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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…

Pakistani Taliban are a growing problem for Islamabad

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PAKISTAN

Islamabad said the strikes were aimed at anti-Pakistan militants, but the Taliban described the action as “reckless” and retaliated by firing at Pakistani troops along the border…

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…

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…

Armenia and Azerbaijan will import more arms

Location:

ARMENIA/AZERBAIJAN

France announced in November that it would deliver armoured vehicles to Armenia, prompting protests from Azerbaijan. The news threatens the tentative negotiations taking place…

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…

Nawaz Sharif will hold the edge in Pakistan polls

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PAKISTAN

Nawaz Sharif, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) or PML(N) party and a three-time former prime minister, appears to have the backing of the politically powerful…

Post-poll turmoil may worsen Pakistan’s economic woes

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PAKISTAN

The elections, resulting in a fractured mandate and marred by allegations of rigging, have increased polarisation. Separately, Pakistan’s nine-month, roughly USD3bn Stand-By…

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

Location:

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.