The Globalist

Trump says he will solve the Afghanistan-Pakistan crisis ‘very quickly’. Plus: Europe’s rival to Starlink

Oct 28, 2025
Lynne O'Donnell, a journalist focused on Afghanistan and Pakistan, discusses Donald Trump's potential role in mediating peace talks. She highlights the complexities of the Taliban-Pakistan relationship. Julia Jen shares insights on Europe's ambitions to create a rival to Starlink, revealing security concerns and industry fragmentation. Charles Hecker offers his take on geopolitical news, while Jessica Bridger delves into community-focused tourism and urban planning, emphasizing local control over ski resorts and pedestrian-friendly city designs.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Taliban Hosting Fuels Pakistan Crisis

  • The Afghan Taliban now hosts Pakistani militants across the Durand Line, letting the TTP launch attacks from Afghan soil.
  • Lynne O'Donnell warns that without the Taliban stopping these safe havens, Pakistan cannot accept a durable peace.
ADVICE

Make Safe Havens A Precondition

  • Mediating states must insist the Afghan Taliban deny sanctuary to transnational jihadists like the TTP as a precondition for talks.
  • Pakistan says it will consider all-out war unless Kabul curbs cross-border attacks.
INSIGHT

US Role Faces Legitimacy Dilemma

  • Donald Trump offers to intervene but faces a legitimacy problem because the US does not recognise the Taliban as a government.
  • Lynne O'Donnell says the US risks legitimising a proscribed terrorist group if it brokers a deal.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app