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Ruchi Kumar

Ruchi Kumar is an independent journalist covering conflict, politics and development stories from Afghanistan and India.

A photo illustration showing a masked Islamic State soldier holding an ISIS flag over the map of Afghanistan.
NEW HOME OF TERROR

ISIS Is Back and Threatens to Be Deadlier Than Ever

After losing its territory in Iraq and Syria, ISIS has a new haven where it is plotting more of the terror attacks that have already killed hundreds of people this year.

Ruchi Kumar

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MESSY

Film Inspired by ISIS Wife Forces Mom Into Living Nightmare

A controversial new film about women recruited by ISIS is already having some real-life ramifications.

Ruchi Kumar

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INSIDE MAN?

Why America Just Set Free the ‘Pablo Escobar of Afghanistan’

The U.S. took a big risk by releasing this infamous Afghan drug lord and Taliban ally. It could very well backfire.

Ruchi Kumar

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‘HELP THEM. PLEASE.’

Kabul’s Evacuation Crisis Has People Falling From the Sky

I’m a woman journalist who has lived in Afghanistan for eight years. Now I’m helping evacuate citizens, and the horror show I’ve witnessed will stay with me for life.

Ruchi Kumar

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TOGETHER AT LAST

The Taliban Is Ready to Be Al Qaeda’s ‘Darling’ Again

Now that the U.S. is withdrawing all troops from Afghanistan by September, the Taliban and al Qaeda have reinvigorated their co-fighting alliance.

Sami Yousafzai

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ENDGAME

Taliban Vows ‘Nightmare’ for U.S. Troops Left in Afghanistan

After Biden administration officials said there would be a delay in the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban promised to turn the final months into “a nightmare.”

Sami Yousafzai

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LAST CHANCE SALOON

Last Bid for Afghan Deal Before Biden Admits U.S. Must Stay

Trump pledged to bring American troops home by May 1. Biden is desperate to keep that promise, but Afghan sources say it’s too late to get a deal.

Ruchi Kumar

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