Latest News
NATO to keep staying in Afghanistan after 2017
The NATO alliance agreed on Wednesday to hold onto its broad geographic layout of bases in Afghanistan, a move that could make it easier for the United States to keep more troops there as Kabul struggles with a resurgent Taliban threat.
President Barack Obama has planned to slash the number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan from about 9,800 to 5,500 before he leaves office in 2017, despite calls from former commanders and envoys to halt the drawdown.
British Defense Secretary Michael Fallon said “Carter told us the troop numbers and the dispositions are being looked at again.”
Carters’ comments came as NATO allies agreed to extend the Afghanistan training mission and keep troops in all four sections of the country in 2017.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the allies “will have what we call a flexible regional approach, meaning that we will continue to be of course in Kabul but also out in the different regions.”
The alliance also is “now working on the final decisions for our exact force numbers into 2017. So that’s something we will decide later on this year,” Stoltenberg said.
• Taliban names a new leader, and it’s not good news
• U.S. troops caught in Afghan fire fight evacuated
• Elite U.S. troops help save high-profile hostage from Taliban
NATO’s so-called hub-and-spoke model for troops training and advising Afghan forces extends well beyond the capital Kabul to allow an international military presence at regional hubs. But NATO policymakers had been examining whether it was possible to keep those posts open, even as force levels fall.
Obama granted U.S. forces in Afghanistan the ability to engage more with the resurgent Taliban last week, allowing them to now accompany conventional Afghan forces into the field, rather than only special operators, and proactively provide close air support to strike Taliban targets.
The White House said that the broader military authorities will not influence the drawdown plan.
Defense ministers of the 28 nations comprising NATO are set to meet to continue to the conversation and make final decisions on their presence in Afghanistan in Warsaw in early July.
Latest News
Afghan community in California condemns Pakistani strikes amid growing global protests
The gathering in California follows a series of protests held last week by Afghan communities in Europe, highlighting growing concern among the diaspora over the deteriorating security situation.
Members of the Afghan diaspora in the United States have joined a widening wave of international condemnation over recent Pakistani military strikes on Afghan territory, as tensions along the disputed Durand Line continue to escalate.
A group of Afghan citizens in Sacramento gathered this week to denounce the attacks, describing them as a violation of sovereignty and a threat to civilian lives. Participants issued a formal resolution calling on the international community to investigate the strikes and hold those responsible accountable.
Speakers at the event warned that continued military action risks deepening instability in the region, urging global leaders to take the situation seriously and push for measures to prevent further escalation.
The gathering in California follows a series of protests held last week by Afghan communities in Europe, highlighting growing concern among the diaspora over the deteriorating security situation.
In London, hundreds of demonstrators marched through central streets, chanting slogans against the strikes and calling for urgent international intervention.
Protesters pointed to rising civilian casualties in eastern Afghanistan and warned that repeated shelling along the Durand Line could further destabilize already fragile local communities.
Meanwhile, in Oslo, members of the Afghan community gathered outside the Norwegian Parliament to voice similar concerns. Organizers said a formal resolution was submitted to national authorities, as well as to the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, urging immediate steps to halt the violence and ensure civilian protection.
The demonstrations come amid renewed tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where cross-Durand Line clashes and artillery exchanges have periodically flared. Analysts warn that without sustained diplomatic engagement, the situation risks escalating into a broader security crisis with far-reaching regional implications.
International Sports
IPL 2026: Lucknow hold nerve in final over to defeat Sunrisers
The match went down to the wire, with Sunriser’s bowlers applying pressure in the death overs through tight lines and clever variations.
Lucknow Super Giants edged out Sunrisers Hyderabad in a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter on Sunday, completing a tense run chase in the final over to register a crucial early-season win.
Batting first, Sunrisers posted a competitive total built around a fluent innings from Heinrich Klaasen, who once again demonstrated his ability to accelerate in the middle overs. He found support from the top order, helping the hosts set what looked like a defendable target on a surface offering some assistance to bowlers.
In response, Lucknow’s chase was steady rather than explosive. Early wickets threatened to derail their innings, but captain Rishabh Pant played a composed and calculated knock, anchoring the innings while rotating strike effectively.
Nicholas Pooran provided a late surge with some aggressive hitting, shifting momentum back in Lucknow’s favour.
The match went down to the wire, with Sunriser’s bowlers applying pressure in the death overs through tight lines and clever variations. However, Lucknow kept their composure, finding the boundaries when needed to cross the line with just one delivery remaining.
The win gives Lucknow Super Giants valuable momentum in the opening phase of the tournament, while Sunrisers Hyderabad will take positives from their batting performance but look to tighten their execution at the death.
Focus now moves to Monday’s fixture which sees Kolkata Knight Riders face Punjab Kings in what is expected to be a high-tempo contest.
Kolkata’s strength lies in their all-round depth, with power hitters and a varied bowling attack capable of adapting to different conditions. Punjab Kings, on the other hand, will be banking on their explosive top order and improved bowling unit to deliver a more complete performance.
Both teams are still shaping their combinations, making this an important match for building rhythm and consistency as the league stage progresses.
Fans across Afghanistan can follow every moment of the IPL live on Ariana Television Network, which holds exclusive broadcast rights for the tournament.
Viewers are also encouraged to stay connected via the social media platforms of Ariana Television and Ariana News for updated match schedules, live coverage details, highlights, and breaking IPL news throughout the season.
Latest News
IEA supreme leader orders replacement of foreign terminology in official documents
-
Latest News5 days agoBaradar approves 17 projects worth over one billion AFN
-
Business3 days agoTripartite agreement to launch new Russia–Turkmenistan–Afghanistan transit corridor
-
Latest News5 days agoAfghan delegation heads to China for talks with Pakistan
-
Latest News3 days agoChina says Afghanistan–Pakistan peace talks show progress
-
Sport5 days agoIraq seal final spot as FIFA World Cup 2026 line-up confirmed
-
Latest News4 days agoAfghanistan–Pakistan talks begin in China amid hopes for easing tensions
-
Latest News5 days ago19 Afghan migrants killed as boat capsizes off Turkish coast
-
Business2 days agoKazakhstan eyes rare metals mining projects in Afghanistan and Rwanda

