DW: Germany stopped deportations to Afghanistan in 2021 when the Taliban retook control of the country. However, amid a rise of the far-right and anti-immigrant rhetoric, the government led by the conservative bloc of Chancellor Friedrich Merz has put deportations high on the agenda. Click here to read more (external link).
Afghan migrants from Iran face crisis at Islam Qala border with shelter and resource shortages
Khaama: Afghan migrants returning from Iran face a dire situation at the Islam Qala border, struggling with severe shortages of shelter and resources. Hundreds of Afghan migrants who were recently deported from Iran are facing severe conditions at the Islam Qala border, struggling with a lack of drinking water, food, and shelter. The situation has worsened due to extreme heat, with temperatures soaring to 45°C, and a lack of organized management at the site, raising serious concerns about the migrants’ health and safety. Click here to read more (external link).
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Taliban Detains Own Commanders & Civilians Following Clashes In Badakhshan
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 more (external link).
Tolo News in Dari – July 4, 2025
Kremlin’s Recognition Of Taliban Could Fuel Geopolitical Tensions, Warns Afghan Leader
Atta Mohammad Noor
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 for renewed proxy conflicts. Click here to read more (external link).
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Russia’s Recognition of the Taliban: A New Great Game?
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 regional and global power dynamics. Click here to read more (external link).
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Taliban maintain siege of Khash District after deadly clash
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 members responded with force, leaving at least 15 people dead—including one woman—and more than 60 wounded, according to local sources. Click here to read more (external link).
Germany seeks deal with Taliban to deport Afghan migrants
FT: Alexander Dobrindt said it was no longer sustainable to rely on indirect channels of communication with the Islamist group and argued direct talks were necessary to return Afghan migrants to their home country, as the German government continues its crackdown on immigration. Click here to read more (external link).
Iran says Israeli attacks put millions of Afghan migrants at risk
Ariana: Alireza Bikdeli, the acting ambassador of Iran in Kabul, has warned that recent Israeli military actions have endangered the lives of millions of Afghan nationals residing in Iran. Speaking to a group of Afghan refugees returning home, the diplomat said that the escalating conflict poses a serious threat to the safety of over six million Afghan migrants currently living in Iran. He emphasized the deep historical and cultural ties between the two neighboring nations, calling the bond between Iran and Afghanistan “unbreakable.” Click here to read more (external link).
Taliban Deny Holding Missing Afghan-American Mahmood Shah Habibi
Habibi
Afghanistan International: Habibi’s family has long claimed that he is being held in Taliban custody. However, in a statement issued Thursday, 3 July, Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid said that an internal investigation, conducted at the request of the family, found no evidence that Habibi had been arrested by any Taliban-affiliated agency. Click here to read more (external link).