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Tag: Taliban

  • Afghans Feel Hope and Disappointment Over Russia’s Taliban Acknowledgment

    Afghans Feel Hope and Disappointment Over Russia’s Taliban Acknowledgment

    Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi meets with Russia’s Ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov at the Foreign Ministry in Kabul. — AFP

    The recent move by Russia to officially recognize the Taliban government has sparked mixed reactions among Afghans. While some believe this development could lead to greater economic opportunities, others remain doubtful about any positive changes in their lives.

    On Thursday, Russia became the first nation to acknowledge the Taliban regime, following a series of diplomatic efforts. These included lifting the Taliban’s designation as a “terrorist organization” and accepting their ambassador.

    Since the Taliban took control in 2021, after the withdrawal of U.S.-led troops, no other country had recognized their authority. This period has seen Afghanistan struggling as one of the world’s poorest nations, attempting to recover from decades of conflict.

    “Given the current circumstances in Afghanistan, everyone is apprehensive. We’re concerned that if the world accepts us, it may help, even in the smallest way,” said Gul Mohammad, 58, speaking from Kabul.

    Despite his painful memories of the Soviet invasion in 1979, which left him a refugee in Pakistan, he acknowledges that “the situation has changed.”

    Jamaluddin Sayar, 67, is optimistic, claiming that “trade and economic opportunities will flourish now.” The retired pilot urged both Western and Eastern countries to recognize the Taliban’s government and cease their negative portrayals of the Islamic Emirate—as the Taliban refers to their regime.

    Russian and Afghan officials heralded this recognition as a promising start for enhanced cooperation, especially in areas like economy and security. The need for coordination around security has been pivotal, as there are concerns that Afghanistan might become a breeding ground for extremist activities.

    The Taliban has emphasized its commitment to maintaining security and has assured the international community that Afghan territory will not be used for attacks against other nations.

    However, tensions have arisen with Pakistan after a notable rise in militant activities since the Taliban took over, and a deadly attack attributed to ISIS in Afghanistan claimed 137 lives at a concert in Moscow last year.

    In a country where expressing dissent is severely restricted, some residents of Kabul hesitated to voice their criticisms of the Taliban government. One young man, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed skepticism about the benefits of improved relations with Russia for everyday Afghans. “I worry that Afghanistan will again fall into Russian traps, and the challenges will only multiply. The struggle for the people will continue, regardless of recognition,” said the 25-year-old who is currently unemployed.

    For activists advocating for women’s rights in Afghanistan, especially those who have pushed for isolating the Taliban regime, this recognition is seen as a setback that may further legitimize the restrictions placed on women.

    Hoda Khamosh, an Afghan women’s rights activist based in Norway, pushed back against the idea that this recognition would lead to positive change. “Human rights organizations are currently working to highlight gender apartheid in Afghanistan, as the Taliban continues to suppress women. Therefore, such recognitions will accomplish nothing for us,” she stated.

  • Russia Recognizes Taliban Government as First Official Nation

    Russia Recognizes Taliban Government as First Official Nation

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  • Increase in Afghan Exiles from Iran Amid Israel’s Spy Operations

    Increase in Afghan Exiles from Iran Amid Israel’s Spy Operations

    Aerial view of Kabul, Afghanistan, captured on February 11, 2016. — Reuters

    Enayatullah Asghari, a 35-year-old Afghan citizen, watched in despair as hostilities erupted between Israel and Iran last month, complicating his refuge in a Gulf nation. With construction jobs in Tehran dwindling, he faced accusations of espionage.

    Asghari is one of the tens of thousands of Afghans that Iran has deported back to Afghanistan in recent weeks, amidst concerns from the United Nations about heightened instability in a country already grappling with a humanitarian crisis.

    “Finding a place to rent is extremely difficult, and even when you do, the prices are sky-high … there are no job opportunities at all,” Asghari expressed after the long journey back to western Afghanistan.

    He feels lost in a country that has been internationally isolated since the Taliban regained control in 2021.

    The UN refugee agency reports that Iran has deported more than 30,000 Afghans daily since the conflict escalated, a staggering increase from approximately 2,000 previously.

    “We’ve always aimed to be accommodating, but national security is paramount, and naturally, those without legal status must go back,” stated Iran’s government spokesperson, Fatemeh Mohajerani, although she clarified that this is about returning individuals rather than expulsion, despite alluding to anti-espionage actions.

    No response has been provided from the Afghan government at this time.

    During the 12-day conflict, which recently reached a ceasefire, Iran and Israel exchanged strikes, with the U.S. also attacking Iran’s uranium facilities.

    This year, Iran has intensified its scrutiny of foreign nationals, including Afghans, particularly during the conflict, leading to more deportations according to humanitarian officials.

    It is estimated that about 2.6 million undocumented Afghans were residing in Iran as of 2022, following the Taliban’s takeover and the withdrawal of international forces from Kabul.

    “We were viewed as potential spies and treated poorly,” Asghari lamented. “From ordinary citizens to law enforcement and officials, we were often told that Afghans are our primary adversaries, that we have caused their ruin from within.”

    Worry Over Backlash

    In an interview, Arafat Jamal, the UNHCR representative for Afghanistan, expressed concern over the backlash against Afghans, noting that anger over the strikes could disproportionately affect them.

    “We recognize that they have experienced a terrifying conflict, but we suspect that Afghans are unfairly being used as scapegoats,” he told Reuters in Kabul.

    He cautioned about a brewing “perfect storm” for Afghanistan, especially as neighboring Pakistan also began large-scale repatriations of displaced Afghans in 2023.

    Adding to Afghanistan’s challenges, the already weakened economy, hindered by sanctions on the banking system since the Taliban’s rise, now faces drastic aid cuts from Western nations.

    “This situation is bound to lead to significant instability in the region,” Jamal commented.

    The UNHCR’s Afghan operations have secured less than 25% of the required funding this year.

    The aid program for Afghanistan has dwindled from $3.2 billion to just $538 million compared to three years ago. This year alone, over 1.2 million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan, often arriving with little more than the clothes they were wearing.

    Iran has announced it will continue to enforce measures against illegal immigrants.

    “While we welcome legal migrants—many of whom are poets, writers, doctors, and skilled workers—we cannot accommodate those without proper documentation,” the spokesperson stated.

    Ahmad Fawad Rahimi, 26, who’s held a valid work visa for Iran, decided to return home last month due to his family’s concerns about escalating conflict.

    During his return, he was apprehended and placed in a detention camp, where he reported limited food and water and high fees for transportation across the border after having their mobile phones confiscated.

    “In the past, we would at least receive a warning the first time before being deported on subsequent arrests,” he recounted. “But now we’re treated like spies. They claim Afghans have aligned with their enemies and must leave.”

  • Smartphones Outlawed in Schools Across Taliban’s Afghan Stronghold

    Smartphones Outlawed in Schools Across Taliban’s Afghan Stronghold

    Afghan girls in a classroom in Kabul, Afghanistan, on September 18, 2021. — Reuters

    A new prohibition on smartphones in schools has been implemented by Taliban officials in southern Afghanistan, as confirmed by students and teachers to AFP on Wednesday. This measure arises from concerns regarding “focus” and adherence to “Islamic law.”

    Enforced by the provincial Education Department in Kandahar, the ban targets students, teachers, and administrative staff in both public and religious schools.

    According to the statement, “This action is intended to promote educational discipline and focus,” claiming that smartphones lead to “the deterioration of the future generation” from a “sharia perspective.”

    The policy has already been enacted across the province’s educational institutions, sparking mixed reactions among educators and pupils.

    Saeed Ahmad, a 22-year-old teacher, remarked to AFP, “We didn’t bring any smartphones to school today,” adding, “I believe this is a beneficial decision for improving concentration on studies.”

    Meanwhile, an 11th-grade student named Mohammad Anwar stated, “The teachers have warned that they will begin searching students if anyone is caught with a phone.”

    In contrast, a 12th-grade student, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concern that the ban would impede learning, particularly in a nation where girls are prohibited from attending secondary schools and universities—a situation the UN has classified as “gender apartheid.” He explained, “Often, I take pictures of the lessons written on the board to study later. Now, that’s no longer an option. This policy will negatively impact our education.”

    ‘Total Ban’

    The ban has also been instituted in madrassas, or religious schools.

    Mohammad, a 19-year-old madrassa student, stated, “There’s now a complete ban. No one brings smartphones anymore.”

    In recent years, several countries, including France, Denmark, and Brazil, have also moved towards restricting mobile phones in classrooms.

    The Taliban leadership has previously introduced a ban on images of living beings in media, with several provinces announcing restrictions; some Taliban officials have even declined to be photographed or filmed.

    Recently, the Taliban’s Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada urged officials and scholars to limit their smartphone usage.

    One unnamed 28-year-old member of the security forces told AFP, “This is what our leaders have ordered, and we must comply.” He mentioned switching to a basic phone, stating, “I used to use WhatsApp occasionally on my smartphone, but not anymore.”

    In Kandahar, some Taliban officials have begun distributing their numbers for basic phones and are disabling online messaging applications.

  • Afghans in Kentucky Anxiously Face Future After Trump Ends Protections

    Afghans in Kentucky Anxiously Face Future After Trump Ends Protections

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    Afghan Refugee Family’s Journey in Bowling Green, Kentucky

    A mother from Afghanistan walks with her children towards the school bus in Bowling Green, Kentucky, on April 30, 2025.

    Wazir Khan Zadran and his family reached Kentucky nearly four years ago, coinciding with the withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Afghanistan. He now faces uncertainty about his children’s future, particularly for his daughters, should they be sent back to their homeland.

    The Trump administration has announced plans to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghans starting in July, increasing the threat of deportation to a country under Taliban rule, where conditions can be dire particularly for women and girls.

    Zadran expressed his hope for his children’s future in the U.S., stating, “Here, their future is bright; they can go to school and pursue their dreams. But if we return to Afghanistan, especially for girls, there are no opportunities. They can’t attend school or university; their lives would be severely limited. I urge those in power to support the Afghan refugees.”

    Zadran was actively involved in fighting against the Haqqani network, a significant faction of the Taliban, two decades ago. In 2021, U.S. forces evacuated him and his family via helicopter to Kabul airport for their journey to America.

    His eldest daughter, Zuleikha, is preparing for college next year, yet the uncertainty of their asylum status weighs heavily on her future. Their asylum application is still pending, allowing them to remain in the U.S. until a verdict is reached.

    Temporary Protected Status is designed for individuals already in the U.S. who cannot return home due to armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary circumstances. The Trump administration’s move could impact around 14,600 Afghans, as well as many others from Venezuela and various nations.

    “I remind my daughters how fortunate they are to be here, to go to school, and look forward to college,” Zadran noted. “In Afghanistan, however, their rights would be stripped away. Their prospects would be bleak.”

    Since the Taliban takeover, girls over 12 have been barred from attending school, and women face restrictions on attending universities and traveling alone without a male guardian. The Taliban claims its policies are designed to align with its interpretation of Islamic law.

    Zuleikha has successfully graduated from high school and is heading to college with a scholarship, despite feeling anxious about her legal status. “I’ve been concerned because I’ve heard people say that those without documents might be deported,” she said. "I fear that could darken my future, yet I am proud of what I’ve accomplished and remain hopeful for what lies ahead."

    According to the Trump administration, Afghans in the U.S. can still seek asylum. “While TPS has ended, any Afghan fearing persecution can still apply for asylum,” stated Tricia McLaughlin, the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security.

    Sharply Concerned

    More than 70,000 Afghans arrived in the U.S. during President Biden’s "Operation Allies Welcome" after the Taliban takeover in 2021, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Over 300 Afghan families have settled in Bowling Green, a city known for its agricultural and manufacturing sectors that has welcomed a diverse range of refugee communities over the years.

    Unlike many immigrant groups, Afghan families in Bowling Green have firmly planted their roots in the community, focusing on their dreams in the U.S. One family, the Habibis, bought a home, with Wahida Habibi fluent in English and working alongside her husband in a bakery. They also recently welcomed a baby boy.

    Zadran has begun working at a car dealership with plans to open his own business. His main concern is the slow progress towards securing a legal status, which he initially expected to receive within a year. “I’ve been asking myself, what’s taking so long?” he shared.

    Shawn VanDiver, founder of #AfghanEvac—a coalition of veterans and advocacy groups for Afghan refugees—stated that Republicans need to resist the administration’s stance so that Afghans don’t face forced repatriation to a perilous situation. “The dynamics have not changed; the risks remain the same,” he emphasized. “The only shift is who is sitting in power.”

    Those aiding Afghan refugees report a deep sense of anxiety within the community. “The Afghan immigrants who settled here a couple of years ago are genuinely worried about the current immigration debates,” said Albert Mbanfu, executive director of the International Center of Kentucky.

    Another Afghan in the U.S., Mohamed Azizi, expressed his stress over the situation back home. “The state of my country is dire, and the thought of returning to start over is frightening,” he shared.

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  • US Weapons Left in Afghanistan Now Captured by Militants: Report

    US Weapons Left in Afghanistan Now Captured by Militants: Report

    Taliban forces patrol near the entrance of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 31, 2021, just one day after the withdrawal of U.S. troops. — Reuters

    • The Taliban acquired roughly 1 million U.S. weapons in 2021.
    • The arsenal included American-made firearms such as M4 and M16 rifles.
    • The Taliban government spokesperson claims, “All light and heavy weapons are securely stored.”

    Reports indicate that around 500,000 weapons, part of the extensive arsenal the Taliban seized upon regaining control of Afghanistan in 2021, are now unaccounted for, sold, or smuggled to militant organizations, according to anonymous sources speaking to the BBC.

    This troubling information, confirmed by the United Nations, implies that some of these U.S.-funded arms may have reached affiliates of Al-Qaeda.

    When the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021, they gained possession of approximately one million pieces of military equipment and weapons, most of which were supplied and financed by the U.S., a former Afghan official disclosed under anonymity to the BBC.

    This stockpile included advanced American-made firearms like M4 and M16 rifles, as well as older weapons remaining from years of conflict.

    During a closed session of the UN Security Council’s Sanctions Committee in Doha late last year, it was revealed that the Taliban admitted at least half a million of these items — a shocking figure of 500,000 — are now “missing.”

    This number was corroborated by a source from the committee and verified with others.

    Furthermore, a UN report published in February indicated that affiliates of Al-Qaeda, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, and Yemen’s Ansarullah movement, are gaining access to these Taliban-captured weapons either directly or through a burgeoning black market.

    In response to these allegations, Hamdullah Fitrat, the Taliban government’s deputy spokesman, firmly denied any claims of smuggling or lost weaponry.

    “All light and heavy weapons are securely stored. We completely reject accusations of smuggling or loss,” he stated.

    However, a 2023 UN report contradicted this assertion, revealing that the Taliban permitted local commanders—who often act with significant autonomy—to retain 20% of the captured U.S. weapons, thereby fueling the underground arms market.

    The UN also commented that the “gift culture” of weapons between local commanders and fighters is prevalent, helping solidify the black market as a “rich source of armaments for the Taliban.”

    Adding to the concerns, a former journalist from Kandahar disclosed that a flourishing arms market existed in the city for a year after the Taliban’s takeover, only recently transitioning to discreet operations via WhatsApp.

    This social media platform allows for the trading of both new and used American weapons and equipment, primarily from those abandoned by U.S.-backed forces, between affluent individuals and local leaders.

    While figures from the U.S. agency overseeing Afghan reconstruction (Sigar) report a lower total of weapons supplied, a 2022 Sigar report acknowledged its challenges in obtaining precise information due to the various U.S. departments and organizations involved in funding and supplying equipment over the years.

    The Sigar report criticized the Department of Defense (DoD) for failing to track equipment accurately in Afghanistan over the past decade.

    Sigar also called out the State Department for providing “limited, inaccurate, and delayed information” regarding the equipment left behind—a claim the department has denied.

    The situation continues to carry heavyweight political implications, with former U.S. President Donald Trump pledging to retrieve the weaponry valued at approximately $85 billion, although this figure is contested.

    “I want to investigate this. If we need to compensate them, that’s acceptable, but we want our military equipment back.”

    In response to Trump’s remarks, Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid emphasized that they would utilize these weapons, which they often display as symbols of victory over the U.S., to safeguard their nation.

    “We acquired these weapons from the previous regime and will employ them to defend the country and counter any threats,” he communicated to Afghan media.

    Despite claims that equipment would be disabled at the time of withdrawal, the Taliban have successfully constructed a formidable military using these armaments.

    Sources indicate that numerous advanced vehicles and helicopters remain unused in Taliban facilities; however, the group’s ability to operate sophisticated machinery is limited. More straightforward equipment, like Humvees, is utilized effectively.

    Former Sigar chief John Sopko has deemed any efforts to reclaim these weapons as “futile,” arguing that the expenses would outweigh the benefits.

    While it remains uncertain if Trump will take any action, the pressing concerns surrounding the proliferation of weapons in the region and the access gained by militant groups persist.

  • Russia Drops Taliban’s ‘Terror’ Label as Relations Improve

    Russia Drops Taliban’s ‘Terror’ Label as Relations Improve

    Russia Lifts Terrorist Designation for the Taliban


    Taliban members attend a rally in Kabul, Afghanistan, celebrating the third anniversary of the fall of Kabul on August 14, 2024. — Reuters

    • Move aims to strengthen ties with Afghanistan’s leaders.
    • Moscow views the Taliban as a potential economic ally.
    • Legal changes take immediate effect.

    In a significant development, Russia’s Supreme Court has officially lifted the Taliban’s classification as a "terrorist organization." This action symbolizes Russia’s intention to foster a more amicable relationship with Afghanistan’s ruling powers.

    The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S. forces, which had previously supported the internationally acknowledged government. Critics of the U.S. exit, which Moscow labeled a “failure,” have seen the Taliban as a potential partner in various sectors, particularly in combatting terrorism.

    According to the ruling reported by the TASS state news agency, Supreme Court Judge Oleg Nefedov stated, "The previously established ban on the Taliban’s activities—listed as a terrorist organization—has been suspended." He further remarked, "The decision takes effect immediately."

    The motion to rescind the terrorist designation was initiated by Russia’s Prosecutor General last month, coinciding with visits from high-ranking Taliban officials to Russia. Notably, Taliban representatives attended key economic forums in Saint Petersburg in both 2022 and 2024, and Afghanistan’s foreign minister met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov last October.

    While this change does not equate to formal recognition of the Taliban government, it reduces potential awkwardness for Russian officials when interacting with their representatives at important public gatherings.

    Evolving Perspectives

    Russia’s stance on the Taliban has undergone a profound transformation over the last two decades. Founded in 1994 amid the Afghan Civil War, the Taliban emerged from a faction of former Mujahideen fighters who resisted Soviet forces in the 1980s. The conflict severely weakened the Soviet Union, leading to significant losses for Moscow.

    Following the resumption of Taliban control in 2021, Russia and neighboring nations have adjusted their strategies, seeking to assert their influence in a rapidly changing political climate. Russia was notably the first country to establish a business office in Kabul post-Taliban takeover and has indicated plans to utilize Afghanistan as a transit point for gas shipments to Southeast Asia.

    In July 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to the Taliban as “allies in the fight against terrorism.” Both Moscow and the Taliban have focused their efforts on eliminating the Daesh group, also known as Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), which has perpetrated deadly attacks within both Russia and Afghanistan, including a tragic incident at a Moscow concert hall in March 2024 that claimed 145 lives.

    Other nations, while fostering relations with the Taliban, have yet to formally recognize their government. Kazakhstan recently removed the Taliban from its terrorist list, and in 2023, China became the first nation to appoint a new ambassador to Kabul, further developing economic ties with the Taliban’s new leadership.

  • Afghanistan Faces Most Lethal Day of Public Executions Yet

    Afghanistan Faces Most Lethal Day of Public Executions Yet

    Public Executions Return to Afghanistan Under the Taliban

    On Friday, Afghanistan saw its highest number of public executions in a single day since the Taliban regained control. Four men were executed, a stark reminder of the regime’s strict interpretation of law and order.

    The executions took place at sports stadiums across three provinces, raising the total number of public executions since the Taliban resumed power in 2021 to ten, according to an AFP count.

    During their first rule between 1996 and 2001, the Taliban frequently conducted public executions in stadiums, and this practice is reemerging under their current governance. Witnesses reported that two men were shot multiple times by male relatives of their victims in front of a crowd in Qala-i-Naw, located in Badghis province. "They were made to sit with their backs turned to us, and the victim’s relatives stood behind them and fired," described Mohammad Iqbal Rahimyar, a 48-year-old attendee.

    The Supreme Court stated that the men had received "retaliatory punishment" following thorough reviews of their cases for murdering others. The families of the victims opted not to exercise leniency, underscoring the grim nature of the punishment. One onlooker, a 35-year-old named Zabihullah, expressed his views outside the stadium, saying, "If the victim’s family had chosen to forgive, it would have been better. But if not, it’s God’s will, and it must be enforced."

    Invitations to attend the executions were circulated in official announcements on Thursday. The Supreme Court confirmed that a third man was executed in Zaranj, Nimroz province, and another in Farah city.

    "This demonstrates the strength and political stance of the Islamic Emirate, and I find that encouraging," stated Javid, a 30-year-old spectator, referencing the Taliban’s official name. Amnesty International has condemned the Taliban’s use of public executions, labeling it a "blatant violation of human dignity."

    Retaliatory Justice

    The last execution prior to this event occurred in November 2024, when a convicted murderer was shot in front of thousands, including high-ranking Taliban officials, in Gardez, the capital of Paktia province. Under the Taliban’s regime, corporal punishments, particularly flogging, have been routinely enforced for various offenses, including theft and adultery.

    All orders for executions are sanctioned by the Taliban’s hidden Supreme Leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, who resides in Kandahar. In 2022, he mandated that judges strictly enforce the Taliban’s interpretation of Islamic law, which incorporates "eye-for-an-eye" consequences, allowing for capital punishment in murder cases.

    Law and order are foundational to the Taliban’s ideology, stemming from a civil war that erupted following the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989. A chilling moment from their earlier reign exemplifies their brutal enforcement of law—a 1999 incident where a woman, accused of killing her husband, was executed in a Kabul stadium while clad in a burqa.

    Both the United Nations and various human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International, have condemned the Taliban’s implementation of corporal punishment and capital punishment. Amnesty’s reports indicate that Afghanistan remains among the countries where death sentences are issued without adherence to international fair trial standards. In 2024, 1,518 executions were documented globally, excluding the thousands believed to have occurred in China, the leading executor of capital punishment in the world, according to Amnesty’s annual report.

  • Russian Supreme Court to Review Taliban Ban Suspension

    Russian Supreme Court to Review Taliban Ban Suspension

    Members of the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, gathered for a session in Moscow, Russia on December 10, 2024. —Reuters

    Next month, Russia’s Supreme Court is expected to decide whether to lift the Taliban’s designation as a prohibited “terrorist” organization, according to reports from Russian news agencies on Monday.

    Since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan following the chaotic U.S. withdrawal in 2021, Moscow has sought to strengthen ties with their regime.

    The Supreme Court is scheduled to address the Taliban’s status on April 17, as reported by the TASS news agency and confirmed by the court’s press service.

    This private hearing could potentially lead to the removal of the Taliban from the banned list, following a formal request from the Prosecutor General’s Office.

    In December, President Vladimir Putin enacted a law that opened the pathway for the Taliban’s removal from the list of banned organizations.

    The legislation allows the court to act on the Prosecutor General’s assertion that the group has discontinued its “terrorist” activities. After a ruling, Russia’s FSB security service can proceed to remove the group’s designation.

    However, this action would not constitute official recognition of the Taliban government or what they refer to as the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan,” which has yet to be acknowledged by any other nation.

    Since the U.S. withdrawal, Moscow has been improving its relationship with Afghanistan—a country with which it has a complicated history dating back to the Soviet invasion in the 1980s.

    Before the U.S. exit, members of the Taliban had already visited Russia at the Kremlin’s invitation for discussions regarding Afghanistan, despite the existing ban placed on the group in 2003.

    Putin characterized the Taliban as “allies” in the fight against terrorism, given their control over Afghanistan and shared interests in maintaining stability in the region.

    For years, the Taliban has been engaged in conflict with the Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K), a rival jihadist group in Afghanistan.

    In 2024, IS-K claimed responsibility for a tragic attack on a concert hall in Moscow that resulted in over 140 fatalities, marking the deadliest terrorist incident in Russia in nearly two decades.

  • Taliban Claims US Revoked $10M Bounty on Sirajuddin Haqqani

    Taliban Claims US Revoked $10M Bounty on Sirajuddin Haqqani

    Taliban leader Sirajuddin Haqqani delivers a speech at a ceremony in Kabul on March 5, 2022. — AFP

    • The State Department has not provided immediate comments.
    • The Taliban recently freed an American citizen.
    • A U.S. official had “direct discussions” with the Taliban last week.

    KABUL: The United States has rescinded a $10 million reward for information that could lead to the capture of Sirajuddin Haqqani, a prominent leader of the Taliban, according to a spokesperson from Afghanistan’s interior ministry.

    The U.S. State Department did not respond right away to requests for a statement. However, the FBI continues to display the reward on its website, asserting that Sirajuddin is “believed to have coordinated and participated in cross-border attacks against American and coalition forces in Afghanistan.”

    This action follows the Taliban’s release of an American citizen who had been held in Afghanistan for more than two years. This development occurred on Thursday, subsequent to direct discussions between U.S. hostage negotiator Adam Boehler and Taliban representatives in Kabul, as reported by an informed source.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on Thursday that Glezmann had been released.

    This meeting in Kabul represents the highest-level direct engagement between the United States and the Taliban since Donald Trump assumed the presidency in January.

    Boehler engaged with the Taliban’s foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, as noted in a statement from the Afghan foreign ministry.

    “During this discussion, topics included the bilateral relations between Afghanistan and the U.S., prisoner releases, and consular services for Afghans residing in the United States,” stated the release.

    The Haqqani Network is categorized as a terrorist organization by the U.S. due to its involvement in numerous attacks on both foreign and Afghan forces throughout the two-decade war in Afghanistan.

    Furthermore, the FBI has sought Sirajuddin for questioning and initially offered a $10 million reward for intel leading to his capture.

    Sirajuddin is the offspring of Jalauddin Haqqani, a Mujahideen leader who resisted Soviet forces in the 1980s and later allied with the Taliban, serving as a minister in their prior regime.

  • Taliban Releases American Glezmann, Heading Back to U.S.

    Taliban Releases American Glezmann, Heading Back to U.S.

    US hostage envoy Adam Boehler (fourth from left) and former US Ambassador to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad (third from left) meeting with Taliban officials. — Afghan foreign ministry

    • George Glezmann was detained in 2022 while visiting Kabul as a tourist.
    • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirms the release.
    • This event marks the highest-level discussions between the US and the Taliban.

    DOHA/KABUL: On Thursday, the Taliban released an American citizen who had been detained in Afghanistan for over two years after direct negotiations between US hostage envoy Adam Boehler and Taliban representatives in Kabul, according to a source familiar with the release reporting to Reuters.

    George Glezmann, who was apprehended in 2022 while traveling in Kabul as a tourist, departed Afghanistan on a Qatari flight headed for Qatar on Thursday evening. Both Glezmann and Boehler are expected to continue their journey to the United States from there.

    US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement on Thursday acknowledging Glezmann’s release.

    The meeting in Kabul represented the highest-level direct conversations between the United States and the Taliban since former President Donald Trump took office in January.

    During the meeting, Boehler engaged with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s foreign minister, as confirmed by a statement from the Afghan foreign ministry.

    “The discussions covered Afghanistan-US relations, prisoner releases, and consular services for Afghans residing in the United States,” the statement noted.

    Former US Special Representative to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad also participated in the talks.

    Qatar has played a crucial role in representing US diplomatic interests in Taliban-led Afghanistan and facilitated negotiations for Glezmann’s release with Taliban officials, according to the source.

    “After weeks of discussions, a significant advancement was achieved by the Qataris in their recent meetings with the Taliban,” the source stated under the condition of anonymity.

    ‘Goodwill Gesture’

    The release of Glezmann was described by the Taliban as a “goodwill gesture” and not linked to any agreement regarding the release of Afghan detainees held by the US, according to the source.

    In January, the US released an Afghan national convicted in American courts for drug smuggling and terrorism in exchange for two American detainees in Afghanistan, an arrangement that also involved Qatari negotiations.

    A third American, Mahmood Habibi, is believed to still be in custody in Afghanistan.

    The Qatari foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment at this time.

    ‘High-level Diplomacy’

    Glezmann’s release is the second notable recovery of a US citizen abroad facilitated through Boehler’s diplomatic work recently.

    Boehler was also instrumental in negotiating the release of American schoolteacher Marc Fogel from Russia last month.

    Working as a mechanic for Delta Airlines in Atlanta, Glezmann was visiting Kabul when he was detained by the Taliban in December 2022, according to the Foley Foundation, which tracks cases of Americans held abroad.

    The foundation reported that Glezmann had intermittent phone communication with his wife since his detention and that his health had declined while in captivity.