HARD PASS
After a two-decade partnership, Pakistan’s answer to Washington’s demands to “do more” on Afghanistan is “absolutely not.”
Syed Fazl-e-Haider is a contributing analyst at the South Asia desk of Wikistrat. He is a freelance columnist and the author of several books including the Economic Development of Balochistan (2004). He has contributed articles and analysis to a range of publications including Dawn, Express Tribune, Asia Times, The National (UAE), Foreign Affairs, Gulf News, South China Morning Post, The New Arab, Jamestown and Lowy Institute. He has also contributed Opinion pieces to the New York Times, The Independent (U.K.) and Daily Sabah (Turkey).
‘GET OUT OF THIS HELL’
Kabul resident Ali Hassani, 28, told The Daily Beast that threat of being caught up in the violence was worth it for the chance to save his three sisters from Taliban rule.
NOT BUYING IT
Newly in power, the Taliban is making big promises on women’s rights. But these Afghan women aren’t counting on it.
‘SAIGON ON STEROIDS’
Thousands of Afghans who helped the U.S. military and its allies during the bloody two-decade war are literally dying to get out of Kabul.
‘WAR IS OVER’
A source in Kabul told The Daily Beast that Taliban fighters recited verses from the Quran in a victory celebration as they overtook the presidential palace.
OPEN ARMS
Beijing just can’t wait for the U.S. to get out of the way.
STICKS AND STONES
The Trump administration has shown its allies once again—this time India’s Narendra Modi—that when push comes to shove, it backs away.
END GAMES
Even if most of the world’s attention is focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, the signs of an Iran-U.S. conflagration grow stronger by the day.
STRATEGIC SHIFTS
Trump’s chaotic policies are leading to strategic recalculations in and around the oil-rich Persian Gulf. Israel may help defend Saudi Arabia. Russia and China could defend Iran.
ENDGAME?
Pakistan holds a strong hand in the Afghan war game—especially as Trump looks for ways to walk away from the table. But Trump and Imran Khan are not the only ones with a stake.