Rory Stewart explains why Afghanistan could become a new hotbed for global terrorism

Former UK diplomat Rory Stewart says the world is safer today than it was 20 years ago, but that terrorists still pose a threat to international security. Victories for jihadists in Iraq, Syria and now Afghanistan could ultimately lead the world towards more global terrorism. As if the Taliban retaking Afghanistan wasn't enough of a blow, the ISIS-K attack on the Kabul airport may be a sign that the country is on its way to become a safe haven for terrorist groups yet again.

"The problem in the US debate is that it's just all black and white. Either this is the most important threat in the world, or it's not a threat at all. The answer of course is, it's somewhere in between, and it's always been," Stewart says in an interview with Ian Bremmer on GZERO World. He also believes that the US-UK relationship is likely to suffer after President Joe Biden's withdrawal from Afghanistan. The UK, he says, has crafted its foreign policy in lock step with the United States since the 1950s. The fact that America's biggest partner wasn't consulted on the Afghanistan withdrawal is likely going to change how Downing Street treats its ties with Washington.

Watch the full episode: Is America safer since 9/11?