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Afghanistan

AFGHANISTAN-PAKISTAN-CONFLICT

While the World Watches the Middle East, War Is Brewing in South Asia

Siddhant Kishore

While the World Watches the Middle East, War Is Brewing in South Asia

For decades, strategists have warned that the most dangerous flashpoint in South Asia lies between India and Pakistan. The reasoning appeared [...] More

Alternative PerspectivesAfghanistanAsia

The Latest

I Sat Across the Table from China’s Spies. Here’s How They Operate in Fragile States

Masoud Andarabi

I Sat Across the Table from China’s Spies. Here’s How They Operate in Fragile States

In 2016, I sat across the table from China’s Director of Operations for the Ministry of State Security (MSS). Their visit to Kabul was tightly [...] More

ChinaAfghanistanIntelligenceAsia

Russia’s Outreach to the Taliban: Strategic Calculations or Regional Security Fears?

Masoud Andarabi

Russia’s Outreach to the Taliban: Strategic Calculations or Regional Security Fears?

In recent weeks, reports of Russia considering formal engagement and recognition of the Taliban have reignited debate around international approaches [...] More

Alternative PerspectivesAfghanistanAsia
Why Al Qaeda Refuses to Die

Why Al Qaeda Refuses to Die

DEEP DIVE — More than two decades after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Al Qaeda is not only alive — it has adapted, expanded, and quietly embedded [...] More

AfghanistanTerrorismAsia

From Kabul to Kyiv: Lessons the U.S. Must Heed for Peace

Matin Bek

From Kabul to Kyiv: Lessons the U.S. Must Heed for Peace

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, I’ve found the familiar rhetoric supporting Ukraine’s right to self-defense against Russian aggression [...] More

Matin BekAfghanistanAsia

Afghanistan's Tale of Two Extremist Movements

Matin Bek

Afghanistan's Tale of Two Extremist Movements

OPINION — There has been considerable comparison between the Taliban and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), as both groups originated from extremist [...] More

AfghanistanMatin Bek

Will the new Administration bring new opportunity on Afghanistan?

Dave Pitts

Will the new Administration bring new opportunity on Afghanistan?

In April of 2024, I offered some thoughts in The Cipher Brief on a possible way forward in Afghanistan. That approach certainly wasn’t perfect or [...] More

AfghanistanCipher Brief Expert ViewDave Pitts

Avoiding Strategic Surprise will be key in the next Administration

Dave Pitts

Avoiding Strategic Surprise will be key in the next Administration

EXPERT Q&A – The Cipher Brief tapped Dave Pitts, former Assistant Director of CIA for South and Central Asia and range of other experts with deep [...] More

RussiaCipher Brief Expert ViewChinaAfghanistanDave PittsNational Security
Taliban 3.0: The Terrorism Threat and a Humanitarian Nightmare
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expert analysis

Taliban 3.0: The Terrorism Threat and a Humanitarian Nightmare

BOTTOM LINE UP FRONT — The withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan three years ago led to the fall of the U.S.-backed government in Kabul, the [...] More

AfghanistanReportingAsia
Three Years Later, a 'Report Card' for the Taliban

Three Years Later, a 'Report Card' for the Taliban

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW — Three years ago today, Taliban forces marched into Kabul, as American forces were leaving Afghanistan, and a U.S.-backed [...] More

AfghanistanReportingAsia
Three Years After Taliban Return, Terrorists Find Safe Haven in Afghanistan
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deep dive

Three Years After Taliban Return, Terrorists Find Safe Haven in Afghanistan

EXCLUSIVE REPORTING — Three years after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the return of the Taliban to power, the country has once again [...] More

AfghanistanTerrorismAsia
After Afghanistan: Assessing Today's Threat Landscape

After Afghanistan: Assessing Today's Threat Landscape

SUBSCRIBER+ VIRTUAL BRIEFING— Wednesday, August 28 at 1p ET with Cipher Brief Experts General Frank McKenzie (Ret.) and Dave Pitts, Former Assistant [...] More

AfghanistanCIAAsia

It's Time To Talk To the Taliban

Becky Root

It's Time To Talk To the Taliban

OPINION — While all eyes are on developments in the Middle East and the situation between Russia and Ukraine - rightfully so - another country needs [...] More

AfghanistanAlternative Perspectives