PYRRHIC VICTORY: UNFOLDING NEW CHALLENGES FROM THE AFGHAN CONUNDRUM

The paper aims to comprehend the newly found challenges of Afghanistan that have emerged right after the sudden withdrawal of the American forces and have created a security vacuum in the war-torn country. The paper explores various dimensions through which a Taliban-controlled country can become the most significant security threat to the South Asian region and the rest of Asia, hampering the peace and stability of the region. Further, it reconnoitres the rise of the new Taliban regime and how it is different from the previous one. The notion of good terrorists and bad terrorists has also been assessed while deliberately focusing on the differences between the Taliban and other extremist groups in the region. It further analyses the humongous humanitarian crisis and repercussions that have been unfolded from the chaotic and hostile situations in the country and how it further worsens the Afghan people's conditions. The paper also briefly examines the drug menace in the Golden Crescent and how it will affect the neighbouring countries, especially India.