Welcome to the August–September issue of Durand Dispatch: Strategic Messaging, our monthly briefing that examines how non-state actors across the Afghanistan–Pakistan region shape perception, frame legitimacy, and assert influence through media and narrative. This newsletter complements our sister publication, Durand Dispatch: Perspectives, which covers broader political and security developments across the region. Together, the two provide a fuller understanding of how strategic messaging intersects with on-the-ground dynamics.

This executive summary provides key highlights from our comprehensive August 2025 assessment. For detailed operational breakdowns, strategic implications, geographic threat analysis, and forward-looking assessments covering all major organizations, please subscribe to access the complete issue.