Taliban

A UK parliamentary inquiry by the Commons Defence Committee has found that a 2023 data breach exposing personal details of over 18,500 Afghan applicants to the UK's relocation scheme was a 'foreseeable systemic failure' by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The breach, caused by an MoD employee sharing an Excel spreadsheet with a third party, originated from UK Special Forces headquarters. The report criticized the MoD for lacking expertise, using secrecy as a 'shield' against accountability, and relying on inappropriate tools and weak procedures. An unprecedented super-injunction prevented media reporting for nearly two years, which the committee said undermined trust and accountability. The committee chairman stated the MoD should not have been tasked with running immigration casework. The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (Arap) scheme, set up in 2021, was closed in July 2025.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 11:13 PM UTC

Germany has lifted restrictions on deportations to Afghanistan, expanding beyond criminals to include other Afghan nationals with enforceable departure orders. On July 28, 2026, 31 Afghans were deported from Leipzig/Halle to Kabul, including 30 convicted criminals and one non-criminal whose asylum claim failed. The deportations involve cooperation with the Taliban for identification and travel documents. Critics condemn the policy as legitimizing the Taliban regime and violating human rights, while Interior Minister Dobrindt defends it as necessary for security and enforcing asylum decisions.

8 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 28, 07:28 PM UTC

Germany deported 31 Afghans to Afghanistan on a charter flight from Leipzig/Halle Airport, marking the first time an Afghan without a prior criminal record was included. The deportees were convicted of serious crimes including manslaughter, attempted murder, rape, and child sexual abuse. The one without a conviction was deported after his asylum procedure concluded and he illegally stayed in another European country. The deportation was enabled by a direct agreement with the ruling Taliban, which critics argue contradicts Germany's non-recognition of the Taliban due to human rights violations. Upon arrival in Kabul, deportees face Taliban interrogations and possible release after family assurances. Left-wing demonstrators protested the flight. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt defended the practice, stating those with negative asylum outcomes must expect enforcement of departure.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 01:22 PM UTC

On July 24, 2026, Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court ruled that Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt’s blanket revocation of admission commitments for Afghans was “arbitrary” and violated constitutional protections. The case, brought by an Afghan mother and her two sons stranded in Pakistan, requires individual case reviews for about 400–600 affected Afghans. The ruling limits the Merz government’s ability to suspend humanitarian admission programs without proper assessment, balancing security concerns with legal obligations.

7 reports · 3 sources · Updated Jul 24, 06:49 PM UTC

Amnesty International has released a new investigation concluding that Pakistan's March 16 air strike on the Omid Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kabul, which killed at least 269 civilians, may constitute a war crime. The organization found no evidence to support Pakistan's military claim that the facility was used for weapons storage or other military purposes. The attack violated international humanitarian law's special protections for healthcare facilities, as well as principles of distinction, precaution, and proportionality. Amnesty analyzed over 60 photos and videos, 30 satellite images, and conducted 11 interviews. The attack was part of a series of cross-border strikes by Pakistan since October 2025. UNAMA documented over 750 civilian casualties in Afghanistan between January and March 2026. Amnesty called for a transparent, independent investigation and prosecution of those responsible, including under command responsibility doctrine. Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to Amnesty's request for information.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 06:47 PM UTC

Amnesty International has released a new investigation concluding that Pakistan's March 16 air strike on the Omid Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kabul, which killed at least 269 civilians, may constitute a war crime. The human rights organization found no evidence to support Pakistan's military claim that the facility was used for weapons storage or other military purposes. The attack violated international humanitarian law's special protections for healthcare facilities, as well as principles of distinction, precaution, and proportionality. Amnesty analyzed over 60 photos and videos, 30 satellite images, and conducted 11 interviews. The strike was part of a series of cross-border attacks by Pakistan since October 2025, with UNAMA documenting over 750 civilian casualties in Afghanistan between January and March 2026. Amnesty called for a transparent, independent investigation and prosecution of those responsible, including under command responsibility doctrine. Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to Amnesty's request for information.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 06:47 PM UTC

Amnesty International released a new investigation concluding that Pakistan's March 16 airstrike on the Omid Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kabul, which killed at least 269 civilians, may constitute a war crime. The human rights organization found no evidence to support Pakistan's military claim that the facility was used for weapons storage or other military purposes. The attack violated international humanitarian law's special protections for healthcare facilities, as well as principles of distinction, precaution, and proportionality. Amnesty analyzed over 60 photos and videos, 30 satellite images, and conducted 11 interviews. The strike was part of a series of cross-border hostilities between Pakistan and the Taliban since October 2025. Between January and March 2026, UNAMA documented over 750 civilian casualties in Afghanistan. Amnesty called for a transparent, independent investigation and prosecution of those responsible, including under command responsibility. Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to Amnesty's request for information.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 06:47 PM UTC

On July 17, 2026, armed opponents of the Taliban briefly seized control of Jaftal district in Badakhshan province, northeastern Afghanistan, marking the first such takeover since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. The attackers, identifying as Sepahian-e Maihan (Soldiers of the Homeland), disarmed local Taliban fighters, hoisted a sky-blue flag with an eagle wing, and withdrew after two hours. The Taliban confirmed the attack, sent army chief of staff Fasihuddin Fitrat to the area, and claimed to have captured several attackers, including leader Abdul Kajum Malang, a former special forces commander of the previous Western-backed government. The Sepahian denied his arrest. The attack is symbolic, showing continued armed resistance, but also highlights fragmentation within the opposition, as Malang previously operated under the National Resistance Front (NRF). Local tensions over gold mining in Badakhshan are noted. Analysts describe anti-Taliban forces as fragmented and disorganized, with the women's protest movement cited as the only consistently active resistance group.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 02:48 PM UTC

As the fifth anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan approaches, the veteran-led organization AfghanEvac has launched an AI-powered tool called V-PRIC (Visa Pathways and Relocation Information Center) to help at-risk Afghan allies navigate the complex visa and asylum process. The tool, which has seen over 30,000 visits in its first week, uses a database of 124 U.S. visa classifications and global pathways to match users with the most promising options based on their location, eligibility, and danger level. However, founder Shawn VanDiver notes that few pathways are currently available due to the Trump administration's indefinite suspension of Afghan immigration processing and termination of temporary protected status. About 1,100 Afghan allies remain stuck at Camp As Sayliyah in Qatar, with some facing forced relocation to Afghanistan or the Democratic Republic of Congo. The tool provides warnings about policy blockers and helps applicants avoid wasted efforts, though it does not replace legal advice.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:34 PM UTC

AfghanEvac, a veteran-led organization, launched V-PRIC, an AI tool using 124 visa classifications to help Afghan allies navigate U.S. visa pathways. Over 30,000 visits occurred in its first week. However, the Trump administration’s indefinite suspension of Afghan immigration processing and termination of temporary protected status leaves ~11,000 Afghans in the U.S. at deportation risk and 1,100 stranded at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar. Some face forced relocation to Afghanistan or the Democratic Republic of Congo.

5 reports · 3 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:34 PM UTC

As the fifth anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan approaches, the veteran-led organization AfghanEvac has launched an AI-powered tool called V-PRIC (Visa Pathways and Relocation Information Center) to help Afghan allies navigate the complex visa and asylum process. The tool, which saw over 30,000 visits in its first week, uses a database of 124 U.S. visa classifications and global pathways to match users with the most promising options based on their location, eligibility, and danger level. However, founder Shawn VanDiver notes that few pathways are currently available due to the Trump administration's indefinite suspension of Afghan immigration processing and termination of temporary protected status. About 1,100 Afghan allies remain stuck at Camp As Sayliyah in Qatar, with some facing forced relocation to Afghanistan or the Democratic Republic of Congo. The tool does not replace legal advice but aims to help applicants avoid dead ends and stay informed on rapidly changing policies.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:34 PM UTC

As the fifth anniversary of the U.S. military's withdrawal from Afghanistan approaches, the veteran-led organization AfghanEvac has launched an AI-powered tool called the Visa Pathways and Relocation Information Center (V-PRIC). The tool uses a database of 124 U.S. visa classifications and global pathways to help Afghan allies identify the most promising visa options based on their circumstances. It has seen over 30,000 visits in its first week. However, founder Shawn VanDiver notes that few pathways are currently available due to the Trump administration's indefinite suspension of Afghan immigration processing and termination of temporary protected status. About 1,100 Afghan allies remain stuck at Camp As Sayliyah in Qatar, with some facing relocation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The tool is designed to flag policy blockers and help applicants avoid wasted efforts, though it does not replace legal advice.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:34 PM UTC

The veteran-led organization AfghanEvac has launched a new AI-powered tool called the Visa Pathways and Relocation Information Center (V-PRIC) to help Afghan allies navigate the complex U.S. visa and asylum process. The tool, which saw over 30,000 visits in its first week, uses a database of 124 visa classifications to match applicants with the most promising pathways based on their location, eligibility, and danger level. Despite the tool's launch, AfghanEvac founder Shawn VanDiver notes that few pathways are currently available due to the Trump administration's indefinite suspension on Afghan immigration processing and termination of temporary protected status. Approximately 1,100 Afghan allies remain stuck at Camp As Sayliyah in Qatar, with the administration proposing they return to Afghanistan or relocate to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The tool is designed to help applicants avoid dead ends and stay informed about rapidly changing policies, though it does not replace legal advice.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:34 PM UTC

As the fifth anniversary of the U.S. military's withdrawal from Afghanistan approaches, the veteran-led organization AfghanEvac has launched a new AI-powered tool called V-PRIC (Visa Pathways and Relocation Information Center) to help Afghan allies navigate the complex visa and asylum process. The tool, which has seen over 30,000 visits in its first week, uses a database of 124 U.S. visa classifications and global pathways to match users with the most promising options based on their circumstances. However, founder Shawn VanDiver notes that few pathways are currently available due to the Trump administration's indefinite suspension of Afghan immigration processing and termination of temporary protected status. About 1,100 Afghan allies remain stuck at Camp As Sayliyah in Qatar, with some facing forced relocation to Afghanistan or the Democratic Republic of Congo. The tool provides warnings about policy blockers and aims to help applicants avoid wasted efforts, though it does not replace legal advice.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:34 PM UTC

The veteran-led organization AfghanEvac has launched a new AI-powered tool called the Visa Pathways and Relocation Information Center (V-PRIC) to help Afghan allies navigate the complex U.S. visa and asylum process. The tool, which uses a database of 124 visa classifications and global pathways, has seen over 30,000 visits in its first week. Despite its launch, few promising pathways exist due to the Trump administration's indefinite suspension on Afghan immigration processing and termination of temporary protected status. About 1,100 Afghan allies and their families remain stuck at Camp As Sayliyah in Qatar, with some facing forced relocation to Afghanistan or the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The tool aims to help applicants avoid dead ends and stay informed on rapidly changing policies, though it does not replace legal advice.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:34 PM UTC

As the fifth anniversary of the U.S. military's withdrawal from Afghanistan approaches, the veteran-led organization AfghanEvac has launched a new AI-powered tool called the Visa Pathways and Relocation Information Center (V-PRIC). The tool uses data on 124 U.S. visa classifications and global pathways to help Afghan allies navigate the complex visa and asylum process. It has seen over 30,000 visits in its first week. Despite the tool's promise, the Trump administration has suspended Afghan immigration processing and terminated temporary protected status, leaving about 11,000 Afghans in the U.S. at risk of deportation and 1,100 stuck at Camp As Sayliyah in Qatar. The tool provides warnings about policy blockers, such as visa approval pipeline closures, and directs users to legal resources. AfghanEvac's survey of over 1,100 Afghans found nearly half of respondents still in Afghanistan face direct Taliban threats, while many in Pakistan fear deportation and health crises.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:34 PM UTC

The article analyzes a recent crisis in Afghanistan's Badakhshan province, where the Taliban's drive to centralize control over mineral wealth and local power structures nearly erupted into armed conflict. In early July 2026, the Taliban detained powerful local commander Juma Khan Fateh, releasing him only after a public loyalty pledge. The dispute, involving Taliban economic strategist Haji Bashir Noorzai, centers on lucrative gold and gemstone mines. Badakhshan, bordering China, Pakistan, and Tajikistan, holds rich mineral deposits. The Taliban seeks to expand mining and attract foreign investment, but this has intensified local grievances over poppy farmer displacement, land use, water diversion, revenue distribution, and the growing presence of Chinese nationals. The article argues that five years after taking power, the Taliban still struggles to replace entrenched local power structures with centralized state control, a challenge inherited from the weak Western-backed republic.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 02:00 PM UTC

The article analyzes a recent crisis in Afghanistan's Badakhshan province, where the Taliban's centralization efforts nearly sparked armed conflict. In early July 2026, a powerful local commander, Juma Khan Fateh, was detained by the Taliban and released only after pledging loyalty. The province, rich in minerals and bordering China, Pakistan, and Tajikistan, has become a flashpoint due to Taliban expansion of mining operations, displacement of poppy farmers, and growing Chinese presence. The dispute pits Fateh against Haji Bashir Noorzai, the Taliban's economic strategist, over lucrative mines. The article argues that mining is a catalyst, not the cause, of tensions rooted in the Taliban's attempt to replace entrenched local power structures that filled the vacuum left by the weak former republic. Five years after taking power, the Taliban still struggles to turn conquest into centralized control.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 02:00 PM UTC

A crisis in Afghanistan's northeastern Badakhshan province highlights the Taliban's ongoing struggle to consolidate central control five years after taking power. The flashpoint involved the detention of local Tajik strongman Juma Khan Fateh by Taliban authorities, who released him only after a public pledge of loyalty. The province, rich in gold, lead, zinc, and gemstones, has become a focal point for the Taliban's efforts to expand mining and attract foreign investment, particularly from China. This has exacerbated local grievances over land use, water diversion, revenue distribution, and the displacement of poppy farmers. The confrontation between Fateh and Haji Bashir Noorzai, a key Taliban economic strategist, reflects a broader struggle to replace entrenched local power structures with centralized authority. The article notes that the Taliban is attempting to reclaim control over Afghanistan's principal sources of wealth—drugs and mining—but faces resistance from local commanders with armed followers and deep roots.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 02:00 PM UTC

The United States government has renewed two rewards totaling $6 million for information leading to the location, recovery, and return of Paul Edwin Overby Jr., an American freelance writer who disappeared in Afghanistan twelve years ago. Overby vanished in May 2014 while conducting research for a book in Khost province, reportedly intending to cross into Pakistan. He was reportedly seeking to interview Sirajuddin Haqqani, head of the Taliban-allied Haqqani network. The FBI Washington Field Office is offering up to $1 million, while the U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice program offers up to $5 million. Both rewards remain unclaimed. Overby, now 83, is believed by his wife to have been kidnapped. This announcement comes amidst recent diplomatic efforts resulting in the release of several other American detainees from Afghanistan, including Dennis Coyle, Ryan Corbett, William McKenty, George Glezmann, Faye Hall, and Amir Amiri. FBI officials emphasized their continued commitment to pursuing credible leads to provide answers to Overby’s family after more than a decade of investigation.

1 reports · 1 sources

Pakistan formally protested to Afghanistan following a deadly suicide attack in Bannu that killed 15 police officers, accusing Kabul-based militants of orchestrating the violence. Islamabad summoned an Afghan diplomat, warning against harboring terrorists like the TTP, while Afghanistan denied the allegations. This incident, followed by another market blast in Lakki Marwat killing several civilians, has significantly escalated diplomatic tensions and security concerns along the border. The events highlight fragile regional stability and the risk of renewed cross-border conflict between the two neighbors amidst ongoing militant threats.

10 reports · 8 sources · Updated May 16, 08:00 PM UTC

Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu issued a stark warning regarding the escalating security threats emanating from Afghanistan during the 21st Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Security Council secretaries’ meeting. Shoigu identified terrorism and drug trafficking as primary destabilizing forces for the region. He reported that between 18,000 and 23,000 militants, affiliated with over 20 different groups, remain active in Afghanistan, including approximately 3,000 fighters linked to ISIS. The Russian official highlighted the expansion of extremist networks, noting an influx of foreign fighters from Syria, particularly those of Uyghur, Tajik, and Uzbek origin. Additionally, Shoigu pointed to a surge in narcotics production, specifically synthetic drugs like methamphetamine, with over 30 tons seized at Afghan borders in 2025. He attributed continued drug cultivation to widespread economic hardship. Moscow expressed deep concern that this instability could spill over into Central Asia and other SCO member states, challenging the Taliban's claims of improved internal control and underscoring persistent regional anxiety over organized crime and terrorism.

1 reports · 1 sources

Tawus, a 26-year-old married woman from Daikundi province, Afghanistan, has gone into hiding to escape arrest and forced remarriage by the Taliban. She alleges that an armed Pashtun man, claiming to be her husband with Taliban support, is attempting to coerce her into marriage. Following the man's complaint, Taliban authorities in Ishtarli district imprisoned Tawus's father, brother-in-law, and father-in-law for varying periods. Tawus possesses a marriage certificate from 2025 issued by a religious school, validating her current union. Local sources indicate the complainant demanded another woman and money to drop the case. Sixteen local elders have signed letters declaring the man's claims baseless and accusing him of extortion, while also criticizing the Taliban for detaining innocent family members. Tawus accuses the Taliban judiciary of ethnic bias, noting the close ties between the complainant and local Taliban commanders. Despite appeals to the Taliban Intelligence Directorate and provincial governor, the situation remains unresolved, forcing Tawus to live in fear of imprisonment and compulsory marriage.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, through their Archewell Productions, are developing a new war film for Netflix based on the memoir 'No Way Out: The Searing True Story of Men Under Siege' by Major Adam Jowett. The film will dramatize the experiences of Easy Company, a unit comprising Paratroopers and Royal Irish Rangers, who were tasked with holding a district in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in July 2006 amidst intense Taliban attacks. This project aligns closely with Prince Harry’s personal history, as he served two frontline tours in Afghanistan during his decade-long military career, including roles as a battlefield air controller and an Apache helicopter pilot. The announcement follows a revised first-look deal between the Sussexes and Netflix. While recent ventures like Meghan’s lifestyle brand have shifted away from the streaming platform, the couple continues to expand their content portfolio with this dramatic adaptation and a separate polo-themed series. The film aims to highlight the harrowing realities faced by British soldiers under siege, leveraging Harry’s authentic connection to the subject matter to bring historical military events to a global audience.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has extended its prohibition on chess to include online tournaments, a year after declaring the sport haram and shutting down physical clubs. Abdul Khaliq Wais, Vice President of the Afghanistan Chess Federation, reported that organizers of online competitions were summoned by security agencies and pressured by the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice to cease operations. Despite chess being a mind game with no inherent danger, the authorities used threats to extract commitments from organizers to stop hosting events. This move effectively eliminates the last remaining avenue for Afghan chess enthusiasts to participate in the sport, following the earlier closure of the national federation and local clubs. The ban highlights the Taliban's strict interpretation of Islamic law regarding recreational activities, drawing criticism for targeting a non-violent intellectual pursuit. The report also contains unrelated segments regarding financial disputes at an Iranian football club and US visa issues for the World Cup, but the primary news event concerns the suppression of chess activities in Afghanistan.

1 reports · 1 sources

At a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation security council meeting, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu highlighted the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan, validating Pakistan’s long-standing concerns. Shoigu reported that between 18,000 and 23,000 militants from over 20 groups, including approximately 3,000 Islamic State fighters, are operating within Afghanistan. The presence of foreign fighters from Syria, such as Uyghurs and Uzbeks, further exacerbates the threat. The article emphasizes the disconnect between the Taliban’s desire for international recognition and their inability to control armed groups or curb the narcotics trade. While poppy cultivation has reportedly declined, synthetic drug production, particularly methamphetamine, is rising, providing new funding for criminal and militant networks. The text argues that Pakistan must move beyond anger to implement a documented, evidence-based policy, urging the SCO to establish a verification mechanism to trace drug routes and precursor chemicals. The core argument posits that Kabul cannot claim statehood privileges while allowing disorder and terrorism to spill into neighboring countries, demanding accountability from the Taliban regime for cross-border security failures.

1 reports · 1 sources

Russia has officially declared a 'full partnership' with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, marking a significant deepening of diplomatic ties. The announcement was made by Sergei Shoigu, a senior Russian security official, during a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on May 14, 2026. Shoigu emphasized that Moscow maintains pragmatic dialogue with Kabul on security, trade, and humanitarian issues, urging other nations to expand their cooperation with Afghanistan to ensure regional stability. This move follows Russia's historic decision in 2025 to become the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government, after lifting its long-standing ban on the group as a terrorist organization. Russian officials cite the threat of extremist Islamist groups in the region as a primary driver for this rapprochement. The declaration coincides with ongoing instability in neighboring Pakistan, where recent clashes between military forces and separatist extremists in Balochistan resulted in multiple casualties. By advocating for the SCO to reactivate contacts with Afghanistan, Russia aims to consolidate its influence in Central Asia and address cross-border security challenges through collaborative engagement with the de facto Afghan authorities.

1 reports · 1 sources

Russia is formalizing a comprehensive partnership with Afghanistan’s Taliban government, announced by Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council. Speaking at a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, Shoigu described the engagement as pragmatic, aiming to enhance regional security, trade, and long-term development. This move underscores Moscow’s expanding diplomatic footprint in Afghanistan following its status as the first nation to formally recognize the Taliban regime. The cooperation encompasses security coordination, humanitarian aid, and cultural exchanges. Shoigu also urged neighboring countries and regional powers to deepen their engagement with Kabul to stabilize the region after years of conflict. Additionally, he proposed reviving the SCO contact group on Afghanistan to improve coordination among member states, including China, Pakistan, India, and Iran. This strategic realignment reflects Russia’s shift from previously designating the Taliban as a terrorist organization to fostering strong bilateral ties. Analysts interpret this outreach as part of broader geopolitical adjustments in Central Asia, emphasizing stability and economic integration under the new Afghan leadership.

1 reports · 1 sources

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has reported that the Taliban government detained at least three journalists on unspecified charges, urging authorities to protect media workers. The detainees include Ahmad Jawed Niazi, head of the Kabul-based Paigard News Agency, and Imran Danish and Mansoor Niazi, staff members of TOLOnews, Afghanistan’s first 24-hour news channel. While the Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture confirmed the arrests of the TOLOnews employees, stating their cases are under investigation, they did not disclose specific allegations. This incident highlights the deteriorating state of press freedom in Afghanistan since the Taliban regained power in August 2021. According to Reporters Without Borders, over 40% of media outlets closed within three months of the takeover, and women have been largely barred from journalism roles. Afghanistan remains one of the most dangerous countries for journalists globally. The UN statement emphasized the need for de facto authorities to uphold international human rights obligations, ensuring reporters can work without fear of intimidation, harassment, or reprisal.

1 reports · 1 sources

Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu announced the establishment of a full partnership with the Taliban government in Afghanistan during a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Kyrgyzstan. This development follows Russia's formal recognition of the Taliban regime in 2025, making it the first nation to do so. Shoigu described the relationship as a pragmatic dialogue encompassing security, trade, culture, and humanitarian aid, while encouraging other nations to deepen ties with Kabul. The announcement underscores Moscow's strategy to build counterweights to the liberal international order led by the United States. Despite the Taliban's return to power in 2021 after the U.S. withdrawal, the group remains largely unrecognized internationally due to severe human rights violations, particularly against women, and the suppression of free speech. The SCO, comprising members such as Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and Iran, serves as a platform for non-Western geopolitical alignment. This strategic axis highlights shifting global alliances and the increasing isolation of Western-led diplomatic frameworks in Central Asia.

1 reports · 1 sources