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).
Related
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).
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).
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).
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).
Ariana: Afghanistan’s national football team will face Tajikistan, Iran, and Malaysia in Group B of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. The tournament, featuring eight teams, will take place from August 9 to September 8, 2025, with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan serving as co-hosts. Click here to read more (external link).
More Sports News
Afghanistan International: Clashes broke out on Monday evening, in the Jebrael area of Herat city after Taliban forces attempted to dismantle Muharram mourning tents, prompting resistance from mourners. Videos obtained by Afghanistan International show Taliban forces firing weapons and tearing down the tents. The incident reportedly followed orders from Taliban authorities to remove tents not located near mosques. Prior to the start of Muharram, meetings were held between Shia religious scholars and Taliban officials to designate specific areas for mourning rituals. Click here to read more (external link).
Mazar-e Sharif
Amu: The directive, issued by local Taliban officials, requires homeowners to purchase and install closed-circuit cameras at their own expense. Residents said the cost — between 5,000 and 10,000 afghanis, or roughly $70 to $140 — is out of reach for many households amid widespread poverty and unemployment. Several residents told Amu TV they had been warned that failure to comply could result in their electricity being cut off or other penalties. “The economic pressure is already unbearable,” one resident said. “Now we’re expected to pay for surveillance equipment we can’t afford.” Click here to read more (external link).