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Democrats urge Rubio to rescue a refugee program he once supported
But the Democrats say this kind of assistance to refugees does not qualify as “foreign development assistance,” since it helps people in the United States rather than abroad.
Congressional Democrats are appealing to Marco Rubio to restart refugee resettlement services — something the new Secretary of State supported as a Republican senator from Florida — after the Trump administration issued stop work orders to halt programs, Politico reported.
In a letter, a group of lawmakers urged their former colleague to use his leverage to undo the pause on Reception and Placement services, which help refugees rebuild in the U.S, the newspaper reported.
On the first day of his administration, President Donald Trump moved to suspend the entire U.S. Refugee Admissions Program until further notice and issued a pause on “foreign development assistance.”
But the Democrats say this kind of assistance to refugees does not qualify as “foreign development assistance,” since it helps people in the United States rather than abroad.
They also cite the 32,000 refugees that relocated to the U.S. through the Refugee Admissions Program in fiscal year 2025 — a number of whom are still eligible for assistance through the R&P program — in addition to the many Afghan nationals now in the country who aided U.S. efforts in Afghanistan and are now also eligible for help.
“The stop work orders undermine legal obligations that the Department has entered into through its contracts with U.S.-based and intergovernmental organizations, increasing new arrivals’ vulnerability to homelessness and food insecurity at a time when they still have no lifeline for support,” the members wrote.
Signers of the letter are the top Democrats on the House and Senate Judiciary Committee — Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, respectively — alongside the ranking members of each panel’s immigration subcommittee — Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington and Sen. Alex Padilla of California.
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Afghanistan’s defense ministry unveils new military uniforms for armed forces
Speaking at the ceremony, Qari Fasihuddin said the uniform is designed to reinforce order, discipline, and a shared sense of purpose within the ranks.
The Ministry of National Defense of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan officially unveiled a new uniform for the country’s armed forces on Monday.
The new attire, selected for commandos, border police, and the Afghan National Army, was introduced during a special ceremony held at the Ministry’s headquarters.
The event was attended by the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Qari Mohammad Fasihuddin Fitrat, senior ministry officials, and commanders of central units. Officials emphasized that the new uniform represents discipline, cohesion, and a unified identity among all personnel.
Speaking at the ceremony, Qari Fasihuddin said the uniform is designed to reinforce order, discipline, and a shared sense of purpose within the ranks.
“This new uniform symbolizes unity and solidarity of our armed forces,” he said. “All those joining the ranks must see defending the country as their primary responsibility and commitment.”
Meanwhile, Enayatullah “Khowarzmi,” Head of Strategic Information and Publications at the Ministry, highlighted the importance of professionalism and ethical conduct.
He said; “Every soldier must have strong willpower, high moral standards, and strict adherence to military principles. Forces must remain resolute against enemies while serving the people with integrity and responsibility.”
According to ministry officials, the introduction of the new uniform is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cohesion, discipline, and a unified identity among Afghanistan’s defense forces.
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Tashkent and Kabul discuss strengthening strategic partnership
The discussions come amid continued efforts by neighboring countries to maintain pragmatic engagement with Kabul despite ongoing political and economic challenges.
A senior Uzbek official has held talks in Kabul aimed at deepening political, economic and regional cooperation between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, as both sides seek to translate long-term strategic goals into practical outcomes.
Javlon Vakhabov, Deputy Adviser to the President of Uzbekistan, met with Abdulhai Qanet, Head of the Strategic Studies Center at Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation and advance joint agendas under the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan partnership.
In a post on X, Vakhabov said the two sides also explored initiatives to raise public awareness of developments in both countries and across the wider region, highlighting the importance of communication and public engagement alongside diplomatic efforts.
Uzbekistan has in recent years positioned itself as an active regional partner on Afghanistan, advocating dialogue, economic cooperation, and connectivity as key tools for promoting stability. Tashkent has supported regional infrastructure and trade initiatives aimed at linking Central and South Asia, while stressing that economic engagement can contribute to long-term security.
Vakhabov added that both sides are keen to turn long-term strategic objectives into concrete initiatives, with a focus on strengthening regional stability, collaboration, and shared interests.
The discussions come amid continued efforts by neighboring countries to maintain pragmatic engagement with Kabul despite ongoing political and economic challenges.
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105 Afghan detainees released from Pakistani prisons and repatriated
The consulate said the released Afghans were transferred back to Afghanistan via the Chaman–Spin Boldak crossing.
The Consulate of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in Karachi has announced the release and repatriation of 105 Afghan nationals from prisons in Pakistan.
According to a statement issued by the consulate, the freed individuals include two women and ten children. They had been detained around one month ago while traveling through Pakistan’s Sindh and Balochistan provinces.
The consulate said the released Afghans were transferred back to Afghanistan via the Chaman–Spin Boldak crossing.
Officials noted that this is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts, adding that in recent months hundreds of Afghan citizens held in detention in various countries have been released and returned home following negotiations by Afghan diplomatic missions.
The consulate reaffirmed its commitment to continuing efforts aimed at protecting the rights of Afghan nationals abroad and facilitating their safe return to the country.
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