![Al-Qaeda affiliates like Al-Shabaab are targeting weak states. Pakistan must strengthen its stability, collaborate regionally, and address extremism’s root causes. [Image via Reuters]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/WO-AN333_AQSYRI_P_20130409185847.webp)
Al-Qaeda Affiliates Targeting Weak States: Implications for Pakistan
Al-Qaeda affiliates like Al-Shabaab are targeting weak states. Pakistan must strengthen its stability, collaborate regionally, and address extremism’s root causes.
![Al-Qaeda affiliates like Al-Shabaab are targeting weak states. Pakistan must strengthen its stability, collaborate regionally, and address extremism’s root causes. [Image via Reuters]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/WO-AN333_AQSYRI_P_20130409185847.webp)
Al-Qaeda affiliates like Al-Shabaab are targeting weak states. Pakistan must strengthen its stability, collaborate regionally, and address extremism’s root causes.
![ISKP’s threat to the Afghan Interim Government grows, exposing strategic vulnerabilities, internal divisions, and regional security challenges. [Image via unsplash photos]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image001-1024x653-1.webp)
ISKP’s threat is pushing Afghanistan into chaos. The assassination of a top Taliban leader exposes deep vulnerabilities in AIG’s control.
![The death of Khalil Haqqani in a Kabul explosion exposes leadership rifts in the Afghan interim government and raises concerns about ISKP’s role. Image via [Wakil Kohsar/AFP]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/AFP__20241211__36Q43YP__v4__HighRes__FilesAfghanistanUnrestGovernment-1733916592.webp)
Khalil Haqqani’s death in a Kabul explosion exposes leadership rifts in the Afghan interim government and raises concerns about ISKP’s role.
![Bangladesh’s evolving foreign relations reshape South Asia’s geopolitics, with growing ties to Pakistan and deteriorating relations with India. [Image via SAT Creatives]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/11_Dec_DTL.webp)
Bangladesh’s evolving foreign relations reshape South Asia’s geopolitics, with growing ties to Pakistan and deteriorating relations with India.
![From Gaza to Kashmir and Syria, Human Rights Day highlights the ongoing global battle for dignity, justice, and freedom from oppression. [Image via UNICEF]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/UNI501899x1200px.jpg.webp)
From Gaza to Kashmir and Syria, Human Rights Day highlights the ongoing global battle for dignity, justice, and freedom from oppression.
![The fall of Assad regime marks a turning point in Syria, raising concerns about stability amid competing regional and global interests. [Image via AP]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/275a357e-2335-44fd-a708-cb64164b86e6_20472c74.webp)
The fall of Assad regime marks a turning point in Syria, raising concerns about stability amid competing regional and global interests.
![CPEC's maritime dimension is set to transform Pakistan's coastal trade, unlocking vast economic potential and a new era of maritime growth. [Image via Aamir Qureshi/AFP/Getty Images]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/180329_maritime_silk_road_economic.webp)
CPEC’s maritime dimension is set to transform Pakistan’s coastal trade, unlocking vast economic potential and a new era of maritime growth.
![Pakistan amid protests and sovereignty sees unrest, raising critical questions on state power, dissent, and political narratives. [Image via Wikimedia Commons/Usman Ghani]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Parliament_House_Islamabad_by_Usman_Ghani.webp)
Pakistan amid protests and sovereignty sees unrest, raising critical questions on state power, dissent, and political narratives.
![Afghan women deserve better. A balanced approach is needed to uphold their rights while respecting Afghanistan's cultural context and traditions. [Image via AFP]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b55ee5ee8f523705b8c4b17c39f3761d470778df.webp)
Afghan women deserve better. A balanced approach is needed to uphold their rights while respecting Afghanistan’s cultural context and traditions.
![Pakistan's ties with Saudi Arabia and Iran strengthen through key diplomatic visits in December 2024, amid global and domestic challenges. [Image via SAT Creatives]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SAT-Web-Banners-6.webp)
Pakistan’s ties with Saudi Arabia and Iran strengthen through key diplomatic visits in December 2024, amid global and domestic challenges.