Afghanistan: Takeaways from the Kunduz Offensive

On 28 September 2015 the Taliban launched an elaborate offensive on Kunduz city, capital of the Kunduz Province.  By 29 September 2015 – the Afghan National Unity Government’s (NUG) first anniversary – Kunduz city was overrun by the Taliban. The insurgents stormed the city from three different directions in a surprise attack, plans for which […]

Has Peshawar Changed Pakistan’s Approach to Tackle Terrorism?

The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) terrorist attack on the Army Public School, Peshawar, on December 16, 2014, killing 132 children and several teachers, many from Army background, was traumatic; its intensity and cruelty shocking civil society in Pakistan, much in the same way as the public flogging of a woman by the Taliban in Swat did […]

Violence Within Us: Our Responsibility in the Aftermath of Peshawar

There. Yes there, where the guns blazed. Yes there, where hearts bled for the gentle touch of parents. Yes there, where once I shared my secrets in my best friend’s ear. Yes there, where I ran away with the favourite pencil of the class monitor. Yes there, where everyday my mother waited for me. Yes […]