Afghanistan

The Taliban didn’t have to take over. But Washington made sure they would.

Whether it’s Iran, China, Cuba, or immigration, U.S. President Joe Biden often finds himself stymied by his predecessor’s foreign policy.

But without unity, arms, or a safe haven, it’s an uphill fight against the Islamists in Kabul.

Hunger and poverty stalk the nation, but the Islamists want to disappear women from public life.

Since the Taliban takeover last August, members of the Afghan LGBTQ community have faced electrocution, torture, killings, and fear.

Beijing could profit handsomely from Afghan resources and exports, but new ventures risk exposing Chinese nationals to violence.

The Taliban’s jihadi friends are back to threaten global security.

In the absence of Western support, their lives are in danger as they struggle to flee. 

But internal divisions and the Taliban get a vote, too.

The knock-on effects of Russia’s war on Ukraine are hammering wheat-dependent countries such as Afghanistan.

Multilateral talks in China this week shied from recognizing the Taliban, but Beijing is still playing ball.

Afghanistan’s narcotics trade is booming under fresh leadership.

The sudden about-face could undercut the Taliban’s hopes for international recognition.

The Taliban are using detentions, repression, censorship, and killings to tighten their grip on power.

Afghan diplomats wanted to keep the flag raised but were running out of cash.

Afghanistan’s new government is imposing discriminatory restrictions on the health care system.

“People don’t trust us yet, but we’re working on it,” one Taliban commander said.

After 20 years of supporting the Taliban in Afghanistan, Pakistan finds the tables are turning as militancy comes home.