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Afghanistan is in a state of open war with Pakistan, marked by intense cross-border airstrikes and a declared military conflict, while the Taliban government simultaneously deepens domestic repression and seeks new economic ties with Russia to offset isolation.
Editorially curated conflicts and rivalries Afghanistan is party to. Open a panel to see the specific friction points inside it.
The contested borders of South Asia, where two nuclear-armed states and their neighbours dispute territory, water and responsibility for cross-border violence. Five fault lines run through it: the air campaign and border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan along the Durand Line; the Kashmir territorial dispute between India and Pakistan; the separatist insurgency in Balochistan; the Indus Waters Treaty, suspended by India and contested by Pakistan; and the militant attacks that each state attributes to the other. Pakistan is a party to four of the five.
The economy is paralyzed by border conflict and isolated from Western aid. A key trade route with Pakistan is closed, paralyzing cross-border commerce and causing a potato price slump in Pakistan. The Taliban government is seeking alternative economic partners, announcing intentions to buy oil and gas from Russia and increase direct flights.
The political arena is dominated by international crisis diplomacy over the war with Pakistan. Pakistan's FM Dar is briefing regional allies on its response, while multiple external actors—including the UN chief, Russia, Türkiye, Iran, and Saudi Arabia—are calling for a ceasefire and offering mediation. India has condemned Pakistan's strikes, aligning politically with Kabul.
Security is defined by an escalating open war with Pakistan involving reciprocal airstrikes and cross-border clashes. Pakistan has declared 'open war' and carried out multiple airstrikes on Afghan cities, claiming to have killed dozens of militants. Afghanistan has retaliated with its own large-scale offensive operations, and a Pakistani jet has been shot down with its pilot captured.
Society is under intensified Taliban repression, with new decrees systematically penalizing women more leniently than animals. The UN rights chief states a new penal code deepens repression, exemplified by rules allowing wife-beating and setting tougher penalties for animal fights than domestic violence. An earthquake and rampant conflict misinformation are secondary disruptions.