Skip to main content
Support

AfPak File: What Is Russia Up To In Afghanistan?

July 2, 202039:03

In recent days bombshell revelations were made alleging that Russia offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants to kill American troops in Afghanistan. This episode of AfPak File podcast assesses these allegations and looks into the nature of Russia's ties with the Taliban.

In recent days, the New York Times has published bombshell revelations alleging that US intelligence reports found that Russia offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants to kill American troops in Afghanistan.

The Times also reports that White House officials were made aware of the intelligence but did nothing about it. In the meantime, all key parties--Washington, Moscow, and the Taliban--have denied the reports altogether. What should we make of these allegations, how are they being perceived in the US, Russia, and Afghanistan, what is the nature of Russia's relationship with the Taliban, and what are Moscow's ultimate goals in Afghanistan?

The latest episode of The AfPak File discusses these questions and more. The panelists are Mustafa Sarwar, senior journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Afghan Service, Irina Lagunina, senior journalist and editor of special projects for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Russian Service, and Michael Kugelman, Asia Program deputy director and senior associate for South Asia at the Wilson Center.

Muhammad Tahir, media manager for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in DC, moderates the discussion.

This podcast originally appeared on RFE/RL.

Moderator

Muhammad Tahir

Media Manager, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Asia Program

The Asia Program promotes policy debate and intellectual discussions on U.S. interests in the Asia-Pacific as well as political, economic, security, and social issues relating to the world’s most populous and economically dynamic region.   Read more