By Abdul Hamid Hakimi Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty September 12, 2026 The US State Department has urged American companies to exercise extreme caution when considering business transactions with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan after a former US official attended the signing of a deal between a Saudi energy group and the hard-line authorities. A US State Department spokesperson, who
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: Shahabuddin Delawar, a member of the Taliban’s Doha negotiating team, said US officials sought to retain a military base in Afghanistan during the Doha talks. He also claimed former US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad warned Afghanistan could become “another Syria” after the US withdrawal. Click here to read more (external link).
Ariana: Former US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad has accused Pakistan of continuing what he described as a long-standing “double game” in its relations with the United States, amid rising regional tensions involving Iran and Washington. In a statement posted on social media, Khalilzad alleged that Pakistan’s military leadership may have quietly permitted Iranian
Afghanistan International: Afghanistan’s ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva said Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has become increasingly isolated and is under constant scrutiny from foreign surveillance and political pressure. Nasir Ahmad Andisha said Akhundzada disapproves of the repeated visits to Kabul by Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US special envoy for Afghanistan,
Afghanistan International: The Taliban’s decision to receive Khalilzad at the level of foreign minister suggested the group views him as a potential intermediary, relying on his experience and contacts to help improve relations between the Taliban and Washington. Click here to read more (external link).
Amu: Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US special envoy for Afghanistan, has returned to Kabul for the fourth time since the Taliban took power. In a statement, the Taliban-run foreign ministry said Khalilzad met their Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to discuss “ways, opportunities and challenges” related to bilateral relations between the two sides. Click here
Afghanistan International: The Taliban have submitted a draft agreement to the Pakistani delegation after 15 hours of talks in Istanbul, outlining proposals to strengthen the ceasefire and prevent cross-border hostilities, informed sources told Afghanistan International. According to the sources, the draft proposal emphasises the “non-violation of Afghanistan’s territory and airspace” and includes a commitment to
Khaama: “Pakistan’s attack against the capital of Afghanistan appears to have been a failure,” Khalilzad wrote in a post on X on Saturday. “It seems that the person who was targeted may not have been in Kabul at all. What might Islamabad do next? More attacks? Pakistani aircraft have been flying over Kabul breaking the
Afghanistan International: The gathering, set for 29–30 September, is organised by the “Women for Afghanistan” initiative and the South Asian Strategic Stability Institute. It will feature sessions exclusively for Afghan leaders as well as joint discussions with Pakistani counterparts. Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US envoy for Afghanistan, criticised Pakistan for hosting the event, calling the