The gunman who demanded Siddiqui’s release in exchange for hostages at a Texas synagogue this weekend was latest in long line of jihadi attempts to free al-Qaeda-linked neuroscientist.
US State Department spokesperson Zed Tarar reiterated President Biden's message that the war in Afghanistan had achieved its central mission to eliminate the al Qaeda terror network.
Like Neil Armstrong’s ‘one small step’, the retreating American boot has become a symbol of ‘one giant leap’ for the people of Afghanistan - into the dark ages, writes Kunal Bahuguna.
Mazar-e-Sharif was alive & active just 4 days ago, shops were open and people could be seen at street corners sipping tea, questioning why media was roaming around when the city was 'safe'.
It is the US’ prerogative to leave. Too many American soldiers and officials have suffered. Yet, there is still much that can be done to sustain the gains of the last 20 years.
The Western withdrawal from Afghanistan has gone hand in hand with a narrative of defeat, repeated so often it’s in danger of becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Even before the US military completes its troop withdrawal, the Taliban is surging. It is now reported to control more than half of Afghanistan’s 407 districts.
Pakistan must reduce non-productive expenditures like defence. The country's political economy has been overdetermined by the imperative of 'national security'.
Aim is to ensure not just disengagement of troops, but overall de-escalation. Govt in favour of solving tensions through talks as it wants peace with all neighbours including China.
Like the car, nothing the party has done to reinvent itself has worked. Only way forward is to offer something looking towards the future, not in image of glorious past.