Welcome to The Durand Dispatch!
At The Durand Dispatch, we seek to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world policy by delivering sharp, timely analyses on security dynamics, political violence, and militancy in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. Powered by a team of researchers and student-scholars , we merge fresh perspectives with scholarly rigor to deliver essential insights every month.
Our mission is to cut through the noise, focusing on what matters most. Through careful curation of academic literature, policy papers, militant communications, and on-the-ground reporting, we distill complex regional developments into clear, accessible analysis.
But security is not just about strategies and policies—it’s about people. That’s why shedding light on local voices, perspectives, and lived experiences is central to our work, and through our platform, we hope to amplify the insights of regional journalists, researchers, and analysts.
Our Team
Amira Jadoon, Ph.D.
Writer and Researcher (Lead)
Amira Jadoon is a political scientist and professor at Clemson University, prior to which she worked at the Combating Terrorism Center at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York (2017-2022). Her research explores the multifaceted consequences of international security tools & counterterrorism strategies, examining their interlinkages with political violence, extremism, and the strategic dissemination of disinformation. Jadoon has published in numerous academic and policy journals including the Journal of Politics, Journal of Conflict Resolution, and International Studies Quarterly and is also the author of the book, The Islamic State in Afghanistan and Pakistan: Strategic Rivalries and Alliances (Lynne Rienner, 2023). Additionally, she is a non-resident fellow at the Stimson Center, and an associate editor at the European Journal of International Security. In 2022, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) named Jadoon as one of 50 honorees in the U.S. National Security & Foreign Affairs Leadership List.
Jadoon regularly briefs and engages with elements at all levels of the United States Government, including the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense as well as with international organizations and policymakers. She is fluent in Urdu, Hindko, and Punjabi and holds a Ph.D. in Political Science (State University of New York, Albany) and an MSc in Economic Development (London School of Economics). Prior to beginning her career in academia and research, Dr. Jadoon worked as a consultant for Deloitte London (U.K.) between 2006-2011.
Content & Research Manager
Joey Moran is an independent researcher specializing in terrorism, counterterrorism, and security policy. He holds an MSc in Organized Crime, Terrorism, and Security from the University of Essex. His research interests include studying the motivations, internal dynamics, and interrelationships of violent non-state actor groups, as well as studying the impacts of counterterrorism and security strategy.
Strategy Lead
Ayush Verma is a Geopolitical Risk Intelligence Specialist based in the United Kingdom, currently working at Resolver, A Kroll Business. Ayush has worked on several analytical reports related to emerging security threats, violent extremism, and information warfare including for platforms such as London Politica and Militant Wire, and also provided editorial support for a book project on the Islamic State Khorasan Province. Fluent in English, Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi, and Russian, with a working knowledge of Spanish and Urdu, Ayush brings a multilingual perspective to global security discourse.
Researcher
Hashmat Vejdani is an investigative journalist from Afghanistan with a Master’s in Global Affairs from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He serves as a spokesperson for the Federation of Afghan Journalists in Exile (FAJE), advocating for press freedom and the rights of displaced journalists. Recently, he worked as a researcher with the United States Institute for Peace (USIP), focusing on peace negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban. His work explores the intersections of conflict, diplomacy, and media in Afghanistan and beyond.
Saif Tahir
Researcher & Contributor
Saif Tahir is a Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) analyst and policy researcher with expertise in analysing jihadist propaganda narratives. His research focuses on analyzing jihadist propaganda, tactical and operational narratives, and the militant landscape across Pakistan and Afghanistan. As a doctoral candidate at Victoria University of Wellington, Saif’s research focuses on analyzing non-state actors' visual propaganda and online engagement patterns.
Olivia Hodge is an HR Rotational Associate at Fidelity Investments. She has recently graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, specializing in global politics and business administration. She possesses a passion for foreign affairs and understanding militant organizations.
John Elliott
Researcher
John Elliot is an undergraduate student studying a dual major in Economics and Political Science at Clemson University. He will be perusing a Master’s degree in Economic Analytics in 2026. His career ambitions reflect a passion for data analytics and foreign policy, with a particular interest in global politics.
Researcher
William Shillinglaw is a senior undergraduate in the Department of Political Science at Clemson University specializing in counterterrorism, unconventional warfare, and state sponsorship of terrorism. His goal is to provide accurate and accountable information on security developments in the region, contributing to a deeper understanding of militant dynamics and their implications.
Researcher
Jack Leonard is a senior Economics major at Clemson University. He holds a passion for examining global economies and international policies, particularly in the context of foreign conflicts. His international experience has deepened his understanding of various dynamics that shape global stability. His goal is to pursue a career in foreign policy.
If you want to work with us, we’re always looking for smart graduate students and exceptional undergraduate students. Please send us an email with your resume and a cover letter at [email protected] indicating your area of interest and whether you are interested in research or writing for us.