🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 96 (from laksa037)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa096.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/","crawl_time":1775152020,"first_indexed_time":1630317253,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,foreignpolicy!\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/ s443","src_root_hash":"6089014433239620496","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Fresh Airstrikes Show U.S. War in Afghanistan Isn't Over","meta_descriptions":[],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Drone strikes over the weekend underscore the changing nature, not the end, of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan.\nTaliban fighters investigate a damaged car.\nTaliban fighters investigate a damaged car after multiple rockets were fired in Kabul on Aug. 30.\nWAKIL KOHSAR\/AFP\nMy FP:\nFollow topics and authors to get straight to what you like. Exclusively for FP subscribers.\nSubscribe Now\n|\nLog In\nAugust 30, 2021, 5:54 AM\nHere is today’s\nForeign Policy\nbrief: the United States strikes\nIslamic State-Khorasan\ntarget in Kabul, the European Union proposes\nrestrictions on U.S. travelers\n, and\nthe world this week\n.\nIf you would like to receive Morning Brief in your inbox every weekday, please sign up \nhere\n.\nStories Readers Liked\nGo to slide 1\nGo to slide 2\nGo to slide 3\nGo to slide 4\nGo to slide 5\nGo to slide 6\nGo to slide 7\nGo to slide 8\nGo to slide 9\nGo to slide 10\nAn illustration with a world map background texture and fire cutting through three rings in the map with three human figures inside.\nAn illustration shows semiconductor chips structured like a house of cards with a tiny city with government buildings atop it, ready to topple.\nTwo dozen or so scattered pedestrians walking on a large plaza are seen from overhead. There is a giant world map embedded in the pavement, with China highlighted in a dark red and all the other countries in pale gray.\nA photo illustration shows fractured colored shard revealing images of nation states in decline: an upside down U.S. Capitol building, the EU building in Brussels, broken columns, part of Donald Trump's head, explosions in the Middle East, and a tank in Ukraine.\nAfter the Nation-State\nBy\nMichael Hirsh\nA photo illustration showing six classical Greek or Roman-style columns, plus a stack of televisions as the seventh pillar of populism. The TVs show images of Victor Orban, Narendra Modi, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Donald Trump.\nThe Seven Pillars of Populist Foreign Policy\nBy\nLisel Hintz\n,\nBerk Esen\n,\nTudor Onea\nAn illustration of a tombstone reading \"RIP\" appears in place of a globe on a circular stand.\nCentral American migrant children play on a seesaw at a shelter in Ciudad Juárez, state of Chihuahua, Mexico.\nAn illustration shows two men against a bright yellow background. One man wears a Western-style business suit and the other wears a black robe and white head covering. The men are shaking hands. Each holds a briefcase with money spilling out, the left man's briefcase shaped like the United States' and the right man's like the Arabian Peninsula.\nA man in a coat outside of a glass office building, with high rise buildings under construction in the background.\nChina’s Tech Obsession Is Weighing Down Its Economy\nBy\nScott Kennedy\n,\nScott Rozelle\nPhotos of two men speaking each shown as a negative color inside a red and blue circle.\nIran War\nA police officer stands near a poster featuring the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on March 28 in Tehran, Iran.\nDoes Iran’s Future Look Like Cuba, Syria, or North Korea?\nThe Gulf and Israel are pursuing rival strategies toward Iran, but neither is likely to get what they want.\nHouthi militants are seen from slightly below as they raise rifles into the air against a blue sky with a few wispy white clouds. The militants are backlit, silhouetted against the sky.\nPortraits of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are seen in the Yarmouk district of Damascus, Syria, on March 26, 2024.\nRed and white flowers spill out from a makeshift altar with a framed portrait of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei resting on a stoop outside a building. An Iranian flag hangs over the door above the stoop, and a smaller Russian flag is stuck among the flowers.","attrs_markdown":"## There appears to be a technical issue with your browser\nThis issue is preventing our website from loading properly. Please review the following [troubleshooting tips](https:\/\/help.foreignpolicy.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/11663073461148-Troubleshoot-technical-issues) or contact us at [\\[email protected\\]](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/cdn-cgi\/l\/email-protection#a2d1d7d2d2cdd0d6e2c4cdd0c7cbc5ccd2cdcecbc1db8cc1cdcf).\n\nClose\n\n[Skip to navigation](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/#navigation)   [Skip to search](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/#search)   [Skip to main content](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/#main)   [Skip to footer](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/#footer)\n\n![Foreign Policy](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/themes\/foreign-policy-2017\/public\/images\/logos\/FP_logo__app.png)\n\nForeign Policy   Get analysis and alerts more quickly in the mobile app.\n\n[Install](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/)\n\nShow expanded website navigation\n\n[Back to Foreign Policy Magazine home page](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/)\n\n- [Latest](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/category\/latest)\n- [Regions](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/)\n  - [Asia & the Pacific](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/projects\/asia\/)\n  - [China](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/projects\/china\/)\n  - [Middle East & Africa](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/projects\/middle-east-africa\/)\n  - [Americas](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/projects\/americas\/)\n  - [Europe](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/projects\/europe\/)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/)\n  [View All Newsletters](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/newsletters\/)\n- [FP Live](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/live)\n\n- [Latest](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/category\/latest\/)\n- Trending:\n- [War in the Middle East](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/projects\/iran-israel-conflict-news-nuclear-sites-proxies\/)\n- [Houthi attacks](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/30\/houthis-iran-war-red-sea-shipping-oil-bab-el-mandeb\/)\n- [Oil crisis](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/31\/southeast-asias-energy-emergency-begins\/)\n- [Iran's future](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/31\/iran-cuba-syria-israel-gulf-saudi-fragmentation\/)\n\nWebsite Search and Account Management\n\n[Search this website](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/)\n\n- [Preferences](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/myfp\/)\n- [My FP Feed](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/myfp-feed\/)\n- [Saved Articles](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/saved-articles\/)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/newsletters\/)\n- [Magazine Archive](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/print-archive\/)\n- [Subscription Settings](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/manage\/)\n- [FAQs](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/subscription-services\/)\n- [Log Out](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/)\n\n[Sign In](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/)\n\n[Sign In](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/)\n\n[Learn about FP Group Subscriptions Learn about FP Group Subscriptions](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/group-subscriptions\/?tpcc=navbar_groups)\n\n[SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/subscribe\/?tpcc=navbar)   [Get a limited-edition “Soft Power” hat Get a limited-edition “Soft Power” hat](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/insider\/?tpcc=navbar_insider)\n\nShow expanded website navigation\n\nWorld Brief:   Kabul Strike Shows U.S. War in Afghanistan Isn’t Over\n\nShare\n\n- Copy Link Link copied to clipboard\n- [Email](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/cdn-cgi\/l\/email-protection#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)\n- [Facebook]()\n- [Bluesky]()\n- [X]()\n- [LinkedIn]()\n- [WhatsApp]()\n- [Reddit]()\n\n[Save](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/) [Save](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/#fn:1)\n\n1. Create an FP account to save articles to read later.\n   [Sign Up](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/subscribe\/?tpcc=saved_articles)\n   ALREADY AN FP SUBSCRIBER? [LOGIN]()\n\n[PDF](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/) [PDF](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/#fn:2)\n\n1. **Downloadable PDFs** are a benefit of an FP subscription.\n   [Subscribe Now](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/subscribe\/?tpcc=article_pdfs)\n   ALREADY AN FP SUBSCRIBER? [LOGIN]()\n\n[Gift](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/) [Gift](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/#fn:2)\n\n- Copy Link Link copied to clipboard\n- [Email](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/cdn-cgi\/l\/email-protection#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)\n- [WhatsApp]()\n\n1. Gifting articles is a subscriber benefit.\n   [Subscribe Now](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/subscribe\/?tpcc=gifting_articles)\n   ALREADY AN FP SUBSCRIBER? [LOGIN]()\n2. This article is an [Insider](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/insider) exclusive.\n   Contact us at [\\[email protected\\]](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/cdn-cgi\/l\/email-protection#8bf8fefbfbe4f9ffcbede4f9eee2ece5fbe4e7e2e8f2a5e8e4e6b4f8fee9e1eee8ffb6cddbabc2e5f8e2efeef9abdefbecf9eaefeeabc2e5fafee2f9f2) to learn about upgrade options, unlocking the ability to gift this article.\n\n[Back to Foreign Policy Magazine home page](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/)\n\n- [Preferences](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/myfp\/)\n- [My FP Feed](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/myfp-feed\/)\n- [Saved Articles](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/saved-articles\/)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/newsletters\/)\n- [Magazine Archive](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/print-archive\/)\n- [Subscription Settings](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/manage\/)\n- [FAQs](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/subscription-services\/)\n- [Log Out](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/)\n\n[Sign In](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/)\n\n[Sign In](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/)\n\n[Learn about FP Group Subscriptions Learn about FP Group Subscriptions](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/group-subscriptions\/?tpcc=navbar_groups)\n\n[SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/subscribe\/?tpcc=navbar)   [Get a limited-edition “Soft Power” hat Get a limited-edition “Soft Power” hat](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/insider\/?tpcc=navbar_insider)\n\n- [Latest](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/category\/latest)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/newsletters\/)\n  - [World Brief](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/category\/world-brief\/)\n  - [Editors' Picks](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/tag\/editors-picks\/)\n  - [Africa Brief](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/category\/africa-brief\/)\n  - [China Brief](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/category\/china-brief\/)\n  - [Latin America Brief](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/category\/latin-america-brief\/)\n  - [South Asia Brief](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/category\/south-asia-brief\/)\n  - [Southeast Asia Brief](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/category\/southeast-asia-brief\/)\n  - [Situation Report](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/category\/situation-report\/)\n  - [The Reading List](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/category\/the-reading-list\/)\n  - [FP Bookshelf](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/tag\/bookshelf\/)\n  - [FP Weekend](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/tag\/fp-weekend\/)\n  - [See All](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/newsletters\/)\n\n[Topics](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/)\n\n- [Trump’s second term](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/projects\/trump-presidential-transition-personnel-cabinet-policy-issues\/)\n- [Shadow government](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/projects\/shadow-government\/)\n- [War in Ukraine](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/projects\/ukraine-russia-border-crisis\/)\n- [Crisis in the Middle East](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/projects\/iran-israel-conflict-news-nuclear-sites-proxies\/)\n- [U.S. foreign policy](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/projects\/biden-us-foreign-policy-goals-diplomacy-china-ukraine-russia)\n- [Trade and economics](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/projects\/international-trade-deals-policy-economics-growth-development-debt-currency)\n- [U.S.-China competition](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/projects\/us-strategy-china-competition-trade-military-deterrence)\n- [Artificial intelligence](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/projects\/artificial-intelligence-economy-energy-data-chips-policy\/)\n\n[Regions](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/)\n\n- [Asia & the Pacific](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/projects\/asia\/)\n- [China](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/projects\/china\/)\n- [Middle East & Africa](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/projects\/middle-east-africa\/)\n- [Americas](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/projects\/americas\/)\n- [Europe](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/projects\/europe\/)\n\n[FP Live](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/live\/)\n\n- [See All](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/live\/)\n\n[Podcasts](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/podcasts\/)\n\n- [![Illustration with Adam Tooze headshot on a green background with the text Ones & Tooze](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Ones-and-Tooze-podcast-foreign-policy-logo-3000x3000-1.jpg?w=150&quality=90) Illustration with Adam Tooze headshot on a green background with the text Ones & Tooze Ones and Tooze](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/podcasts\/ones-and-tooze\/)\n- [![Illustration with a male spy headshot and the text I Spy](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/I_SPY-series-art_updated.png?w=150&quality=90) Illustration with a male spy headshot and the text I Spy I Spy](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/podcasts\/ispy\/)\n- [![FP Live podcast logo](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/FP-Live-podcast-logo-3000x3000-1.png?w=150&quality=90) FP Live podcast logo Foreign Policy Live](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/podcasts\/foreign-policy-live\/)\n- [See All](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/podcasts\/)\n\n[Magazine](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/the-magazine)\n\n[Spring 2026 magazine Issue ![Spring 2026 magazine magazine cover image](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/spring-2026-print-cover-foreign-policy-magazine.jpg)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/the-magazine)\n\n[Spring 2026 magazine Issue](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/the-magazine\/)\n\n[Print Archive](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/print-archive\/)\n\n[See All](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/the-magazine\/)\n\n[Collections](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/projects\/fp-collections\/)\n\n- [The Scramble for Critical Minerals](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/projects\/critical-minerals-trump-resource-competition\/?tpcc=navbar_fp_collections)\n- [The AI Arms Race](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/projects\/ai-geopolitics-weapons-deepseek\/?tpcc=navbar_fp_collections)\n- [The Trade Wars](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/projects\/trade-war-tariffs-economy-trump-china\/?tpcc=navbar_fp_collections)\n- [See All](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/projects\/fp-collections\/)\n\n[FP Analytics](https:\/\/fpanalytics.foreignpolicy.com\/)\n\n- [In-depth Special Reports](https:\/\/fpanalytics.foreignpolicy.com\/#special-reports)\n- [Issue Briefs](https:\/\/fpanalytics.foreignpolicy.com\/#issue-briefs)\n- [Power Maps and Interactive Microsites](https:\/\/fpanalytics.foreignpolicy.com\/#power-maps)\n- [FP Simulations & PeaceGames](https:\/\/fpanalytics.foreignpolicy.com\/simulations-peacegames\/)\n- [Synthesis Reports](https:\/\/fpanalytics.foreignpolicy.com\/#synthesis-reports)\n- [Insight Briefs & Spotlights](https:\/\/fpanalytics.foreignpolicy.com\/#insight-briefs-and-solutions)\n- [Graphics Database](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/graphics-database\/)\n- [See All](https:\/\/fpanalytics.foreignpolicy.com\/)\n\n[Events](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/events\/)\n\n- [FP @ The IMF\/World Bank Spring Meetings](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/events\/fp-the-imf-world-bank-spring-meetings-2026\/?tpcc=recirc_expanded_nav111523)\n  \n  April 13\n  [Geoeconomics Forum](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/events\/fp-the-imf-world-bank-spring-meetings-2026\/geoeconomics-forum\/?tpcc=recirc_expanded_nav111523)\n  \n  April 15\n  [FP @ WHA79](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/events\/fp-wha79\/?tpcc=recirc_expanded_nav111523)\n  \n  May 18\n  [Global Health Forum 2026](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/events\/fp-wha79\/global-health-forum-2026\/?tpcc=recirc_expanded_nav111523)\n  \n  May 18\n  [From Promise to Progress](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/events\/fp-wha79\/from-promise-to-progress\/?tpcc=recirc_expanded_nav111523)\n  \n  May 18\n  [Menopause Matters](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/events\/fp-wha79\/menopause-matters\/?tpcc=recirc_expanded_nav111523)\n  \n  May 20\n  [FP Sports Diplomacy Week](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/events\/fp-at-the-world-cup\/?tpcc=recirc_expanded_nav111523)\n  \n  June 2\n- [See All](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/events\/)\n\nAdditional Navigation\n\n- [Follow FP on Bluesky](https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/foreignpolicy.com)\n- [Follow FP on X](https:\/\/twitter.com\/ForeignPolicy)\n- [Follow FP on LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/foreign-policy-magazine\/)\n- [Follow FP on Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/foreignpolicymag\/)\n- [Follow FP on Facebook](https:\/\/facebook.com\/foreign.policy.magazine)\n\n## [FP SOLUTIONS](https:\/\/solutions.foreignpolicy.com\/)\n- [FP Analytics](https:\/\/fpanalytics.foreignpolicy.com\/)\n- [FP Events](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/events\/)\n- [FP Studios](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/fp-studios\/)\n- [Simulations and Peacegames](https:\/\/fpanalytics.foreignpolicy.com\/simulations-peacegames\/)\n- [Advertise with FP](https:\/\/solutions.foreignpolicy.com\/)\n- [Country Reports](https:\/\/sponsored.foreignpolicy.com\/country-reports\/)\n\n## [Subscription Services](https:\/\/help.foreignpolicy.com\/)\n- [Your FP Account](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/manage)\n- [Group Subscriptions](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/group-subscriptions\/)\n- [Reprint Permissions](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/reprint-permissions\/)\n- [FP Magazine Archive](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/print-archive\/)\n- [Buy Back Issues](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/buy-back-issues\/)\n\n## [EDUCATION](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/fp-for-education\/)\n- [Graduate Education Guide](https:\/\/fpguide.foreignpolicy.com\/2026-spring-summer\/)\n- [FP for Education](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/fp-for-education\/)\n- [Institutional Access](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/group-subscriptions\/)\n\n## [ABOUT FP](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/staff\/)\n- [Writer's Guidelines](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.submittable.com\/submit)\n- [Meet the Staff](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/staff\/)\n- [Work at FP](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/employment-opportunities\/)\n- [Contact FP](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/contact-us\/)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/privacy\/)\n- [Do Not Sell My Personal Information](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/do-not-sell-or-share-my-personal-information\/)\n- [Terms of Use](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/termsofuse\/)\n- [Accessibility](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/accessibility\/)\n\n- [Follow FP on Bluesky](https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/foreignpolicy.com)\n- [Follow FP on X](https:\/\/twitter.com\/ForeignPolicy)\n- [Follow FP on LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/foreign-policy-magazine\/)\n- [Follow FP on Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/foreignpolicymag\/)\n- [Follow FP on Facebook](https:\/\/facebook.com\/foreign.policy.magazine)\n\nForeign Policy Magazine is a division of Graham Holdings Company. All contents (c) 2026, Graham Digital Holding Company. All rights reserved. Foreign Policy, 1099 14th St NW, Suite 500 East, Washington, D.C., 20005.\n\nPowered by [WordPress VIP](https:\/\/wpvip.com\/?utm_source=vip_powered_wpcom&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=VIP%20Footer%20Credit&utm_term=foreignpolicy.com)\n\n[World Brief](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/category\/world-brief\/)\n\nFP’s flagship daily newsletter, catching you up on 24 hours of news in five minutes. Delivered weekdays.\n# Kabul Strike Shows U.S. War in Afghanistan Isn’t Over\n## Drone strikes over the weekend underscore the changing nature, not the end, of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan.\nBy [**Colm Quinn**](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/colm-quinn\/)\n\n![Taliban fighters investigate a damaged car.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/afghanistan-kabul-GettyImages-1234952004.jpg?quality=90)\n\nTaliban fighters investigate a damaged car.\n\nTaliban fighters investigate a damaged car after multiple rockets were fired in Kabul on Aug. 30. WAKIL KOHSAR\/AFP\n\n[My FP:](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/myfp) Follow topics and authors to get straight to what you like. Exclusively for FP subscribers. [Subscribe Now](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/) \\| [Log In](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/)\n\n- Afghanistan\n\nAugust 30, 2021, 5:54 AM\n\nHere is today’s *Foreign Policy* brief: the United States strikes **Islamic State-Khorasan** target in Kabul, the European Union proposes **restrictions on U.S. travelers**, and **the world this week**.\n\n**If you would like to receive Morning Brief in your inbox every weekday, please sign up** [**here**](http:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/category\/morning-brief)**.**\n\nHere is today’s *Foreign Policy* brief: the United States strikes **Islamic State-Khorasan** target in Kabul, the European Union proposes **restrictions on U.S. travelers**, and **the world this week**.\n\n**If you would like to receive Morning Brief in your inbox every weekday, please sign up** [**here**](http:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/category\/morning-brief)**.**\n***\n**U.S. Drones In Afghanistan**\n\nWith one day until the Aug. 31 deadline to withdraw U.S. troops, it’s becoming clear the U.S. war in Afghanistan is not over.\n\nOn Sunday, U.S. military officials reported that a suspected suicide bomber had been killed in a [drone strike](https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2021\/08\/29\/us-drone-strikes-an-isis-k-vehicle-packed-with-explosives-in-kabul.html) on the vehicle he was traveling in, a move that came in apparent retaliation for a [double suicide bombing](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/27\/kabul-airport-attack-biden-retaliation-islamic-state\/) at Kabul’s airport last Thursday, which led to the deaths of at least 170 civilians as well as 13 U.S. service members.\n\nThe airstrike highlights the United States’ predicament as Islamic State-Khorasan—a [branch](https:\/\/theconversation.com\/what-is-isis-k-two-terrorism-experts-on-the-group-behind-the-deadly-kabul-airport-attack-and-its-rivalry-with-the-taliban-166873) of the Islamic State operating in Afghanistan and Pakistan—asserts itself in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, making the country likely to join the handful of others where the United States is not officially at war but reserves the right to conduct counterterrorism strikes at will.\n\n**U.S. backtracking.** Almost as soon as it was announced, the U.S. narrative on Sunday’s “self-defense unmanned over-the-horizon airstrike” quickly began to unravel. After initially reporting no knowledge of civilian deaths, U.S. officials were forced to concede that some people had in fact died in the bombing. CNN [reported](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2021\/08\/29\/asia\/afghanistan-kabul-evacuation-intl\/index.html) nine members of one family, including six children, died in the attack. The CNN story comes on the heels of a [BBC report](https:\/\/twitter.com\/SecKermani\/status\/1431517279859224579?s=20) where witnesses in Friday’s airport bombing said several of the dead had been shot by U.S. forces in the ensuing confusion.\n\n**Kabul’s “safe zone.”** As U.S. forces continue to root out enemies on the ground, the West is still trying to get its citizens in the air. Today at the U.N. National Security Council, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany are expected to put forward a proposal to create a “[safe zone](https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/asia-pacific\/macron-says-france-britain-propose-kabul-safe-zone-2021-08-28\/)” around Kabul’s airport to facilitate evacuations.\n\nThe plan is backed up by a recent Taliban agreement, reached by more than 100 countries, to allow foreigners to continue to [leave the country](https:\/\/www.france24.com\/en\/asia-pacific\/20210829-taliban-agrees-to-allow-foreign-nationals-afghans-with-travel-authorisation-to-leave-afghanistan) after the Aug. 31 deadline. In a reversal from previous statements, the Taliban said they would also allow Afghans to leave, provided they have been granted the necessary documentation by their future host countries.\n\nThe need for greater protections around Kabul’s airport was reinforced by a [rocket attack](https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/india\/rockets-fired-kabul-airport-us-troops-race-complete-evacuation-2021-08-30\/) in the early hours of Monday morning, although U.S. officials said its missile defenses held firm against the barrage.\n***\nThe World This Week\n\n**Tuesday, Aug. 31** is the final day for U.S. troops to leave Afghanistan, according to a revised timeline announced by U.S. President Joe Biden on July 8.\n\nNew Zealand’s emergency national lockdown, initially instituted over a single coronavirus case, is scheduled to end.\n\nOn **Wednesday, Sept. 1**, U.S. President Joe Biden hosts Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House.\n\nOn **Thursday, Sept. 2,** EU foreign ministers gather in Slovenia for an informal meeting, with Afghanistan expected high on the agenda.\n\nOn **Friday, Sept. 3,** talks between the Venezuelan government and opposition representatives resume in Mexico.\n\nThe U.S. Department of Labor releases its monthly jobs report.\n\nOn **Sunday, Sept. 5**, G-20 health ministers gather in Italy for a two-day summit.\n***\n**What We’re Following Today**\n\n**Hurricane Ida.** Extreme weather [continues to batter](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2021\/08\/29\/weather\/hurricane-ida-sunday\/index.html) the southern United States today after Hurricane Ida made landfall on Sunday, with surging waters leading to power outages throughout the entire city of New Orleans exactly 16 years after it was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Officials have reported one death so far.\n\nHurricane Ida—a Category 4 storm when it made landfall—is tied as the most powerful storm to ever hit the state of Louisiana, a record it shares with the Last Island Hurricane in 1856 and Hurricane Laura, which struck last year.\n\n**EU travel restrictions.** The European Council is set to recommend [fresh restrictions](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2021\/08\/29\/world\/europe\/eu-us-travel-restrictions.html) on U.S. travelers wishing to enter the European Union, citing the increased spread of COVID-19 in the United States. It’s also a sign of European frustrations with U.S. restrictions: Most Europeans have been banned from entering the United States since March 2020. The council’s recommendations are non-binding, so it’s unclear whether EU member states will carry out the advice, which would include mandatory quarantine requirements.\n***\n**Keep an Eye On**\n\n**Germany’s election.** German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz was deemed the [winner](https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/europe\/german-election-campaign-heats-up-merkels-conservatives-slide-2021-08-29\/) of last night’s televised debate in a snap poll, piling more pressure on Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Armin Laschet as Germany’s election campaign enters its final month. The debate victory comes as Scholz’s Social Democrats increased their slim polling lead by two points last week in a new poll, earning the preference of 24 percent of those surveyed versus 21 percent for Laschet’s CDU.\n\n**Israeli-Palestinian ties.** Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas held talks on Sunday in the first major dialogue between the two sides in years. The two [discussed](https:\/\/www.haaretz.com\/israel-news\/.premium-gantz-meets-with-abbas-in-ramallah-to-discuss-security-economy-1.10163773) security and economic issues, according to Gantz’s office. The meeting comes days after U.S. President Joe Biden hosted Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett at the White House and as Hamas gains popularity over Abbas’s Fatah party. Abbas continues a week of high-level meetings on Thursday, when he meets with Jordanian King Abdullah II and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo.\n***\n**Odds and Ends**\n\nGreenland’s total area appears to have increased by 20,000 square feet after Danish researchers accidentally discovered a [new island](https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2021\/08\/29\/scientists-have-accidentally-discovered-a-new-island-in-the-arctic) off its northern coast. They have proposed naming it *Qeqertaq Avannarleq*—“the northernmost island” in Greenlandic, as it is believed to be the [northernmost known island](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/world-europe-58362752) in the world.\n\nThe research team originally thought they had landed on Oodaaq, an island that was itself discovered in 1978, before the expedition, led by Morten Rasch of the University of Copenhagen, realized its luck. The island is likely a feature of deposits from regular storms rather than climate change, Rasch said, citing its gravely and silt base.\n\n“No one knows how long it will remain. In principle, it could disappear as soon as a powerful new storm hits,” Rasch said.\n\n**Colm Quinn** was a staff writer at *Foreign Policy* between 2020 and 2022. X: [@colmfquinn](http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/colmfquinn)\n\nRead More On  [Afghanistan](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/tag\/afghanistan\/) \\| [War](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/tag\/war\/)\n\n## Join the Conversation\nCommenting is a benefit of a *Foreign Policy* subscription.\n\n[Subscribe Subscribe](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/subscribe)\n\nAlready a subscriber? **[Log In]()**.\n\n[View 0 Comments]()\n\n## Join the Conversation\nJoin the conversation on this and other recent *Foreign Policy* articles when you subscribe now.\n\n[Subscribe Subscribe](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/subscribe)\n\nNot your account? **[Log out]()**\n\n[View 0 Comments]()\n\n## Join the Conversation\nPlease follow our [comment guidelines](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/comment-guidelines), stay on topic, and be civil, courteous, and respectful of others’ beliefs.\n\n[Expand to comment]()\n\n**You are commenting as .**  [Change your username]() \\| [Log out]()\n\n### OTHER SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS\n#### [Academic Rates](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/subscribe-academic\/?tpcc=hardwall_academic)\n[Specialty rates for students and faculty.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/subscribe-academic\/?tpcc=hardwall_academic)\n\n#### [Multi-year](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/multi-year\/?tpcc=hardwall_multiyear)\n[Lock in your rates for longer.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/multi-year\/?tpcc=hardwall_multiyear)\n\n#### [Groups](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/group-subscriptions\/?tpcc=hardwall_groups)\n[Equip your organization with powerful global intelligence.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/group-subscriptions\/?tpcc=hardwall_groups)\n\n## Stories Readers Liked\n- Go to slide 1\n- Go to slide 2\n- Go to slide 3\n- Go to slide 4\n- Go to slide 5\n- Go to slide 6\n- Go to slide 7\n- Go to slide 8\n- Go to slide 9\n- Go to slide 10\n\n- [![An illustration with a world map background texture and fire cutting through three rings in the map with three human figures inside.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1-world-after-trump-brian-stauffer-illustration.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/23\/post-trump-world-order-cold-war-spheres-of-influence\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  An illustration with a world map background texture and fire cutting through three rings in the map with three human figures inside.\n  \n  [Three Scenarios for a Post-Trump World ![This article has an audio recording](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/themes\/foreign-policy-2017\/assets\/src\/images\/icons\/audio.svg)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/23\/post-trump-world-order-cold-war-spheres-of-influence\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  By  [Hal Brands](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/hal-brands\/)\n- [![An illustration shows semiconductor chips structured like a house of cards with a tiny city with government buildings atop it, ready to topple.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1-AI-doomsday-house-of-cards-doug-chayka-illustration.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/24\/ai-artificial-intelligence-doomsday-iran-war\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  An illustration shows semiconductor chips structured like a house of cards with a tiny city with government buildings atop it, ready to topple.\n  \n  [As an AI Scholar, I Am Now Putting a High Probability on an AI Doomsday ![This article has an audio recording](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/themes\/foreign-policy-2017\/assets\/src\/images\/icons\/audio.svg)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/24\/ai-artificial-intelligence-doomsday-iran-war\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  By  [Bhaskar Chakravorti](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/bhaskar-chakravorti\/)\n- [![Two dozen or so scattered pedestrians walking on a large plaza are seen from overhead. There is a giant world map embedded in the pavement, with China highlighted in a dark red and all the other countries in pale gray.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/china-map-GettyImages-2262840218.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/25\/china-us-russia-sphere-influence-geopolitics-competition\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  Two dozen or so scattered pedestrians walking on a large plaza are seen from overhead. There is a giant world map embedded in the pavement, with China highlighted in a dark red and all the other countries in pale gray.\n  \n  [No, China Doesn’t Want Spheres of Influence ![This article has an audio recording](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/themes\/foreign-policy-2017\/assets\/src\/images\/icons\/audio.svg)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/25\/china-us-russia-sphere-influence-geopolitics-competition\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  By  [Aaron Glasserman](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/aaron-glasserman\/)\n- [![A photo illustration shows fractured colored shard revealing images of nation states in decline: an upside down U.S. Capitol building, the EU building in Brussels, broken columns, part of Donald Trump's head, explosions in the Middle East, and a tank in Ukraine.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1-doomsday-books-nation-state-illustration-2188671579.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/27\/book-review-after-nations-dasgupta-westad-prasad-milanovic\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  A photo illustration shows fractured colored shard revealing images of nation states in decline: an upside down U.S. Capitol building, the EU building in Brussels, broken columns, part of Donald Trump's head, explosions in the Middle East, and a tank in Ukraine.\n  \n  [After the Nation-State](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/27\/book-review-after-nations-dasgupta-westad-prasad-milanovic\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  By  [Michael Hirsh](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/michael-hirsh\/)\n- [![A photo illustration showing six classical Greek or Roman-style columns, plus a stack of televisions as the seventh pillar of populism. The TVs show images of Victor Orban, Narendra Modi, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Donald Trump.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-trump-orban-modi-erdogan-Pillars-populism-2026.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/02\/19\/trump-erdogan-orban-modi-india-hungary-turkey-populism-corruptionthe-seven-pillars-of-populist-foreign-policy\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  A photo illustration showing six classical Greek or Roman-style columns, plus a stack of televisions as the seventh pillar of populism. The TVs show images of Victor Orban, Narendra Modi, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Donald Trump.\n  \n  [The Seven Pillars of Populist Foreign Policy](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/02\/19\/trump-erdogan-orban-modi-india-hungary-turkey-populism-corruptionthe-seven-pillars-of-populist-foreign-policy\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  By  [Lisel Hintz](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/lisel-hintz\/),  [Berk Esen](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/berk-esen\/),  [Tudor Onea](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/tudor-onea\/)\n- [![An illustration of a tombstone reading \"RIP\" appears in place of a globe on a circular stand.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/International-order-dead-foreign-policy-illustration.png?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/02\/09\/liberal-international-order-death-trump-greenland\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  An illustration of a tombstone reading \"RIP\" appears in place of a globe on a circular stand.\n  \n  [Who Killed the Liberal International Order? ![This article has an audio recording](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/themes\/foreign-policy-2017\/assets\/src\/images\/icons\/audio.svg)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/02\/09\/liberal-international-order-death-trump-greenland\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  By  [Nick Danforth](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/nick-danforth\/)\n- [![Central American migrant children play on a seesaw at a shelter in Ciudad Juárez, state of Chihuahua, Mexico.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-1231954938.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/01\/23\/trump-threats-europe-greenland-balance-power\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  Central American migrant children play on a seesaw at a shelter in Ciudad Juárez, state of Chihuahua, Mexico.\n  \n  [The Balance-of-Power Theory Strikes Again ![This article has an audio recording](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/themes\/foreign-policy-2017\/assets\/src\/images\/icons\/audio.svg)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/01\/23\/trump-threats-europe-greenland-balance-power\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  By  [Stephen M. Walt](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/stephen-m-walt\/)\n- [![An illustration shows two men against a bright yellow background. One man wears a Western-style business suit and the other wears a black robe and white head covering. The men are shaking hands. Each holds a briefcase with money spilling out, the left man's briefcase shaped like the United States' and the right man's like the Arabian Peninsula.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1-instrumental-capital-sovereign-wealth-sebastien-thibault.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2025\/12\/03\/instrumental-capital-sovereign-wealth-funds-gulf\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  An illustration shows two men against a bright yellow background. One man wears a Western-style business suit and the other wears a black robe and white head covering. The men are shaking hands. Each holds a briefcase with money spilling out, the left man's briefcase shaped like the United States' and the right man's like the Arabian Peninsula.\n  \n  [The New Wealth of Nations ![This article has an audio recording](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/themes\/foreign-policy-2017\/assets\/src\/images\/icons\/audio.svg)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2025\/12\/03\/instrumental-capital-sovereign-wealth-funds-gulf\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  By  [Jared Cohen](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/jared-cohen\/),  [George Lee](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/george-lee\/)\n- [![A man in a coat outside of a glass office building, with high rise buildings under construction in the background.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/China-tech-dragon-development-tech-GettyImages-2187442299.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2025\/10\/10\/china-tech-ai-innovation-economy-stagnation\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  A man in a coat outside of a glass office building, with high rise buildings under construction in the background.\n  \n  [China’s Tech Obsession Is Weighing Down Its Economy](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2025\/10\/10\/china-tech-ai-innovation-economy-stagnation\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  By  [Scott Kennedy](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/scott-kennedy\/),  [Scott Rozelle](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/scott-rozelle\/)\n- [![Photos of two men speaking each shown as a negative color inside a red and blue circle.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Kissinger-brzezinski-realism-foreign-policy-illustratrion.png?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2025\/08\/01\/kissinger-brzezinski-trump-realism-realist-democracy-human-rights-us\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  Photos of two men speaking each shown as a negative color inside a red and blue circle.\n  \n  [Kissinger, Brzezinski, and the Promise of Realism ![This article has an audio recording](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/themes\/foreign-policy-2017\/assets\/src\/images\/icons\/audio.svg)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2025\/08\/01\/kissinger-brzezinski-trump-realism-realist-democracy-human-rights-us\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  By  [Daniel Fried](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/daniel-fried\/)\n\n## Iran War\n- [![Houthi militants are seen from slightly below as they raise rifles into the air against a blue sky with a few wispy white clouds. The militants are backlit, silhouetted against the sky.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/iran-war-trump-israel-escalation-hormuz-2268081241.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/30\/iran-war-trump-israel-escalation-hormuz\/?tpcc=recirc_featured_horizontal051524)\n  \n  Houthi militants are seen from slightly below as they raise rifles into the air against a blue sky with a few wispy white clouds. The militants are backlit, silhouetted against the sky.\n  \n  [The Iran War Has Escaped Its Authors ![This article has an audio recording](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/themes\/foreign-policy-2017\/assets\/src\/images\/icons\/audio.svg)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/30\/iran-war-trump-israel-escalation-hormuz\/?tpcc=recirc_featured_horizontal051524)\n  \n  [Argument](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/category\/analysis\/argument\/)\n  \n  \\|\n  \n  [Robert A. Pape](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/robert-a-pape\/),  [Ali Vaez](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/ali-vaez\/)\n- [![Portraits of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are seen in the Yarmouk district of Damascus, Syria, on March 26, 2024.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/iran-war-syria-assad-GettyImages-2107845611-e1774466100960.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/25\/iran-war-trump-regime-change-syria-assad-iraq\/?tpcc=recirc_featured_horizontal051524)\n  \n  Portraits of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are seen in the Yarmouk district of Damascus, Syria, on March 26, 2024.\n  \n  [Syria’s Lessons for Regime Change in Iran](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/25\/iran-war-trump-regime-change-syria-assad-iraq\/?tpcc=recirc_featured_horizontal051524)\n  \n  [Analysis](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/channel\/analysis\/)\n  \n  \\|\n  \n  [Lina Khatib](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/lina-khatib\/)\n- [![Red and white flowers spill out from a makeshift altar with a framed portrait of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei resting on a stoop outside a building. An Iranian flag hangs over the door above the stoop, and a smaller Russian flag is stuck among the flowers.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/trump-putin-iran-war-hormuz-oil-israel-sanctions-2263827075.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/30\/trump-putin-iran-war-hormuz-oil-israel-sanctions\/?tpcc=recirc_featured_horizontal051524)\n  \n  Red and white flowers spill out from a makeshift altar with a framed portrait of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei resting on a stoop outside a building. An Iranian flag hangs over the door above the stoop, and a smaller Russian flag is stuck among the flowers.\n  \n  [Putin’s Persian Problem ![This article has an audio recording](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/themes\/foreign-policy-2017\/assets\/src\/images\/icons\/audio.svg)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/30\/trump-putin-iran-war-hormuz-oil-israel-sanctions\/?tpcc=recirc_featured_horizontal051524)\n  \n  [Argument](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/category\/analysis\/argument\/)\n  \n  \\|\n  \n  [Sergey Radchenko](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/sergey-radchenko\/)\n\n## Trending\n- [Tehran Is Setting a Trap for Trump ![This article has an audio recording](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/themes\/foreign-policy-2017\/assets\/src\/images\/icons\/audio.svg)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/04\/01\/trump-trap-iran-war-leadership-global-economy-ali-vaez\/?tpcc=recirc_right_rail051524)\n  \n  By  [Ravi Agrawal](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/ravi-agrawal\/)\n- [Five Scenarios for a U.S. Ground War on Iran ![This article has an audio recording](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/themes\/foreign-policy-2017\/assets\/src\/images\/icons\/audio.svg)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/31\/scenarios-ground-war-iran-trump-israel-kharg-hormuz-oil\/?tpcc=recirc_right_rail051524)\n  \n  By  [Arash Reisinezhad](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/arash-reisinezhad\/)\n- [The United States Has Become a Rogue State ![This article has an audio recording](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/themes\/foreign-policy-2017\/assets\/src\/images\/icons\/audio.svg)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/26\/united-states-trump-rogue-state-iran\/?tpcc=recirc_right_rail051524)\n  \n  By  [Stephen M. Walt](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/stephen-m-walt\/)\n- [Trump’s Iran War Is a Dilemma, Not a Debacle](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/04\/01\/iran-war-trump-israel-oil-hormuz-economy-energy-military\/?tpcc=recirc_right_rail051524)\n  \n  By  [Raphael S. Cohen](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/raphael-s-cohen\/)\n- [Three Scenarios for a Post-Trump World ![This article has an audio recording](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/themes\/foreign-policy-2017\/assets\/src\/images\/icons\/audio.svg)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/23\/post-trump-world-order-cold-war-spheres-of-influence\/?tpcc=recirc_right_rail051524)\n  \n  By  [Hal Brands](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/hal-brands\/)\n\nLoading graphics\n\nFooter navigation\n\n[Back to Foreign Policy Magazine home page](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/)\n\n- [Follow FP on Bluesky](https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/foreignpolicy.com)\n- [Follow FP on X](https:\/\/twitter.com\/ForeignPolicy)\n- [Follow FP on LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/foreign-policy-magazine\/)\n- [Follow FP on Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/foreignpolicymag\/)\n- [Follow FP on Facebook](https:\/\/facebook.com\/foreign.policy.magazine)\n\n## [FP SOLUTIONS](https:\/\/solutions.foreignpolicy.com\/)\n- [FP Analytics](https:\/\/fpanalytics.foreignpolicy.com\/)\n- [FP Events](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/events\/)\n- [FP Studios](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/fp-studios\/)\n- [Simulations and Peacegames](https:\/\/fpanalytics.foreignpolicy.com\/simulations-peacegames\/)\n- [Advertise with FP](https:\/\/solutions.foreignpolicy.com\/)\n- [Country Reports](https:\/\/sponsored.foreignpolicy.com\/country-reports\/)\n\n## [Subscription Services](https:\/\/help.foreignpolicy.com\/)\n- [Your FP Account](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/manage)\n- [Group Subscriptions](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/group-subscriptions\/)\n- [Reprint Permissions](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/reprint-permissions\/)\n- [FP Magazine Archive](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/print-archive\/)\n- [Buy Back Issues](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/buy-back-issues\/)\n\n## [EDUCATION](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/fp-for-education\/)\n- [Graduate Education Guide](https:\/\/fpguide.foreignpolicy.com\/2026-spring-summer\/)\n- [FP for Education](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/fp-for-education\/)\n- [Institutional Access](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/group-subscriptions\/)\n\n## [ABOUT FP](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/staff\/)\n- [Writer's Guidelines](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.submittable.com\/submit)\n- [Meet the Staff](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/staff\/)\n- [Work at FP](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/employment-opportunities\/)\n- [Contact FP](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/contact-us\/)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/privacy\/)\n- [Do Not Sell My Personal Information](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/do-not-sell-or-share-my-personal-information\/)\n- [Terms of Use](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/termsofuse\/)\n- [Accessibility](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/accessibility\/)\n\n- [Follow FP on Bluesky](https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/foreignpolicy.com)\n- [Follow FP on X](https:\/\/twitter.com\/ForeignPolicy)\n- [Follow FP on LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/foreign-policy-magazine\/)\n- [Follow FP on Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/foreignpolicymag\/)\n- [Follow FP on Facebook](https:\/\/facebook.com\/foreign.policy.magazine)\n\nForeign Policy Magazine is a division of Graham Holdings Company. All contents (c) 2026, Graham Digital Holding Company. All rights reserved. Foreign Policy, 1099 14th St NW, Suite 500 East, Washington, D.C., 20005.\n\nPowered by [WordPress VIP](https:\/\/wpvip.com\/?utm_source=vip_powered_wpcom&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=VIP%20Footer%20Credit&utm_term=foreignpolicy.com)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tr?id=203988873637408&ev=PageView&noscript=1)\n\n![Quantcast](https:\/\/pixel.quantserve.com\/pixel\/p-FtKjv2mvnYjUe.gif)","attrs_readable_markdown":"## Drone strikes over the weekend underscore the changing nature, not the end, of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan.\n![Taliban fighters investigate a damaged car.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/afghanistan-kabul-GettyImages-1234952004.jpg?quality=90)\n\nTaliban fighters investigate a damaged car.\n\nTaliban fighters investigate a damaged car after multiple rockets were fired in Kabul on Aug. 30. WAKIL KOHSAR\/AFP\n\n[My FP:](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/myfp) Follow topics and authors to get straight to what you like. Exclusively for FP subscribers. [Subscribe Now](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/) \\| [Log In](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2021\/08\/30\/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban\/)\n\nAugust 30, 2021, 5:54 AM\n\nHere is today’s *Foreign Policy* brief: the United States strikes **Islamic State-Khorasan** target in Kabul, the European Union proposes **restrictions on U.S. travelers**, and **the world this week**.\n\n**If you would like to receive Morning Brief in your inbox every weekday, please sign up** [**here**](http:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/category\/morning-brief)**.**\n\n## Stories Readers Liked\n- Go to slide 1\n- Go to slide 2\n- Go to slide 3\n- Go to slide 4\n- Go to slide 5\n- Go to slide 6\n- Go to slide 7\n- Go to slide 8\n- Go to slide 9\n- Go to slide 10\n\n- [![An illustration with a world map background texture and fire cutting through three rings in the map with three human figures inside.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1-world-after-trump-brian-stauffer-illustration.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/23\/post-trump-world-order-cold-war-spheres-of-influence\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  An illustration with a world map background texture and fire cutting through three rings in the map with three human figures inside.\n- [![An illustration shows semiconductor chips structured like a house of cards with a tiny city with government buildings atop it, ready to topple.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1-AI-doomsday-house-of-cards-doug-chayka-illustration.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/24\/ai-artificial-intelligence-doomsday-iran-war\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  An illustration shows semiconductor chips structured like a house of cards with a tiny city with government buildings atop it, ready to topple.\n- [![Two dozen or so scattered pedestrians walking on a large plaza are seen from overhead. There is a giant world map embedded in the pavement, with China highlighted in a dark red and all the other countries in pale gray.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/china-map-GettyImages-2262840218.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/25\/china-us-russia-sphere-influence-geopolitics-competition\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  Two dozen or so scattered pedestrians walking on a large plaza are seen from overhead. There is a giant world map embedded in the pavement, with China highlighted in a dark red and all the other countries in pale gray.\n- [![A photo illustration shows fractured colored shard revealing images of nation states in decline: an upside down U.S. Capitol building, the EU building in Brussels, broken columns, part of Donald Trump's head, explosions in the Middle East, and a tank in Ukraine.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1-doomsday-books-nation-state-illustration-2188671579.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/27\/book-review-after-nations-dasgupta-westad-prasad-milanovic\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  A photo illustration shows fractured colored shard revealing images of nation states in decline: an upside down U.S. Capitol building, the EU building in Brussels, broken columns, part of Donald Trump's head, explosions in the Middle East, and a tank in Ukraine.\n  \n  [After the Nation-State](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/27\/book-review-after-nations-dasgupta-westad-prasad-milanovic\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)By  [Michael Hirsh](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/michael-hirsh\/)\n- [![A photo illustration showing six classical Greek or Roman-style columns, plus a stack of televisions as the seventh pillar of populism. The TVs show images of Victor Orban, Narendra Modi, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Donald Trump.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-trump-orban-modi-erdogan-Pillars-populism-2026.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/02\/19\/trump-erdogan-orban-modi-india-hungary-turkey-populism-corruptionthe-seven-pillars-of-populist-foreign-policy\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  A photo illustration showing six classical Greek or Roman-style columns, plus a stack of televisions as the seventh pillar of populism. The TVs show images of Victor Orban, Narendra Modi, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Donald Trump.\n  \n  [The Seven Pillars of Populist Foreign Policy](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/02\/19\/trump-erdogan-orban-modi-india-hungary-turkey-populism-corruptionthe-seven-pillars-of-populist-foreign-policy\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)By  [Lisel Hintz](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/lisel-hintz\/),  [Berk Esen](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/berk-esen\/),  [Tudor Onea](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/tudor-onea\/)\n- [![An illustration of a tombstone reading \"RIP\" appears in place of a globe on a circular stand.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/International-order-dead-foreign-policy-illustration.png?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/02\/09\/liberal-international-order-death-trump-greenland\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  An illustration of a tombstone reading \"RIP\" appears in place of a globe on a circular stand.\n- [![Central American migrant children play on a seesaw at a shelter in Ciudad Juárez, state of Chihuahua, Mexico.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-1231954938.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/01\/23\/trump-threats-europe-greenland-balance-power\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  Central American migrant children play on a seesaw at a shelter in Ciudad Juárez, state of Chihuahua, Mexico.\n- [![An illustration shows two men against a bright yellow background. One man wears a Western-style business suit and the other wears a black robe and white head covering. The men are shaking hands. Each holds a briefcase with money spilling out, the left man's briefcase shaped like the United States' and the right man's like the Arabian Peninsula.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1-instrumental-capital-sovereign-wealth-sebastien-thibault.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2025\/12\/03\/instrumental-capital-sovereign-wealth-funds-gulf\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  An illustration shows two men against a bright yellow background. One man wears a Western-style business suit and the other wears a black robe and white head covering. The men are shaking hands. Each holds a briefcase with money spilling out, the left man's briefcase shaped like the United States' and the right man's like the Arabian Peninsula.\n- [![A man in a coat outside of a glass office building, with high rise buildings under construction in the background.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/China-tech-dragon-development-tech-GettyImages-2187442299.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2025\/10\/10\/china-tech-ai-innovation-economy-stagnation\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  A man in a coat outside of a glass office building, with high rise buildings under construction in the background.\n  \n  [China’s Tech Obsession Is Weighing Down Its Economy](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2025\/10\/10\/china-tech-ai-innovation-economy-stagnation\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)By  [Scott Kennedy](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/scott-kennedy\/),  [Scott Rozelle](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/author\/scott-rozelle\/)\n- [![Photos of two men speaking each shown as a negative color inside a red and blue circle.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Kissinger-brzezinski-realism-foreign-policy-illustratrion.png?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2025\/08\/01\/kissinger-brzezinski-trump-realism-realist-democracy-human-rights-us\/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)\n  \n  Photos of two men speaking each shown as a negative color inside a red and blue circle.\n\nIran War\n\n- [![Houthi militants are seen from slightly below as they raise rifles into the air against a blue sky with a few wispy white clouds. The militants are backlit, silhouetted against the sky.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/iran-war-trump-israel-escalation-hormuz-2268081241.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/30\/iran-war-trump-israel-escalation-hormuz\/?tpcc=recirc_featured_horizontal051524)\n  \n  Houthi militants are seen from slightly below as they raise rifles into the air against a blue sky with a few wispy white clouds. The militants are backlit, silhouetted against the sky.\n- [![Portraits of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are seen in the Yarmouk district of Damascus, Syria, on March 26, 2024.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/iran-war-syria-assad-GettyImages-2107845611-e1774466100960.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/25\/iran-war-trump-regime-change-syria-assad-iraq\/?tpcc=recirc_featured_horizontal051524)\n  \n  Portraits of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are seen in the Yarmouk district of Damascus, Syria, on March 26, 2024.\n- [![Red and white flowers spill out from a makeshift altar with a framed portrait of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei resting on a stoop outside a building. An Iranian flag hangs over the door above the stoop, and a smaller Russian flag is stuck among the flowers.](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/trump-putin-iran-war-hormuz-oil-israel-sanctions-2263827075.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2026\/03\/30\/trump-putin-iran-war-hormuz-oil-israel-sanctions\/?tpcc=recirc_featured_horizontal051524)\n  \n  Red and white flowers spill out from a makeshift altar with a framed portrait of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei resting on a stoop outside a building. An Iranian flag hangs over the door above the stoop, and a smaller Russian flag is stuck among the flowers.","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

13 days ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0.4 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/
Last Crawled	2026-04-02 17:47:00 (13 days ago)
First Indexed	2021-08-30 09:54:13 (4 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Fresh Airstrikes Show U.S. War in Afghanistan Isn't Over
Meta Description	null
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	Drone strikes over the weekend underscore the changing nature, not the end, of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan. Taliban fighters investigate a damaged car. Taliban fighters investigate a damaged car after multiple rockets were fired in Kabul on Aug. 30. WAKIL KOHSAR/AFP My FP: Follow topics and authors to get straight to what you like. Exclusively for FP subscribers. Subscribe Now \| Log In August 30, 2021, 5:54 AM Here is today’s Foreign Policy brief: the United States strikes Islamic State-Khorasan target in Kabul, the European Union proposes restrictions on U.S. travelers , and the world this week . If you would like to receive Morning Brief in your inbox every weekday, please sign up here . Stories Readers Liked Go to slide 1 Go to slide 2 Go to slide 3 Go to slide 4 Go to slide 5 Go to slide 6 Go to slide 7 Go to slide 8 Go to slide 9 Go to slide 10 An illustration with a world map background texture and fire cutting through three rings in the map with three human figures inside. An illustration shows semiconductor chips structured like a house of cards with a tiny city with government buildings atop it, ready to topple. Two dozen or so scattered pedestrians walking on a large plaza are seen from overhead. There is a giant world map embedded in the pavement, with China highlighted in a dark red and all the other countries in pale gray. A photo illustration shows fractured colored shard revealing images of nation states in decline: an upside down U.S. Capitol building, the EU building in Brussels, broken columns, part of Donald Trump's head, explosions in the Middle East, and a tank in Ukraine. After the Nation-State By Michael Hirsh A photo illustration showing six classical Greek or Roman-style columns, plus a stack of televisions as the seventh pillar of populism. The TVs show images of Victor Orban, Narendra Modi, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Donald Trump. The Seven Pillars of Populist Foreign Policy By Lisel Hintz , Berk Esen , Tudor Onea An illustration of a tombstone reading "RIP" appears in place of a globe on a circular stand. Central American migrant children play on a seesaw at a shelter in Ciudad Juárez, state of Chihuahua, Mexico. An illustration shows two men against a bright yellow background. One man wears a Western-style business suit and the other wears a black robe and white head covering. The men are shaking hands. Each holds a briefcase with money spilling out, the left man's briefcase shaped like the United States' and the right man's like the Arabian Peninsula. A man in a coat outside of a glass office building, with high rise buildings under construction in the background. China’s Tech Obsession Is Weighing Down Its Economy By Scott Kennedy , Scott Rozelle Photos of two men speaking each shown as a negative color inside a red and blue circle. Iran War A police officer stands near a poster featuring the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on March 28 in Tehran, Iran. Does Iran’s Future Look Like Cuba, Syria, or North Korea? The Gulf and Israel are pursuing rival strategies toward Iran, but neither is likely to get what they want. Houthi militants are seen from slightly below as they raise rifles into the air against a blue sky with a few wispy white clouds. The militants are backlit, silhouetted against the sky. Portraits of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are seen in the Yarmouk district of Damascus, Syria, on March 26, 2024. Red and white flowers spill out from a makeshift altar with a framed portrait of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei resting on a stoop outside a building. An Iranian flag hangs over the door above the stoop, and a smaller Russian flag is stuck among the flowers.
Markdown	## There appears to be a technical issue with your browser This issue is preventing our website from loading properly. Please review the following [troubleshooting tips](https://help.foreignpolicy.com/hc/en-us/articles/11663073461148-Troubleshoot-technical-issues) or contact us at [\[email protected\]](https://foreignpolicy.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a2d1d7d2d2cdd0d6e2c4cdd0c7cbc5ccd2cdcecbc1db8cc1cdcf). Close [Skip to navigation](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/#navigation) [Skip to search](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/#search) [Skip to main content](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/#main) [Skip to footer](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/#footer) ![Foreign Policy](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/themes/foreign-policy-2017/public/images/logos/FP_logo__app.png) Foreign Policy Get analysis and alerts more quickly in the mobile app. [Install](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/) Show expanded website navigation [Back to Foreign Policy Magazine home page](https://foreignpolicy.com/) - [Latest](https://foreignpolicy.com/category/latest) - [Regions](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/) - [Asia & the Pacific](https://foreignpolicy.com/projects/asia/) - [China](https://foreignpolicy.com/projects/china/) - [Middle East & Africa](https://foreignpolicy.com/projects/middle-east-africa/) - [Americas](https://foreignpolicy.com/projects/americas/) - [Europe](https://foreignpolicy.com/projects/europe/) - [Newsletters](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/) [View All Newsletters](https://foreignpolicy.com/newsletters/) - [FP Live](https://foreignpolicy.com/live) - [Latest](https://foreignpolicy.com/category/latest/) - Trending: - [War in the Middle East](https://foreignpolicy.com/projects/iran-israel-conflict-news-nuclear-sites-proxies/) - [Houthi attacks](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/30/houthis-iran-war-red-sea-shipping-oil-bab-el-mandeb/) - [Oil crisis](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/31/southeast-asias-energy-emergency-begins/) - [Iran's future](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/31/iran-cuba-syria-israel-gulf-saudi-fragmentation/) Website Search and Account Management [Search this website](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/) - [Preferences](https://foreignpolicy.com/myfp/) - [My FP Feed](https://foreignpolicy.com/myfp-feed/) - [Saved Articles](https://foreignpolicy.com/saved-articles/) - [Newsletters](https://foreignpolicy.com/newsletters/) - [Magazine Archive](https://foreignpolicy.com/print-archive/) - [Subscription Settings](https://foreignpolicy.com/manage/) - [FAQs](https://foreignpolicy.com/subscription-services/) - [Log Out](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/) [Sign In](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/) [Sign In](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/) [Learn about FP Group Subscriptions Learn about FP Group Subscriptions](https://foreignpolicy.com/group-subscriptions/?tpcc=navbar_groups) [SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE](https://foreignpolicy.com/subscribe/?tpcc=navbar) [Get a limited-edition “Soft Power” hat Get a limited-edition “Soft Power” hat](https://foreignpolicy.com/insider/?tpcc=navbar_insider) Show expanded website navigation World Brief: Kabul Strike Shows U.S. War in Afghanistan Isn’t Over Share - Copy Link Link copied to clipboard - [Email](https://foreignpolicy.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#56692523343c3335226b1d3734233a7364660522243f3d33736466053e392125736466037805787364660137247364663f387364661730313e37383f252237387364661f2538731364736e66736f6f2273646619203324703439322f6b12243938337364662522243f3d332573646639203324736466223e337364662133333d33383273646623383233242535392433736466223e33736466353e3738313f3831736466383722232433736415736466383922736466223e337364663338327364157364663930736466037805787364663b3f3a3f2237242f7364663926332437223f3938257364663f387364661730313e37383f25223738787366127366177366127366173e22222625736517736410736410303924333f313826393a3f352f7835393b73641064666467736410666e7364106566736410373f242522243f3d33257b3730313e37383f252237387b3d3734233a7b3f253f257b22373a3f343738736410) - [Facebook]() - [Bluesky]() - [X]() - [LinkedIn]() - [WhatsApp]() - [Reddit]() [Save](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/) [Save](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/#fn:1) 1. Create an FP account to save articles to read later. [Sign Up](https://foreignpolicy.com/subscribe/?tpcc=saved_articles) ALREADY AN FP SUBSCRIBER? [LOGIN]() [PDF](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/) [PDF](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/#fn:2) 1. Downloadable PDFs are a benefit of an FP subscription. [Subscribe Now](https://foreignpolicy.com/subscribe/?tpcc=article_pdfs) ALREADY AN FP SUBSCRIBER? [LOGIN]() [Gift](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/) [Gift](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/#fn:2) - Copy Link Link copied to clipboard - [Email](https://foreignpolicy.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#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) - [WhatsApp]() 1. Gifting articles is a subscriber benefit. [Subscribe Now](https://foreignpolicy.com/subscribe/?tpcc=gifting_articles) ALREADY AN FP SUBSCRIBER? [LOGIN]() 2. This article is an [Insider](https://foreignpolicy.com/insider) exclusive. Contact us at [\[email protected\]](https://foreignpolicy.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8bf8fefbfbe4f9ffcbede4f9eee2ece5fbe4e7e2e8f2a5e8e4e6b4f8fee9e1eee8ffb6cddbabc2e5f8e2efeef9abdefbecf9eaefeeabc2e5fafee2f9f2) to learn about upgrade options, unlocking the ability to gift this article. [Back to Foreign Policy Magazine home page](https://foreignpolicy.com/) - [Preferences](https://foreignpolicy.com/myfp/) - [My FP Feed](https://foreignpolicy.com/myfp-feed/) - [Saved Articles](https://foreignpolicy.com/saved-articles/) - [Newsletters](https://foreignpolicy.com/newsletters/) - [Magazine Archive](https://foreignpolicy.com/print-archive/) - [Subscription Settings](https://foreignpolicy.com/manage/) - [FAQs](https://foreignpolicy.com/subscription-services/) - [Log Out](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/) [Sign In](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/) [Sign In](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/) [Learn about FP Group Subscriptions Learn about FP Group Subscriptions](https://foreignpolicy.com/group-subscriptions/?tpcc=navbar_groups) [SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE](https://foreignpolicy.com/subscribe/?tpcc=navbar) [Get a limited-edition “Soft Power” hat Get a limited-edition “Soft Power” hat](https://foreignpolicy.com/insider/?tpcc=navbar_insider) - [Latest](https://foreignpolicy.com/category/latest) - [Newsletters](https://foreignpolicy.com/newsletters/) - [World Brief](https://foreignpolicy.com/category/world-brief/) - [Editors' Picks](https://foreignpolicy.com/tag/editors-picks/) - [Africa Brief](https://foreignpolicy.com/category/africa-brief/) - [China Brief](https://foreignpolicy.com/category/china-brief/) - [Latin America Brief](https://foreignpolicy.com/category/latin-america-brief/) - [South Asia Brief](https://foreignpolicy.com/category/south-asia-brief/) - [Southeast Asia Brief](https://foreignpolicy.com/category/southeast-asia-brief/) - [Situation Report](https://foreignpolicy.com/category/situation-report/) - [The Reading List](https://foreignpolicy.com/category/the-reading-list/) - [FP Bookshelf](https://foreignpolicy.com/tag/bookshelf/) - [FP Weekend](https://foreignpolicy.com/tag/fp-weekend/) - [See All](https://foreignpolicy.com/newsletters/) [Topics](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/) - [Trump’s second term](https://foreignpolicy.com/projects/trump-presidential-transition-personnel-cabinet-policy-issues/) - [Shadow government](https://foreignpolicy.com/projects/shadow-government/) - [War in Ukraine](https://foreignpolicy.com/projects/ukraine-russia-border-crisis/) - [Crisis in the Middle East](https://foreignpolicy.com/projects/iran-israel-conflict-news-nuclear-sites-proxies/) - [U.S. foreign policy](https://foreignpolicy.com/projects/biden-us-foreign-policy-goals-diplomacy-china-ukraine-russia) - [Trade and economics](https://foreignpolicy.com/projects/international-trade-deals-policy-economics-growth-development-debt-currency) - [U.S.-China competition](https://foreignpolicy.com/projects/us-strategy-china-competition-trade-military-deterrence) - [Artificial intelligence](https://foreignpolicy.com/projects/artificial-intelligence-economy-energy-data-chips-policy/) [Regions](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/) - [Asia & the Pacific](https://foreignpolicy.com/projects/asia/) - [China](https://foreignpolicy.com/projects/china/) - [Middle East & Africa](https://foreignpolicy.com/projects/middle-east-africa/) - [Americas](https://foreignpolicy.com/projects/americas/) - [Europe](https://foreignpolicy.com/projects/europe/) [FP Live](https://foreignpolicy.com/live/) - [See All](https://foreignpolicy.com/live/) [Podcasts](https://foreignpolicy.com/podcasts/) - [![Illustration with Adam Tooze headshot on a green background with the text Ones & Tooze](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Ones-and-Tooze-podcast-foreign-policy-logo-3000x3000-1.jpg?w=150&quality=90) Illustration with Adam Tooze headshot on a green background with the text Ones & Tooze Ones and Tooze](https://foreignpolicy.com/podcasts/ones-and-tooze/) - [![Illustration with a male spy headshot and the text I Spy](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/I_SPY-series-art_updated.png?w=150&quality=90) Illustration with a male spy headshot and the text I Spy I Spy](https://foreignpolicy.com/podcasts/ispy/) - [![FP Live podcast logo](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/FP-Live-podcast-logo-3000x3000-1.png?w=150&quality=90) FP Live podcast logo Foreign Policy Live](https://foreignpolicy.com/podcasts/foreign-policy-live/) - [See All](https://foreignpolicy.com/podcasts/) [Magazine](https://foreignpolicy.com/the-magazine) [Spring 2026 magazine Issue ![Spring 2026 magazine magazine cover image](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/spring-2026-print-cover-foreign-policy-magazine.jpg)](https://foreignpolicy.com/the-magazine) [Spring 2026 magazine Issue](https://foreignpolicy.com/the-magazine/) [Print Archive](https://foreignpolicy.com/print-archive/) [See All](https://foreignpolicy.com/the-magazine/) [Collections](https://foreignpolicy.com/projects/fp-collections/) - [The Scramble for Critical Minerals](https://foreignpolicy.com/projects/critical-minerals-trump-resource-competition/?tpcc=navbar_fp_collections) - [The AI Arms Race](https://foreignpolicy.com/projects/ai-geopolitics-weapons-deepseek/?tpcc=navbar_fp_collections) - [The Trade Wars](https://foreignpolicy.com/projects/trade-war-tariffs-economy-trump-china/?tpcc=navbar_fp_collections) - [See All](https://foreignpolicy.com/projects/fp-collections/) [FP Analytics](https://fpanalytics.foreignpolicy.com/) - [In-depth Special Reports](https://fpanalytics.foreignpolicy.com/#special-reports) - [Issue Briefs](https://fpanalytics.foreignpolicy.com/#issue-briefs) - [Power Maps and Interactive Microsites](https://fpanalytics.foreignpolicy.com/#power-maps) - [FP Simulations & PeaceGames](https://fpanalytics.foreignpolicy.com/simulations-peacegames/) - [Synthesis Reports](https://fpanalytics.foreignpolicy.com/#synthesis-reports) - [Insight Briefs & Spotlights](https://fpanalytics.foreignpolicy.com/#insight-briefs-and-solutions) - [Graphics Database](https://foreignpolicy.com/graphics-database/) - [See All](https://fpanalytics.foreignpolicy.com/) [Events](https://foreignpolicy.com/events/) - [FP @ The IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings](https://foreignpolicy.com/events/fp-the-imf-world-bank-spring-meetings-2026/?tpcc=recirc_expanded_nav111523) April 13 [Geoeconomics Forum](https://foreignpolicy.com/events/fp-the-imf-world-bank-spring-meetings-2026/geoeconomics-forum/?tpcc=recirc_expanded_nav111523) April 15 [FP @ WHA79](https://foreignpolicy.com/events/fp-wha79/?tpcc=recirc_expanded_nav111523) May 18 [Global Health Forum 2026](https://foreignpolicy.com/events/fp-wha79/global-health-forum-2026/?tpcc=recirc_expanded_nav111523) May 18 [From Promise to Progress](https://foreignpolicy.com/events/fp-wha79/from-promise-to-progress/?tpcc=recirc_expanded_nav111523) May 18 [Menopause Matters](https://foreignpolicy.com/events/fp-wha79/menopause-matters/?tpcc=recirc_expanded_nav111523) May 20 [FP Sports Diplomacy Week](https://foreignpolicy.com/events/fp-at-the-world-cup/?tpcc=recirc_expanded_nav111523) June 2 - [See All](https://foreignpolicy.com/events/) Additional Navigation - [Follow FP on Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/foreignpolicy.com) - [Follow FP on X](https://twitter.com/ForeignPolicy) - [Follow FP on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/foreign-policy-magazine/) - [Follow FP on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/foreignpolicymag/) - [Follow FP on Facebook](https://facebook.com/foreign.policy.magazine) ## [FP SOLUTIONS](https://solutions.foreignpolicy.com/) - [FP Analytics](https://fpanalytics.foreignpolicy.com/) - [FP Events](https://foreignpolicy.com/events/) - [FP Studios](https://foreignpolicy.com/fp-studios/) - [Simulations and Peacegames](https://fpanalytics.foreignpolicy.com/simulations-peacegames/) - [Advertise with FP](https://solutions.foreignpolicy.com/) - [Country Reports](https://sponsored.foreignpolicy.com/country-reports/) ## [Subscription Services](https://help.foreignpolicy.com/) - [Your FP Account](https://foreignpolicy.com/manage) - [Group Subscriptions](https://foreignpolicy.com/group-subscriptions/) - [Reprint Permissions](https://foreignpolicy.com/reprint-permissions/) - [FP Magazine Archive](https://foreignpolicy.com/print-archive/) - [Buy Back Issues](https://foreignpolicy.com/buy-back-issues/) ## [EDUCATION](https://foreignpolicy.com/fp-for-education/) - [Graduate Education Guide](https://fpguide.foreignpolicy.com/2026-spring-summer/) - [FP for Education](https://foreignpolicy.com/fp-for-education/) - [Institutional Access](https://foreignpolicy.com/group-subscriptions/) ## [ABOUT FP](https://foreignpolicy.com/staff/) - [Writer's Guidelines](https://foreignpolicy.submittable.com/submit) - [Meet the Staff](https://foreignpolicy.com/staff/) - [Work at FP](https://foreignpolicy.com/employment-opportunities/) - [Contact FP](https://foreignpolicy.com/contact-us/) - [Privacy Policy](https://foreignpolicy.com/privacy/) - [Do Not Sell My Personal Information](https://foreignpolicy.com/do-not-sell-or-share-my-personal-information/) - [Terms of Use](https://foreignpolicy.com/termsofuse/) - [Accessibility](https://foreignpolicy.com/accessibility/) - [Follow FP on Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/foreignpolicy.com) - [Follow FP on X](https://twitter.com/ForeignPolicy) - [Follow FP on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/foreign-policy-magazine/) - [Follow FP on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/foreignpolicymag/) - [Follow FP on Facebook](https://facebook.com/foreign.policy.magazine) Foreign Policy Magazine is a division of Graham Holdings Company. All contents (c) 2026, Graham Digital Holding Company. All rights reserved. Foreign Policy, 1099 14th St NW, Suite 500 East, Washington, D.C., 20005. Powered by [WordPress VIP](https://wpvip.com/?utm_source=vip_powered_wpcom&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=VIP%20Footer%20Credit&utm_term=foreignpolicy.com) [World Brief](https://foreignpolicy.com/category/world-brief/) FP’s flagship daily newsletter, catching you up on 24 hours of news in five minutes. Delivered weekdays. # Kabul Strike Shows U.S. War in Afghanistan Isn’t Over ## Drone strikes over the weekend underscore the changing nature, not the end, of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan. By [Colm Quinn](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/colm-quinn/) ![Taliban fighters investigate a damaged car.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/afghanistan-kabul-GettyImages-1234952004.jpg?quality=90) Taliban fighters investigate a damaged car. Taliban fighters investigate a damaged car after multiple rockets were fired in Kabul on Aug. 30. WAKIL KOHSAR/AFP [My FP:](https://foreignpolicy.com/myfp) Follow topics and authors to get straight to what you like. Exclusively for FP subscribers. [Subscribe Now](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/) \\| [Log In](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/) - Afghanistan August 30, 2021, 5:54 AM Here is today’s Foreign Policy brief: the United States strikes Islamic State-Khorasan target in Kabul, the European Union proposes restrictions on U.S. travelers, and the world this week. If you would like to receive Morning Brief in your inbox every weekday, please sign up [here](http://foreignpolicy.com/category/morning-brief). Here is today’s Foreign Policy brief: the United States strikes Islamic State-Khorasan target in Kabul, the European Union proposes restrictions on U.S. travelers, and the world this week. If you would like to receive Morning Brief in your inbox every weekday, please sign up [here](http://foreignpolicy.com/category/morning-brief). * U.S. Drones In Afghanistan With one day until the Aug. 31 deadline to withdraw U.S. troops, it’s becoming clear the U.S. war in Afghanistan is not over. On Sunday, U.S. military officials reported that a suspected suicide bomber had been killed in a [drone strike](https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/29/us-drone-strikes-an-isis-k-vehicle-packed-with-explosives-in-kabul.html) on the vehicle he was traveling in, a move that came in apparent retaliation for a [double suicide bombing](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/27/kabul-airport-attack-biden-retaliation-islamic-state/) at Kabul’s airport last Thursday, which led to the deaths of at least 170 civilians as well as 13 U.S. service members. The airstrike highlights the United States’ predicament as Islamic State-Khorasan—a [branch](https://theconversation.com/what-is-isis-k-two-terrorism-experts-on-the-group-behind-the-deadly-kabul-airport-attack-and-its-rivalry-with-the-taliban-166873) of the Islamic State operating in Afghanistan and Pakistan—asserts itself in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, making the country likely to join the handful of others where the United States is not officially at war but reserves the right to conduct counterterrorism strikes at will. U.S. backtracking. Almost as soon as it was announced, the U.S. narrative on Sunday’s “self-defense unmanned over-the-horizon airstrike” quickly began to unravel. After initially reporting no knowledge of civilian deaths, U.S. officials were forced to concede that some people had in fact died in the bombing. CNN [reported](https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/29/asia/afghanistan-kabul-evacuation-intl/index.html) nine members of one family, including six children, died in the attack. The CNN story comes on the heels of a [BBC report](https://twitter.com/SecKermani/status/1431517279859224579?s=20) where witnesses in Friday’s airport bombing said several of the dead had been shot by U.S. forces in the ensuing confusion. Kabul’s “safe zone.” As U.S. forces continue to root out enemies on the ground, the West is still trying to get its citizens in the air. Today at the U.N. National Security Council, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany are expected to put forward a proposal to create a “[safe zone](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/macron-says-france-britain-propose-kabul-safe-zone-2021-08-28/)” around Kabul’s airport to facilitate evacuations. The plan is backed up by a recent Taliban agreement, reached by more than 100 countries, to allow foreigners to continue to [leave the country](https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20210829-taliban-agrees-to-allow-foreign-nationals-afghans-with-travel-authorisation-to-leave-afghanistan) after the Aug. 31 deadline. In a reversal from previous statements, the Taliban said they would also allow Afghans to leave, provided they have been granted the necessary documentation by their future host countries. The need for greater protections around Kabul’s airport was reinforced by a [rocket attack](https://www.reuters.com/world/india/rockets-fired-kabul-airport-us-troops-race-complete-evacuation-2021-08-30/) in the early hours of Monday morning, although U.S. officials said its missile defenses held firm against the barrage. * The World This Week Tuesday, Aug. 31 is the final day for U.S. troops to leave Afghanistan, according to a revised timeline announced by U.S. President Joe Biden on July 8. New Zealand’s emergency national lockdown, initially instituted over a single coronavirus case, is scheduled to end. On Wednesday, Sept. 1, U.S. President Joe Biden hosts Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. On Thursday, Sept. 2, EU foreign ministers gather in Slovenia for an informal meeting, with Afghanistan expected high on the agenda. On Friday, Sept. 3, talks between the Venezuelan government and opposition representatives resume in Mexico. The U.S. Department of Labor releases its monthly jobs report. On Sunday, Sept. 5, G-20 health ministers gather in Italy for a two-day summit. * What We’re Following Today Hurricane Ida. Extreme weather [continues to batter](https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/29/weather/hurricane-ida-sunday/index.html) the southern United States today after Hurricane Ida made landfall on Sunday, with surging waters leading to power outages throughout the entire city of New Orleans exactly 16 years after it was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Officials have reported one death so far. Hurricane Ida—a Category 4 storm when it made landfall—is tied as the most powerful storm to ever hit the state of Louisiana, a record it shares with the Last Island Hurricane in 1856 and Hurricane Laura, which struck last year. EU travel restrictions. The European Council is set to recommend [fresh restrictions](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/29/world/europe/eu-us-travel-restrictions.html) on U.S. travelers wishing to enter the European Union, citing the increased spread of COVID-19 in the United States. It’s also a sign of European frustrations with U.S. restrictions: Most Europeans have been banned from entering the United States since March 2020. The council’s recommendations are non-binding, so it’s unclear whether EU member states will carry out the advice, which would include mandatory quarantine requirements. * Keep an Eye On Germany’s election. German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz was deemed the [winner](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/german-election-campaign-heats-up-merkels-conservatives-slide-2021-08-29/) of last night’s televised debate in a snap poll, piling more pressure on Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Armin Laschet as Germany’s election campaign enters its final month. The debate victory comes as Scholz’s Social Democrats increased their slim polling lead by two points last week in a new poll, earning the preference of 24 percent of those surveyed versus 21 percent for Laschet’s CDU. Israeli-Palestinian ties. Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas held talks on Sunday in the first major dialogue between the two sides in years. The two [discussed](https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-gantz-meets-with-abbas-in-ramallah-to-discuss-security-economy-1.10163773) security and economic issues, according to Gantz’s office. The meeting comes days after U.S. President Joe Biden hosted Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett at the White House and as Hamas gains popularity over Abbas’s Fatah party. Abbas continues a week of high-level meetings on Thursday, when he meets with Jordanian King Abdullah II and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo. * Odds and Ends** Greenland’s total area appears to have increased by 20,000 square feet after Danish researchers accidentally discovered a [new island](https://www.euronews.com/2021/08/29/scientists-have-accidentally-discovered-a-new-island-in-the-arctic) off its northern coast. They have proposed naming it Qeqertaq Avannarleq—“the northernmost island” in Greenlandic, as it is believed to be the [northernmost known island](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-58362752) in the world. The research team originally thought they had landed on Oodaaq, an island that was itself discovered in 1978, before the expedition, led by Morten Rasch of the University of Copenhagen, realized its luck. The island is likely a feature of deposits from regular storms rather than climate change, Rasch said, citing its gravely and silt base. “No one knows how long it will remain. In principle, it could disappear as soon as a powerful new storm hits,” Rasch said. Colm Quinn was a staff writer at Foreign Policy between 2020 and 2022. X: [@colmfquinn](http://www.twitter.com/colmfquinn) Read More On [Afghanistan](https://foreignpolicy.com/tag/afghanistan/) \\| [War](https://foreignpolicy.com/tag/war/) ## Join the Conversation Commenting is a benefit of a Foreign Policy subscription. [Subscribe Subscribe](https://foreignpolicy.com/subscribe) Already a subscriber? [Log In](). [View 0 Comments]() ## Join the Conversation Join the conversation on this and other recent Foreign Policy articles when you subscribe now. [Subscribe Subscribe](https://foreignpolicy.com/subscribe) Not your account? [Log out]() [View 0 Comments]() ## Join the Conversation Please follow our [comment guidelines](https://foreignpolicy.com/comment-guidelines), stay on topic, and be civil, courteous, and respectful of others’ beliefs. [Expand to comment]() You are commenting as . [Change your username]() \\| [Log out]() ### OTHER SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS #### [Academic Rates](https://foreignpolicy.com/subscribe-academic/?tpcc=hardwall_academic) [Specialty rates for students and faculty.](https://foreignpolicy.com/subscribe-academic/?tpcc=hardwall_academic) #### [Multi-year](https://foreignpolicy.com/multi-year/?tpcc=hardwall_multiyear) [Lock in your rates for longer.](https://foreignpolicy.com/multi-year/?tpcc=hardwall_multiyear) #### [Groups](https://foreignpolicy.com/group-subscriptions/?tpcc=hardwall_groups) [Equip your organization with powerful global intelligence.](https://foreignpolicy.com/group-subscriptions/?tpcc=hardwall_groups) ## Stories Readers Liked - Go to slide 1 - Go to slide 2 - Go to slide 3 - Go to slide 4 - Go to slide 5 - Go to slide 6 - Go to slide 7 - Go to slide 8 - Go to slide 9 - Go to slide 10 - [![An illustration with a world map background texture and fire cutting through three rings in the map with three human figures inside.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1-world-after-trump-brian-stauffer-illustration.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/23/post-trump-world-order-cold-war-spheres-of-influence/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) An illustration with a world map background texture and fire cutting through three rings in the map with three human figures inside. [Three Scenarios for a Post-Trump World ![This article has an audio recording](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/themes/foreign-policy-2017/assets/src/images/icons/audio.svg)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/23/post-trump-world-order-cold-war-spheres-of-influence/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) By [Hal Brands](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/hal-brands/) - [![An illustration shows semiconductor chips structured like a house of cards with a tiny city with government buildings atop it, ready to topple.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1-AI-doomsday-house-of-cards-doug-chayka-illustration.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/24/ai-artificial-intelligence-doomsday-iran-war/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) An illustration shows semiconductor chips structured like a house of cards with a tiny city with government buildings atop it, ready to topple. [As an AI Scholar, I Am Now Putting a High Probability on an AI Doomsday ![This article has an audio recording](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/themes/foreign-policy-2017/assets/src/images/icons/audio.svg)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/24/ai-artificial-intelligence-doomsday-iran-war/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) By [Bhaskar Chakravorti](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/bhaskar-chakravorti/) - [![Two dozen or so scattered pedestrians walking on a large plaza are seen from overhead. There is a giant world map embedded in the pavement, with China highlighted in a dark red and all the other countries in pale gray.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/china-map-GettyImages-2262840218.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/25/china-us-russia-sphere-influence-geopolitics-competition/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) Two dozen or so scattered pedestrians walking on a large plaza are seen from overhead. There is a giant world map embedded in the pavement, with China highlighted in a dark red and all the other countries in pale gray. [No, China Doesn’t Want Spheres of Influence ![This article has an audio recording](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/themes/foreign-policy-2017/assets/src/images/icons/audio.svg)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/25/china-us-russia-sphere-influence-geopolitics-competition/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) By [Aaron Glasserman](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/aaron-glasserman/) - [![A photo illustration shows fractured colored shard revealing images of nation states in decline: an upside down U.S. Capitol building, the EU building in Brussels, broken columns, part of Donald Trump's head, explosions in the Middle East, and a tank in Ukraine.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1-doomsday-books-nation-state-illustration-2188671579.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/27/book-review-after-nations-dasgupta-westad-prasad-milanovic/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) A photo illustration shows fractured colored shard revealing images of nation states in decline: an upside down U.S. Capitol building, the EU building in Brussels, broken columns, part of Donald Trump's head, explosions in the Middle East, and a tank in Ukraine. [After the Nation-State](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/27/book-review-after-nations-dasgupta-westad-prasad-milanovic/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) By [Michael Hirsh](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/michael-hirsh/) - [![A photo illustration showing six classical Greek or Roman-style columns, plus a stack of televisions as the seventh pillar of populism. The TVs show images of Victor Orban, Narendra Modi, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Donald Trump.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1-trump-orban-modi-erdogan-Pillars-populism-2026.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/02/19/trump-erdogan-orban-modi-india-hungary-turkey-populism-corruptionthe-seven-pillars-of-populist-foreign-policy/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) A photo illustration showing six classical Greek or Roman-style columns, plus a stack of televisions as the seventh pillar of populism. The TVs show images of Victor Orban, Narendra Modi, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Donald Trump. [The Seven Pillars of Populist Foreign Policy](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/02/19/trump-erdogan-orban-modi-india-hungary-turkey-populism-corruptionthe-seven-pillars-of-populist-foreign-policy/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) By [Lisel Hintz](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/lisel-hintz/), [Berk Esen](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/berk-esen/), [Tudor Onea](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/tudor-onea/) - [![An illustration of a tombstone reading "RIP" appears in place of a globe on a circular stand.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/International-order-dead-foreign-policy-illustration.png?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/02/09/liberal-international-order-death-trump-greenland/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) An illustration of a tombstone reading "RIP" appears in place of a globe on a circular stand. [Who Killed the Liberal International Order? ![This article has an audio recording](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/themes/foreign-policy-2017/assets/src/images/icons/audio.svg)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/02/09/liberal-international-order-death-trump-greenland/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) By [Nick Danforth](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/nick-danforth/) - [![Central American migrant children play on a seesaw at a shelter in Ciudad Juárez, state of Chihuahua, Mexico.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/GettyImages-1231954938.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/01/23/trump-threats-europe-greenland-balance-power/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) Central American migrant children play on a seesaw at a shelter in Ciudad Juárez, state of Chihuahua, Mexico. [The Balance-of-Power Theory Strikes Again ![This article has an audio recording](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/themes/foreign-policy-2017/assets/src/images/icons/audio.svg)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/01/23/trump-threats-europe-greenland-balance-power/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) By [Stephen M. Walt](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/stephen-m-walt/) - [![An illustration shows two men against a bright yellow background. One man wears a Western-style business suit and the other wears a black robe and white head covering. The men are shaking hands. Each holds a briefcase with money spilling out, the left man's briefcase shaped like the United States' and the right man's like the Arabian Peninsula.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1-instrumental-capital-sovereign-wealth-sebastien-thibault.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/12/03/instrumental-capital-sovereign-wealth-funds-gulf/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) An illustration shows two men against a bright yellow background. One man wears a Western-style business suit and the other wears a black robe and white head covering. The men are shaking hands. Each holds a briefcase with money spilling out, the left man's briefcase shaped like the United States' and the right man's like the Arabian Peninsula. [The New Wealth of Nations ![This article has an audio recording](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/themes/foreign-policy-2017/assets/src/images/icons/audio.svg)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/12/03/instrumental-capital-sovereign-wealth-funds-gulf/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) By [Jared Cohen](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/jared-cohen/), [George Lee](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/george-lee/) - [![A man in a coat outside of a glass office building, with high rise buildings under construction in the background.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/China-tech-dragon-development-tech-GettyImages-2187442299.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/10/10/china-tech-ai-innovation-economy-stagnation/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) A man in a coat outside of a glass office building, with high rise buildings under construction in the background. [China’s Tech Obsession Is Weighing Down Its Economy](https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/10/10/china-tech-ai-innovation-economy-stagnation/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) By [Scott Kennedy](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/scott-kennedy/), [Scott Rozelle](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/scott-rozelle/) - [![Photos of two men speaking each shown as a negative color inside a red and blue circle.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Kissinger-brzezinski-realism-foreign-policy-illustratrion.png?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/08/01/kissinger-brzezinski-trump-realism-realist-democracy-human-rights-us/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) Photos of two men speaking each shown as a negative color inside a red and blue circle. [Kissinger, Brzezinski, and the Promise of Realism ![This article has an audio recording](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/themes/foreign-policy-2017/assets/src/images/icons/audio.svg)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/08/01/kissinger-brzezinski-trump-realism-realist-democracy-human-rights-us/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) By [Daniel Fried](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/daniel-fried/) ## Iran War - [![Houthi militants are seen from slightly below as they raise rifles into the air against a blue sky with a few wispy white clouds. The militants are backlit, silhouetted against the sky.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/iran-war-trump-israel-escalation-hormuz-2268081241.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/30/iran-war-trump-israel-escalation-hormuz/?tpcc=recirc_featured_horizontal051524) Houthi militants are seen from slightly below as they raise rifles into the air against a blue sky with a few wispy white clouds. The militants are backlit, silhouetted against the sky. [The Iran War Has Escaped Its Authors ![This article has an audio recording](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/themes/foreign-policy-2017/assets/src/images/icons/audio.svg)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/30/iran-war-trump-israel-escalation-hormuz/?tpcc=recirc_featured_horizontal051524) [Argument](https://foreignpolicy.com/category/analysis/argument/) \\| [Robert A. Pape](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/robert-a-pape/), [Ali Vaez](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/ali-vaez/) - [![Portraits of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are seen in the Yarmouk district of Damascus, Syria, on March 26, 2024.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/iran-war-syria-assad-GettyImages-2107845611-e1774466100960.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/25/iran-war-trump-regime-change-syria-assad-iraq/?tpcc=recirc_featured_horizontal051524) Portraits of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are seen in the Yarmouk district of Damascus, Syria, on March 26, 2024. [Syria’s Lessons for Regime Change in Iran](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/25/iran-war-trump-regime-change-syria-assad-iraq/?tpcc=recirc_featured_horizontal051524) [Analysis](https://foreignpolicy.com/channel/analysis/) \\| [Lina Khatib](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/lina-khatib/) - [![Red and white flowers spill out from a makeshift altar with a framed portrait of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei resting on a stoop outside a building. An Iranian flag hangs over the door above the stoop, and a smaller Russian flag is stuck among the flowers.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/trump-putin-iran-war-hormuz-oil-israel-sanctions-2263827075.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/30/trump-putin-iran-war-hormuz-oil-israel-sanctions/?tpcc=recirc_featured_horizontal051524) Red and white flowers spill out from a makeshift altar with a framed portrait of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei resting on a stoop outside a building. An Iranian flag hangs over the door above the stoop, and a smaller Russian flag is stuck among the flowers. [Putin’s Persian Problem ![This article has an audio recording](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/themes/foreign-policy-2017/assets/src/images/icons/audio.svg)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/30/trump-putin-iran-war-hormuz-oil-israel-sanctions/?tpcc=recirc_featured_horizontal051524) [Argument](https://foreignpolicy.com/category/analysis/argument/) \\| [Sergey Radchenko](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/sergey-radchenko/) ## Trending - [Tehran Is Setting a Trap for Trump ![This article has an audio recording](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/themes/foreign-policy-2017/assets/src/images/icons/audio.svg)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/04/01/trump-trap-iran-war-leadership-global-economy-ali-vaez/?tpcc=recirc_right_rail051524) By [Ravi Agrawal](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/ravi-agrawal/) - [Five Scenarios for a U.S. Ground War on Iran ![This article has an audio recording](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/themes/foreign-policy-2017/assets/src/images/icons/audio.svg)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/31/scenarios-ground-war-iran-trump-israel-kharg-hormuz-oil/?tpcc=recirc_right_rail051524) By [Arash Reisinezhad](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/arash-reisinezhad/) - [The United States Has Become a Rogue State ![This article has an audio recording](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/themes/foreign-policy-2017/assets/src/images/icons/audio.svg)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/26/united-states-trump-rogue-state-iran/?tpcc=recirc_right_rail051524) By [Stephen M. Walt](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/stephen-m-walt/) - [Trump’s Iran War Is a Dilemma, Not a Debacle](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/04/01/iran-war-trump-israel-oil-hormuz-economy-energy-military/?tpcc=recirc_right_rail051524) By [Raphael S. Cohen](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/raphael-s-cohen/) - [Three Scenarios for a Post-Trump World ![This article has an audio recording](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/themes/foreign-policy-2017/assets/src/images/icons/audio.svg)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/23/post-trump-world-order-cold-war-spheres-of-influence/?tpcc=recirc_right_rail051524) By [Hal Brands](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/hal-brands/) Loading graphics Footer navigation [Back to Foreign Policy Magazine home page](https://foreignpolicy.com/) - [Follow FP on Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/foreignpolicy.com) - [Follow FP on X](https://twitter.com/ForeignPolicy) - [Follow FP on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/foreign-policy-magazine/) - [Follow FP on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/foreignpolicymag/) - [Follow FP on Facebook](https://facebook.com/foreign.policy.magazine) ## [FP SOLUTIONS](https://solutions.foreignpolicy.com/) - [FP Analytics](https://fpanalytics.foreignpolicy.com/) - [FP Events](https://foreignpolicy.com/events/) - [FP Studios](https://foreignpolicy.com/fp-studios/) - [Simulations and Peacegames](https://fpanalytics.foreignpolicy.com/simulations-peacegames/) - [Advertise with FP](https://solutions.foreignpolicy.com/) - [Country Reports](https://sponsored.foreignpolicy.com/country-reports/) ## [Subscription Services](https://help.foreignpolicy.com/) - [Your FP Account](https://foreignpolicy.com/manage) - [Group Subscriptions](https://foreignpolicy.com/group-subscriptions/) - [Reprint Permissions](https://foreignpolicy.com/reprint-permissions/) - [FP Magazine Archive](https://foreignpolicy.com/print-archive/) - [Buy Back Issues](https://foreignpolicy.com/buy-back-issues/) ## [EDUCATION](https://foreignpolicy.com/fp-for-education/) - [Graduate Education Guide](https://fpguide.foreignpolicy.com/2026-spring-summer/) - [FP for Education](https://foreignpolicy.com/fp-for-education/) - [Institutional Access](https://foreignpolicy.com/group-subscriptions/) ## [ABOUT FP](https://foreignpolicy.com/staff/) - [Writer's Guidelines](https://foreignpolicy.submittable.com/submit) - [Meet the Staff](https://foreignpolicy.com/staff/) - [Work at FP](https://foreignpolicy.com/employment-opportunities/) - [Contact FP](https://foreignpolicy.com/contact-us/) - [Privacy Policy](https://foreignpolicy.com/privacy/) - [Do Not Sell My Personal Information](https://foreignpolicy.com/do-not-sell-or-share-my-personal-information/) - [Terms of Use](https://foreignpolicy.com/termsofuse/) - [Accessibility](https://foreignpolicy.com/accessibility/) - [Follow FP on Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/foreignpolicy.com) - [Follow FP on X](https://twitter.com/ForeignPolicy) - [Follow FP on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/foreign-policy-magazine/) - [Follow FP on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/foreignpolicymag/) - [Follow FP on Facebook](https://facebook.com/foreign.policy.magazine) Foreign Policy Magazine is a division of Graham Holdings Company. All contents (c) 2026, Graham Digital Holding Company. All rights reserved. Foreign Policy, 1099 14th St NW, Suite 500 East, Washington, D.C., 20005. Powered by [WordPress VIP](https://wpvip.com/?utm_source=vip_powered_wpcom&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=VIP%20Footer%20Credit&utm_term=foreignpolicy.com) ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=203988873637408&ev=PageView&noscript=1) ![Quantcast](https://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-FtKjv2mvnYjUe.gif)
Readable Markdown	## Drone strikes over the weekend underscore the changing nature, not the end, of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan. ![Taliban fighters investigate a damaged car.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/afghanistan-kabul-GettyImages-1234952004.jpg?quality=90) Taliban fighters investigate a damaged car. Taliban fighters investigate a damaged car after multiple rockets were fired in Kabul on Aug. 30. WAKIL KOHSAR/AFP [My FP:](https://foreignpolicy.com/myfp) Follow topics and authors to get straight to what you like. Exclusively for FP subscribers. [Subscribe Now](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/) \\| [Log In](https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/) August 30, 2021, 5:54 AM Here is today’s Foreign Policy brief: the United States strikes Islamic State-Khorasan target in Kabul, the European Union proposes restrictions on U.S. travelers, and the world this week. If you would like to receive Morning Brief in your inbox every weekday, please sign up [here](http://foreignpolicy.com/category/morning-brief). ## Stories Readers Liked - Go to slide 1 - Go to slide 2 - Go to slide 3 - Go to slide 4 - Go to slide 5 - Go to slide 6 - Go to slide 7 - Go to slide 8 - Go to slide 9 - Go to slide 10 - [![An illustration with a world map background texture and fire cutting through three rings in the map with three human figures inside.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1-world-after-trump-brian-stauffer-illustration.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/23/post-trump-world-order-cold-war-spheres-of-influence/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) An illustration with a world map background texture and fire cutting through three rings in the map with three human figures inside. - [![An illustration shows semiconductor chips structured like a house of cards with a tiny city with government buildings atop it, ready to topple.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1-AI-doomsday-house-of-cards-doug-chayka-illustration.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/24/ai-artificial-intelligence-doomsday-iran-war/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) An illustration shows semiconductor chips structured like a house of cards with a tiny city with government buildings atop it, ready to topple. - [![Two dozen or so scattered pedestrians walking on a large plaza are seen from overhead. There is a giant world map embedded in the pavement, with China highlighted in a dark red and all the other countries in pale gray.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/china-map-GettyImages-2262840218.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/25/china-us-russia-sphere-influence-geopolitics-competition/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) Two dozen or so scattered pedestrians walking on a large plaza are seen from overhead. There is a giant world map embedded in the pavement, with China highlighted in a dark red and all the other countries in pale gray. - [![A photo illustration shows fractured colored shard revealing images of nation states in decline: an upside down U.S. Capitol building, the EU building in Brussels, broken columns, part of Donald Trump's head, explosions in the Middle East, and a tank in Ukraine.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1-doomsday-books-nation-state-illustration-2188671579.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/27/book-review-after-nations-dasgupta-westad-prasad-milanovic/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) A photo illustration shows fractured colored shard revealing images of nation states in decline: an upside down U.S. Capitol building, the EU building in Brussels, broken columns, part of Donald Trump's head, explosions in the Middle East, and a tank in Ukraine. [After the Nation-State](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/27/book-review-after-nations-dasgupta-westad-prasad-milanovic/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)By [Michael Hirsh](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/michael-hirsh/) - [![A photo illustration showing six classical Greek or Roman-style columns, plus a stack of televisions as the seventh pillar of populism. The TVs show images of Victor Orban, Narendra Modi, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Donald Trump.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1-trump-orban-modi-erdogan-Pillars-populism-2026.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/02/19/trump-erdogan-orban-modi-india-hungary-turkey-populism-corruptionthe-seven-pillars-of-populist-foreign-policy/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) A photo illustration showing six classical Greek or Roman-style columns, plus a stack of televisions as the seventh pillar of populism. The TVs show images of Victor Orban, Narendra Modi, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Donald Trump. [The Seven Pillars of Populist Foreign Policy](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/02/19/trump-erdogan-orban-modi-india-hungary-turkey-populism-corruptionthe-seven-pillars-of-populist-foreign-policy/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)By [Lisel Hintz](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/lisel-hintz/), [Berk Esen](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/berk-esen/), [Tudor Onea](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/tudor-onea/) - [![An illustration of a tombstone reading "RIP" appears in place of a globe on a circular stand.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/International-order-dead-foreign-policy-illustration.png?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/02/09/liberal-international-order-death-trump-greenland/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) An illustration of a tombstone reading "RIP" appears in place of a globe on a circular stand. - [![Central American migrant children play on a seesaw at a shelter in Ciudad Juárez, state of Chihuahua, Mexico.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/GettyImages-1231954938.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/01/23/trump-threats-europe-greenland-balance-power/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) Central American migrant children play on a seesaw at a shelter in Ciudad Juárez, state of Chihuahua, Mexico. - [![An illustration shows two men against a bright yellow background. One man wears a Western-style business suit and the other wears a black robe and white head covering. The men are shaking hands. Each holds a briefcase with money spilling out, the left man's briefcase shaped like the United States' and the right man's like the Arabian Peninsula.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1-instrumental-capital-sovereign-wealth-sebastien-thibault.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/12/03/instrumental-capital-sovereign-wealth-funds-gulf/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) An illustration shows two men against a bright yellow background. One man wears a Western-style business suit and the other wears a black robe and white head covering. The men are shaking hands. Each holds a briefcase with money spilling out, the left man's briefcase shaped like the United States' and the right man's like the Arabian Peninsula. - [![A man in a coat outside of a glass office building, with high rise buildings under construction in the background.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/China-tech-dragon-development-tech-GettyImages-2187442299.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/10/10/china-tech-ai-innovation-economy-stagnation/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) A man in a coat outside of a glass office building, with high rise buildings under construction in the background. [China’s Tech Obsession Is Weighing Down Its Economy](https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/10/10/china-tech-ai-innovation-economy-stagnation/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524)By [Scott Kennedy](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/scott-kennedy/), [Scott Rozelle](https://foreignpolicy.com/author/scott-rozelle/) - [![Photos of two men speaking each shown as a negative color inside a red and blue circle.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Kissinger-brzezinski-realism-foreign-policy-illustratrion.png?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/08/01/kissinger-brzezinski-trump-realism-realist-democracy-human-rights-us/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524) Photos of two men speaking each shown as a negative color inside a red and blue circle. Iran War - [![Houthi militants are seen from slightly below as they raise rifles into the air against a blue sky with a few wispy white clouds. The militants are backlit, silhouetted against the sky.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/iran-war-trump-israel-escalation-hormuz-2268081241.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/30/iran-war-trump-israel-escalation-hormuz/?tpcc=recirc_featured_horizontal051524) Houthi militants are seen from slightly below as they raise rifles into the air against a blue sky with a few wispy white clouds. The militants are backlit, silhouetted against the sky. - [![Portraits of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are seen in the Yarmouk district of Damascus, Syria, on March 26, 2024.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/iran-war-syria-assad-GettyImages-2107845611-e1774466100960.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/25/iran-war-trump-regime-change-syria-assad-iraq/?tpcc=recirc_featured_horizontal051524) Portraits of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are seen in the Yarmouk district of Damascus, Syria, on March 26, 2024. - [![Red and white flowers spill out from a makeshift altar with a framed portrait of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei resting on a stoop outside a building. An Iranian flag hangs over the door above the stoop, and a smaller Russian flag is stuck among the flowers.](https://foreignpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/trump-putin-iran-war-hormuz-oil-israel-sanctions-2263827075.jpg?w=800&quality=80)](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/30/trump-putin-iran-war-hormuz-oil-israel-sanctions/?tpcc=recirc_featured_horizontal051524) Red and white flowers spill out from a makeshift altar with a framed portrait of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei resting on a stoop outside a building. An Iranian flag hangs over the door above the stoop, and a smaller Russian flag is stuck among the flowers.
Shard	96 (laksa)
Root Hash	6089014433239620496
Unparsed URL	com,foreignpolicy!/2021/08/30/airstrikes-afghanistan-kabul-isis-taliban/ s443