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Afghanistan

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

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Taliban’s Internal Power Struggle: A Regime on the Brink

OPINION — A few months ago, I received an unexpected message from a well-placed source within the Taliban. That message led to a series of secured [...] More

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

Cipher Brief Experts Offer Reflections on 9/11 - and What Came After

SPECIAL REPORT — It’s been a very long ride since terrorists sent by al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden set out on a fateful mission to deliver terror [...] More

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
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

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
Former Afghan Intelligence Chief Sees “Jihadist Utopia” Since U.S. Withdrawal

Former Afghan Intelligence Chief Sees “Jihadist Utopia” Since U.S. Withdrawal

SUBSCRIBER+EXCLUSIVE REPORTING — The last Afghan head of intelligence before the 2021 Taliban takeover of Afghanistan believes terrorist groups have [...] More

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
Is Afghanistan A Lost Cause for America? Observations from One of the Last Americans Out

Is Afghanistan A Lost Cause for America? Observations from One of the Last Americans Out

SUBSCRIBER+EXCLUSIVE EXPERT PERSPECTIVE — More than two years after its withdrawal from Afghanistan, the U.S. still does not have a clear way forward [...] More
Assessing the ISIS-K Threat: Could It Happen Here?

Assessing the ISIS-K Threat: Could It Happen Here?

SUBSCRIBER+ EXCLUSIVE ANALYSIS – For months, U.S. officials have sounded vague but ominous alarms about the threat of terrorism in the U.S. - most [...] More

The U.S. Withdrawal From Afghanistan – and Lessons for Ukraine  

OPINION — “I think one of the lessons [of the August 2021 U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan], if you want to call it a lesson, I suppose, is: [...] More

The U.S. is still sending money for Afghanistan. What's the Strategy?

OPINION — “Billions in U.S. assistance continue to flow to Afghanistan to address its ongoing humanitarian and economic emergencies. With the removal [...] More