🇦🇫 It’s been 3 years since the Taliban took over Afghanistan!

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While the Taliban is stronger than ever, the situation for the 40 million people in Afghanistan is far from ideal. Let’s break it down:

1. 💪 Taliban Power is Unchallenged:

• No real threats to their rule.

• Internal conflicts? Handled. Even the controversial ban on women’s secondary education didn’t shake them.

• Armed resistance? Weak and barely active.

• IS-K (their only rival group) has been hit hard by the Taliban, reducing their attacks within Afghanistan.

2. 🌍 Global Relations:

• The world may not officially recognize the Taliban, but they’re still engaging with them.

• Countries like China are even partnering with the Taliban on projects like oil exploration.

• Despite no formal recognition, the Taliban is gaining the international legitimacy they crave.

3. 🇦🇫 Afghanistan’s Struggles:

• The country is in a terrible state: 24 million people need humanitarian aid, 12 million are facing severe hunger, and unemployment has doubled.

• The economy? A mess. A 26% drop in GDP in two years, and the ban on poppy production hasn’t helped.

4. 🔥 Pakistan Relations on Edge:

• The Taliban isn’t helping Pakistan by curbing anti-Pakistan militants.

• This has led to tensions and even cross-border operations by Pakistan.

• Pakistan’s past support for the Taliban is now uncertain.

5. 🌐 An Island of Stability:

• Despite the challenges, the Taliban remains one of the most stable regimes in the region.

• In a world where political change is constant, Afghanistan under the Taliban is oddly stable.

🕵️ What Else We’re Watching:

Bangladesh’s New Government: After the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus leads an interim government. Restoring law and order is top priority amidst recent unrest.

New Allegations in India: SEBI head Madhabi Puri Buch is accused of ties to Adani’s conglomerate by Hindenburg Research. Political tensions are rising as the opposition demands an investigation.

🏅 A New Hero in Pakistan: Arshad Nadeem, a javelin thrower, became Pakistan’s first Olympic gold medalist, receiving widespread support and a hero’s welcome.

India-Maldives Relations: Despite some tensions, India’s relationship with the Maldives remains warm, with both countries focusing on economic cooperation.

🎴 Chinese Card Game Sparks Political Debate

Guandan, a popular Chinese card game, has become the center of a political storm! 🌀

A major newspaper, the Beijing Youth Daily, recently criticized the game, accusing officials who play it of corruption, laziness, and forming shady alliances. But what’s really going on?

🎮 The Game That’s Taking China by Storm

• Guandan was invented in the 1960s in Jiangsu province as a variation of another game. In 2014, it was even listed as intangible cultural heritage. Last year, it became wildly popular after being featured in China’s most-watched TV program, the Spring Festival Gala.

• Popularity: Now, Guandan has around 140 million players across China. It’s praised as a smart alternative to gambling games like poker since it doesn’t involve money—just a lot of counting and strategy.

🤔 So, Why the Sudden Criticism?

• Guandan has recently become a favorite among Chinese officials and businesspeople as a way to build relationships, which has raised concerns about corruption.

• The Beijing Youth Daily slammed the game, saying it creates “gangs” and “cliques,” echoing the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) fear of factions within its ranks. The CCP often views these factions as a significant threat to its control.

👀 The CCP’s Informal Networks

• Connections Matter: Despite the CCP’s rigid structure, informal relationships often play a crucial role in how things get done. These connections allow officials to share information and collaborate in ways that formal channels might not permit.

• The Deng Xiaoping Example: Former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping was famous for using his social skills to build networks through card games, which helped him rise to power. He continued to use these connections to maintain control, even in his retirement.

⚠️ Political Implications

• Guandan Ban: The recent crackdown on Guandan could be part of a broader effort to blame China’s economic and governance issues on corrupt officials rather than the leadership itself. Political scientist Wen-Ti Sung noted that this is a classic move to shift blame onto individuals rather than addressing systemic problems.

• Uncertain Future: It’s unclear how China’s top leaders feel about Guandan, but there are reports of internal bans, and officials might need to find a new pastime soon. Perhaps studying Xi Jinping Thought? 📚

🌍 What We’re Following

1. U.S. Reverses Blacklist Decision:
The U.S. Defense Department has decided to remove Chinese laser sensor manufacturer Hesai from its blacklist. This move could be a sign that the list isn’t entirely arbitrary, offering some hope for other Chinese companies.

2. Russian Bank Bans:
China-Russia banking ties are tightening due to U.S. sanctions. Smaller Chinese banks are pulling back, leading to a yuan liquidity crisis in Russia.

3. 🎮 Video Game Launches:
China’s video game industry is heating up! Big releases like Zenless Zone Zero and the highly anticipated Black Myth: Wukong are making waves, with the latter potentially marking China’s first global AAA game success.

4. 🚗 EV Milestone:
In July, electric and hybrid vehicles outsold internal combustion engine vehicles in China for the first time ever, highlighting the country’s push towards green technology.

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