Taliban

The article explores the potential for a strategic compact between Pakistan and the US through the lens of offshore balancing, a theory advocating a light US military presence in South Asia to counter China without direct confrontation. It highlights Pakistan's role in balancing ties with both China and the US amid India's rising influence and Afghanistan's instability under the Taliban, which poses regional security risks.

UN officials Barham Salih and Alexander De Croo urge Western nations to engage with Afghanistan to prevent instability exacerbated by crises like refugee returns, poverty, and a Taliban government restricting women's rights. The country faces compounding challenges including climate change, aid cuts, and international isolation.

UN officials urge Western nations to engage with Afghanistan to prevent instability amid multiple crises, including returning refugees, poverty, and a Taliban government excluding women from education and jobs. The article highlights progress in security and reduced drug production, but emphasizes risks from international isolation and aid cuts.

The German government is allowing Taliban diplomats into the country to facilitate the deportation of criminals to Afghanistan. This policy aims to streamline repatriation processes under the new Afghanistan strategy.

The United States reiterated support for Pakistan’s right to self-defense against terrorism amid the UN's ninth review of its Global Counterterrorism Strategy. The US voted against the strategy's updated framework, criticizing it as 'bloated and outdated,' while Pakistan and 140 other nations approved it. Pakistan responded to a terrorist attack by targeting infrastructure along the Afghan border.

Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan killed 36 civilians and wounded 160, according to Afghan officials, with Pakistan claiming the operations targeted militant hideouts. Afghanistan condemned the strikes as aggression, while Pakistan cited retaliation for recent militant attacks.

Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan killed 36 civilians and wounded 160, according to Afghan officials, with Pakistan claiming the operations targeted militants. Both nations have accused each other of aggression, and the UN confirmed significant civilian casualties.

The article discusses the Taliban's use of strategic communication through epistemic proxies like Al Mirsaad to legitimize their regime and counter Western criticism. It highlights a report by Durand Despatch analyzing 137 articles from Al Mirsaad, which frames the Taliban as victims of ISKP terrorism while promoting their ideological narrative to gain international acceptance.

Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan killed 36 civilians and injured over 160, according to Afghan officials, who condemned the attacks as aggression. Pakistan claimed the strikes targeted militant groups, including Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and Fitna al-Khwarij, and killed 29 fighters, while Afghanistan vowed retaliation.

Pakistan conducted strikes against militant targets in Afghanistan following an attack in Karachi that killed three paramilitary troops. Afghanistan's ruling Taliban condemned the strikes, labeling them a 'cowardly act of aggression.'

The article discusses Spain's lawsuit against the European Commission, mentions the EEAS sec gen, and references the Taliban. It also poses a question about Bardella learning the Meloni method.

The EU's engagement with the Taliban in Brussels to discuss deporting Afghan migrants has sparked outrage among Afghan women, who view the talks as legitimizing a regime with severe human rights violations. Additional news includes earthquakes in Venezuela, a heatwave across Europe, UK political developments, and an Ebola case in France.

Afghanistan's economy faces severe challenges under the Taliban's rule, marked by structural domestic issues and regional geopolitical constraints. The Taliban's governance is cited as a primary factor in the economic crisis, with ongoing issues including sanctions, frozen assets, and diplomatic tensions.

The European Union hosted a Taliban delegation in Brussels on June 23, with officials stating the talks were technical and did not imply diplomatic recognition. This marked the first EU-hosted engagement with the Taliban representatives.

The article discusses the Taliban's demands or intentions toward Europe. It also references the E5, V4, and a 'jumbo' 2027 election year as key topics.

European Union officials hosted Afghan Taliban representatives in Brussels to discuss deporting Afghans who committed crimes or pose security threats, sparking backlash from human rights groups and activists. The meeting, criticized as legitimizing the Taliban regime, follows Germany's existing deportation policy and the EU's new immigration measures.

Five years after the Taliban's return to power, Afghanistan remains in an uneasy position in international politics. European governments are seeking practical engagement with Kabul, but concerns persist about whether such contact can address humanitarian issues without legitimizing the Taliban's restrictions on women and civil liberties.

A Taliban delegation met with EU officials in Brussels for the first time, with rights groups criticizing the meeting as legitimizing the group, while the EU defended it as a step toward repatriating failed asylum seekers. The EU and its member states have not recognized the Taliban government since the group returned to power five years ago after a 20-year war against a U.S.-led NATO force.

The Taliban are using a visit to Brussels to advocate for consular access in Europe. The visit aligns with their broader goal of expanding diplomatic engagement in the region.

The European Union is set to hold a migration meeting with Taliban officials in Brussels. The discussion will center on the deportation of Afghan nationals who are not permitted to remain in Europe.

EU officials are facing criticism for hosting a Taliban delegation in Brussels, as rights campaigners and MEPs argue the meeting could normalize a regime that has banned girls from attending school beyond sixth grade and marginalized women in public life. The Belgian foreign ministry issued five single-day visas to the Taliban delegation for a meeting expected on Tuesday.

A five-member Taliban delegation is traveling to Brussels, where they will be permitted to remain in Belgium for only one day.

The article accuses Israel and the US of destroying ancient heritage sites in Iran and Lebanon, drawing a parallel to the Taliban's 2001 destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas. It highlights the US's selective outrage over cultural heritage destruction and references a 2026 US missile strike on an Iranian elementary school.

The Taliban's strict restrictions on Afghan women since 2021 have erased their presence from public spaces, banned work in essential professions, and limited education to primary levels. Recent protests in Herat against morality police raids resulted in arrests, violence, and at least two deaths, including a child, as women and men demanded education, work, and freedom.

President Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to three U.S. military members for acts of gallantry in combat. Recipients included Major James Capers Jr. (U.S. Marine Corps) for actions in Vietnam, Colonel John W. Ripley (posthumous) for actions in Vietnam, and Major Nicholas Dockery (U.S. Army) for actions in Afghanistan.

The article highlights new developments in Montenegro, the role of fashion diplomacy, and the Taliban's ongoing presence. It suggests ongoing conflicts despite new leadership or initiatives.

The Taliban has banned smartphone use for government officials in Afghanistan, with reports suggesting potential expansion to the entire population. The directive, issued by the Taliban's military courts, prohibits officials at all levels from using mobile phones, raising concerns about broader restrictions.

The Taliban is shifting focus from military tactics to the information domain, using platforms like Al-Mirsad as a key propaganda tool. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan recognizes modern conflicts are shaped by information warfare.

The U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution urging Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers to reverse restrictions on women and combat militant groups. The resolution extends the U.N. political mission in Afghanistan until 2027 and authorizes support for humanitarian aid and governance without discrimination. It follows violent dispersal of a protest in Herat after women were arrested for violating the Taliban’s dress code.

The U.N. Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution urging Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers to reverse their crackdown on women.

The UN Security Council extended the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for one year. The unanimous decision, drafted by China, faced calls to streamline the operation and criticism from the Taliban rulers.

Haji Najibullah, a Taliban commander, faces sentencing for his role in the 2008 kidnapping of US journalist David Rohde. He appeared in Manhattan federal court, where he could receive a life sentence for the crime.

Sherrie Westin led an operation to save the 'Sesame Street' team in Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover. The mission, named 'Operation Big Bird,' ensured their safety after the group was at risk under the new regime.

Sherrie Westin, an executive, is credited with saving the lives of the 'Sesame Street' team in Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover of the country. The operation, dubbed 'Operation Big Bird,' highlights her efforts to secure their safety amid the conflict.

The Taliban's seizure of Kabul and imposition of Sharia law threatened the Afghan women's cycling team, prompting a secret operation to smuggle the athletes out of the country. Reporters Matteo Born and Alain Rimbert documented this covert exfiltration effort.

The Taliban has arrested 30 women for violating hijab rules, according to the UN. The arrests highlight the growing struggle for women in Afghanistan, who have been effectively excluded from society under Taliban governance.

The Taliban rammed a car into four young women in Kabul following an education seminar. The attack occurred after the women attended the event.

Russia and the Taliban signed a military-technical agreement, deepening institutional ties and enabling Russian influence in Afghanistan. The deal includes weapons, training, and intelligence sharing, while countering ISIS-K serves as a stated rationale. The partnership shifts regional security dynamics, bypassing U.S. involvement.

The article discusses the Taliban's visa problem and includes coverage of the Irish presidency, influencers, and the World Cup in its Wednesday edition.

Belgium has not received visa applications from Taliban representatives scheduled to attend technical-level discussions in Brussels this month. The talks are related to migration issues.