Afghanistan has vast mineral resources that have long attracted interest from outside countries, but a lack of infrastructure and political instability means they’re unlikely to aid its economy now.
The potential failure of the US military to protect information that can identify Afghan citizens raises questions about whether and how biometric data should be collected in war zones.
Indonesia, as well as many other countries that will see an increase in Afghan refugees and asylum seekers, will be put to a test of humanity and will have to act quickly.
An ‘orderly departure program’ similar to the one set up after the Vietnam War could offer a vital pathway out of Afghanistan for refugees over the next several years.
The US president inherited a situation with no good solution in Afghanistan, but the latest bombing will raise questions about his judgment and cloud his presidency.
Amira Jadoon, United States Military Academy West Point and Andrew Mines, George Washington University
An attack on the Kabul airport has left scores dead and many more injured. Two terrorism scholars explain who the group thought responsible is, and how big of a threat is it.
Gemma Ware, The Conversation and Daniel Merino, The Conversation
Two Afghan researchers explain what led to the emergence of the Taliban in the 1990s and why that history is crucial to understand what’s happening now. Listen to The Conversation Weekly podcast.
Pakistan covertly backed the Taliban in Afghanistan for years. But if the Taliban fail to ensure stability now, it could trigger another wave of refugees into Pakistan or more insurgent attacks.
There are many different understandings of shariah law in the Muslim world – the Taliban’s is a particularly hard-line one that is unlikely to change radically.