Afghanistan
Opium output down in Afghanistan as synthetic drug trade increases: UN
Afghanistan’s opium cultivation fell sharply this year, yet the United Nations has warned that the country’s illicit economy is increasingly shifting towards synthetic drugs.
Northern Afghanistan hit by M6.3 tremor
A powerful earthquake has struck northern Afghanistan, leaving at least four people dead and scores injured, according to local officials. The numbers are expected to rise significantly.
Turkmenistan’s TAPI gas pipeline takes off
Turkmenistan's 1,800km TAPI gas pipeline breaks ground after 30 years with first 14km completed into Afghanistan, aiming to deliver 33bcm annually to Pakistan and India by 2027 despite geopolitical hurdles.
Afghanistan withdraws from Pakistan tri-nation T20 to protest murder of three local cricketers
The Afghanistan Cricket Board says it has secured clear video footage implicating the Pakistan state in an attack that killed three local cricketers.
Following airstrikes, Pakistan and Afghanistan agree peace deal
In just the past few hours, Pakistan and Afghanistan have reportedly agreed to a temporary ceasefire following several days of cross-border clashes.
New clashes erupt on Pakistan–Afghanistan border
Fresh violence has broken out along the Pakistan–Afghanistan frontier, as forces aligned with the Taliban engaged Pakistani border guards in what sources say was a heavy exchange of fire.
Pakistan, Afghanistan exchange fire along contested Durand Line
Pakistan has claimed responsibility for killing over 200 Taliban fighters in a series of precision strikes along the contested Durand Line.
Taliban visit to India upsets Pakistan, signals New Delhi's changing Afghan posture
Coinciding with the visit, Pakistan conducted military operations inside Afghanistan, followed by airstrikes on multiple border towns. Retaliation against Pakistan's police training facilities and border outposts followed.
Pakistan protests India-Afghanistan joint statement
Pakistan contends that the joint statement's reference to Jammu and Kashmir contradicts United Nations Security Council resolutions and undermines the region's disputed status.
Putin calls for Central Asia to boost trade with Russia
With Moscow preoccupied by Ukraine, China has raced ahead in building up commerce and investment with the region. Other powers are also looking for bigger pieces of the pie.
Afghanistan tightens control over Russian, Belarusian agents claims Ukrainian Intelligence
Afghanistan's Taliban-led government is intensifying efforts to monitor and restrict the activities of Russian and Belarusian operatives within its borders, according to Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service.
Afghanistan grinds to a halt as Taliban cuts off internet
fghanistan telecom firms confirm nationwide internet shutdown ordered by leadership as UN warns blackout threatens earthquake relief efforts and pushes 43mn people offline indefinitely.
PANNIER: Quarrelling neighbours – the Taliban and Tajikistan
Sabre-rattling not infrequent, but there just might be signs of easing tensions.
China, Russia, Pakistan and Iran push back on Trump ambitions in or near Afghanistan
Trump’s administration has been exploring options for keeping a military footprint in Afghanistan - a move that Russia has already said would have catasrophic consequences.
Germany preparing to enter direct negotiations with Afghanistan’s Taliban government
It has also been speculated that Germany might be readying to accept a liaison presence on the part of the Afghan government, that stops short of full recognition.
Afghan deportations risk bolstering ISIS-K ranks
According to UN data, more than 2.6mn Afghans have returned since January, many of them after decades abroad. Analysts caution that the abrupt influx risks creating conditions that extremist groups can exploit.
Sanctions imposed on Kyrgyzstan are “interference” in internal affairs, Japarov protests at UN
Hits out at major powers for double standards. Also calls for an end to economic isolation of Afghanistan.
US moves to retake Bagram would have “catastrophic consequences”
The Taliban military chief said Afghans had “fought well to defend their independence” and should the US consider a military operation, would continue to do so in the face of any challenge to the country’s sovereignty.
Uzbekistan probing export options
Tashkent is finding there’s no easy path to the sea.
Global Alliance commits $7.5bn to clean energy in developing world
Analysts have repeatedly warned that clean energy investment in developing economies such as Afghanistan, but excluding China, remains dangerously below levels required to meet international climate objectives.