The Centre for Strategic and Regional Studies (CSRS)
By: Center for Strategic & Regional Studies Note: Click here for the PDF file of this analysis. ___________________________________________________________________ In this issue: Trump’s Route […]
China aims to expand its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by incorporating Afghanistan into the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). However, the tense relationship between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and Pakistan remains a major obstacle.
The relationship between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and Malaysia has developed within a framework of cautious and conditional engagement. Kuala Lumpur has thus far refrained from formally recognizing the Kabul government; however, through Islamic multilateralism, particularly via the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as well as humanitarian and technical channels, it has maintained avenues for dialogue and issue-specific engagement.
An examination of the role of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) shows that it has played an important part in shaping discourse, guiding Islamic countries, and fostering apparent unity through its regular meetings and declarations. However, in light of the points discussed above, a reassessment of the OIC’s positions in diplomacy suggests the need for a fundamental review of its approaches, priorities, and tools for cooperation among Islamic countries within their foreign policy frameworks.
Until recently, the chances of a direct war between Israel and Iran seemed low. Both countries were deterred by fear of one another, particularly because Iran, through its network of proxy groups known as the Axis of Resistance, was able to keep pressure on Israel.
Although a direct war between Turkey and Israel is not yet a reality, rising political, military, and ideological tensions could push both countries closer to open conflict.
An analysis of the European Union’s relations with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan reveals a profound divide between the EU’s normative values and its geopolitical imperatives concerning Afghanistan.
Saudi Arabia, once a staunch supporter of the Islamic Emirate, severed its ties following global and regional shifts concerning Afghanistan. In alignment with international sentiment at the time, largely opposed to the Islamic Emirate, Riyadh sought to delegitimize the Emirate’s struggle by portraying it as religiously unjustified.
At one point in its history, the United States pursued an isolationist strategy, famously known as the Monroe Doctrine, to distance itself from international conflicts. While Trump never explicitly advocated for isolationism, his policies and actions suggest that he may have been leaning toward a modern version of it.
Overall, Trump’s policies toward Afghanistan are unlikely to achieve their intended goals. Instead, they risk deepening the country’s humanitarian, economic, and political crises. His dual approach—reducing U.S. military involvement while simultaneously exerting pressure on the Islamic Emirate and politicizing humanitarian aid—fails to provide a viable solution for Afghanistan’s challenges.
