The Taliban have instituted a ban on narcotics in Afghanistan. While that has led to a massive drop in production, it is hitting the rural poor particularly hard. Foreign donors should work with the government to ensure the policy does not further undermine vulnerable populations.

An Islamic State branch has acquired a foothold in Puntland, in north-eastern Somalia, and has been channelling funds to the jihadist network’s other African affiliates. Curtailing the group’s activities will require the Somali government and Puntland authorities to overcome their divisions to take concerted action.

As South Sudan contends with a prolonged political and economic crisis, Kenyan mediators are attempting to broker an agreement between the country’s government and exiled opposition leaders. In this Q&A, Crisis Group expert Daniel Akech assesses how the talks are progressing.

Originally published in The New York Times.

Marking the opening of the 79th UN General Assembly, Crisis Group experts discuss challenges facing the UN’s efforts to promote peace. This page includes updates from the High-Level Week in New York, the 2024 Summit of the Future and recent Crisis Group coverage of the UN.

The war in Gaza has highlighted how debilitating major-power division can be for the UN. Yet the organisation is not hamstrung: in several crises around the world, diplomats can agree on modest initiatives to curb violence and shore up stability.

On 9 September, Crisis Group President and CEO Comfort Ero spoke to the UN Security Council as part of an open debate convened by Slovenia entitled “Strengthening UN Peacekeeping: Reflections for the Future”.

Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank are on the rise, with a spike since Israel’s present government took office and another since October 2023. Western countries should use their leverage with Israel – military aid and economic ties – to help curb this growing danger.

On Our Radar scans conflicts and crises around the globe every week and features some of the hotspots Crisis Group's analysts are closely watching. Whether an under-reported trend or a headline-grabbing development, our field experts explain why it matters or what should be done. 

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