Australia’s recent closure of its embassy in Kabul, and the withdrawal of all US forces from Afghanistan by 11 September 2021, casts a deep shadow over Afghanistan’s future prospects. In this paper, leading expert on Afghanistan, William Maley, examines the implications for the Afghan nation and its people.

It is now fifty years since diplomatic relations were formally established between the Commonwealth of Australia and the Kingdom of Afghanistan. This paper explores some of the key dimensions of the development of the relationship.

The politics of people movement is a defining feature of the 21st Century, with profound ramifications for every country in the Asia Pacific region, including Australia. This collection examines many of the region’s most troubling situations of people on the move while giving considered attention to the opportunities for better national and regional responses.

Rod Lyon and William Maley look at Australia's interests in the Middle East from two very different perspectives: that of the strategic analyst, and that of the regional expert, enriched by a close knowledge of the countries and cultures of the Middle East. Australia’s interests in the Middle East refl ect its broader interests in...

This paper explores the implications of the looming Taliban Spring offensive on the international reconstruction and security effort in Afghanistan. It is argued that a more aggressive posture by Coalition forces toward the Taliban and more concerted international pressure on Pakistan is needed to ensure that Afghanistan does not once again become a safe haven...