Reflections on Events in Afghanistan-17

Trade caravan on the Silk Road, Central Asia 17. Foreign Devils on the Silk Road   The title of an unputdownable 1980 classic by Peter Hopkirk comes to mind even as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation are preparing to hold back-to-back summit meetings at Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on September 17.  Foreign …

Reflections on Events in Afghanistan-15

Afghan tribal leaders and religious scholars and youth leaders from the central provinces (Hazarajat) met former president Hamid Karzai regarding formation of inclusive government, Kabul, September 11, 2021 15. Enter regional states  The Taliban hoisted their black and white flag on the presidential palace in Kabul on September 11, which happens to be the twentieth …

Reflections on Events in Afghanistan-13

13. Panjshir revolt becomes footnote  At the daily foreign ministry briefing in Beijing on Friday, Russian correspondent of Sputnik asked spokesperson Ambassador Wang Wenbin how China viewed the Taliban decision to attack Panjshir and how this will affect the Afghan situation.  Ambassador Wang replied that “it is China’s sincere hope that all parties in Afghanistan …

Reflections on Events in Afghanistan-12

Taliban takes control of Kabul Airport, August 31, 2021 12. To recognise, or not to recognise, that’s the question  At the weekly briefing in Moscow on Thursday by the Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Russia will consider recognising Afghanistan’s new authorities once an inclusive government is formed in the country.  To quote Zakharova, …