opinions

Why Making Taliban a ‘New Normal’ Is Dangerous

2018-06-18

By Dr. Omar Sadr

A chronic conflict such as Afghanistan requires four mutually reinforcing pillars: A legitimate/inclusive political process in Kabul; a cooperative/coerced Pakistan; sound military power and supporting regional environment. In the absence of such a multi-pronged strategy, ad hoc talks with the Taliban would only compound the crisis.

Afgh

Water Diplomacy between Iran and Afghanistan

2018-06-09

By Abdul Farid Zikria

For nearly 45 years, Iran has been violating the Helmand Water Treaty and getting up to four times more water from the river than it is allowed. It's time to stop.

Earlier this month, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, in a speech in the Iranian Parliament, warned of reciprocity against Afghanistan over

Elite Pashtoons and Democratic Governance

2018-06-04

By Eisa Khan Ayoob Ayoobi

The absence of a real democratic milieu in Afghanistan has sustained the vicious cycle of ethnic superiority. Pashtun elites have vested interest in maintaining this status quo, and to do so, they mock democracy.

The Transcending Pashtun Elites (TPEs) from the past are pulling Afghanistan backward

Afghanistan’s Peace Puzzle: Why Nothing Moves Forward?

2018-05-12

By Dr. Yaqub Ibrahimi

Despite the United States’ exacerbation of pressures on Pakistan and the Taliban, and the National Unity Government (NUG)’s efforts for opening a negotiation gate with the Taliban, there is no sign of progress on the ground. President Donald Trump’s strategy in Afghanistan (released in August 2017) and the United States&rsqu

Reviewing Taliban Narratives

2018-05-08

By Omar Sadr

Taliban Narratives, by Professor Thomas Johnson, explores Taliban and U.S. communication cultures by analyzing narratives, propaganda, and stories between 2001-2011. Johnson decodes the Taliban’s master narrative, information operations, target audience, and their p