Afghanistan
Stumbling blocks hinder plan to build Trans-Afghan Railway connecting Uzbekistan to Pakistani seaports
Security risks, financing challenges, difficult terrain and lack of recognition for Taliban among headaches.
Central Asia and Afghanistan heading for “confrontation” over water-thirsty canal, warns analyst
Minimal progress seen in dealing with rightful Taliban claim to share of Amu Darya border river. Region’s water security dilemma worsening.
Tajikistan’s glaciers are disappearing
Tajikistan’s glaciers are retreating at an alarming rate, with over 1,000 already gone completely and dozens more under threat, according to a new Atlas of Environmental Change published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is coming of age
More than two and half decades after it was founded as a regional security organization to secure porous borders in the depths of Central Asia, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is coming of age as it expands its reach and agenda.
ASIA BLOG: Why Iran is not a part of South Asia – and why it matters
According to the US State Department Iran remains a state sponsor of terrorism, facilitating a wide range of terrorist and militant groups across the Middle East
Just two in five Afghans have electricity, say officials
Matters could get worse. Tajikistan has advised it plans to reduce power exports to Afghanistan this winter.
English Channel migrant arrivals exceed 25,000 in record time
The number of migrants entering British waters via English Channel crossings has surpassed 25,000 arrivals at the earliest point in any year since records began.
Iran to open new railway routes to Central Asia
Iran will open new railway routes to Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, as well as Afghanistan and Turkey.
Breakthrough moment for Trans-Afghan Railway project hailed by Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan
Three countries agree to prepare feasibility study. Russia too would benefit from infrastructure linking Central Asia to Arabian Sea coast.
Iran claims 800,000 Afghans left voluntarily amid deportation programme
An estimated 800,000 Afghans have left Iran from the beginning of 2025 until July 16, with over 70% departing voluntarily and self-identifying as unauthorised residents, officials claim.
COMMENT: In recognising Taliban, Moscow had one eye on rise in Afghanistan of terrorist ISIS-K
Concerns that the jihadist group is operating near borders with Central Asia “helped shift Russia’s strategic calculus”.
Macron and Starmer pledge to fight English Channel Kurdish migration gangs
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to intensify cooperation against illegal migration gangs during a summit at Downing Street.
China reportedly operating Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, as economic ties deepen
China is now operating the former United States military facility at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, The Telegraph reports citing anonymous officials and satellite imagery analyses.
International Criminal Court issues arrest warrants for Taliban leaders over women's persecution
The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Taliban supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada and Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani on charges of committing crimes against humanity through the persecution of women and girls.
Russia becomes first country to formally recognise Taliban government in Afghanistan
Russia has formally recognised the Taliban administration in Afghanistan, becoming the first country to do so since the group seized power in August 2021, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on July 4.
Russia becomes first country to officially recognise Taliban in Afghanistan
Russia has become the first country to officially recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan, with the Islamic Emirate calling it a "brave decision."
A perfect storm as Israel’s war on Iran pushes the Taliban towards total collapse
The convergence of Israel’s military strikes on Tehran has created a catastrophic domino effect of potential regime collapse in Afghanistan, not Iran.
Iran orders deportation of undocumented Afghans
Iran has issued orders for all "unauthorised foreign nationals" to leave the country as part of new policies communicated to the national police commander, according to official statements targeting Afghans.
COMMENT: Competing Trans-Afghan transport routes could split Central Asia
Central Asia is bottled up by an unstable Afghanistan. It would dearly love to open a southern corridor that leads to the huge and lucrative markets of Southeast Asia that could transform the economy of the region.
Taliban ban women under 40 from entering Uzbekistan border trade hub
Termez market suffers sharp decline in footfall. Move a blow to efforts at building up economic relations with Afghanistan.