The Taliban have openly dismissed the authority of the International Criminal Court (ICC), rejecting its jurisdiction over Afghanistan. On Thursday, the group declared that the country’s previous decision to join the Hague-based court was “unlawful.” They claimed the 2003 agreement by Afghanistan’s former government had no legal standing. This announcement comes after the ICC chief prosecutor sought arrest warrants for Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and his close associate. The court accuses them of crimes against humanity, specifically targeting Afghan women and girls. The Taliban seized power in August 2021 after the U.S.-led NATO withdrawal. Since then, they have imposed…
Author: Muhammad Idrees
Russia has decided to keep the Taliban on its terrorist list despite earlier signs that the group might be removed. Concerns over security remain the main reason behind this decision. In December 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law allowing temporary suspension of terrorist groups’ activities. This law lets Russian courts remove organizations like the Taliban from the terrorist list under certain conditions. However, Moscow has not taken any steps to remove the Taliban terrorist designation yet. Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko stated that removing the Taliban from the list is a complex and time-consuming process. Russia’s cautious approach…
The sudden US exit from Afghanistan in 2021 didn’t just end a 20-year war—it left behind chaos, terror groups, and piles of advanced weapons. Former President Donald Trump called President Biden’s choice to abandon military gear worth billions “foolish.” While the cost matters, the bigger problem is how these weapons are now boosting terrorism, creating regional dangers, and flooding black markets. This messy withdrawal repeats past mistakes. When the Soviet Union left Afghanistan in 1989, the US also walked away, leaving the country broken. This led to civil wars, warlords, and groups like the Taliban taking over. Terrorists like Osama…
Afghanistan is navigating a complex path in governance and foreign policy. The Islamic Emirate is still adjusting to its role, facing internal divisions and diplomatic hurdles. Governance remains a challenge, with unresolved issues like girls’ education and ties with militant groups such as the TTP. Economic struggles persist, and the end of U.S. humanitarian aid—around $50 million per month—adds further pressure. With Trump back in power, Afghanistan is forced to adopt hedging diplomacy, seeking alternatives in trade and alliances. The Chahbahar Port Project (CPP) was seen as a key trade route for Afghanistan and Central Asia. However, this potential is…
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has once again attempted to sabotage Pakistan’s economic recovery by submitting a dossier to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This move is part of the party’s ongoing agenda to harm national progress and invite foreign intervention during Pakistan’s moments of stability. PTI’s latest action further exposes its anti-state stance and disregard for the country’s economic future. The party has a long history of lobbying against Pakistan in global institutions. Instead of choosing democratic or legal pathways, PTI repeatedly seeks external interference to create economic uncertainty. Every time Pakistan nears economic stability, PTI works to derail progress. Their…
Pakistan is grappling with escalating security challenges due to cross-border terrorism originating from Afghanistan. The resurgence of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), operating with impunity under the Afghan Taliban’s patronage, has intensified attacks against Pakistan’s security forces, infrastructure, and civilians. Despite repeated diplomatic efforts, Afghanistan’s interim government has failed to curb the activities of these militant groups, posing a significant threat to regional stability. The Resurgence of TTP and Its Impact on Pakistan Since the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in August 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in terrorist activities. The TTP, emboldened by the Afghan Taliban’s ideological and logistical…
Republican Congressman Pat Harrigan has expressed strong confidence that the United States will return to Afghanistan in the future. He criticized the way the U.S. military withdrawal was handled and warned that the decision has put future generations of Americans at risk. Speaking to a Daily Signal reporter on February 9, Pat Harrigan on Afghanistan described the chaotic exit as a serious failure. A former senior commander in the U.S. Special Forces, he believes the Taliban’s rapid takeover in 2021 was a key reason for his entry into politics. He argued that the U.S. withdrawal exposed deep structural weaknesses in…
Russia has reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts and expressed deep concern over the rising militant threats in the region, particularly from Afghanistan. Russian Ambassador to Pakistan, Albert Khorev, highlighted Moscow’s stance in an interview with TASS. He made it clear that Russia views terrorism in Pakistan as a serious issue and stands firmly with Islamabad in its fight against extremist elements. Khorev stressed that ensuring stability in Afghanistan is crucial for regional security. He emphasized that Moscow shares Pakistan’s worries about terrorist activity spilling over from Afghan territory. According to him, Russia remains committed to strengthening cooperation with…
Hamed Saifi, a commander of the anti-Taliban resistance, has urged political leaders opposing the Taliban to set aside personal interests and divisions. He called for unity, stressing that disunity would only weaken their struggle. In a statement on X, Saifi referred to reports of internal disputes among Taliban leaders. However, he dismissed the idea of focusing on these internal conflicts. He warned that analyzing which faction is fighting or who has been arrested, injured, or killed within the Taliban is pointless. According to Saifi, despite internal differences, one faction of the Taliban will continue to rule Afghanistan. He stressed that…
The recent revelation of a six-point letter written by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has stirred significant debate in Pakistan’s political and military circles. Rana Sanaullah, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Public and Political Affairs, has accused Khan of attempting to create divisions between the military and the public, as well as sowing misunderstandings within the army’s command. This development raises critical questions about the implications of such communication from a civilian politician to the military leadership and its potential impact on Pakistan’s fragile civil-military balance.…