Latest Updates

A mass-casualty incident near Kabul on 16 March marks a significant escalation in hostilities between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban. More fighting promises nothing but more death, displacement and economic damage. Friendly countries should work together to bring the sides back to the negotiating table.

The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran is entering its third week, with no end yet in sight. Crisis Group experts offer a 360-degree view of its effects on peace, security and economic stability around the world. 

After the Taliban took power in Afghanistan in 2021, they severely curtailed women’s rights. The private sector, in particular small-scale entrepreneurship, has emerged as one of the last spaces where women can attempt to cobble together a living, albeit with significant challenges.

A fresh outbreak of hostilities between Islamabad and Kabul follows a rash of lethal jihadist attacks in western Pakistan. The Pakistani government says the Afghan Taliban are harbouring the militants. With outside powers’ help, both capitals should work to reduce tensions before they escalate further.

Despite the myriad harsh controls the Taliban have imposed on their lives, a growing number of Afghan women are seeking ways to earn a living. To boost the economy, the authorities should relax rules that hinder women’s entrepreneurship. Donors can also assist these women’s ventures.

This week on Hold Your Fire!, Richard speaks with Crisis Group experts Ibraheem Bahiss and Samina Ahmed about the recent clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces, Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan, the surge in militant violence in Pakistan and hopes for de-escalation.

Since the Afghan Taliban retook power in 2021, the West has employed economic coercion to try inducing change in the regime’s policies. Now donors are slashing humanitarian assistance, which could push millions into penury and increase the risks of instability. A new approach is needed. 
 

The Islamic State-Khorasan Province based in Afghanistan seems to be losing steam, staging fewer deadly attacks. But it remains dangerous. More robust law enforcement cooperation will be vital to keep containing this group and any other ISIS branch that may seek to replace it.

Crisis Group expert Ibraheem Bahiss analyses the reasons behind Moscow’s move and what it could portend for the Taliban’s future diplomatic ties

Islamabad has been forcing hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees to leave Pakistan, as tensions rise with Kabul. In this excerpt from the Watch List 2025 – Spring Update, Crisis Group looks at how the EU and member states can help blunt the expulsions’ impact.