Afghanistan

Executive Summary This report analyses the geopolitical consequences of Russia officially recognising the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in July 2025. Following the Taliban’s removal from Russia’s terrorist list, this move shows Moscow’s intention to broaden collaboration in trade, infrastructure, and regional security. Russia’s acknowledgment is part of a larger strategy …

Fuel prices have surged in Afghanistan in recent days, a development that traders attribute to the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Residents and business owners report that the price of gasoline and diesel has climbed by at least seven afghanis per liter over the past three days. Economic observers …

Russia has accused Western powers of re-engaging in Afghanistan’s affairs after retreating in August 2021, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warning of the risks posed by any potential return of NATO’s military presence in the region. Speaking at a press conference during his visit to Uzbekistan, Lavrov said: “We’ve observed …

US Vice President JD Vance said on Friday that Joe Biden administration left about $80 billion worth of military equipment in Afghanistan, which was a “catastrophic error.” Vance made the remarks during a visit to a military base in Greenland. He also said the Biden administration’s “catastrophic error” led to …

When the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the world watched with bated breath. Would this radical regime, after two decades of insurgency, succeed in transforming itself from a militant force to a functioning government? The answer is becoming increasingly clear: the Taliban’s fragile grip on power is …

In the quiet corners of Badghis province, a recent weapons audit has revealed a troubling security breach—large quantities of weapons, including US-made arms, have disappeared from the Afghan army’s 3rd Brigade headquarters, part of the ex-207th Al-Farooq Corps. The discovery has sent shockwaves through Afghanistan’s intelligence circles, with the provincial …

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Wednesday reiterated that a solution to terrorism cannot be found without engaging in talks with Afghanistan. “We have sent the Terms of Reference (TORs) for talks with Afghanistan to the federal government but despite repeated reminders, no response has been received. Terrorism …

The Taliban has for years presented a united front to the outside world and kept a tight lid on dissent within its ranks. But unprecedented displays of discord have laid bare the rifts in the secretive militant group and exposed an intensifying power struggle. The internal divisions could spill over …

Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani in Hajj. pic.twitter.com/TGlhRiPbR9 — Muhammad Jalal (@MJalalAf) June 7, 2024 While the world was transfixed over the civilian body count during a daring Israeli Defense Force raid that rescued four hostages who were held by Hamas, a designated terrorist was taking his first summer vacation in years. …

Khalil al Rahman Haqqani, the Taliban’s minister of refugees and a terrorist wanted by the United States, was killed in a suicide attack today outside of his ministry building. Khalil served as the minister of refugees since the fall of the Republic of Afghanistan in August 2021. Khalil’s death was …