President Biden has defended his foreign policy record, citing achievements like strengthening NATO and leading the charge against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, critics point to the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, a perceived appeasement of Iran, and failures in deterrence against Russia. The article examines Biden’s claims and the reality of his administration’s handling of these key foreign policy issues.
A UN report reveals that the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has become the largest terrorist group in Afghanistan, operating with support from the Afghan Taliban and Al Qaeda. The report highlights the TTP’s escalating attacks on Pakistan, including sophisticated weaponry and the involvement of Afghan nationals. It also raises concerns about the Afghan Taliban’s commitment to curbing the TTP threat and their support for the group’s activities. Additionally, the report sheds light on the expansion of the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-K) and its growing threat to the region.
Pakistan is currently hosting over 44,000 Afghan nationals approved for relocation to Western nations, despite many having been approved years ago. While Pakistan has granted a one-year extension for registered Afghan refugees, concerns remain about the slow pace of relocation and the continued presence of Afghan refugees in the country.
Thousands of Afghans, approved for relocation to Western nations after the Taliban takeover, are still stuck in Pakistan. Pakistan is urging these countries to expedite the visa process and relocate these individuals, who fear reprisals from the Taliban.
Pakistan has extended the stay of 1.45 million Afghan refugees for another year but continues to deport unregistered migrants, raising concerns about the fate of those forced to return to Afghanistan under Taliban rule. Despite international pressure to suspend the deportation plan, Pakistan insists it remains in place, and reports suggest border officials are confiscating refugee cards from departing Afghans.
Jen Psaki, former White House press secretary, will testify before House GOP investigators examining the Biden administration’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. The investigation focuses on potential misrepresentations made by Psaki regarding the withdrawal, with Republicans questioning whether she knowingly provided inaccurate information or was misled by others.
An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.3 struck Afghanistan on Tuesday morning, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The quake’s epicenter was located in the eastern part of the country at a depth of 134 kilometers. While no casualties have been reported yet, authorities are gathering further information.
India participated in the third UN-led conference on Afghanistan in Doha, marking the Taliban’s first appearance at an international event. While India is cautiously engaging with the Taliban for humanitarian and security purposes, the conference drew criticism over the regime’s treatment of women. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar also visited Doha, strengthening India-Qatar ties across various sectors.
Pakistan has initiated the second phase of its controversial plan to deport undocumented Afghan refugees, facing criticism from the international community, including the United Nations. The plan, citing security concerns and economic strain, aims to expel over 800,000 Afghans, adding to the 541,000 already deported in November 2022. The UN and refugee organizations argue that the deportations are exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and urge Pakistan to consider the profiles of individuals before expelling them.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has accused the Taliban regime in Afghanistan of failing to take action against militants involved in cross-border attacks, raising concerns about escalating tensions between the two countries. Asif’s remarks, which came amidst Pakistan’s Operation Azm-e-Istehkam targeting terrorist hideouts across the border, have been met with criticism from opposition parties in Pakistan who fear further escalation of conflict and damage to regional peace.
