After the withdrawal of Soviet troops 25 years ago, Afghanistan plunged into a civil war causing further destruction. Many wonder how it would be this time round after NATO troops leave the country by the end of 2014.
After many starts and stops, now is the time to try to negotiate a peace settlement in Afghanistan. The United States should help Afghan forces hold the line on the battlefield, remain dedicated to Afghanistan's security into 2017 and beyond, and make some concessions to keep the Taliban talking.
Afghanistan's dancing boys - The New Humanitarian puts quality, independent journalism at the service of the millions of people affected by humanitarian crises around the world
This week’s Gandhara Briefing brings you insights into the tensions between erstwhile allies Pakistan and the Taliban and the Afghan farmers who oppose the Taliban's ban on poppy cultivation. We also profile Shehbaz Sharif and explain why Imran Khan is down but not out.
Afghan farmers were upset when the Taliban banned opium cultivation this month and experts say the Taliban's cash-strapped, pariah government is unlikely to provide alternative livelihoods for the farmers.