Analyzing Biden’s First Diplomatic Overtures
While the Trump administration adopted an indifferent and transactional approach to American foreign policy, Biden is more interested in resurrecting the internationalist approach to re-induct America in the world’s most important institutions and relationships and signal that America is ready to take the helm of world leadership.
Tehran-Taliban Alliance: Are Old Foes Becoming Friends?
A Taliban delegation headed by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Head of the Taliban Political Office, visited Tehran on 26
How Did the Taliban Gain Public Support?
Taliban revisited their own ideologies and adopted them in accordance with the changing times in matters of governance, technology, and most importantly, in the realm of public services. Their strategy was wide and clear to supersede the Government in Kabul, which became their underlying motto and can be seen as a winning stride in their evolution from 2010 onwards.
A Revival in Russia – Pakistan Relations
While Pakistan is improving its ties with Russia, India has come close to the US. India too would be well-advised to strengthen its bilateral relationship proactively to prevent any deterioration of links in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as to develop new partnerships. Economic integration measures and a successful global action plan will be a priority for Indian countries to mitigate Russia’s tendency towards Pakistan. Russia should also be able to take account of Indian concerns so that its long-term relationship with an emerging force is not damaged.
The Increasing Influence of Iran in Afghanistan
The turbulent emergence of Revolutionary Iran coincided with the conquest of Afghanistan by the Soviet Union some four decades ago. Iran is an ambitious regional player with a strong view of its complex world and a deliberate attempt to map a path through it. The rotten relationships of both countries are because of the fluctuating pattern of its interactions with the relevant stakeholders.
Russo-Taliban Rapprochement
United States secret service officials have said that Russia is providing the money and bounties to the Taliban for targeting the US-led forces, which is brokered by local Afghan businessmen who resides in Kunduz, the northern part of Afghanistan. The intelligence officials have reported several Taliban Commanders and local businessmen and politicians as well, travelling back and forth to Tajikistan, the Russian intelligence stronghold. Most of the Afghan politicians have their homes and contacts in Moscow. Furthermore, Russia has Soviet-trained military generals in Afghanistan who host their missions and provide accommodation and also provide intelligence services. Russia wants to see a friendly government in Afghanistan, which would help advance its interests in the region.
Indian Interests in Afghanistan
India has very limited options. With this peace deal, it has become clear that the Taliban are bound to come into power sooner or later. So, India needs to prepare accordingly. In a recent visit to New Delhi, US Chief Negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad urged New Delhi to start a political dialogue with the Taliban and directly discuss their terrorism-related concerns. He said, “India is an important force in Afghanistan, and it would be appropriate for that [India-Taliban] engagement to take place.”
Intra-Afghan Talks: Breakthroughs, Concerns & Questions
There is a shift in the Taliban’s old mindset; they are more advanced and going parallel to the world. The Afghan government must also realize to keep flexibilities in their stances to give an attractive political solution for the Afghan conflict and ensure peace a chance. In the meantime, Pakistan has played an important role in bringing both parties to Doha’s negotiating table. It’s a better time for Islamabad to get their positive influence over Kabul and strengthen their friendship.
Is Brereton Report a Cherry Picked Account of War Crimes in Afghanistan?
The atrocities committed in this report are not a rare occurrence or a cherry-picked event from the Afghan War, rather a normal for the forces there. These normalized acts of violence by the West enables rite of passages such as “blooding” and turns civilians into collateral damage. The report mentions these crimes were not committed in “the heat of the battle”; these are indeed war crimes.
What is the Future of Taliban-Pakistan Relationship in Post-US Afghanistan?
In the past Taliban have inclined towards Pakistan, with Pakistan playing an essential role in the peace deal between the US and the Taliban, however, the recent turn of events is showcasing a different stance taken by the Taliban. With the changing dynamic, the relation has been strained from both sides. Taliban on its front want to appease them and gain the support of the general public which is wary of Pakistan while at the same time they want to establish ties with other nation-states and build their own relationship with them that is independent of Pakistan. On the other hand, Pakistan is not seeking to support a full Taliban led government as it might have religious repercussions for the Pakistani state.