Taliban rule sparks global rights concerns over divorce bans and gender work limits; Moscow ties deepen with Kabul as violence flares on borders. Afghanistan: Islamic Emirate, 2021 seizure, governing Kabul.
Fighting between Afghan and Pakistani forces has intensified, with cross-border strikes and civilian casualties reported on both sides. Pakistan declared an 'open war' after Afghan retaliatory attacks, and diplomatic efforts have failed to halt the conflict. The situation remains volatile as both sides accuse each other of targeting civilians and harboring militants.
As of March 13, 2026, intense fighting continues along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border following Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory starting February 26. Both sides report heavy casualties and territorial gains amid ongoing military operations. The conflict has displaced over 115,000 people, with civilian deaths reported on both sides. International calls for restraint remain unheeded, and no ceasefire negotiations are underway.
Support for US military action against Iran remains low, with only 40% backing strikes, amid partisan divides and concerns over ground invasion and draft. Israeli support remains high, reflecting direct regional impacts. The debate over escalation continues as US public opinion shifts.
Recent weeks have seen a sharp escalation in conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with cross-border drone, mortar, and airstrikes causing civilian casualties on both sides. Despite diplomatic efforts, hostilities continue, marking the deadliest period in recent years and raising regional stability concerns.
A US-led air strike on a Kabul rehabilitation center has killed over 400 people and wounded hundreds, according to Afghan authorities. Pakistan denies targeting the site, claiming it hit military targets. The incident has escalated regional tensions and prompted calls for investigation.
Fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan has intensified since late February, with cross-border clashes and airstrikes. Afghanistan reports civilian casualties, while Pakistan denies targeting civilians. A ceasefire was briefly in place but has now expired, raising concerns of further escalation.
Recent border clashes and airstrikes have led to the deadliest conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan in months. Pakistan claims targeted military sites, while Afghanistan reports civilian casualties at a hospital hit in Kabul. Both sides accuse each other of escalation, with ongoing regional instability and civilian suffering.
Over the past three weeks, conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan has intensified, marked by cross-border clashes and airstrikes. A recent Pakistani strike on a Kabul hospital resulted in hundreds of casualties, with both sides denying targeting civilians. The situation remains volatile amid international calls for de-escalation.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, now in its third week, has disrupted shipping routes and increased costs, pushing millions into hunger. The UN warns that if the war continues through June, an additional 45 million people could face acute food insecurity, raising global hunger to record levels.
Muslim communities have been observing Eid al-Fitr this March, marking the end of Ramadan with prayers, family gatherings and traditional customs. Celebrations have been shadowed by the Iran war and heightened anti-Muslim rhetoric and immigration fears in the United States. In Indonesia, Malaysia and Egypt routine homecoming and festive practices are continuing.
Pakistan and Afghanistan are engaging in direct talks in Urumqi, facilitated by China, to address border clashes and seek a ceasefire. The discussions follow recent escalations and involve efforts to reopen borders and reduce tensions, with regional powers supporting de-escalation.
The European Commission plans to invite Taliban officials to Brussels in the near future for talks on returning migrants to Afghanistan.
As of late March 2026, Pakistan and Afghanistan have resumed military operations following a temporary ceasefire during Eid al-Fitr, brokered by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar. The conflict escalated after a Pakistani airstrike on a Kabul drug rehabilitation center killed over 400 people, which Pakistan denies, claiming it targeted militant sites. Cross-border shelling continues, with civilian casualties and displacement mounting.
Senator Mark Mullin, a former MMA fighter and current nominee for Homeland Security, faces opposition over transparency and temperament concerns. Despite bipartisan support from Senator Fetterman, Republican Rand Paul opposes him, raising questions about his suitability for the role. The Senate vote is imminent.
The 2026 World Happiness Report reveals a significant decline in life satisfaction among under-25s in Western countries, especially in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, linked to heavy social media use. Finland remains the happiest nation for the ninth year, while Costa Rica rises to fourth place. The report highlights social media's harmful effects on youth mental health, particularly among teenage girls.
The UK government announced significant reductions in aid to African and other developing countries, prioritising conflict zones like Ukraine, Sudan, and Palestine. The cuts, part of a broader shift towards multilateral funding, will see aid spending drop sharply by 2029, sparking criticism from aid groups and opposition.
Dennis Coyle, a US researcher detained in Afghanistan since January 2025, was released on humanitarian grounds for Eid. The Taliban's Supreme Court deemed his detention sufficient after a family appeal, facilitated by the UAE and Qatar, amid ongoing US concerns over wrongful detention practices.
Heavy rainfall and flooding in Yemen have caused at least 17 deaths, destroyed homes, and displaced over 1,370 families. Authorities warn of further storms impacting multiple provinces, urging international aid for shelter and essentials amid ongoing weather threats.
The US embassy in Namibia emphasizes strict adherence to visa rules, warning travelers about overstays and document fraud. Meanwhile, the UK issues broad travel warnings for multiple countries, citing safety and legal concerns. Both stories highlight increased scrutiny on international travel and visa compliance as global mobility rises.
As of April 8, 2026, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to avoid escalating their armed conflict following week-long peace talks in Urumqi, China. The talks, mediated by China, addressed core issues including terrorism and border security. Both sides committed to restoring normal relations and refraining from actions that could worsen tensions, after months of deadly cross-border fighting and economic disruption.
A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck northeastern Afghanistan's Badakhshan province on Friday, causing at least 12 deaths and injuring four. The quake was felt across Kabul, Pakistan, and India, damaging homes and affecting dozens of families. Afghanistan's frequent seismic activity often results in significant casualties and infrastructure damage.
A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan, killing 12 and injuring four. A refugee family near Kabul was among the hardest hit, with a three-year-old survivor hospitalized. The quake caused destruction across multiple provinces, with reports of collapsed homes and casualties among recent returnees from Iran and Pakistan.
Ben Roberts-Smith, a former Australian Special Air Service corporal and Victoria Cross recipient, has been charged with five counts of war crime murder related to the deaths of five unarmed Afghan civilians between 2009 and 2012. He was arrested at Sydney Airport and will appear in court on June 4. These charges follow a 2020 military report alleging unlawful killings by Australian special forces.
Afghanistan and Pakistan are engaging in negotiations in Urumqi, China, to halt escalating cross-border violence. The talks follow months of conflict, including Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan and Afghan retaliations, with international mediation efforts ongoing. The situation remains tense as both sides aim for a ceasefire.
Ben Roberts-Smith, a decorated Australian soldier, has been charged with five counts of war crimes related to the killing of civilians in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. He has not applied for bail and will remain in custody until at least June 4, 2026. The charges follow a lengthy investigation into alleged unlawful killings by Australian special forces, with Roberts-Smith's civil case previously finding credible evidence against him. The case marks a rare instance of a former elite soldier facing criminal prosecution for overseas war crimes, raising questions about accountability for military conduct.
Ben Roberts-Smith, a decorated Australian soldier, has been charged with five counts of war crime murder related to alleged killings of unarmed Afghan civilians between 2009 and 2012. He has been granted bail as his trial is expected to take years. Roberts-Smith denies all allegations and maintains his pride in his service.
The administration has launched new investigations into forced labor and overproduction that could bring tariffs. Hearings are under way, with business groups warning costs will pass to consumers while supporters argue the measures will protect workers and boost domestic production. Refunds are being issued for previously deemed illegal tariffs, but the impact on prices and supply chains remains uncertain.
The UK government is monitoring ongoing discussions between European countries and the Taliban about deporting Afghan asylum seekers. While the UK does not recognize the Taliban government, officials are not ruling out future returns, despite concerns over Afghanistan's human rights record and the current humanitarian crisis.
Afghan evacuees at Camp As-Sayliyah in Qatar have reportedly been told they may be relocated to Congo or return to Afghanistan, as Washington weighs options for resettlement after a long vetting process. Officials say no deal has been finalized, while groups in Doha describe worsening conditions and uncertainty.
Aid deliveries to Sudan and surrounding regions have become more costly and delayed as oil price volatility and shipping disruptions linked to the Iran conflict press on fuel, insurance, and transport routes. UNHCR and major agencies say humanitarian operations are tightening amid funding gaps and port congestion.
Since early May 2026, multiple suicide vehicle-bombings and coordinated gun attacks have struck security posts in Pakistan's northwestern border districts (Bajaur, Bannu), killing dozens of officers and civilians. Pakistani authorities have blamed Afghanistan-based militants, including the Pakistan Taliban (TTP) or a TTP splinter group, and have summoned Afghan diplomats while cross-border tensions remain unresolved.
Afghan and Pakistani forces have exchanged cross-border fire amid renewed fighting that has killed and wounded civilians. Peace talks mediated by China earlier this month have not prevented violence from continuing along the border, with Afghan officials accusing Pakistan of targeting civilian sites and Pakistan denying those claims.
A string of court decisions has kept Temporary Protected Status in play as the Supreme Court weighs termination actions for Haiti and Syria. Rulings have required due process reviews amid broader political battles over humanitarian protections.
The UK government has stopped in-country assistance for relocating eligible Afghans who worked with British forces, directing them to seek relocation via third countries. The move comes as MPs, lawyers, and advocates warn of hardship and risk for Afghan allies left behind, with ongoing debates over safety and access to asylum.
A Virginia jury has convicted Mohammad Sharifullah of providing material support to ISIS-K but has deadlocked on whether that support caused deaths at Abbey Gate during the 2021 Afghanistan evacuation. Sentencing faces up to 20 years if death is not proven; trial marks the first U.S. criminal proceeding linked to Abbey Gate.
A suicide attack near a security post in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, has killed multiple police officers and wounded others. Police say the attack involved a vehicle-borne explosive and gunmen; the attack is under investigation, with suspicions pointing to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Militants have attacked a security outpost in Pakistan’s northwest Bajaur district, ramming an explosives-laden vehicle and engaging in a gun battle. The strike leaves multiple troops dead or wounded and follows days of cross-border violence tied to Afghanistan-based groups. Islamabad blames Kabul; Kabul denies harbouring militants.
Across South Asia, diplomacy is resurfacing after a period of military and political brinkmanship. Analysts say informal tracks are being explored while both sides rehearse limits on escalation amid a broader regional realignment.
A Taliban decree regulating divorce in Afghanistan has sparked international condemnation over alleged endorsement of child marriage and reduced pathways for women to obtain divorce. Activists warn the measure could entrench discrimination, while the Taliban defend it as aligned with Islamic law.
The Taliban’s defence minister, Mohammad Yaqoob, has joined Russia at the International Security Forum in Moscow where a military-technical agreement has been signed. Details remain undisclosed, but officials describe it as a bilateral framework covering equipment, licenses and collaboration. Analysts say the agreement is symbolic and unlikely to yield an immediate, large-scale military alliance.
A set of new data shows a sharp drop in folic acid and iron supplies reaching crisis-affected and low-income countries, intensifying anaemia risks for pregnant women. Rising maternal deaths are linked to conflict, displacement, and shrinking humanitarian aid, while early results from US-supported cash programs offer guarded optimism.
A cargo truck carrying Afghan refugees returning from Pakistan has overturned in Laghman province, killing 18 people including 10 children and injuring dozens. The incident underscores dangerous transport conditions and the strain on displacement routes as the Taliban-led government offers condolences and emergency aid.
Surveillance video shows a van being doused with petrol and set ablaze in Amendolara, Calabria. Four migrant farm workers—Afghans and a Pakistani national—have died; two suspects have been detained. Survivors say wages were withheld after a day of strawberry picking.
The UN World Food Programme has warned that the Middle East conflict and elevated oil prices have pushed millions more toward acute food insecurity: an extra 2.5m in Somalia, 2.3m in Afghanistan and 1.3m in Sri Lanka, and up to 45m globally if fuel stays at ~$100 a barrel through June.