By Ray Furlong and RFE/RL’s Radio Azadi September 10, 2026 A visit to Afghanistan by a former US special envoy that included meetings with senior Taliban officials and a major oil and gas deal has touched a raw nerve on the eve of the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Zalmay Khalilzad, US special envoy to Afghanistan
Afghanistan International: Former US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta has described the complete withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan and the Taliban’s return to power as a terrible mistake, saying Washington betrayed those it had fought for. Panetta, who served as defence secretary under former President Barack Obama, said the United States had made significant efforts
By Ray Furlong and Daud Khattak Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty September 8, 2026 Twenty-five years after serving as the global launchpad for the 9/11 attacks, Afghanistan has come “full circle” — with the Taliban retaking power after a 20-year US-led military presence and Al-Qaeda operatives again finding safe haven in the country. So far, this
Khaama: Six nationals from Afghanistan and Cuba deported from the United States have arrived in Guyana under a new migration cooperation framework between Washington and Georgetown, as the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump expands its use of third-country deportations. Click here to read more (external link).
8am: Over the past five years, the United States has repeatedly stated that it does not recognize the Taliban regime in its current form and structure, and that establishing ties with the group, even on a limited scale, is not on its agenda. The Taliban, on the other hand, are eager for friendship with the
Amu: The United States has deported 12 Afghan nationals to the Central African Republic. Among them is a young Afghan man whom a US judge had previously protected from deportation to Afghanistan because of fears he could face persecution by the Taliban. The deportation flight landed Saturday in Bangui, the capital of the Central African
Ariana: Five years after the deadly Abbey Gate attack in Kabul, US President Donald Trump has criticized the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan in a proclamation marking the fifth anniversary of the bombing. Trump declared August 26, 2026, a day of commemoration for the 13 US service members killed in the attack. According to the
Afghanistan International: Former US Deputy Secretary of State Uzra Zeya urged Washington to honour commitments to Afghan allies, ease restrictive refugee and resettlement policies, restore humanitarian aid and ensure Afghan women have a role in US policy. Click here to read more (external link). Related US Pauses Visa Appointments Worldwide
Amu: Aisha Wahab, an Afghan American member-elect of Congress, says the United States should pursue diplomacy and maintain a relationship with Afghanistan “regardless of which group is in power,” while criticizing restrictions on women and girls under Taliban rule. She also said Afghanistan needs other allies and criticized what she described as “warlord groups” seeking
Khaama: Former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Ronald Neumann says he can envision the United States reopening its embassy in Kabul under Taliban rule, but only if the Taliban make concrete policy changes; particularly on women’s rights, as part of a gradual, reciprocal engagement process. Neumann, who served as U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan from 2005 to