India participated in the third UN-led conference on Afghanistan in Doha, marking the Taliban’s first appearance at an international event. While India is cautiously engaging with the Taliban for humanitarian and security purposes, the conference drew criticism over the regime’s treatment of women. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar also visited Doha, strengthening India-Qatar ties across various sectors.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has accused the Taliban regime in Afghanistan of failing to take action against militants involved in cross-border attacks, raising concerns about escalating tensions between the two countries. Asif’s remarks, which came amidst Pakistan’s Operation Azm-e-Istehkam targeting terrorist hideouts across the border, have been met with criticism from opposition parties in Pakistan who fear further escalation of conflict and damage to regional peace.
The Taliban government has defended its exclusion of Afghan women from UN-led engagement talks in Qatar, claiming that women’s rights are an internal matter. The Taliban delegation, led by Zabihullah Mujahid, will participate in the talks while civil society groups, including women’s rights organizations, will meet with international envoys and UN officials separately. The Taliban has faced widespread condemnation for its restrictive policies towards women, which have been described as ‘gender apartheid.’ The talks aim to increase international coordination on engagement with the Taliban, but the exclusion of women and the lack of human rights issues on the agenda have raised concerns.
The Taliban will meet with international envoys in Qatar, raising concerns about the lack of human rights on the agenda. The exclusion of women’s rights groups has sparked criticism, while the UN insists this is not a step towards recognition.
A new bill introduced in the House of Representatives aims to prevent countries receiving U.S. foreign aid from sending funds to the Taliban. The bill, introduced by Rep. Tim Burchett, comes amidst concerns about U.S. taxpayer dollars potentially reaching the Taliban in Afghanistan. Republicans are calling for transparency and accountability in ensuring that aid does not benefit the Taliban.
Nicaragua has appointed an ambassador to Afghanistan, marking a rare move to strengthen diplomatic ties with the Taliban regime. The appointment comes despite the Taliban’s lack of formal recognition by the international community, including the United States. This move has raised questions about Nicaragua’s stance on human rights and women’s rights in Afghanistan.
Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., has criticized the Biden administration for sending billions of dollars in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, alleging that some of this funding may have ended up in the hands of the Taliban. He cited reports by the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) that indicate at least $10.9 million in U.S. taxpayer funds indirectly reached the Taliban. Mast also expressed concerns about other State Department expenditures, including a $500,000 grant he believes was intended to promote atheism in Nepal.
The Russian government, led by President Vladimir Putin, has announced its intention to remove the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organizations. This decision comes three years after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan and follows Kazakhstan’s similar move in late 2023. Russia has maintained contact with the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan and has organized trade talks and other diplomatic initiatives despite international sanctions. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia’s decision recognizes the Taliban’s status as the ruling power in Afghanistan and aims to support its allies in Central Asia. The move is expected to further enhance diplomatic relations between Moscow and Kabul and includes an invitation for Taliban representatives to attend Russia’s major economic forum in June.
The Islamic State group’s attack on tourists in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, has dealt a significant blow to the country’s emerging tourism industry. The tragic incident, which claimed six lives, including three Spanish tourists, has raised concerns about the safety of foreign travelers in Afghanistan. The Taliban authorities, who have been promoting improved security, now face renewed challenges in safeguarding tourists.
Three Spanish citizens and three Afghans were among six people killed in a shooting in Bamiyan province, Afghanistan, on Friday evening. The attack, which occurred in a major tourist area, remains unclaimed, but officials believe the Islamic State’s affiliate in Afghanistan may be responsible. Seven suspects have been arrested, and the wounded victims have been transferred to Kabul for treatment.
