Editors’ Picks: The geopolitical opportunity of Ukraine’s Kursk offensive

Plus: The Afghans America left behind. AUGUST 15, 2024  |  [VIEW IN BROWSER](  |  [SUBSCRIBE](     [A Ukrainian military vehicle drives past a destroyed border checkpoint amid Ukraine’s surprise incursion into Russia, in the Sumy region, Ukraine, on Aug. 14.]( A Ukrainian military vehicle drives past a destroyed border checkpoint amid Ukraine’s surprise incursion into Russia, in the Sumy region, Ukraine, on Aug. 14. Roman Pilipey/AFP via Getty Images [1]( [The Geopolitical Opportunity of Ukraine’s Kursk Offensive]( The incursion shows Washington the way to a smarter pivot to Asia. By A. Wess Mitchell   [2]( [‘They Promised to Take Out Our Families’: The Afghans America Left Behind]( Ahmad Haidari flew a U.S.-funded helicopter out of Kabul in August 2021 and hasn’t seen his wife and children since. By Ariane Luthi   [3]( [Japan’s Public Didn’t Buy Fumio Kishida’s New Capitalism]( As another prime minister steps down, the era of mayfly leadership may be back. By Linda Sieg   Time is running out to unlock 3 months of access for just $20! Price increases soon. [Subscribe today.](   [4]( [Trump Made Progress on Foreign Lobbying. Biden Reversed It.]( The current administration’s record on combatting foreign influence is disastrous. By Casey Michel   [5]( [The Taliban and IS-K May Not Be Opposed After All]( The prevailing Western narrative of distinct entities with conflicting agendas works to both groups’ advantages. By Sadiq Amini Sponsored [Explore Actionable Solutions to Combat Lung Cancer Across the Asia Pacific Region]( Lung cancer accounts for one in five global cancer deaths, and a staggering 60 percent of them occur in the Asia Pacific region. Explore targeted interventions, investments, and policies—that could not only save millions of lives, but also improve livelihoods and spur economic development—in FP Analytics’ new [Special Report](, produced with support from Roche.   [Discount Expires Soon]( Our $20 quarterly intro offer expires next week! Don't miss your chance to save on your first 3 months of FP access. Broaden your perspective with hard-hitting analysis, on-demand interviews with experts, quarterly magazines, and more—at a discount. [SAVE $40](   [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( You’re receiving this email at {EMAIL} because you signed up for FP's Editors' Picks newsletter. [MANAGE YOUR EMAIL PREFERENCES]( | [VIEW OUR PRIVACY POLICY]( | [UNSUBSCRIBE]( Interested in partnering with FP on events, podcasts, or research? [Explore FP Solutions](. [Foreign Policy]( is a division of Graham Holdings Company. All contents © 2024 Graham Digital Holding Company LLC. All rights reserved. Foreign Policy, 655 15th St NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC, 20005.