Stay updated

Subscribe to our daily newsletter to receive the best expert intelligence on world-changing events

Explore our unique analysis

Content

New Atlanticist

Aug 15, 2021

How the Taliban did it: Inside the ‘operational art’ of its military victory

By Benjamin Jensen

The Taliban of 2021 is not the same as the Taliban of the 1990s. This Taliban is now adept at integrating military and non-military instruments of power in pursuit of its political objectives.

Afghanistan Conflict

Fast Thinking

Aug 15, 2021

FAST THINKING: What you need to know about the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan

By Atlantic Council

What can the United States possibly do now to manage the fallout? How will all this reshape America’s global standing? Our experts penetrate the fog of war.

Afghanistan Conflict

Experts react

Aug 15, 2021

Experts react: The Taliban has taken Kabul. Now what?

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts, many of whom have spent many years in the trenches on Afghanistan policy, weigh in on the fall of Kabul.

Afghanistan Conflict

Fast Thinking

Aug 13, 2021

FAST THINKING: The Taliban take three major cities. Is Kabul next?

By Atlantic Council

Is the fall of Kabul inevitable? Will terrorists enjoy a safe haven once again? Our Afghanistan experts are here to chart the endgame.

Conflict Security & Defense

New Atlanticist

Aug 12, 2021

Experts react: How far will Poland push away its friends?

By Atlantic Council

Poland's move against a critical television network fits into a pattern of criticized behavior by a one-time showcase of post-communist recovery.

Central Europe Democratic Transitions

Fast Thinking

Aug 12, 2021

FAST THINKING: What will a post-American Afghanistan look like?

By Irfan Nooruddin, William F. Wechsler

On this episode of Fast Thinking, Atlantic Council experts Irfan Nooruddin and Will Wechsler discuss how the United States can continue to support the Afghan government, break down three possible scenarios for what Afghanistan's plight could mean for the future of counterterrorism, and explain how regional players will shape the country's future.

Afghanistan Conflict

New Atlanticist

Aug 11, 2021

Three paths for counterterrorism after the Afghanistan withdrawal

By William F. Wechsler

As US forces withdraw from the country twenty years after 9/11, it is yet again terrorism—or a lack thereof—that could determine how President Joe Biden’s Afghanistan policy is remembered.

Afghanistan Conflict

New Atlanticist

Aug 11, 2021

Cuba’s protests have ebbed. But the forces that fueled them are as powerful as ever.

By Jason Marczak, Wazim Mowla

The street protests have calmed down, at least for now, but this is still a perilous moment for the island—with the Cuban people in need of continued backing.

Caribbean Cuba

New Atlanticist

Aug 11, 2021

Nord Stream 2: How to make the best of a bad idea

By Daniel Fried, Richard L. Morningstar, András Simonyi

The United States and Germany must work hard and fast to push back against Russia’s weaponization of energy.

Europe & Eurasia European Union

New Atlanticist

Aug 11, 2021

Ahmad Massoud: Look to local leaders to save Afghanistan

By Kamal Alam

Just weeks before US troops fully withdraw from Afghanistan—and as Taliban fighters conquer more territory across the country—Ahmad Massoud says he is open to negotiations with the militants.

Afghanistan Conflict