Three Years of Taliban Rule Challenged

Afghanistan has historically served as a geopolitical buffer, first during the Great Game and later as a battleground in the Cold War, leading to extensive U.S. support for Mujahideen fighters against Soviet forces. Following the U.S. withdrawal in 2021, the Taliban returned to power, initiating a complex path toward reconstruction amidst ongoing challenges, including a recent resurgence in opium production, despite efforts to implement crop substitution strategies. Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan have soured, as Pakistani officials accuse the Taliban of harboring terrorists that target Pakistan, leading to a declaration that Afghanistan could be treated as a terrorist state. Airstrikes by Pakistan in Afghanistan have escalated tensions, provoking strong reactions from the Taliban, while cross-border terrorism and smuggling remain rampant. The Taliban's governance has been scrutinized, with concerns over its ability to navigate international relations and its commitment to modern development. Overall, Afghanistan remains isolated and burdened by its geopolitical significance, with the international community urged to maintain its focus on the region's stability.