Russia’s recognition of the Taliban rule has provoked a wave of condemnation from political figures and civil society voices, who warn that the move not only legitimizes repression but also fuels “regional instability and extremism”. Naseer Ahmad Andisha, Afghanistan’s representative to the United Nations in Geneva, described the recognition as “a lose-lose situation for both sides,” arguing that the opportunity […]

Anas Haqqani, a senior member of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), has said that official engagement with the IEA is acknowledgement of an undeniable reality and called on the international community to replace pressure-based policies with dialogue and cooperation. In a statement posted on X, Haqqani described the Islamic Emirate as a movement rooted in the faith and will […]

China’s powerful Central Military Commission has shrunk to its smallest size in decades under the leadership of Xi Jinping, a Newsweek analysis shows, with analysts saying it highlights the personalization of his control—and efforts to make the military combat-ready. The changes come at a critical time for China as it rivals the United States in military and economic terms amid […]

Taiwan is expanding and modernizing its annual Han Kuang joint military exercise to better prepare the military and population for a PLA invasion. Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo announced on June 26 plans for military-civilian coordination operations and civil defense drills to occur simultaneously with Han Kuang to simulate greater realism.[1] The exercise will simulate a PRC blockade and invasion […]

Executive Summary This report analyses the geopolitical consequences of Russia officially recognising the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in July 2025. Following the Taliban’s removal from Russia’s terrorist list, this move shows Moscow’s intention to broaden collaboration in trade, infrastructure, and regional security. Russia’s acknowledgment is part of a larger strategy to expand its influence in Central and South Asia, a […]

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has rejected US claims that Afghan-American businessman Mahmood Shah Habibi was arrested by the General Directorate of Intelligence. Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, said in a statement that the IEA had inspected all relevant authorities, following a petition by Habibi’s family, but there was no sign he was arrested by any […]

Muttaqi added that this realistic decision by Russia would be remembered as a major development in the history of bilateral relations and would serve as a good example for other countries to take similar steps. The Afghan Foreign Ministry announced late Thursday that Dmitry Zhirnov, the Russian Ambassador to Kabul, formally conveyed the decision of the Russian government during a […]

China and Iran both seek to counter American influence in the Middle East and have long cooperated to further that shared goal. China provides Iran with inputs for its ballistic missile program, helps Tehran circumvent international sanctions by purchasing Iranian oil, and has provided limited support to the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Together with Russia, both countries regularly conduct […]

The U.S. and Israeli attacks last month on Iran to “obliterate” its nuclear program may have hit another target: Central Asia’s interests in accesses the large Iranian market and use Iran’s transport links to trade with the wider world. Iran’s “Look East” policy was launched by then-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2005 to improve relations with Russia, China, and India to […]

Taliban said on Wednesday that the working group meeting, held under the UN-led Doha Process, focused on joint efforts to combat drug trafficking, promote alternative livelihoods, and expand addiction treatment and rehabilitation services. A spokesperson for the Taliban’s Ministry of Interior said the meeting, which concluded Tuesday, included “comprehensive discussions to strengthen coordination, share experiences, and pursue joint initiatives among […]