in Afghanistan. These concerns have intensified since the takeover of Kabul by the Taliban in August 2021. The financial assistance that was provided by foreign agencies and groups under the U.N. is being redirected towardContinue Reading
With the unprecedented wave of executive orders signed in the first week of his second administration, U.S. President Donald Trump dealt a devastating blow to an already embattled group of American allies: Afghans. Among the executive orders signed on the day of Trump’s inauguration was an immediate and total freezeContinue Reading
