The U.S.-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue, co-chaired by Ambassador Elizabeth Richard from the U.S. Department of State and Ambassador Syed Haider Shah from Pakistan, highlights the ongoing and prospective cooperation between the two nations in addressing regional and global security challenges, specifically the threats posed by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and ISIS-Khorasan.
The clashes on May 27, 2023, between Taliban and Iranian forces along the Afghanistan-Iran border raise regional tensions. Stemming from a water treaty dispute, these clashes represent the first major violence between Iran and the Taliban since 2021. The article explores the events leading up to the clashes, the clashes themselves, and assesses whether they hold greater significance than initially portrayed.
When the Taliban took power in Kabul in August 2021, many countries in the world expressed grave concern for the citizens of Afghanistan whose fate was sealed under the rule of a terrorist organization. About sixty countries published a joint statement expressing responsibility for human life, and their property, and restoring the Afghan people's sense of security. After about two decades of the Taliban fighting as an opposition to the Afghan government, which enjoyed the support of NATO and the United States, the organization returned to control the poor country and the war-torn country in South Central Asia.
Pakistan is in the global spotlight once again: catastrophic flooding caused by untimely and intense monsoon rains – six to seven times the usual volume, according to estimates – have submerged more than half the country’s landmass.
Pakistan faces a war-like situation on its western front, which was created by the Taliban's takeover in Afghanistan, which was hugely supported by Imran Khan who now has widespread support in Pakistan.
The Taliban takeover of Kabul in August 2021 was welcomed by Pakistani politicians and celebrated by the outlawed group Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, also called the TTP.
The new United States ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome, a career member of the senior foreign service with the rank of Minister-Counselor, arrived in Islamabad to take charge on May 23. “Ambassador Donald Blome began his assignment at the United States Embassy in Islamabad today,” said a statement…
The Taliban announced on the 7th of May that women and girls must not leave their homes unless necessary and they should do so only with their whole body and face covered.
The Hazaras are one of the main ethnic and religious minority groups in Afghanistan, constituting around 20 per cent of the population. Hazaras have long been subjugated and subjected to discrimination and persecution due to their ethnic and religious identity.
In April 2022 Midstone Centre launched the project Stories From Afghanistan, where we seek to amplify voices from Afghanistan that have been directly or indirectly affected by the violence perpetrated by the Taliban and other violent groups. Many people affected by this violence are unable to come forward with their stories due to security threats to themselves or their loved ones still living in Afghanistan. Therefore, Midstone Centre will amplify these voices while protecting their identity and other personal information. Submissions can be mailed at [email protected]