The Briefing Pakistan declares ‘open war’ against Afghanistan
Feb 27, 2026
Lynne O'Donnell, Afghanistan expert at Foreign Policy, unpacks Pakistan's airstrikes and regional fallout. June Harpac, Korea Risk Group correspondent in Seoul, dissects North Korea's muted parade and diplomatic signals. Ewan Potts, Bloomberg markets reporter, delivers business headlines and takeover drama. Gregor Muir, Tate Director of Collection, explores British art showcased in Tokyo.
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Pakistan Declares Open War With The Taliban
- Pakistan has launched airstrikes into Kabul and Kandahar, declaring it is in "open war" with the Afghan Taliban.
- Lynne O’Donnell says strikes targeted presidential and elite districts amid months of escalating cross-border skirmishes and revenge attacks.
Pakistan's Past Support Backfired
- The border conflict reflects long-term strategic shifts: Pakistan once sheltered and supported the Taliban but now faces hostility from them.
- Lynne O’Donnell explains Pakistan’s past support created strategic depth that backfired when the Taliban no longer relied on Islamabad.
Conflict Used To Distract From Domestic Weakness
- Current escalation serves domestic political purposes for both states by distracting from internal problems.
- O’Donnell notes Afghanistan’s economic collapse and Pakistan’s governance and economic struggles make external conflict politically useful.