Hasht-e SubhUN Security Council Extends UNAMA Mission in Afghanistan for Three Months
The UN Security Council extended the UNAMA mission in Afghanistan for three months until 27 Jowza 1405, a shorter term than usual following a US request for review. The decision comes amid a severe humanitarian crisis affecting 17.5 million people, with aid funding far short of needs.
ReliableIndia Condemns Pakistan's Airstrikes on Afghanistan Amid Taliban Claims of Killing Pakistani Soldiers
India condemned Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghanistan that killed civilians, while the Taliban claimed its forces killed 14 Pakistani soldiers and wounded 11 in border clashes in Kunar and Nangarhar. Pakistan dismissed Taliban casualty figures and condemned their drone attacks.
ReliableJamestown Foundation Research Indicates ISIS Expanding Influence in Azerbaijan
Jamestown Foundation research reveals ISIS expanding influence in Azerbaijan following police arrests of three individuals plotting an attack on the Israeli embassy in Baku under orders from ISIS-Khorasan in Afghanistan. The report links subsequent ISIS attacks in Islamabad and Kabul to the arrests, amid jihadist concerns in Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan.
ReliableFormer Afghan Security Chief Alleges Regional Actors Seek to Shift Conflicts into Pakistani Territory
Rahmatullah Nabil, former Afghan National Security head, alleged on X that regional actors including Iran, India, and Russia seek to shift conflicts from the Durand Line into Pakistan amid ISIS-K activities in areas like Mastung Balochistan. He claimed Islamabad uses such networks to pressure the Taliban and as leverage with the US, while the Taliban may acquire unmarked drones in response.
ReliableMacron offers to host direct ceasefire talks between Israel and Lebanon in Paris
French President Emmanuel Macron proposed hosting direct ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Lebanon in Paris to avert escalation and prevent chaos in Lebanon. He called on Hezbollah to halt attacks and urged Israel to cooperate, amid ongoing border clashes.
DevelopingRole of Social Networks in Spreading Ethnicism in Afghanistan
Social media platforms in Afghanistan have amplified ethnic divisions amid Taliban restrictions on public discourse, with political debates frequently turning into ethnic rivalries. Discussions on issues like federalism reveal deep divides, rooted in historical political failures and supremacist attitudes.
DevelopingFemale Teachers in Jawzjan Report Job Suspensions and Replacements by Taliban Affiliates
Female teachers at a high school in Jawzjan province allege Taliban suspensions, replacements by affiliates, remote transfers, and ethnic discrimination forcing resignations. Sources highlight economic pressures undermining the education system.
DevelopingDurand Line Not Sole Cause of Afghanistan-Pakistan Tensions
Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan involve more than the disputed Durand Line, encompassing security concerns, geopolitical rivalries with India, transit routes and economic ties, according to an analysis.
UnverifiedHasht-e Subh Analyzes Iran's Isolation Following UN Security Council Session
Hasht-e Subh argues that a recent UN Security Council resolution reveals Iran's profound international isolation, with even allies China and Russia abstaining. The piece attributes this to Iran's anti-Western stance, enmity with Israel, and lack of reliable partners.
ReliableTrump says US conducted powerful bombing of Iranian military targets in Bushehr
U.S. President Donald Trump claimed U.S. forces bombed military targets in Iran's Bushehr province and warned against disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. He urged Iranian forces to surrender amid vows that Iran will never acquire nuclear weapons.
ReliableUN Security Council to vote on draft resolution extending UNAMA mission
The UN Security Council is scheduled to vote on March 16 on a draft resolution for a three-month extension of the UNAMA mission until June 17, 2026, amid negotiations complicated by the US push for a review of the costly mandate.
ReliablePrices of potatoes and Roman eggplant surge in Kabul markets
Kabul residents report sharp increases in potato and Roman eggplant prices during Ramadan, straining low-income families amid closed trade routes and reduced imports. Locals call for price controls on staples from Pakistan and Iran.
ReliableFrench President Macron: No Justification for Attack on French Forces
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned a drone attack on a French base in northern Iraq that killed one officer and wounded six soldiers, calling it unacceptable and vowing a full investigation. A group linked to Iran claimed responsibility.
ReliableGerman Chancellor Merz says US lacks clear strategy to end war with Iran
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the US for lacking a clear strategy to end its war with Iran, urging diplomacy over military involvement in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions and tanker incidents.
ReliableUS Offers Up to $10 Million Reward for Information on Mojtaba Khamenei and Senior Iranian Officials
The U.S. State Department is offering up to $10 million through its Rewards for Justice program for information on Mojtaba Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials associated with the IRGC. The list includes named figures such as Ali Larijani and Yahya Rahim Safavi, along with unspecified high-level positions.
ReliablePakistani Airstrikes Kill at Least Four Civilians in Kabul, Afghan Officials Say
Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan provinces including Kabul killed at least four civilians and wounded others, according to Taliban officials and UNAMA, prompting condemnations from former President Karzai and vows of response from the Islamic Emirate. Afghan forces reportedly struck back at Pakistani military targets in Kohat.
ReliableTrump Claims Iran Near Surrender in Call with G7 Leaders
U.S. President Donald Trump told G7 leaders Iran was near surrender, per Axios, while G7 urged a quick end to the conflict and securing the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's new leader vowed to continue fighting, amid reports of a U.S. aircraft downed in Iraq.
ReliablePakistan Confirms Contacts with China to Reduce Tensions with Afghanistan
Pakistan is engaging China to de-escalate tensions with Afghanistan amid mutual airstrikes causing civilian casualties, as reported by UNAMA, while Afghan forces claim successful retaliation and the Islamic Emirate condemns the attacks.
DevelopingIran Warns of Crushing Response to Attacks on Energy Infrastructure
An Iranian military official warned via TASS that any attack on Iran's energy infrastructure would trigger a severe response, including strikes on key Middle Eastern oil and gas sites vital to the US and its allies.
ReliableCanadian Prime Minister Carney Announces $35 Billion Plan to Strengthen Arctic Defenses
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a 35 billion Canadian dollar plan to enhance Arctic defenses, emphasizing independence from U.S. reliance amid climate-driven opportunities. The program includes investments in military infrastructure and transportation links.
ReliableUNAMA Deputy Warns of Escalating Taliban-Pakistan Conflicts Continuing After Eid
UNAMA deputy Georgette Gagnon warned of escalating Taliban-Pakistan tensions persisting post-Eid, urging restraint and ceasefire while highlighting displacement in six Afghan provinces and aid disruptions. She linked broader crises, including Middle East war impacts, to worsening Afghanistan's isolation and stability risks.
ReliableUS and Allies Disagree with Russia and China at UN over Iran's Nuclear Program
Disagreements emerged at the UN Security Council between the US and its allies with Russia and China over Iran's nuclear program and related sanctions. Named diplomats exchanged pointed statements on intentions, diplomacy, and enforcement.
ReliableUN counter-terrorism rapporteur warns world has entered 'new dark age of abuses'
A UN Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism warned of a 'new dark age of abuses' justified by anti-terrorism rhetoric, criticizing recent UN resolutions and past U.S. interventions including in Afghanistan.
DevelopingHerat Residents Complain of Prolonged Power Outages
Residents in Herat and other Afghan provinces are facing prolonged power outages exceeding two days, disrupting water supply, daily needs during Ramadan, and businesses ahead of Eid.
ReliableIOM Transit Center in Torkham Damaged by Ongoing Border Attacks
The International Organization for Migration's transit center in Torkham has sustained serious damage from ongoing border clashes between Taliban and Pakistan, prompting calls for protection of humanitarian facilities. UN agencies report dozens of civilian casualties and thousands of families displaced.
ReliableUNICEF: Nearly Half of Afghanistan's Population Needs Humanitarian Assistance
UNICEF reports that nearly half of Afghanistan's population, or 21.9 million people including 11.6 million children, will need humanitarian aid in 2026 amid nutritional and health risks.
ReliableIranian Foreign Minister Araqchi Criticizes UNESCO's Silence on Bombing of Historical Sites
Iran's Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi condemned UNESCO for not responding to Israel's alleged bombing of Iranian historical sites, including UNESCO-listed monuments. He made the remarks on X amid escalating tensions.
UnverifiedHasht-e Subh Analyzes Trump's Approach to US-Israel Conflict with Iran
Hasht-e Subh commentary highlights the implications of a US-Israel war with Iran for Afghan migrants and regime parallels, criticizing Trump's inconsistent strategy and historical US failures in the region.
ReliableUN's Guterres: Hunger Blocks Children's Path to Education
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that hunger blocking children's education means "we all lose," stressing school meals as lifesaving amid crises like Afghanistan's child malnutrition epidemic reported by UNICEF.
ReliableChina Urges End to Fighting in Iran, De-escalation Between Afghanistan and Pakistan
China's foreign minister called for halting military actions in Iran and reducing Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions amid reports of deadly cross-border shelling. Herat officials sought greater UN procurement of local goods, while China plans border outposts on the Tajik-Afghan frontier.