The article discusses the impact of imperialism on Afghanistan, drawing parallels between British colonialism and the US intervention. It criticizes the US for its lack of cultural sensitivity and the creation of an elite disconnected from Afghan society. The author argues that the current Afghan government, influenced by the US, is corrupt and incompetent, and suggests that a political order without these elites might better serve Afghanistan's needs.

The increase in Taliban violence in Afghanistan is affecting the legitimacy of their negotiating team in Qatar and complicating US-Taliban talks. The delay allows the Afghan political elite to prepare for the next phase of negotiations, emphasizing the need for an inclusive approach and a unified mandate. The Afghan government's appointment of Abdul Salam Rahimi as Minister for Peace and the disputed presidential election results add to the complexity. The article suggests that learning from past experiences and including new political figures are crucial for a successful peace process.

A meeting hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Doha aims to address the formation of an inclusive Afghan government, a key precondition for the Taliban's recognition. The term 'inclusivity' evokes negative memories for Afghans due to past experiences with warlords, complicating efforts to build trust and cooperation. The Taliban resists international pressure to include other political forces, leveraging public sentiment against warlordism. The article highlights the challenges of finding qualified non-Taliban political figures and suggests that the Taliban should have the autonomy to choose who to include in the government to improve the current situation.

Pakistan's interim government has announced a 28-day deadline for 'illegal immigrants,' primarily targeting 1.73 million Afghan refugees, to leave the country or face deportation. This decision, lacking evidence for its security claims, has been condemned by international organizations. The article highlights Pakistan's historical support for Afghan refugees and criticizes the current government's short-sighted and reactionary measures. It underscores the complex relationship between Pakistan, the Afghan Taliban, and the Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan (TTP), urging Pakistan to reconsider its stance and uphold the dignity and safety of Afghan refugees.

Pakistan's interim government has announced the deportation of 1.73 million Afghan refugees, citing security concerns without providing evidence. This decision has been condemned by international organizations and is seen as a reactionary measure that undermines the long-standing friendship between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The article highlights the historical context of Pakistan's involvement with the Afghan Taliban and the Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan (TTP), emphasizing that ordinary Afghans should not be punished for the actions of their government. The author calls for Pakistan to respect the dignity and safety of Afghan refugees, warning that the deportation could harm bilateral relations for years to come.

Moderate candidate Pezeshkian is anticipated to win Iran's presidential race, according to an Iranian source. The article highlights the political landscape and the expectations surrounding the election.

The article discusses the complexities of engaging with the Taliban in Afghanistan, highlighting the moral and practical challenges. It explores different historical approaches to dealing with strict regimes, using Adam Michnik's categorization of revolutionary camps in Poland as a framework. The text categorizes most Afghans and international actors as revisionists, neo-positivists, or new-evolutionists, each with different strategies for engagement. The article emphasizes the need for the international community to support local projects and grassroots movements to create meaningful change, while criticizing current approaches like those of Geneva Calls for their lack of effectiveness.

Recent reports indicate deepening divides within Taliban leadership, with senior leaders like Sirajuddin Haqqani and Mullah Yaqoob publicly criticizing the group's leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, over issues such as the monopolization of power and bans on girls' education. These internal rifts highlight a growing impatience with ultra-conservative policies. While some argue that these criticisms reflect genuine ideological divides, others see them as strategic posturing. The article suggests that meaningful reform within the Taliban would require constitutional changes to limit the Emir's power and distribute authority among ministers, potentially leading to greater internal cohesion and international legitimacy.

The United States has adjusted its approach to engaging with the Taliban, moving past the precondition of addressing human rights issues to foster better relations. A meeting in Doha on July 31, the first official engagement since August 2021, showed signs of progress, with coherent statements from both parties and discussions on confidence-building measures. The presence of US Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls, and Human Rights Rina Amiri indicated a shift in strategy, aiming to incentivize the Taliban to form an inclusive government and address social policies internally. The UN Assistance Mission for Afghanistan plans to continue these dialogues, which could lead to international recognition for the Taliban and provide the US an opportunity to address past failures in Afghanistan.

The article criticizes the Taliban for failing to establish an inclusive government and for its socioeconomic and rights violations. It argues that the international community's efforts to impose certain individuals and groups on the Taliban for national dialogue have been counterproductive. The article suggests that the Taliban should be allowed to lead the national dialogue process, with loose conditions for ethnic and gender inclusion, to allow for the growth of a native, grassroots opposition. It highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting young people and civil society members who are working to make a difference in Afghanistan.