THE fall of Kunduz seems to have set in motion a domino effect with the Afghan Taliban forces threatening to overrun the other neighbouring northern Afghan provinces. Baghlan could be the next. Fierce fighting is also reportedly raging in Badakhshan and Faryab as the Afghan government forces face their most serious test yet. The residual US forces can hardly be expected to stop the Taliban advance from the militia’s traditional stronghold in eastern and southern Afghanistan. The bombing by US jets on a Médecins Sans Frontières hospital in Kunduz that killed and injured scores of people has only served to further alienate the local population.
Strategic Perspectives Through Research and Dialogue
