Afghanistan
What is Pakistan's army chief doing in Iran as tensions with US escalate? - analysis
The visit comes as the US appears to be considering new strikes on Iran. Israel is also on edge as elections approach. There are many factors at play.
Military execution of Foot Hood gunman will not be livestreamed, Trump says
Retired US military officers urge government to cancel livestream of Fort Hood shooter's execution
Middle East economy to shrink 2.1% in 2026, Gulf economies by 4.3%, World Bank forecasts
Powerful bomb explodes near train in Pakistan's Quetta, killing at least 24
The attack, which killed at least 24 people and injured more than 70, was the latest in a series of major strikes on infrastructure in the Pakistani province that borders Iran and Afghanistan.
Russia says it's establishing 'full-fledged partnership' with Afghan Taliban
Russia sees a need to work with Kabul as it faces a major security threat from Islamist militant groups based in a string of countries from Afghanistan to the Middle East.
Iranian regime relying on foreign militias to bolster security efforts, suppress protests - report
Iran’s government has not officially acknowledged the role of these foreign militias.
Fourteen Pakistani police officers killed in car bombing, ambush in Bannu
Three personnel have been found alive and transferred to the hospital, the officer added.
Arrest of Pakistani journalist spurs dispute over Al-Qaida allegations
Supporters of Muhammad Saad bin Riaz say the accusations do not match his work as a researcher and journalist focused on regional conflicts and information warfare.
Trump considering plan to send Afghan refugees who helped US to Congo - NYT
AfghanEvac President Shawn VanDiver criticized the move, describing it as giving the refugees a choice between "the world’s number one refugee crisis to the world’s number two refugee crisis.”
Taliban arrests senior co-founder Mullah Mutasim Agha Jan amid deepening internal rifts
Agha Jan, a close associate of the late Taliban founder Mullah Mohammad Omar, served as finance minister in the group’s first government prior to the 9/11 attacks.
Australian former soldier gets bail on Afghanistan war crime charges
Police arrested and charged Ben Roberts-Smith, 47, with five counts of war crimes last week over the murder of five unarmed Afghan civilians between 2009 and 2012.
Afghan women’s rights advocates urge Melania Trump to support girls facing Taliban restrictions
Over 100 Afghan women’s rights defenders have written to Melania Trump, urging her to help restore education and freedom to Afghan women and girls under Taliban rule.
Gas pipeline blown up in southern Pakistan by unknown assailants, says official
It suspended gas supply to several parts of the city and at least five more districts, the official said.