Afghanistan
Russia makes uncertain bet with Afghan engagement
Russia is involving itself in peace efforts and politics in an apparent attempt to provide an alternative to the US role
AfghanistanTaliban could make or break Afghan elections
The Taliban have pledged to obstruct upcoming elections but it is unclear whether this means wide-scale attacks
AfghanistanUS peace drive faces multiple obstacles in Afghanistan
Washington wants to pressure and cajole Kabul and the Taliban into talks in a complex domestic and external environment
AfghanistanTop official's defection will reshape Afghan alliances
Hanif Atmar has served under two presidents but is a heavyweight in his own right
AfghanistanRussia's Taliban talks will make Afghan officials wary
Kabul will be cautious about going along with Moscow's attempt at an Afghan peace talks process
AfghanistanInternational court will be weakened by US clash
An international court intends to investigate US soldiers as well as Taliban, and Washington is having none of it
United StatesAfghan Islamic State is curbed by war of attrition
The group holds onto pockets of territory despite high casualties, including among its leaders
AfghanistanRussian role in Afghan peace process may be unhelpful
As the Afghan government suffers a setback, Moscow steps up diplomatic activity
Afghanistan
