It is almost a year since the world watched with a mix of astonishment and trepidation as Western forces withdrew from Afghanistan and the Taliban swiftly returned to power. At the time, US president Joe Biden justified the move by explaining that a permanent occupation of the country was simply not possible or desirable in the long term. He also made it clear that US operations to attack terrorist groups could continue, using intelligence agencies and drones.

This week saw a dramatic example of that as Ayman al-Zawahri, leader of al-Qaida and a plotter of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, was killed in a drone strike. Here, three academics explain who he was, what the death means for the group, and what the move tells us about US counter-terror tactics.

We also look at what this might tell us about the picture within the Taliban, and consider the consequences for human rights, in particular for women, since its takeover last August.

Stephen Khan

Executive Editor, The Conversation International

Tension in Kabul: a Taliban fighter stands guard over the building in which Ayman al-Zawahiri was assassinated. EPA-EFE/stringer

Afghanistan: assassination of al-Qaida chief reveals tensions at the top of the Taliban

Michele Groppi, King's College London

The assassination of the leader of al-Qaida in Kabul raises some important questions about divisions among the Taliban leadership.

AAP/EPA/Taiwan Presidential Palace handout

Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan raises temperatures, but it’s in everyone’s interest to cool them down again

Tony Walker, La Trobe University

The US speak of the house’s visit to Taiwan has provoked more sabre-rattling from China, but neither China nor the US will want tensions to escalate further.

Collection Christophel/Alamy

Marilyn Monroe: why are we still obsessed 60 years after her death?

Freya Jarman, University of Liverpool

Marilyn Monroe endures as an icon thanks to a perfect storm of biography and cultural context.

Five books to read that bring Naples to life

Christine Berberich, University of Portsmouth

A city of contrasts, these books represent the heart and the violence of this Italian city.