Afghanistan International: Michael McCaul, former chair of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, has strongly criticised Russia’s decision to officially recognise the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, calling it a dangerous move to legitimise “a tyrannical regime.” In a statement posted on Thursday, 11 July, on X (formerly Twitter), McCaul wrote: “Since their
Afghanistan International: In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, 10 July, UNAMA warned that the policy, which requires prior approval of programme content and guest speakers by Taliban authorities, risks fostering fear and self-censorship among Afghan journalists and media outlets. Under the new rules, media outlets must seek prior approval from the
Afghanistan International: Taliban forces have arrested Mawlawi Abdul Malik, the former deputy head of the Panjshir Ulema Council, in Kabul, according to sources close to his family. The arrest took place on Wednesday, at a mosque in District 15 of the capital. Malik was reportedly taken to an undisclosed location, and his current whereabouts remain
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
Afghanistan International: Human Rights Watch (HRW) has welcomed the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue arrest warrants for two senior Taliban officials, calling the move a vital step toward accountability for human rights abuses in Afghanistan. Liz Evenson, HRW’s director for international justice, said the warrants send an important signal that “repressive actions” will not
By Firuza Azizi Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty July 9, 2025 Morsal and her three underage children live in a ramshackle outbuilding in her in-laws’ house in eastern Afghanistan. With the country’s de facto Taliban rulers cutting off almost all access to jobs for women and no welfare system in place in the country to support families
Amu: Taliban have imposed new restrictions on Shiite religious practices in Herat Province during Muharram, the Islamic month of mourning, dismantling mourning tents and removing flags from Shiite neighborhoods, according to local sources and residents. Witnesses in districts such as Jebrael, Kore Milli and Khatem al-Anbia said Taliban forces tore down black banners and processional
Afghanistan International: Informed sources told Afghanistan International on Friday that the detainees include Gul Ahmad Shahin, the Taliban-appointed police chief of Khash; Qari Nawid, head of criminal investigations; and Qari Wajid, another local commander. The three men were reportedly arrested for refusing to suppress protesters and allegedly siding with local residents. Click here to read
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
Amu: Although the violence has subsided, Taliban continue to enforce a strict siege on Khash District in northeastern Badakhshan Province, local residents said, adding that telecommunications remain cut, leaving the area isolated. The standoff follows a protest by farmers in Khash who had assembled to oppose the Taliban’s destruction of their opium poppy fields. Taliban