After the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, the United States and its allies encouraged Muslims worldwide to join the Afghan Jihad. The Mujahedeen were supported by the US, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. Osama bin Laden, initially part of Maktaba al Khidmat, later formed Al-Qaeda. The 9/11 attacks changed global politics, leading to the US invasion of Afghanistan and the scattering of Taliban and Al-Qaeda members. Pakistan captured and handed over numerous Al-Qaeda members to the US but faced severe security issues and economic strain. The recent statement by Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan, calling Osama bin Laden a martyr, has sparked controversy and is seen as an insult to the innocent lives lost in the war on terror.

Pakistani journalist Anas Mallick has been released from Afghan custody after being detained in Kabul. His release was confirmed by senior journalist Tahir Khan and the Pakistani Ambassador to Afghanistan, Mansoor Ahmad Khan. Mallick, who had reported on the killing of Al Qaeda Chief Aymen Al Zawahari, went missing a day after arriving in Afghanistan. Reports suggest he was detained by Afghanistan’s security forces for not having the necessary permissions to report. The incident drew reactions from various Pakistani officials and public figures, calling for his safe return.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan rebuked the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) for its lack of progress in the Arshad Sharif murder case, citing non-cooperation from Kenyan officials. The court ordered an investigation into the leak of the fact-finding report and directed the JIT to trace the suspects responsible. The JIT admitted to finding no substantial evidence and faced criticism for not recording statements from key individuals. The court granted the JIT a month to outline its next steps and suggested hiring a lawyer in Kenya to understand legal rights. The hearing was adjourned for a month.

Faran Jeffery, a security analyst at the Islamic Theology of Counter Terrorism, explains that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has agreed to a ceasefire with Pakistan to avoid embarrassing the Afghan Taliban internationally. However, TTP has activated its B-Team, including the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group and the newly formed IMAM group, to continue attacks. Jeffery highlights the strategic ambiguity maintained by all parties and discusses potential targeted operations against militants. He emphasizes the long-term nature of the militant problem in the region and the significance of TTP commander Omar Khalid Khorasani's death.

A top ISKP commander, Hilal, along with two others, was killed in an intelligence-based operation in Peshawar. Hilal was involved in the killing of Satnam Singh and targeted killings of police officials during polio campaigns, as well as extorting businessmen. The operation was conducted near Faqirabad, Peshawar.

The article reports on the execution of Abu Omar Khorasani, the former head of the Islamic State in South Asia and the Far East, by the Afghan Taliban on August 16, following their takeover of Kabul. Khorasani was taken from a government prison and executed, with his death being seen as a signal of the Taliban's stance against IS. Senior Taliban leader Mullah Khairullah Khairkhwa labeled IS extremists as 'deviant' and denied their presence among Afghan groups. The article also discusses the geopolitical implications of the Taliban's victory, with Iran, Russia, and China expressing readiness to help establish peace in Afghanistan. Velina Tchakarova, Director at the AIES, commented on China's efforts to build relationships in Afghanistan to protect its interests in Xinjiang and its Belt and Road Initiative. The article highlights the complex regional dynamics involving China, Pakistan, Russia, and Central Asian countries in the context of the Taliban's quest for international legitimacy and the fight against terrorism.

The article discusses the historical context of the Afghan Jihad, starting with the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and the subsequent support from the United States and its allies for the Mujahedeen. It details the formation of Maktaba al Khidmat by Dr. Abdullah Azzam and Osama Bin Laden's involvement, leading to the eventual creation of Al-Qaeda. The article also covers the aftermath of the Soviet withdrawal, the rise of the Taliban, and the impact of 9/11 on global politics. It touches on Pakistan's role in capturing Al-Qaeda members and the controversial statement by Prime Minister Imran Khan referring to Osama bin Laden as a martyr, highlighting the complex legacy of the Afghan Jihad and its consequences for the region.

Respiratory burst oxidase homolog (Rboh) genes generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) to maintain normal growth and pathogen-induced defense responses in Aquilaria plants. Wounding and fungal invasion in these plants lead to the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, eventually forming agarwood. This study identified seven Rboh genes from the genomes of Aquilaria agallocha and Aquilaria sinensis, classifying them into five groups. The genes' promoter regions contain stress response, hormone regulation, and development-related regulatory elements. Protein sequences include conserved domains, an EF-hand domain, and a transmembrane region, likely involved in MAPK signaling, plant-pathogen interaction, and plant hormone signal transduction pathways. Expression analyses suggest that AaRbohA and AaRhobC are involved in ROS generation and possibly agarwood formation, providing valuable insights for further functional analyses.

A UN report highlights the failure of Afghanistan's justice system to adequately address violence against women and girls. The report, produced by UNAMA and the UN Human Rights Office, covers the period from September 2018 to February 2020. It finds that only half of reported crimes reach a primary court, with a conviction rate of about 40%. The report points out the low conviction rates for 'honour killings' and issues with the handling of rape cases. Many women choose not to pursue justice, and some resort to self-immolation or suicide. The report calls for amendments to the EVAW Law to improve investigation and prosecution of crimes and urges Afghan authorities and leaders to prevent and address violence, especially in light of increased risks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, hosted a virtual high-level meeting to mobilize support for Afghan refugees, seeking practical backing for the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR). The meeting, led by Filippo Grandi, included officials from Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. The SSAR, launched with a Support Platform at the Global Refugee Forum, aims to fund education, health, and livelihood projects for refugees. UNHCR's Noriko Yoshida emphasized the need for global support, noting Pakistan and Iran have hosted the majority of Afghan refugees for over 40 years. Pakistan's Federal Minister, Muhammad Mehboob Sultan, called for investment in these projects without reducing traditional funding, highlighting the decline in support for refugee-hosting nations and the importance of facilitating voluntary, safe returns to Afghanistan.

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has announced an extension of their ceasefire for an additional five days. This directive, issued by the TTP military commission emir for the north zone, Noor Ullah Mehsud, instructs the group's shadow governors to command their fighters to halt attacks until May 15th. The announcement follows an earlier statement by TTP chief Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud during Eid-ul-fitr, which declared an 11-day ceasefire. The TTP has been instructed to refrain from attacks but to respond if attacked. There are unconfirmed reports suggesting that the Pakistani government may have released 100 TTP prisoners as part of the agreement for the ceasefire extension.

Drone strikes, involving unmanned combat aerial vehicles, have become a significant aspect of modern warfare, particularly for the U.S. military. Initially used for surveillance, drones have evolved to carry out targeted strikes, notably in Afghanistan and Pakistan. While effective in eliminating high-profile targets, drone strikes have faced criticism for causing civilian casualties and ethical concerns. The technology is also employed by militant groups like ISIS. The debate continues over the balance between the strategic advantages of drones and their humanitarian impact.

In October 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis unfolded as the CIA discovered Soviet nuclear missile bases in Cuba, escalating Cold War tensions. President John F. Kennedy opted for a blockade and military readiness, addressing the nation and warning of the Soviet threat. The crisis peaked on October 27, with the downing of a U-2 plane by Cuba. Kennedy, advised by his brother Robert and others, chose negotiation over military action, leading to a secret agreement with Soviet Premier Khrushchev to remove missiles from Cuba in exchange for the US removing missiles from Turkey and Italy, mediated by the United Nations.

The Asia-Pacific region, encompassing East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific Ocean, and Oceania, is a significant economic and geopolitical area. Home to half of the world's population and accounting for 39% of the global market, it includes major economies like China, India, Japan, and Australia. The region's economic diversity ranges from highly industrialized nations to low-income countries. Key industries include shipbuilding, with major ports like Shanghai and strategic routes like the Strait of Malacca. The US has shifted its focus to this region, emphasizing diplomatic and strategic engagement, particularly under the Obama administration. The region's historical, cultural, and ethnic diversity adds to its global significance.

The flag of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan was raised in Jamia Hafsa and Lal Masjid in Islamabad, as announced by spokesperson Hafiz Ehtesham. Maulana Abdul Aziz plans to hold a Shariah and Fateh Mubarak conference at Lal Masjid. The Islamabad administration, represented by Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqat, has decided to take legal action against those responsible for hoisting the Taliban flags, which have since been removed.

Prime Minister Imran Khan inaugurated Pakistan's Covid vaccination campaign with the first dose given to a doctor at PIMS in Islamabad. The vaccine, provided by China, is part of a 0.5 million dose donation. Khan emphasized the equitable distribution of vaccines across provinces and praised Pakistan's relatively mild experience with the pandemic. He urged adherence to SOPs to prevent further spread. The vaccine will be stored in seven cities and transported by different means depending on the destination. Pakistan is also set to receive AstraZeneca vaccines through the COVAX scheme. The country's current COVID-19 death toll is 11,746 with a positivity ratio of 3.14% and active cases at 33,365.

The Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was established in response to the 1969 arson attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque, with the aim of promoting cooperation among Muslim states. Despite its significant achievements, such as supporting the Palestinian cause and gaining observer status for the PLO at the UN, the OIC faces numerous challenges. These include political diversity among member states, sectarian conflicts, and insufficient budget. The OIC's role in resolving conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, remains crucial, but its effectiveness is hindered by internal divisions and structural issues.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was established in response to the 1969 arson attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque, with the aim of promoting cooperation among Muslim-majority countries. The OIC, headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is the second-largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations, comprising 57 member states across four continents. It has played significant roles in international diplomacy, including securing observer status for the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) at the UN. Despite its achievements, the OIC faces criticism for its lack of unified voice and effectiveness in addressing current crises in Muslim countries, largely due to political diversity and sectarian conflicts among its members. The organization also struggles with structural and financial challenges but has the potential to mediate conflicts and support economic development in the future.

The article discusses the United States' involvement in Afghanistan, which has become the longest war in American history. It outlines the approaches of different administrations, from Bush's invasion after 9/11 to Obama's military emphasis and the opening of a Taliban office in Qatar. Trump's presidency shifted focus to negotiations, aiming to withdraw all troops by the end of 2020. However, his election defeat and concerns from the Nato alliance have halted the complete withdrawal, leaving about 2,500 troops in Afghanistan. The Pentagon may increase support under Biden, who has expressed intentions to maintain a military presence. The article suggests that the Taliban and Kabul must accept the continued US presence and work with it to further the peace process.

The Arab Spring, starting in 2011, led to pro-democracy uprisings across Muslim countries, including Syria, where it escalated into a civil war. The Syrian conflict involved various domestic and international actors, with the Assad regime supported by Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah, while the rebels received backing from the US, Gulf states, and Turkey. Foreign intervention significantly influenced the war's progression, with Russia and the US playing major roles. Despite ongoing peace negotiations, the future of Assad remains a contentious issue. The conflict has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of Syrians displaced and in need of assistance.

The blog post by Raja Furqan Ahmed is an introduction to his personal blog, where he shares his views and opinions on various issues, with a particular focus on world politics. As a freelance journalist, he encourages others to contribute and publish their articles on his platform. The content suggests that the blog will feature a mix of opinion pieces and news updates related to political events around the globe.

The Indus Water Treaty, signed on September 19, 1960, between India and Pakistan, is considered one of the most successful water-sharing agreements globally. The treaty, mediated by the World Bank, allocated the eastern rivers (Beas, Ravi, Sutlej) to India and the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan. It also included provisions for financial assistance to Pakistan for building dams and canals, with contributions from India, the World Bank, and other countries. The treaty emerged from prolonged negotiations and aimed to resolve water distribution issues following the partition of British India in 1947.

Afghanistan remains a conflict zone with significant political instability affecting both local and global politics. The US-Taliban peace deal brought hope for peace, but political rivalries, particularly between President Ashraf Ghani and Dr Abdullah Abdullah, have hindered progress. A recent power-sharing deal aims to resolve the political stalemate, with Abdullah leading peace talks. However, recent attacks in Kabul and Nangarhar have escalated tensions, with the Afghan government blaming the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani network, while the Taliban calls for an impartial investigation. Ethnic divisions further complicate the situation, and the Taliban's new military chief, Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, signals potential for increased conflict. Afghan politicians are urged to adopt a serious attitude towards achieving peace.

Iran, as the only Shia state in the Middle East without diplomatic ties with the U.S., has become a significant regional player, influencing various conflicts and political dynamics. Its foreign policy, shaped by the revolutionary idea of velayat-faqih, aims for regional cooperation but is often compelled towards involvement in conflicts due to structural forces. Iran's support for allies like Bashar al-Assad, the Houthis, Hezbollah, and Hamas, and its role in the Syrian civil war and the Yemen crisis, demonstrate its strategic interests. The U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and subsequent sanctions have heightened tensions, with Iran responding through regional proxies. Iran's foreign policy balances deterrence and cooperation, seeking to maintain a strong regional presence to counter the influence of rivals like Saudi Arabia, Gulf countries, and Israel.