ISIS Kabul bombings target journalists, government ahead of elections

Monday's attacks appear to have been designed to specifically target journalists and emergency personnel. At least nine journalists are confirmed dead, as well as at least four police officers. The blow to Afghan journalism is noteworthy, as the burgeoning independent media is now the country's second-most trusted institution (behind only religious leaders).

The attacks come before two milestones in Afghanistan’s democratic development: parliamentary elections, slated for October, and next spring's presidential election. They also follow another Islamic State–claimed attack last week at a voter registration center that killed at least 60 — an apparent effort to discredit the electoral process and sow ethnic violence.

What to watch: First, whether Afghanistan's deteriorating security will have a further chilling effect on the upcoming elections. Second, whether Trump’s new national security team will shift positions on Afghanistan. U.S. leadership has emphasized enduring American support for the Afghan government consistent with the administration’s new South Asia Strategy, but reports broke on Monday that Trump wants to “get the hell out of ” Afghanistan. The only certainty is that Afghan journalists will continue to risk their lives to report the news.

Frances Z. Brown is a fellow with the Carnegie Endowment’s Democracy and Rule of Law Program and a former director for democracy at the National Security Council.