After the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, the United States and its allies encouraged Muslims worldwide to join the Afghan Jihad. The Mujahedeen were supported by the US, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. Osama bin Laden, initially part of Maktaba al Khidmat, later formed Al-Qaeda. The 9/11 attacks changed global politics, leading to the US invasion of Afghanistan and the scattering of Taliban and Al-Qaeda members. Pakistan captured and handed over numerous Al-Qaeda members to the US but faced severe security issues and economic strain. The recent statement by Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan, calling Osama bin Laden a martyr, has sparked controversy and is seen as an insult to the innocent lives lost in the war on terror.

A top ISKP commander, Hilal, along with two others, was killed in an intelligence-based operation in Peshawar. Hilal was involved in the killing of Satnam Singh and targeted killings of police officials during polio campaigns, as well as extorting businessmen. The operation was conducted near Faqirabad, Peshawar.

Faran Jeffery, a security analyst at the Islamic Theology of Counter Terrorism, explains that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has agreed to a ceasefire with Pakistan to avoid embarrassing the Afghan Taliban internationally. However, TTP has activated its B-Team, including the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group and the newly formed IMAM group, to continue attacks. Jeffery highlights the strategic ambiguity maintained by all parties and discusses potential targeted operations against militants. He emphasizes the long-term nature of the militant problem in the region and the significance of TTP commander Omar Khalid Khorasani's death.

The article reports on the execution of Abu Omar Khorasani, the former head of the Islamic State in South Asia and the Far East, by the Afghan Taliban on August 16, following their takeover of Kabul. Khorasani was taken from a government prison and executed, with his death being seen as a signal of the Taliban's stance against IS. Senior Taliban leader Mullah Khairullah Khairkhwa labeled IS extremists as 'deviant' and denied their presence among Afghan groups. The article also discusses the geopolitical implications of the Taliban's victory, with Iran, Russia, and China expressing readiness to help establish peace in Afghanistan. Velina Tchakarova, Director at the AIES, commented on China's efforts to build relationships in Afghanistan to protect its interests in Xinjiang and its Belt and Road Initiative. The article highlights the complex regional dynamics involving China, Pakistan, Russia, and Central Asian countries in the context of the Taliban's quest for international legitimacy and the fight against terrorism.

The article discusses the historical context of the Afghan Jihad, starting with the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and the subsequent support from the United States and its allies for the Mujahedeen. It details the formation of Maktaba al Khidmat by Dr. Abdullah Azzam and Osama Bin Laden's involvement, leading to the eventual creation of Al-Qaeda. The article also covers the aftermath of the Soviet withdrawal, the rise of the Taliban, and the impact of 9/11 on global politics. It touches on Pakistan's role in capturing Al-Qaeda members and the controversial statement by Prime Minister Imran Khan referring to Osama bin Laden as a martyr, highlighting the complex legacy of the Afghan Jihad and its consequences for the region.

A UN report highlights the failure of Afghanistan's justice system to adequately address violence against women and girls. The report, produced by UNAMA and the UN Human Rights Office, covers the period from September 2018 to February 2020. It finds that only half of reported crimes reach a primary court, with a conviction rate of about 40%. The report points out the low conviction rates for 'honour killings' and issues with the handling of rape cases. Many women choose not to pursue justice, and some resort to self-immolation or suicide. The report calls for amendments to the EVAW Law to improve investigation and prosecution of crimes and urges Afghan authorities and leaders to prevent and address violence, especially in light of increased risks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, hosted a virtual high-level meeting to mobilize support for Afghan refugees, seeking practical backing for the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR). The meeting, led by Filippo Grandi, included officials from Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. The SSAR, launched with a Support Platform at the Global Refugee Forum, aims to fund education, health, and livelihood projects for refugees. UNHCR's Noriko Yoshida emphasized the need for global support, noting Pakistan and Iran have hosted the majority of Afghan refugees for over 40 years. Pakistan's Federal Minister, Muhammad Mehboob Sultan, called for investment in these projects without reducing traditional funding, highlighting the decline in support for refugee-hosting nations and the importance of facilitating voluntary, safe returns to Afghanistan.

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has announced an extension of their ceasefire for an additional five days. This directive, issued by the TTP military commission emir for the north zone, Noor Ullah Mehsud, instructs the group's shadow governors to command their fighters to halt attacks until May 15th. The announcement follows an earlier statement by TTP chief Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud during Eid-ul-fitr, which declared an 11-day ceasefire. The TTP has been instructed to refrain from attacks but to respond if attacked. There are unconfirmed reports suggesting that the Pakistani government may have released 100 TTP prisoners as part of the agreement for the ceasefire extension.

Drone strikes, involving unmanned combat aerial vehicles, have become a significant aspect of modern warfare, particularly for the U.S. military. Initially used for surveillance, drones have evolved to carry out targeted strikes, notably in Afghanistan and Pakistan. While effective in eliminating high-profile targets, drone strikes have faced criticism for causing civilian casualties and ethical concerns. The technology is also employed by militant groups like ISIS. The debate continues over the balance between the strategic advantages of drones and their humanitarian impact.

In October 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis unfolded as the CIA discovered Soviet nuclear missile bases in Cuba, escalating Cold War tensions. President John F. Kennedy opted for a blockade and military readiness, addressing the nation and warning of the Soviet threat. The crisis peaked on October 27, with the downing of a U-2 plane by Cuba. Kennedy, advised by his brother Robert and others, chose negotiation over military action, leading to a secret agreement with Soviet Premier Khrushchev to remove missiles from Cuba in exchange for the US removing missiles from Turkey and Italy, mediated by the United Nations.

The flag of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan was raised in Jamia Hafsa and Lal Masjid in Islamabad, as announced by spokesperson Hafiz Ehtesham. Maulana Abdul Aziz plans to hold a Shariah and Fateh Mubarak conference at Lal Masjid. The Islamabad administration, represented by Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqat, has decided to take legal action against those responsible for hoisting the Taliban flags, which have since been removed.

Prime Minister Imran Khan inaugurated Pakistan's Covid vaccination campaign with the first dose given to a doctor at PIMS in Islamabad. The vaccine, provided by China, is part of a 0.5 million dose donation. Khan emphasized the equitable distribution of vaccines across provinces and praised Pakistan's relatively mild experience with the pandemic. He urged adherence to SOPs to prevent further spread. The vaccine will be stored in seven cities and transported by different means depending on the destination. Pakistan is also set to receive AstraZeneca vaccines through the COVAX scheme. The country's current COVID-19 death toll is 11,746 with a positivity ratio of 3.14% and active cases at 33,365.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was established in response to the 1969 arson attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque, with the aim of promoting cooperation among Muslim-majority countries. The OIC, headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is the second-largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations, comprising 57 member states across four continents. It has played significant roles in international diplomacy, including securing observer status for the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) at the UN. Despite its achievements, the OIC faces criticism for its lack of unified voice and effectiveness in addressing current crises in Muslim countries, largely due to political diversity and sectarian conflicts among its members. The organization also struggles with structural and financial challenges but has the potential to mediate conflicts and support economic development in the future.

The article discusses the United States' involvement in Afghanistan, which has become the longest war in American history. It outlines the approaches of different administrations, from Bush's invasion after 9/11 to Obama's military emphasis and the opening of a Taliban office in Qatar. Trump's presidency shifted focus to negotiations, aiming to withdraw all troops by the end of 2020. However, his election defeat and concerns from the Nato alliance have halted the complete withdrawal, leaving about 2,500 troops in Afghanistan. The Pentagon may increase support under Biden, who has expressed intentions to maintain a military presence. The article suggests that the Taliban and Kabul must accept the continued US presence and work with it to further the peace process.

The Arab Spring, starting in 2011, led to pro-democracy uprisings across Muslim countries, including Syria, where it escalated into a civil war. The Syrian conflict involved various domestic and international actors, with the Assad regime supported by Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah, while the rebels received backing from the US, Gulf states, and Turkey. Foreign intervention significantly influenced the war's progression, with Russia and the US playing major roles. Despite ongoing peace negotiations, the future of Assad remains a contentious issue. The conflict has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of Syrians displaced and in need of assistance.

The blog post by Raja Furqan Ahmed is an introduction to his personal blog, where he shares his views and opinions on various issues, with a particular focus on world politics. As a freelance journalist, he encourages others to contribute and publish their articles on his platform. The content suggests that the blog will feature a mix of opinion pieces and news updates related to political events around the globe.

Iran, as the only Shia state in the Middle East without diplomatic ties with the U.S., has become a significant regional player, influencing various conflicts and political dynamics. Its foreign policy, shaped by the revolutionary idea of velayat-faqih, aims for regional cooperation but is often compelled towards involvement in conflicts due to structural forces. Iran's support for allies like Bashar al-Assad, the Houthis, Hezbollah, and Hamas, and its role in the Syrian civil war and the Yemen crisis, demonstrate its strategic interests. The U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and subsequent sanctions have heightened tensions, with Iran responding through regional proxies. Iran's foreign policy balances deterrence and cooperation, seeking to maintain a strong regional presence to counter the influence of rivals like Saudi Arabia, Gulf countries, and Israel.