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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

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

AfghanistanAlternative PerspectivesAsia

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

OPINION — 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 [...] 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?

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

AfghanistanAlternative PerspectivesAsia
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

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

EXPERT PERSPECTIVE / OPINION — In April of 2024, I offered some thoughts in The Cipher Brief on a possible way forward in Afghanistan. That approach [...] 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 PerspectivesAlternative Perspectives