KEY TAKEAWAYS Afghanistan has a façade of domestic stability, with armed conflict decreasing since the U.S. withdrawal.But dire economic, humanitarian and human rights conditions and Taliban violence build pressure on the population.The international community remains vexed over how to engage the Taliban. Lacking formal recognition from all member states, the …

Analysis: Isaac Herzog’s visits to Albania and Serbia underscore Israel’s expanding ties with the Balkans amid global isolation due to its war on Gaza. Israeli President Isaac Herzog concluded a historic first visit to Albania last week, following a similarly significant trip to Serbia, where both countries agreed to pursue …

Analysis: The Gaza war’s expansion into the West Bank has triggered fears in Jordan that Israel is seeking the mass transfer of Palestinians into the Kingdom. Since Jordan and Israel signed their 1994 peace accord, known as the Wadi Araba Treaty, the West Bank-Jordan border has been mostly quiet. However, …