FAST THINKING: Who’s funding the Taliban?

MENASource Aug 25, 2024

After a failed attack, Hezbollah’s propaganda seeks to prevent a wider war with Israel

By David Daoud

Committed as Hezbollah is to saving its Gaza-based allies, the group does not currently want a full war with Israel.
Conflict Israel
FAST THINKING: Who’s funding the Taliban?

New Atlanticist Aug 21, 2024

How quickly can Taiwan integrate US weapon systems? Speed is essential to help deter China.

By Adam Kozloski

To better prepare Taiwan to defend itself, the United States needs more transparency into Taipei’s weapons integration challenges.
Conflict Defense Policy
FAST THINKING: Who’s funding the Taliban?

UkraineAlert Aug 21, 2024

Invasion? What invasion? Putin is downplaying Ukraine’s Kursk offensive

By Peter Dickinson

Vladimir Putin’s efforts to downplay Ukraine’s invasion of Russia have severely dented his strongman image and make a mockery of the West’s escalation fears, writes Peter Dickinson.
Conflict Defense Policy

Programs

The Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security works to develop sustainable, nonpartisan strategies to address the most important security challenges facing the United States and the world.

Learn more

Content

Fast Thinking

Sep 3, 2021

FAST THINKING: Who’s funding the Taliban?

By Julia Friedlander

On this episode of Fast Thinking, the Atlantic Council's Julia Friedlander and Mark Nakhla, the executive vice president of Kharon, dive into the Taliban's funding networks (don't miss the helpful visuals!), which are primarily outside the reach of the international finance system.

Afghanistan Conflict

New Atlanticist

Sep 3, 2021

Italy shows how defense partnership is done

By Alessandro Minuto-Rizzo

The country may be among the United States’ most reliable allies in Europe—which is why it should help lead NATO.

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

SouthAsiaSource

Sep 3, 2021

Pakistan and the Taliban 2.0: The good, the bad, and the ugly

By Rabia Akhtar

The Taliban’s 11-day Blitzkrieg has left the entire world stunned. As the new government takes shape in Afghanistan, there are some good, some bad, and some ugly realities confronting the region, primarily Pakistan.

Afghanistan Pakistan

In the News

Sep 3, 2021

Nasr joins The NPR Politics Podcast broadcasted on WWNO New Orleans Public Radio to discuss the United States in Afghanistan

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan Conflict

In the News

Sep 3, 2021

Nasr joins The NPR Politics Podcast broadcasted on WUNC North Carolina Public Radio to discuss the United States in Afghanistan

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan Conflict

New Atlanticist

Sep 3, 2021

Germany’s defense minister: Only political will can protect Europe

By Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer

The debate over EU security and defense should be about political will—not institutions.

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Sep 3, 2021

Sakhi quoted in Khmer Times on how Afghanistan has come full circle with the return of Taliban

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan Conflict

New Atlanticist

Sep 3, 2021

American security cooperation needs an ‘integrity check’

By R. Clarke Cooper

Washington must prove why choosing the United States as a security partner remains the best option.

Afghanistan Conflict

In the News

Sep 3, 2021

Kroenig quoted on the future of US global engagement in NBC News analysis

By Atlantic Council

On September 1, NBC News quoted Matthew Kroenig in an article about Afghanistan and the future of US engagement abroad. Kroenig commented that the US withdrawal from Afghanistan delivered “a big blow to US credibility” with adversaries and allies. He added that NATO allies were “somewhat caught off-guard” that the president decided to withdraw “without […]

Afghanistan Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Sep 3, 2021

Wieslander gives keynote address at Marshall Center European Security Seminar

The seminar “Cooperation or Confrontation in the High North” developed a broader understanding of regional perspectives on the European High North and Baltic region. A keynote address by Anna Wieslander, director for Northern Europe at the Atlantic Council, highlighted strategic interests and military activities in the region. 

Climate Change & Climate Action Conflict
Load More

Experts

Fellow

Nik Foster

Nonresident Fellow

Global China Hub

China Energy & Environment

Fellow

Corey Jacobson

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Policy National Security

Staff

Melanie Robbins 

Deputy Director, Realign for Palestine

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Civil Society Extremism

Staff

Bailey Galicia

Project Assistant

Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative GeoStrategy Initiative

Europe & Eurasia Extremism

Fellow

David H. Young

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Afghanistan Conflict

Fellow

Jason C. Moyer

Nonresident Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Europe & Eurasia NATO
Load More

Events

Public Event Tue, August 5, 2025 • 3:00 pm ET

Examining Russia’s assault on Ukraine’s cultural heritage
Conflict Europe & Eurasia Human Rights Russia
Public Event Wed, August 13, 2025 • 10:00 am ET

The US Space Force’s Jonathan Farrow on the US Space Warfighting Framework
Defense Policy National Security Space Security
Public Event Wed, October 8, 2025 • 9:00 am ET

2025 Energy & Defense Summit
Defense Policy Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance Geopolitics & Energy Security