Afghanistan International: Abdul Latif Mansoor, the Taliban’s Minister of Energy and Water, accused Pakistan of opposing any form of stable central authority in Afghanistan, whether under the Taliban, Mujahideen, or even Communists. Speaking in an interview with Shamshad TV on Thursday, Mansoor said: “Some of our neighbours, especially Pakistan, do not want a government in
Khaama: Bagram Airfield, once the largest U.S. military base in Afghanistan, has reemerged in global debate. Its strategic location near China and Central Asia fuels speculation about potential U.S.–China competition over influence and control. Afghan observers suggest that if the Taliban were to permit foreign use of Bagram, they might prefer U.S. involvement over China’s,
Ariana: Khalilzad noted that strong leadership backed by public support is crucial to achieving this. “I think Imran Khan would be such a leader in Pakistan,” he said. “In Afghanistan, we are still in search of a leader who can do that.” Click here to read more (external link).
Afghanistan International: Rangin Dadfar Spanta, former Afghan national security advisor, has sharply criticised Germany’s decision to accept Taliban diplomats, warning that the move amounts to de facto recognition of the group and reduces Berlin’s Afghan policy to the level of Russia’s. Berlin recently approved the presence of two Taliban-appointed consular officers in Berlin and Bonn.
Niloar Sakhi via FP: Recognizing Afghanistan’s extremist leaders will fuel radicalism. Nearly four years after the Taliban’s reconquest of Afghanistan, Moscow has formally recognized the Taliban regime as the legitimate government of Afghanistan—a move that has been welcomed by China. Moscow’s decision is an invitation for other states in the region, from China to India
Khaama: Russia emphasizes the need for an inclusive political structure in Afghanistan, stressing the importance of ethnic representation in governance. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, at the conclusion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ meeting in China, called for “national unity” in Afghanistan and the involvement of various ethnic and political groups in
Afghanistan International: Shahabuddin Delawar, head of the Taliban’s Commission for Contact with Afghan Political Figures, made the appeal at a gathering in Kabul on Tuesday. Addressing veteran jihadi commander Abdul Rab Rasul Sayyaf by name, he said, “Ustad Sayyaf will either die in Türkiye or India; it is better for him to return to his
Ariana: Following Russia’s recent decision to formally recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), Pakistani officials have stated that Islamabad will not act hastily and will make a final decision based on its national interests. According to The Express Tribune, quoting government sources, Pakistan may take a more pragmatic approach if other regional countries follow
Afghanistan International: Ata Mohammad Noor, former governor of Balkh province has warned that Russia’s recognition of the Taliban could trigger new regional and international tensions. In a statement issued following reports of the Kremlin’s deepening ties with the Taliban, Noor said such recognition would have consequences beyond bilateral relations, potentially turning Afghanistan into a battleground
Khaama: Russia’s recognition of the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan marks a significant shift in geopolitical alignments, signaling Moscow’s broader strategy to expand its influence in Central and South Asia. Officially recognized on July 3, 2025, Russia becomes the first nation to acknowledge the Taliban’s rule, ushering in a new Great Game of