Afghanistan
Trump Administration Expands Travel Ban to 20 Additional Countries and Palestinian Authority: Full Analysis and Impact
Dec 17, 2025 10:40 am CST
The Trump administration has significantly expanded US travel restrictions to include 20 additional countries and the Palestinian Authority, doubling the number of nations affected by entry limitations. Five countries now face complete travel bans, while 15 others face partial restrictions. The expanded policy, effective January 1, affects both visitors and immigrants with specific exemptions for certain visa holders. Officials cite document fraud, vetting challenges, and security concerns as key justifications for these sweeping changes.
India Advocates for Pragmatic Taliban Engagement at UN Security Council: Balancing Diplomacy and Development
Dec 11, 2025 11:50 pm CST
India's Ambassador to the UN, Harish Parvathaneni, has called for a balanced approach to Taliban engagement, emphasizing development cooperation over punitive measures. During a UN Security Council meeting, he highlighted India's extensive humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan, including healthcare projects and emergency aid, while expressing concern over security issues and transit restrictions affecting the country. India has restored its Technical Mission in Kabul to Embassy status, demonstrating its continued commitment to Afghan development.
13-Year-Old Forced to Execute Family's Killer in Taliban-Sanctioned Public Execution Before Thousands
Dec 09, 2025 01:54 pm CST
The Taliban recently orchestrated a public execution in eastern Afghanistan where a 13-year-old boy was made to execute a man convicted of killing his family members, drawing approximately 80,000 spectators and international condemnation. The execution, carried out under the Sharia principle of Qisas, highlights the Taliban's continued implementation of severe punishments and restrictions since regaining power in 2021.
Taliban Denies Responsibility for National Guard Shooting by Former CIA-Backed Afghan Fighter
Dec 04, 2025 02:45 am CST
The Taliban government has officially denied any connection to the Washington shooting that killed one National Guard member, stating the Afghan suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal was "trained by Americans themselves." Lakanwal, a former CIA-backed fighter who came to the US after the 2021 withdrawal, has pleaded not guilty to the November 26 incident.
Trump Vows Crackdown on Afghan Migrants Following National Guard Shooting Incident
Nov 28, 2025 01:41 pm CST
President Trump has pledged to reform immigration policies following a shooting incident involving an Afghan national who entered the US during the 2021 evacuation. The attack, which claimed the life of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, has reignited debate over the vetting processes used during Operation Allies Welcome. Trump announced plans to pause migration from developing nations and revoke admissions authorized under the Biden administration.
India Challenges Pakistan's Role in UN Security Council Committees Over Conflict of Interest Concerns
Nov 15, 2025 03:59 pm CST
India's Permanent Representative P Harish has criticized Pakistan's leadership of key UN Security Council committees, citing significant conflicts of interest. During a Council debate on working methods, Harish called for greater transparency in committee operations and leadership selection, particularly regarding the Taliban sanctions committee and counter-terrorism panel. The criticism highlights ongoing tensions between regional powers and raises questions about effectiveness in international security governance.
Taliban Excluded from COP30 Despite Afghanistan's High Climate Vulnerability
Nov 10, 2025 01:37 am CST
The Taliban government has expressed concern over being excluded from the COP30 climate conference in Brazil, highlighting that Afghanistan faces severe climate impacts despite contributing only 0.06% of global emissions. With 89% of Afghans dependent on agriculture and the country experiencing severe droughts, the Taliban argues their diplomatic isolation shouldn't prevent participation in critical climate discussions.
Afghanistan and Pakistan Extend Border Ceasefire Following Diplomatic Negotiations in Turkey
Oct 31, 2025 10:10 am CST
Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to extend their ceasefire after five days of negotiations in Istanbul mediated by Turkey and Qatar. The talks, held from October 25-30, resulted in plans for a monitoring mechanism and follow-up meetings on November 6. Both nations expressed commitment to diplomatic resolution while the fragile peace along their volatile border continues to hold.
TTP Videos Challenge Pakistan Army Chief as Insurgent Attacks Intensify in Border Regions
Oct 23, 2025 01:12 pm CST
Pakistan's army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir faces direct threats from TTP commanders in recent video releases showcasing battlefield success. Despite a Qatar-Turkey mediated ceasefire with Afghanistan, violence continues to escalate in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, revealing the Pakistani military's struggle to contain the growing insurgency that has emboldened other violent groups across the region.
Taliban Defense Minister Rejects Pakistan's Claims of India's Involvement in Border Conflict
Oct 22, 2025 10:51 am CST
Afghanistan's Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob has firmly dismissed Pakistan's allegations that India is involved in the recent Afghanistan-Pakistan border conflicts. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Yaqoob called these accusations "unfounded, illogical, and unacceptable," while expressing Kabul's intention to strengthen ties with India based on mutual national interests, despite ongoing tensions with Pakistan that have disrupted border crossings and affected civilians on both sides.