Shanthie D'Souza, senior research fellow in public policy, has released two new articles in The Diplomat discussing varied aspects of life in Afghanistan under the Taliban: women and stories of courage, and the regime's foreign policy.
In an article titled, "Stories of Resilience and Innovation: Women in Afghanistan Under the Taliban," D'Souza challenges the dominant narrative of "restrictions, denial, and loss of rights" by highlighting stories of "courage, adaptation, and resilience." D'Souza highlights the Afghanistan Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AWCCI) as a "beacon of hope" for women in the country.
In another piece, "Trump’s Bagram Claims and the Taliban’s Foreign Policy Choices," D'Souza highlights the Taliban's recent foreign policy decisions as it operationalizes its core principle of "balance," citing its reaction to several recent demands made by the Trump administration.