Michael Hughes: There’s an international development theory, backed by strong evidence, known as the paradox of giving – that foreign aid often leads to more suffering for poverty-stricken countries, and donors ought embrace the Hippocratic oath: “First, do no harm,” as argued by expert William Easterly. The concept that funding and food could make a situation worse
8am: Nearly two years have elapsed since the collapse of Afghanistan’s republican system. Two years ago, due to the ineptitude and unchecked corruption of Afghanistan’s political leadership, coupled with regional and global connivance, the Taliban unlawfully seized power. Regarding the factors that led to the downfall of the republican system over the past two years,
Khaama: Years of Pakistan’s hostility towards its border areas with Afghanistan has resulted into a security quagmire for both the countries… While portraying itself as a victim of terrorism in front of global eyes, Pakistan attempted to establish tactical control over Kabul through the Durand issue. This pursuit of strategic dominance has however led it
8am: The Taliban group, however, has only granted pardons to those in positions of power and individuals whose presence in Afghanistan serves their propaganda purposes. The announcement of amnesty was a political tactic to initiate a new phase of elimination. The resistance against the Taliban must persist, recognizing that there will be no forgiveness and
8am: The Pakistan Army has played a significant role in the expansion and fortification of the terrorist industry, profiting the most from its existence. For several decades, the Pakistani military has been responsible for establishing and controlling terrorist groups to achieve their strategic objectives. The Taliban is among these groups that ultimately triumphed in dominating
Michael Hughes: Once the Soviets left in 1989, Afghanistan at whiplash speed became an afterthought in the corridors of power in Washington, a forgetfulness that came even easier after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the start of Gulf War I. The oblivion was especially pronounced at the top, evidenced in a conversation the
8am: After statements made by Joe Biden, President of the United States of America, about Taliban collaboration with the U.S. against Al-Qaeda, many social media users and some political activists have claimed that the Taliban has taken on a role similar to that of the Wagner Group for the Russian government, even dubbing them the
The Diplomat: The humongous trade is run by regional and multinational cartels with complex and elaborate illicit networks across the region. Politicians, security force personnel, and even the Taliban have been part of this symbiotic nexus, profiteering enormous amounts of money. Amid the anti-poppy measures of the Taliban, a record amount of Afghan drugs moved
8am: With the collapse of the republican government in Afghanistan, the Taliban have once again revived the concept of sexual jihad, known as Jihad-ul-Nikah. Over the past two decades, in areas under Taliban control, this group engaged in Jihad al-Nikah, although it was less prevalent and confined to specific regions. However, with their return to
Michael Hughes: Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev during remarks at a gathering of peers in Kazakhstan said the United States and Britain have tried to take advantage of the chaos in Afghanistan as part of a broader strategy to wreak havoc across Central Asia. “The Americans and the British are trying to manipulate the