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Engaging with Afghanistan will get harder for West

Location:

AFGHANISTAN

This was a reference to criticism of Taliban rule by certain international players. While engagement between the emirate and the West remains limited, the Taliban are drawing…

Afghanistan’s marginalised groups face increasing woes

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AFGHANISTAN

The Taliban have increasingly fraught relations not only with Shia, most of whom are ethnic Hazaras, but also with other marginalised communities, including Salafis -- a small…

Islamic State poses limited threat in Afghanistan

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AFGHANISTAN

Some observers have suggested that this is a sign of an IS-K resurgence. The ruling Taliban have tried hard since their takeover in 2021 to suppress the group, a long-standing…

Afghan Taliban will look past UN in seeking engagement

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AFGHANISTAN

The Taliban were invited but refused to attend. There was no decision on appointing a UN special envoy for Afghanistan as mandated recently, although UN Secretary-General Antonio…

Afghanistan’s economic outlook is bleak

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AFGHANISTAN

Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban want production to expand to 19,000 b/d shortly. They are counting on the extractives sector to help boost revenue and shore up the flailing economy.

Tensions between Afghan Taliban factions will rise

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AFGHANISTAN

Talib had spent several months putting the guard together. His appointment formalises the establishment of the new force, which will be under Haibatullah’s direct orders.

Afghan opposition will struggle to remain relevant

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AFGHANISTAN

Meanwhile, long-standing opposition groups such as the National Resistance Front (NRF) and Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) have re-launched armed campaigns within Afghanistan.

Pakistan’s migration policy shows signs of backfiring

Location:

PAKISTAN

On October 3, Pakistan's caretaker government announced November 1 as the deadline for all “illegal” immigrants to leave the country. It has been clear from the outset that the…

Afghan Taliban will put much hope in mining

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AFGHANISTAN

The firms aim to extract gold, lead, zinc, iron ore and copper across several Afghan provinces. Earlier this year, Afghanistan agreed a major contract relating to oil extraction…

Taliban-Shia tensions will rise in Afghanistan

Location:

AFGHANISTAN

In 2022, the community’s Ashura observances passed off relatively smoothly under Taliban protection. The Taliban said this year that restrictions were necessary to ensure security…