Feb 22 • 15:39 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

What has brought back the specter of confrontation between Pakistan and Afghanistan?

Recent tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan are reigniting fears of confrontation due to accusations of harboring armed groups and conducting cross-border attacks.

The latest episode of the program "What Lies Beyond the News" discussed the escalation of tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, focusing on the mutual accusations each country is making regarding the harboring of armed groups and involvement in cross-border attacks. This confrontation threatens to destabilize the region further, as both nations grapple with their respective security challenges and long-standing grievances.

The guests on the program, which included political analyst Mohibullah Sharif from Kabul, journalist Abubakar Siddiq from Islamabad, and Asia affairs journalist Wael Awad from New Delhi, examined why previous diplomatic efforts to resolve their disputes peacefully have faltered. The episode highlighted specific cases where past mediations failed and emphasized the urgent need for renewed dialogue to prevent the escalation of violence into a larger conflict.

Discussions also centered on potential pathways for de-escalation and political agreements that could provide a framework for security cooperation between the two countries. The risks inherent in the current unstable situation reflect both local power dynamics and international interests, emphasizing that any resolution will necessitate engagement from various stakeholders, including regional powers and international organizations.

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