Latest News
Washington signals policy shift on Afghanistan during UN Security Council session
However, other Council members urged caution in dealing with the Islamic Emirate.
The United Nations Security Council held a special session this week to assess the situation in Afghanistan, with international stakeholders offering sharply contrasting views on engagement with the Islamic Emirate-led administration.
The meeting comes amid growing concern over humanitarian conditions, the erosion of women’s rights, and the international community’s fractured approach to the future of the country.
Roza Otunbayeva, head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), presented the UN’s newly formalized “Mosaic Strategy,” aimed at focused engagement without legitimizing the current political order.
“The goal of this focused engagement is to support the emergence of an Afghanistan that lives in peace with itself and its neighbors, adheres to international obligations, reintegrates into the global community, and avoids a return to cycles of violence,” Otunbayeva told the Security Council.
She warned that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s (IEA) continued ban on girls’ education threatens to deepen Afghanistan’s international isolation. “Policies that restrict the rights of women and girls represent a major obstacle to Afghanistan’s reintegration into the international system,” she said.
Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, echoed those concerns, stating that women’s full participation is essential to achieving lasting peace and legitimacy.
“Without full and active inclusion of women, no sustainable stability or real progress can be achieved in political or humanitarian efforts,” she noted.
Amid this backdrop, U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea confirmed that Washington is reassessing its policy on Afghanistan.
“Nearly four years have passed since the Taliban (IEA) took control, yet the situation remains dire,” she said.
Shea emphasized that the Trump administration’s renewed strategy will center on securing U.S. interests, including the protection of American citizens, the mitigation of terrorism threats, and the release of detained Americans.
“Our approach to assistance has not been sustainable and has failed to yield the intended results,” Shea stated. “It is now time for the Taliban to perform.”
Her remarks signaled a shift toward more conditional, outcome-based engagement and away from open-ended commitments.
However, other Council members urged caution in dealing with the Islamic Emirate.
China’s envoy Geng Shuang called for a more pragmatic approach, warning against politicizing humanitarian aid and cautioning that women’s rights should not be the sole barometer of international engagement.
“We must respect Afghanistan’s traditions and realities,” Geng said, “and avoid imposing excessively strict demands.”
Qatar’s representative announced plans to host two key working group meetings under the Doha Process from June 30 to July 1. These sessions—on counter-narcotics and private sector development—will include representatives of the IEA, suggesting an ongoing track of technical engagement even amid diplomatic caution.
The Council session laid bare the growing divisions over how best to handle Afghanistan’s future: whether to isolate the IEA-led government over human rights violations, or to engage pragmatically to maintain stability and prevent a humanitarian collapse.
Latest News
Ambassador Ugolini reaffirms Italy’s humanitarian commitment to Afghanistan
Speaking at the meeting, Ugolini confirmed Italy’s continued role as a donor country, with a focus on addressing basic needs and supporting livelihoods across Afghanistan.
Italy has reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian support in Afghanistan during a high-level coordination meeting in Istanbul.
Ambassador Sabrina Ugolini represented Italy at the Afghanistan Coordination Group meeting, co-organised by the European Union, the United Nations, and the World Bank.
Speaking at the meeting, Ugolini confirmed Italy’s continued role as a donor country, with a focus on addressing basic needs and supporting livelihoods across Afghanistan.
She highlighted the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s renewed priorities, including the empowerment of women, education, refugee support, healthcare, and demining efforts.
Together with Francesco Zatta, Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) office in Islamabad, the ambassador also underscored the importance of preserving Afghanistan’s cultural heritage. They noted that safeguarding heritage sites can contribute to job creation and economic growth, forming part of Italy’s broader principles-based approach to development assistance.
Latest News
Leadership reshuffle announced across Afghanistan’s admin and security sectors
Officials say the reshuffle is part of ongoing efforts to streamline governance, improve coordination between institutions, and strengthen security management across the country.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, has announced a wide-ranging set of leadership appointments following a decree from the IEA’s senior leadership.
Under the changes, Abdul Ahad Fazli, former governor of Faryab, has been appointed Minister of Communications and Information Technology. Mohammad Hanif Hamza will take over as governor of Faryab, while Abdulrahman Haqqani has been named governor of Khost and Abdullah Mukhtar as governor of Baghlan.
Further appointments include Mohammad Wali Jan as governor of Badghis and Makhdum Abdul Salam Saadat as Deputy Minister for Coordination of Islamic Affairs at the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs.
In the security sector, Abdul Qayum Hilal has been appointed police chief of Baghlan, Abdul Haq as police chief of Maidan Wardak, Mohammad Omar Mukhlis as police chief of Nimroz, and Faridullah Qiyam as police chief of Logar.
At the provincial deputy level, Enamullah Salahuddin (Logar), Mohammad Anwar (Paktia), Abdul Zahir Mudassir (Maidan Wardak), Mohammad Nabi Hamas (Baghlan), Rahimullah Mahmood (Helmand), and Mohammad Gul Khaybar (Farah) have been appointed. Qazi Noorullah has been named deputy governor of Paktika.
In additional postings, Mohammad Humayun Jahadyar has been assigned as commander of the 3rd Infantry Brigade of the 203rd Mansouri Corps, while Agha Wali Hanafi will oversee detention facilities within the General Directorate of Prisons.
Officials say the reshuffle is part of ongoing efforts to streamline governance, improve coordination between institutions, and strengthen security management across the country.
International Sports
Gujarat Titans win thriller as IPL double-header delivers drama
Earlier Sunday, Kolkata Knight Riders beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets to stay in playoff contention.
Sunday’s IPL 2026 double-header delivered high drama, headlined by a four-wicket win for Gujarat Titans over Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
After choosing to bowl, skipper Shubman Gill saw Mohammed Siraj strike twice in the opening over to leave Punjab 2 for 2. Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder (4 wickets) kept the pressure on, reducing them to 47 for 5.
A counterattack from Suryansh Shedge (57) and Marcus Stoinis (40) lifted Punjab to 163 for 9.
In reply, Sai Sudharsan anchored the chase with 57, supported by Jos Buttler (26). Late wickets from Arshdeep Singh kept it tight, but Washington Sundar struck 40 off 23 to seal victory with one ball remaining.
Earlier Sunday, Kolkata Knight Riders beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets to stay in playoff contention.
SRH, led by Pat Cummins, looked set for a big total as Travis Head (61) and Ishan Kishan (42) powered them to 105 for 1. But Varun Chakaravarthy (3/36) and Sunil Narine (2/31) triggered a collapse to 165 all out.
KKR chased comfortably, with Ajinkya Rahane (43) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (59) leading the way before Rinku Singh finished the job.
The win keeps Kolkata alive in the playoff race, while Sunrisers remain well placed despite the defeat.
Focus now moves to Monday’s match where Mumbai Indians will face Lucknow Super Giants in another key clash.
All matches are being broadcast live across Afghanistan on Ariana Television.
Ambassador Ugolini reaffirms Italy’s humanitarian commitment to Afghanistan
Leadership reshuffle announced across Afghanistan’s admin and security sectors
Afghanistan set for Maldives four-nation tournament
Kazakhstan grain exports to Afghanistan jump sharply
Three dead in suspected hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship
IEA supreme leader orders replacement of foreign terminology in official documents
Afghanistan hosts inaugural Afghanistan–Central Asia Consultative Dialogue to strengthen regional cooperation
Bayat Power extends gas supply deal with Afghan Gas
Etihad Airways to expand Kabul–Abu Dhabi flights to daily service amid surging demand
Afghanistan’s new cricket head coach Richard Pybus arrives in Kabul
Tahawol: Efforts for US-Iran agreement
Saar: World Press Freedom Day
Tahawol: Trump’s ongoing contradictory statements on Iran discussed
Saar: Strong criticism of Pakistani army discussed
Documentary on Treasure of the Soil
-
Latest News2 days agoGermany to launch online visa system for Afghan study and work applicants in Pakistan
-
Business4 days agoAfghanistan and Shanghai Chambers sign trade and investment cooperation agreement
-
Sport5 days agoAfghan women’s refugee team cleared to compete in FIFA competitions
-
World4 days agoUS war in Iran has cost $25 billion so far, says Pentagon official
-
Latest News4 days agoKarzai warns continued ban on girls’ education will deepen Afghanistan’s foreign dependence
-
World3 days agoUS judge rejects Trump administration’s halt on immigration applications
-
International Sports4 days agoIranian officials miss FIFA pre-World Cup meeting after Canada airport dispute
-
Latest News4 days agoVirginia jury convicts Afghan man linked to 2021 Kabul airport attack