As the U.S. considers its exit from Afghanistan, the Afghan government and the Taliban (and their backers in Pakistan) are positioning themselves to strike a peace agreement that advances the long-running strategic objectives for each. Here are some factors to watch as negotiations continue.
The United States and its NATO allies are but one component invested in Afghanistan's future as the country finds itself once again a focal point for great power competition.
The recent summit between Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chinese President Xi Jinping brought promises for continued cooperation with an eye toward pressuring India.
A Saudi bailout package will help rescue Pakistan from its economic problems for now, provided Islamabad is willing to stomach the diplomatic cost.
For Riyadh, the $10 billion investment represents a commercially viable alternative to a direct bailout as Islamabad struggles with a worsening foreign exchange crisis.
Prime Minister Imran Khan envisions "a new Pakistan." But first he will have to make unpopular decisions to stabilize its finances.
Moscow's and Beijing's growing involvement in Afghanistan will challenge Washington's influence and enable Pakistan to deflect U.S. pressure to abandon its support for the Taliban.
Imran Khan, once the captain of the national cricket team, has now been chosen to lead the country to greater prosperity. Familiar problems at home and abroad, though, might hamper his shot at success.
No matter which candidates come out on top this week, the politically powerful army will still get what it wants as far as foreign and defense policies are concerned.
The international organization established to curb money laundering and terrorism financing recently found Islamabad's reform efforts inadequate but gave Tehran more time to meet its guidelines.
