Samuel Ramani

Former Afghan ambassador to UK says the Taliban is weaker than it looks

In an exclusive interview with TRT World, Ahmad Wali Massoud shares his thoughts on the staying power of the Taliban-led Islamic Emirate, the future of the resistance, and what the US and Britain both got wrong.

Afghan ex-ambassador to Pakistan: Taliban will maintain ‘tolerant’ conduct

In an interview with TRT World, Omar Zakhilwal, who was also Afghanistan’s former finance minister, discusses the Taliban’s diplomatic direction, regional politics and security.

What are the limits of Russia’s Taliban engagement?

Moscow has cautiously embraced the newly re-created Islamic Emirate, but terrorism and regional security issues remain concerns.

Russia's vaccine diplomacy is overhyped and underwhelming

Moscow’s South-South vaccine efforts have fallen short of expectations and don’t pose as big a challenge to the West as initially presumed.

What’s Russia’s strategy in Afghanistan?

As US withdrawal nears and the Taliban makes sweeping territorial gains, Russia’s security presence in Central Asia and diplomatic involvement in Afghanistan is rapidly growing.

Assad's Idlib offensive could suspend Russia-Turkey cooperation

With regime forces renewing attacks on rebel-held Idlib in northern Syria, the pact between Ankara and Moscow to build peace in the region is constantly being violated, putting an enormous strain on their bilateral ties.

Is Iran silently preparing for intensified conflict with Israel?

Pro-Iranian militias in Syria's Deir Ezzor province recently came under missile attacks from unknown launchpads and Tehran did not react to the escalation, indicating the hostility is likely to have wider consequences.

Can Turkey position itself as the most effective mediator in Afghanistan?

Turkey's role in Afghanistan is increasingly expanding and could help facilitate talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government. It could also likely succeed where others have failed.