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Thursday, February 19, 2026
TopicIslamic Emirate

Topic: Islamic Emirate

Hibatullah can hide his face. But not the emerging struggle within Taliban leadership

Mullah Umar’s elusive successor, Hibatullah Akhundzada, delivered his Eid message this week. There hasn’t been any explanation though why he doesn't show his face in public.

The forever war in Afghanistan is nowhere near its end. Now IS indulging in ethnic warfare

Islamic State is seeking to overthrow the Taliban—quietly helped along by the discontent in its own ranks, economic crisis, and disputes over the spoils of power.

On Camera

India must govern AI with confidence. Use guardrails, not handcuffs

The good news is that India is not starting from zero. It knows how to innovate privately while also empowering innovation publicly.

In the West, there’s anxiety. In India, optimism—Rishi Sunak says India poised to be leader in AI

On Wednesday, the former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was speaking in New Delhi at a Carnegie & Observer Research Foundation event on AI.

US military commander, envoy Sergio Gor visit Indian Army Western Command, Bengaluru next

At the Western Army Command, the American delegation was briefed on the capabilities of the formation, past operations and the path ahead.

The new Great Game—Trump’s playing for time, China for leverage & India for wiggle room

This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.