A visit to Kabul
Being the place my forefathers originated from, Afghanistan has always attracted me. However, Kabul’s breeze, its beautiful hills, the soothing beauty and the peace of mind and heart I feel…
Sleepless in Kabul
Afghanistan is on the brink of history. The Americans are about to leave, and elections are around the corner as well. And just when the world thought that peace in…
Raja in Kabul
Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf went on a day trip to Afghanistan on the invitation of Afghan President Karzai. The actual invitation was given to his predecessor Yousuf Raza Gilani…
Some Kabul themes
Apart from the negotiations with the Taliban and the US troops’ withdrawal plans, much of what is happening in Afghanistan, especially the impact of the state’s reconstruction on society, should…
As Kabul and Delhi edge closer
It would be like riding the proverbial tiger. If we think we can somehow play the kingmaker and reap the harvest, that would be like Alice in Wonderland. Even the…
From Kabul without love
Kabul is shrouded in dust. Until a few years ago, dust would cover the town mostly during summer. Now it envelops it the whole year round. Millions of saplings have…
A pact between kindred spirits
INDIA’S pact last week for upgraded ties with Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers has been seen mostly as an act of befriending the enemy of the enemy, an implied reference to the…
Problems with the Taliban
The cross-border attacks by terrorist groups with sanctuary on Afghan soil and facilitation from external actors, including India, have compelled Pakistan to adopt a more assertive stance. Pakistan’s recent precision…
A fragile truce
At dawn on a cool October morning, officials in Islamabad and Kabul performed a rare ritual in the history of their troubled frontier: they agreed to keep talking. After five…
What options on the Pak-Afghan table?
In deference to Turkiye's request, Pakistan agreed to continue the talks with the Afghan Taliban in Istanbul. A meeting of the Pakistani and Afghan principals (possibly defence ministers) on November…
