taliban run afghanistan

Pakistan's history of 'oops' moments, from allegedly harboring Iranian aircraft to denying terrorist camps, has eroded its credibility on the global stage. Decades of strategic ambiguity and carefully calibrated deniability have created a trust deficit, making its diplomatic assurances met with skepticism and every crisis a potential international embarrassment.

Iran and the US remain locked in a standoff, with Iran effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz and the US imposing a naval blockade. Both actions disrupt global commons, while escalating rhetoric and social media influence commodity prices worldwide. India, heavily reliant on regional energy flows, faces significant economic fallout from this 'dual blockade'.

US intelligence reportedly views Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir as a potential liability for the Trump administration due to his alleged ties to Iran's military. Despite Trump's praise, officials warn Munir's mediation role between Iran and the US amid Middle East tensions could compromise American interests, citing Pakistan's history as an unreliable ally.

Pakistan launched airstrikes on Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, early Friday, resulting in four deaths and 15 injuries. This latest escalation stems from Pakistan's accusations that the Afghan Taliban government harbors the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has increased attacks from Afghan territory.

Pakistan has been carrying out airstrikes in Afghanistan killing at least 75 while Afghanistan has struck back with drone attacks and raids on Pakistan Army's border posts

India has accused Pakistan of fabricating Islamophobia narratives at the UN, questioning Islamabad's treatment of minorities and its actions against Afghanistan. Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish urged the UN to address all religious discrimination, not just one faith, highlighting India's large Muslim population and pluralistic ethos. He warned against weaponizing religion for political gain.

Israel may see advantage in a weaker Iran. But the world has seen before what weak or failing states in West Asia export — insecurity, disruption and spillover

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Pakistan conducted air strikes on major Afghan cities, including Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, escalating border tensions. This action follows retaliatory attacks by Taliban forces, with Pakistan declaring an "open war" after cross-border clashes. The confrontation marks a significant escalation since the Taliban's return to power in 2021.

Tensions between the two nations peaked with Pakistan carrying out air strikes on Afghanistan’s two biggest cities

Kabul warns of consequences, summons Pak envoy

China on Wednesday supported the Taliban's demand that the US should unfreeze Afghanistan's assets and said that America has no legitimate reasons to do so as the Chinese envoy to Kabul called on acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and congratulated the interim government.

The head of the Indian "technical mission" in Kabul participated in the meeting that saw the presence of Chinese, Russian and Iranian envoys too. Russia and China in fact worked actively with the Taliban to organise the meeting. According to reports from Kabul, the Pakistan envoy did not attend. According to the Taliban, this was the first international conference they hosted since their return to Kabul in Aug 2021.