Abubakar Siddique

Iran and Pakistan have been embroiled in a decadeslong row over cross-border militancy. But the neighbors now appear to be expanding cooperation on tackling insurgencies along their shared border.

It is not yet clear what role HTS will play in a post-Assad Syria. But if, as seems likely, it emerges as a key player, Western governments appear keen to keep their options open.

Islamic State militants are trying to exploit the security vacuum following the fall of the Assad government in Syria. Experts and officials are warning that the group could revert to its signature violent tactics to reestablish a foothold.

The Taliban's claims of restoring security and wiping out rival militant groups in Afghanistan has been negated by the killing of one of its ministers by Islamic State-Khorasan.

Pakistan is clamping down on the use of VPNs, a move that activists say is designed to further stifle free speech and dissent in the country.

A senior Taliban figure has criticized the extremist group over muzzling the free press in Afghanistan.

Hundreds have been killed and injured in clashes between Shi'ite and Sunni Muslims in the Kurram district, of which Parachinar is the main city, this year.

Syria's new Islamist rulers, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have swiftly moved to distance themselves from how the Taliban is ruling Afghanistan. The HTS leader has promised to allow women's education and pledged to form an inclusive government to unite their diverse country.

In 2024, Pakistani security forces suffered the deadliest year in almost a decade. The trend has worried residents, who say the state has failed them.

By Ray Furlong and Abubakar Siddique ( RFE/RL ) — The 15-month conflict in the Middle East has caused a dramatic shift in the regional balance of power.