... Taliban have always been complicated, with frequent conflicts—but given Tehran’s pragmatic foreign policy, there is no doubt they will reach some kind of compromise with the victorious Taliban.
Russia and the EU in Syria: Need for New Approaches?
Russia and Afghanistan
Unlike Syria, where Moscow plays a largely central role as a guarantor of the country’s stability and territorial integrity, Russia is not a major league player in Afghanistan so far. Moscow has neither Beijing’s economic capabilities nor Islamabad’s political ...
... conducive to conflict and misunderstanding. Israel and Saudi Arabia agree that Russian control in Syria and keeping Assad in power are the best option, but that Iran should not be involved — at all — which is a request Russia cannot accommodate. Russia learned in Afghanistan to limit the number of foot soldiers they deploy. Therefore, the majority of the boots on the ground in Syria, working alongside Russian Military Police and Air Force, are Iranian (or Shia Iraqi, Shia Pakistani, Hezbollah, etc.)
Moreover, of course, the Syrian army is in a severe state of incapacity and corruption. Because of Russia’s critical position,...
... worries of Eastern Europeans.
Accordingly, the next year should provide an answer for the following question: Is fear of Russia and percieved threat in Europe sufficient for increasing defense capabilities of the European NATO members in the first ... ... back at best. At worst, one can fail as the U.S. did in Vietnam. You just cannot combat these guys from the sky!
3. Whither Afghanistan?
Well, it's pretty simple. A president of Kabul is not a president of Afghanistan. Almost entire south-east ...
