Afghanistan
Afghan man sentenced to life in Germany over fatal knife attack
German court sentences Afghan national to life imprisonment for the Mannheim knife attack that killed a police officer and injured five during an anti-Islam rally.
State of global democracy - Statista
The Economist Democracy Index rates countries on the state of their governing system each year. In the latest edition, corresponding to the year 2024, only 25 countries (6.6% of the world's population) have been rated as "full democracies"
Stumbling blocks hinder plan to build Trans-Afghan Railway connecting Uzbekistan to Pakistani seaports
Security risks, financing challenges, difficult terrain and lack of recognition for Taliban among headaches.
Central Asia and Afghanistan heading for “confrontation” over water-thirsty canal, warns analyst
Minimal progress seen in dealing with rightful Taliban claim to share of Amu Darya border river. Region’s water security dilemma worsening.
Tajikistan’s glaciers are disappearing
Tajikistan’s glaciers are retreating at an alarming rate, with over 1,000 already gone completely and dozens more under threat, according to a new Atlas of Environmental Change published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is coming of age
More than two and half decades after it was founded as a regional security organization to secure porous borders in the depths of Central Asia, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is coming of age as it expands its reach and agenda.
ASIA BLOG: Why Iran is not a part of South Asia – and why it matters
According to the US State Department Iran remains a state sponsor of terrorism, facilitating a wide range of terrorist and militant groups across the Middle East
Just two in five Afghans have electricity, say officials
Matters could get worse. Tajikistan has advised it plans to reduce power exports to Afghanistan this winter.
English Channel migrant arrivals exceed 25,000 in record time
The number of migrants entering British waters via English Channel crossings has surpassed 25,000 arrivals at the earliest point in any year since records began.
Iran to open new railway routes to Central Asia
Iran will open new railway routes to Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, as well as Afghanistan and Turkey.
Breakthrough moment for Trans-Afghan Railway project hailed by Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan
Three countries agree to prepare feasibility study. Russia too would benefit from infrastructure linking Central Asia to Arabian Sea coast.
Iran claims 800,000 Afghans left voluntarily amid deportation programme
An estimated 800,000 Afghans have left Iran from the beginning of 2025 until July 16, with over 70% departing voluntarily and self-identifying as unauthorised residents, officials claim.
COMMENT: In recognising Taliban, Moscow had one eye on rise in Afghanistan of terrorist ISIS-K
Concerns that the jihadist group is operating near borders with Central Asia “helped shift Russia’s strategic calculus”.