In recent weeks, the Taliban has launched furious offensives, with dozens of Afghan districts seized since May. The insurgency has taken control of several border posts, and it threatens many cities across the country.
The Taliban is also trying to preempt resistance; many of its most recent offensives are in the north, where anti-Taliban militias and factions have long been strong.
The latest episode of The AfPak File unpacks the Taliban’s unrelenting assault. Why is it happening now, what does it mean, and what may be next?
Joining the discussion are Ali Yawar Adili, a researcher with the Afghanistan Analysts Network; Nilofar Sakhi, professorial lecturer in international affairs at George Washington University; and Michael Kugelman, Asia Program deputy director and senior associate for South Asia at the Wilson Center.
Muhammad Tahir, Washington DC media manager with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, moderates the discussion.
