A Taliban fighter walks next to women waiting in line during a World Food Program food distribution on the outskirts of Kabul on November 6, 2021.

Afghanistan Three Years after the Taliban Takeover

In August 2021, as foreign troops departed, Taliban insurgents seized power in Kabul, bringing the country back under their rule. In this Q&A, Crisis Group expert Graeme Smith, drawing upon Crisis Group’s research across Afghanistan, assesses the regime’s record and its implications for international policy.

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Israel’s threatened termination of a banking waiver would paralyse financial activity in the West Bank, causing an economic meltdown and risking the Palestinian Authority’s collapse – with dire consequences for West Bank Palestinians – and maybe for Israel, too. The U.S. should press Israel to change course.

The gruelling war in Ukraine continues, with Russian forces creeping forward amid fierce fighting. To stop Russia’s immediate momentum and withstand its assault, Kyiv and its backers will need to move quickly to fix problems that have hindered the Ukrainian effort to date.

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Thomas Kean

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In terms of Hamas’ popularity, yes they are the de facto leaders of Palestinians, whether we like it or not. New York Times

Tahani Mustafa

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The perception that Iran can neither protect its homeland nor its key allies could be fatal for the Iranian regime. New York Times

Ali Vaez

Senior Adviser to the President & Project Director, Iran
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The quota protest [in Bangladesh] is just the manifestation of a widespread malaise that’s not just about quotas but also economic and political. New York Times

Pierre Prakash

Program Director, Asia
20 Jul 2024
With no real alternative at the ballot box, discontented Bangladeshis have few options besides street protests to make their voices heard. AFP

Pierre Prakash

Program Director, Asia
20 Jul 2024
Tunisia is on an authoritarian path and these elections are only meant to confirm the president in power and strengthen his hand. Bloomberg

Riccardo Fabiani

Project Director, North Africa

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