Latest Updates

KABUL – Afghanistan’s trade with Pakistan has plummeted by 60% this year, according to the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), as the nation shifts its trade focus towards Iran. The drop marks a significant economic shift for Afghanistan, long reliant on Pakistan as its primary trade route to …

KABUL – In a powerful Friday prayer address, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, called on Afghanistan and other Islamic nations to form a united “defense belt” against Israel. Speaking in Tehran, Khamenei emphasized the need for vigilance and solidarity among Muslim countries, warning that if they fail to assist each …

KABUL – John Bolton, the former U.S. National Security Advisor, has issued a stark warning about the resurgence of foreign terrorist fighters returning to Afghanistan following the Taliban’s takeover. Speaking at a recent debate, Bolton highlighted the significant changes in the security landscape since the U.S. military withdrawal in August …

KABUL – Russia has announced a “principal decision” to remove the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations, signaling a significant shift in policy toward Afghanistan’s ruling faction. Zamir Kabulov, the Russian presidential envoy to Afghanistan, confirmed on Friday that the delisting process is in its final stages, with legal …

KABUL – International airlines are increasingly diverting flights through Afghan airspace, now seen as one of the safest routes in the region following Iran’s missile attacks on Israel. This shift has caused a surge in flights passing over Afghanistan, benefiting the Taliban-controlled government financially. A record 191 flights crossed Afghan …

KABUL – In a landmark ruling, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has determined that Afghan women are a persecuted group under the Taliban regime, paving the way for enhanced asylum protections. This decision comes in the wake of Austria’s rejection of refugee status for two Afghan women, who sought …

KABUL – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister of Afghanistan’s interim Taliban government, in Moscow on Friday. The discussions, held ahead of the sixth Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan, addressed key issues of bilateral cooperation, with a strong focus on regional stability …

KABUL – Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, reaffirmed that Afghanistan continues to be a central focus of U.S. foreign policy. Speaking at a press conference, Miller stressed that despite the complexities of recent years, the U.S. remains actively engaged with Afghanistan. “Afghanistan remains an enduring priority,” Miller …

KABUL – The U.S. has reassigned its special representative for Afghanistan, leaving a critical diplomatic post vacant amid ongoing efforts to engage with the Taliban-ruled country. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Tuesday that Tom West, the envoy since 2021, will assume a new role as the acting head …

KABUL – Afghan journalists have reported a surge in abuses, including torture, arbitrary detention, and increasing censorship, since the Taliban’s return to power. Journalists covering attacks by militant groups or issues related to women’s rights are often detained, with some reporting being held in the same cells as Islamic State …