After the pullout : the uncertain new geopolitics of Afghanistan

Abstract

Quick take:- Pakistan, which "can't afford not to engage," will likely be the only country in the region to recognize Afghanistan's new Taliban government in the near term.- The Taliban's professed openness to a more inclusive government has been increasingly challenged by its emerging hardline approach.- China doesn't want to take the lead in recognizing the new regime, according to one expert, and is hoping Russia will go first. But Russia also wants to wait and see.- One expert says the US withdrawal symbolizes the end of the post-9/11 world, but a new paradigm hasn't yet emerged to take its place.- British and American armed forces work to evacuate civilians from Kabul amid the Taliban takeover.