taliban run afghanistan

The recent divorce law introduced in Afghanistan has sparked outrage, particularly for its endorsement of child marriages and limitations on women's rights to divorce. Critics label this as a glaring violation of human rights, viewing it as a step backward for freedom and self-determination.

Pakistan's history of 'oops' moments, from allegedly harboring Iranian aircraft to denying terrorist camps, has eroded its credibility on the global stage. Decades of strategic ambiguity and carefully calibrated deniability have created a trust deficit, making its diplomatic assurances met with skepticism and every crisis a potential international embarrassment.

Iran and the US remain locked in a standoff, with Iran effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz and the US imposing a naval blockade. Both actions disrupt global commons, while escalating rhetoric and social media influence commodity prices worldwide. India, heavily reliant on regional energy flows, faces significant economic fallout from this 'dual blockade'.

US intelligence reportedly views Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir as a potential liability for the Trump administration due to his alleged ties to Iran's military. Despite Trump's praise, officials warn Munir's mediation role between Iran and the US amid Middle East tensions could compromise American interests, citing Pakistan's history as an unreliable ally.

Pakistan launched airstrikes on Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, early Friday, resulting in four deaths and 15 injuries. This latest escalation stems from Pakistan's accusations that the Afghan Taliban government harbors the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has increased attacks from Afghan territory.

Pakistan has been carrying out airstrikes in Afghanistan killing at least 75 while Afghanistan has struck back with drone attacks and raids on Pakistan Army's border posts

India has accused Pakistan of fabricating Islamophobia narratives at the UN, questioning Islamabad's treatment of minorities and its actions against Afghanistan. Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish urged the UN to address all religious discrimination, not just one faith, highlighting India's large Muslim population and pluralistic ethos. He warned against weaponizing religion for political gain.

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China on Wednesday supported the Taliban's demand that the US should unfreeze Afghanistan's assets and said that America has no legitimate reasons to do so as the Chinese envoy to Kabul called on acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and congratulated the interim government.

Pakistan conducted air strikes on major Afghan cities, including Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, escalating border tensions. This action follows retaliatory attacks by Taliban forces, with Pakistan declaring an "open war" after cross-border clashes. The confrontation marks a significant escalation since the Taliban's return to power in 2021.

The head of the Indian "technical mission" in Kabul participated in the meeting that saw the presence of Chinese, Russian and Iranian envoys too. Russia and China in fact worked actively with the Taliban to organise the meeting. According to reports from Kabul, the Pakistan envoy did not attend. According to the Taliban, this was the first international conference they hosted since their return to Kabul in Aug 2021.

In a notable diplomatic move, Russia has officially recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan, as confirmed by Zamir Kabulov to Ria Novosti. This decision, further substantiated by Russia's foreign ministry via TASS, signifies a strengthened relationship with Kabul nearly three years after the Taliban's resurgence.

Afghanistan may be governed by a ruling council now that the Taliban has taken over, while the Islamist militant movement’s supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, would likely remain in overall charge, a senior member of the group told Reuters.

Pakistan on Thursday hosted talks with special envoys from the United States, Russia and China on the path forward for Afghanistan, where a deepening humanitarian crisis has forced many Afghans to migrate to neighboring countries since the Taliban takeover in August.

Pakistan's Taliban, known as the Tehrik-e-Taliban or TTP, is a separate organization from Afghanistan's Taliban, though they share much of the same hardline ideology and are allied. More than 300 Pakistanis have been killed in terrorist attacks since January, including 144 military personnel.

India will have to prepare itself for the fallout. Under Pakistani instructions, the Taliban can go on a demolition spree against Indian projects in Afghanistan, and also use the country as a base for Indian terror groups

There are wildly varying reports on the state of the Taliban’s finances. It’s rich enough to carry out militant operations, but without international aid, there won’t be enough to run the country. But new reports suggest that the militant group may be far richer than the world thought