Informal talks held in Istanbul to ease Taliban-Pakistan tensions
The Afghanistan side included former diplomat Atif Mashal, former MP Obaidullah Bahir, Jafar Mahdawi and Ghuncha Gul.
Politics
Security
Border clashes leave 136,000 cut off for weeks in eastern Afghanistan, ICRC says
About 136,000 people in eastern Afghanistan were left without access to food, health care and other basic services for weeks.
Media
Bennett urges Taliban to release detained journalists ahead of press freedom day
Bennett called on Taliban to allow journalists to work without fear of arrest, harassment or retaliation.
Politics
OIC envoy says Afghanistan in ‘critical phase,’ urges coordinated global action
Afghanistan remains at a “critical juncture” and requires urgent, coordinated international action to address humanitarian and economic challenges, Tariq Ali.
Human Rights, Politics
UK envoy says Afghanistan cannot prosper without women’s rights
The envoy urged de-escalation in tensions with Pakistan and a return to dialogue, saying there is no sustainable military solution.
Security
Sources: Man found dead under unclear circumstances in eastern Afghanistan
The family said Taliban warned them against speaking publicly about the case or pursuing further investigation.
Security, US
Afghan man convicted of aiding IS-K in Kabul airport bombing case
Sharifullah was tried in federal court in Virginia, where jurors deliberated for about eight hours over two days before returning.
Media
Afghanistan ranks 175th in press freedom index
Indicators show deep restrictions despite slight score increase, according to Reporters Without Borders.
Immigration, US
US senators seek halt to any plan to send Afghan refugees to Congo
Lawmakers warn move could endanger allies who worked with US forces during its presence in Afghanistan.
Human Rights
Bennett says Taliban’s ‘Law on Preachers’ may lead to religious discrimination
“Human rights protect religious and ethnic minorities,” Bennett said, adding that a full analysis of the law is underway.