Afghanistan has been viewed with renewed interest, not so much because of the American withdrawal but the Taliban return to power.

But while most focus on the style of government that will be implemented in what the Taliban calls an Islamic Emirate, the end of the NATO and American presence signals a broader shift in focus, not necessarily away from Asia, but at least to different areas or foes. How will developments affect Asia, particularly Afghanistan’s neighbours and reaching into the Middle East?

Guest:  Syed Zafar Mehdi – a Tehran-based journalist, editor and blogger, interested mostly in regional geopolitics and security. He has previously reported from Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and occupied Kashmir.