The fall of Kabul to the Taliban is one of the most catastrophic events of the 21st Century. The images of people running to cling to the aircraft taking off from Kabul and falling to death showed their desperation to escape the draconian Taliban Rule. Undue haste exhibited by the United States, its legitimization of the Taliban, and the tactical alliances stitched with the Taliban by many others in the region led to the sudden collapse of the once brave Afghan Army. How the world abandoned Afghan citizens to medieval barbarians, especially the women and the minorities, to further their perceived geopolitical agendas should haunt the international community`s conscience for times to come.

The people of Afghanistan had hardly gotten over the repercussions of the Great Game that was once played in the region more than two centuries ago. They find themselves embroiled in another one. Various international actors are presently manoeuvring to bring Afghanistan under their sphere of influence, without any due consideration for the rights and freedom of the Afghan citizens. Furthermore, the linkages of the new masters of Afghanistan with global jihadi outfits hints towards the new Great Game that has commenced in the region, with multiple players, both state and non-state actors.