country in Central and South Asia
Afghanistan is now facing record levels of hunger, with 4.7 million people - more than a tenth of its population - estimated to be one step away from famine ... Show more
OpinionGoats win, tigers lose, but stalemate is optimal performance: Somewhere in the foothills of Nepal, old men still gather around a wooden board carved into a ...
asiatimes.com/2026/05/goats-win-tigers-lose-but-stalemate-is-optimal-performance/
Girl, 11, ‘sexually assaulted by Afghan migrant who somehow got into school toilets while another man pinned her down’
thesun.co.uk/news/39106662/girl-sexually-assaulted-afghan-migrant-school-toilets-germany/
Afghanistan humanitarian crisis: Ghor's starving families: In Afghanistan today, a staggering three in four people cannot meet their basic needs.
bbc.com/news/articles/c0q25dwj807o
OpinionNew divorce law in Afghanistan: The Taliban make divorce almost impossible for women.
taz.de/Neues-Scheidungsrecht-in-Afghanistan-Scheidung-wird-fuer-Frauen-fast-unmoeglich/!6179649/
Gunmen kidnap dozens of students in Nigeria’s Borno State: No group claimed responsibility for the raid which bore the hallmarks of Boko Haram fighters who ...
aljazeera.com/news/2026/5/16/gunmen-kidnap-dozens-of-students-in-nigerias-borno-state
Analysis: Wes Moore’s Afghanistan story starts to unravel: A Spotlight on Maryland analysis finds major inconsistencies between Gov. Wes Moore's public ...
baltimoresun.com/2026/05/17/analysis-wes-moores-afghanistan-story-starts-to-unravel/
u.AFP.com May 08
IS-linked Australian women charged with keeping slave in Syria
today.rtl.lu/news/world/is-linked-australian-women-charged-with-keeping-slave-in-syria-2070521198
The Taliban has formally recognised child marriage under a controversial new family law in Afghanistan, with reports claiming that the “silence” of a virgin ... Show more
‘Silence of virgin girl counts as consent’: Taliban formally recognises child marriage
‘Silence of virgin girl counts as consent’: Taliban formally recognises child marriage
UK ends in-country help for Afghan relocations: The Ministry of Defence has ended in-country assistance for Afghans moving out of Afghanistan under the Afghan ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-ends-in-country-help-for-afghan-relocations/
Daily Sabah May 14
Russia builds full ties with Afghan Taliban, urges others to follow suit: Russia is building a 'full-fledged partnership' with Taliban authorities in Afghanistan ...
dailysabah.com/world/mid-east/russia-builds-full-ties-with-afghan-taliban-urges-others-to-follow-suit
Pakistan strike on Kabul drug rehabilitation centre: Families want answers: There are calls to investigate the 16 March airstrike - which the UN says likely ...
bbc.com/news/articles/c202xrd9gn7o
Abu-Bilal al-Minuki: ISIL’s shadow commander in West Africa: Nigeria and the US say ‘key’ ISIL leader was killed in joint military operation in Borno state.
aljazeera.com/news/2026/5/16/abu-bilal-al-minuki-isils-shadow-commander-in-west-africa
Key FactsUS-Nigerian Forces Neutralize ISIS Second-in-Command
4 days ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
- Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, ISIS’s global second-in-command, was eliminated during a coordinated mission by U.S. and Nigerian troops in northeast Nigeria.
- The strike started just after midnight and concluded around 4 a.m., executing a precise air-land operation without any allied losses.
- Nigerian President Tinubu highlighted the mission as a significant victory in the fight against terrorism.
- Since December, the U.S. has increased its military presence in Nigeria with drones, troops, and intelligence support against Islamist militants.
"Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield. Abu-Bilal al-Minuki... thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing," Trump said on Truth Social.— Donald Trump, in a Truth Social post announcing the operation
Man jailed for acting as Islamic State media activist: A 23-year-old man living in Birmingham has been sentenced to six years in prison after admitting ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/man-jailed-for-acting-as-islamic-state-media-activist/
Besi’s incredible journey: From refugee to Red Cross volunteer in Upper Austria – Urfahr-Umgebung
meinbezirk.at/urfahr-umgebung/c-lokales/vom-fluechtling-zum-helfer-beim-roten-kreuz-in-oberoesterreich_a8641311
Employment agency figures reveal: This is how many people from Afghanistan work in Germany
fr.de/wirtschaft/zahlen-der-arbeitsagentur-enthuellen-so-viele-afghanen-arbeiten-in-deutschland-zr-94295449.html
Key FactsAfghan Workforce Trends in Germany by 2026
May 8, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: fr.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: fr.de
- Nearly half a million people with Afghan roots reside in Germany, including approximately 280,000 recognized refugees.
- In October 2025, 157,760 Afghans were employed, with 85 percent contributing to social security.
- The employment rate of Afghan refugees was just under 47 percent, slightly below major asylum groups, with men working far more than women.
- Over half of those in social security jobs held helper positions, and many refugees still relied on citizen’s income benefits.
Federal government fails to honor protection pledge for almost 800 people from Afghanistan
correctiv.org/aktuelles/grenzpolitik/2026/05/08/bundesregierung-haelt-schutzzusage-fuer-fast-800-afghanen-nicht-ein/
‘Confront the enemy’: Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issues new directive after meeting military head
wionews.com/world/-confront-the-enemy-iran-s-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei-issues-new-directive-after-meeting-military-head-1778410379482
Afghan Taliban leaders reach out to Fazl, express condolences over cleric’s killing in Charsadda
dawn.com/news/1998856
High-profile terrorist killed in Bannu was Afghan special forces member: security sources
dawn.com/news/1998701/high-profile-terrorist-killed-in-bannu-was-afghan-special-forces-member-security-sources
OpinionDeportations to Afghanistan: It doesn't get any dirtier: Dobrindt is collaborating with the Taliban on deportations, even though they are harming the Afghan ...
taz.de/Abschiebungen-nach-Afghanistan/!6175932/
Key FactsSecret Deportations and Taliban Collaboration Revealed
May 5, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: taz.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: taz.de
- The German government secretly cooperates with the Taliban in deportations, including Taliban-led identification of Afghans within official premises.
- Since 2021, the Taliban have transformed Afghanistan into a repressive regime severely restricting women's public participation.
- Afghans are the largest group of asylum seekers in Germany, fleeing dire living conditions in their homeland.
- The Ministry of the Interior aims to deport even law-abiding Afghans, effectively boosting the Taliban's diplomatic standing.
Pakistan: 12 police officers die in car bomb blast and gunfight near Afghan Border
wionews.com/world/pakistan-12-police-officers-die-in-car-bomb-blast-and-gunfight-near-afghan-border-1778393001108
Key FactsDeadly Boko Haram Strike Hits Chad Military Post
May 5, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: aljazeera.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: aljazeera.com
- At least 23 Chadian soldiers were killed and 26 injured during a Boko Haram assault on a military base in the Lake Chad region.
- The attack took place Monday night on Barka Tolorom island, located near the borders of Nigeria, Cameroon, and Niger.
- Chadian forces reported inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and successfully repelled the militants.
- President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno vowed to continue fighting Boko Haram with renewed resolve after a prior attack in October 2024 killed around 40 soldiers.
We will continue the fight with renewed determination until this threat is completely eradicated.— Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno said in a Facebook post on Tuesday, offering condolences to the bereaved families.
Linke übt scharfe Kritik: Bundesregierung schiebt 25 Kriminelle nach Afghanistan ab
n-tv.de/politik/Bundesregierung-schiebt-25-Kriminelle-nach-Afghanistan-ab-id30763746.html
Key FactsGerman Government Deports 25 Criminals to Afghanistan
Apr 28, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: n-tv.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: n-tv.de
- The government deported 25 Afghan men convicted of serious crimes during a nighttime charter flight back to their homeland.
- This action follows an agreement with the Taliban de facto authorities, though Germany does not officially recognize them.
- Hesse's prime minister highlighted public safety as paramount and called for further deportations, including to Syria.
- The Left party condemned the deportations, accusing the government of legitimizing the Taliban and causing hardship for those deported.
Once again, a deportation flight to Afghanistan took place—in direct collaboration with the Taliban, who issued the necessary papers to the individuals affected.— Clara Bünger, Vice Chair of the Left faction in the Bundestag, stated
The Taliban has accused Pakistan of targeting civilian homes and a university in Afghanistan's eastern Kunar province ... Show more
Town Centre Murder: Pregnant widow to leave Bracknell: A pregnant woman whose husband was found dead in a Bracknell car park has spoken of their recent escape ...
bracknellnews.co.uk/news/26075583.bracknell-murder-hero-afghan-soldiers-widow-pregnant/
YouTuber held for ‘recruiting individuals for al-Qaeda’: According to FIR, the arrest was made on April 27 during a search operation near GPO Chowk on Mall Road.
dawn.com/news/1997111
Key FactsYouTuber Arrested for Terror Recruitment in Lahore
May 3, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dawn.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dawn.com
- The Counter Terrorism Department detained Muhammad Saad bin Riaz, linked to the Eon News YouTube channel, for recruiting for a proscribed group.
- The arrest took place near GPO Chowk on Mall Road following a tip about a suspected al-Qaeda member at a mosque.
- Officials confiscated five books about Osama bin Laden and an al-Qaeda membership card during the raid.
- In one week, 21 suspects were arrested across multiple districts after 214 intelligence-led operations were executed.
‘SHUT UP’: Disturbing moment amid ISIS bride airport chaos: Zahra Ahmad, the widow of a notorious Islamic State recruiter who previously pleaded with Australians ...
news.com.au/national/soldier-of-allah-isis-bride-husbands-horror-slave-allegations/news-story/e5d83264538f4921877cf6e06dd27c2a
What China’s New County Reveals About Its Afghanistan Policy: The administrative change hints at China’s plan for greater integration with Afghanistan – and ...
buff.ly/WIyyYl1
u.AFP.com May 01
Afghans celebrate spring in bright red poppy fields.
Families are flocking to the valleys of Shirin Tagab district, near the border with Turkmenistan ... Show more
Afghans celebrate spring in bright red poppy fields
Afghans celebrate spring in bright red poppy fields
“Under strict secrecy” – Dobrindt deports 25 people to Afghanistan via charter flight
hna.de/politik/dobrindt-schiebt-25-menschen-per-charterflug-nach-afghanistan-ab-zr-94282253.html
Key FactsSecret Charter Flight Sends 25 Afghans to Kabul
Apr 28, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: hna.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: hna.de
- Interior Minister Dobrindt orchestrated a covert deportation of 25 Afghans via charter plane from Leipzig to Kabul.
- The deportees were gathered from prisons across Germany and handed over to the Taliban the following morning.
- Deportations occur under agreements with the Taliban, despite Germany’s non-recognition of their regime.
- Human rights groups condemn the deportations, citing Afghanistan’s dire humanitarian and security situation.
The human rights situation in Afghanistan is so catastrophic regarding the looming threat of torture and the humanitarian crisis that deporting any individual there would violate the European Convention on Human Rights.— Wiebke Judith, PRO ASYL's legal policy spokesperson, speaking to the Frankfurter Rundschau via Ippen.Media
Afghanistan says Pakistani strikes kill seven and wound 85 in first attack since peace talks
theguardian.com/world/2026/apr/28/afghanistan-pakistan-kunar-university-attack-peace-talks
Key FactsPakistani Strikes Hit Afghan University Amid Peace Talks
Apr 28, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theguardian.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theguardian.com
- Mortars and missiles fired from Pakistan struck civilian homes and a university in Kunar province, killing seven and injuring 85.
- Pakistan denies targeting the university and calls Afghan reports a blatant fabrication.
- These attacks represent the first major violence following peace negotiations mediated by China earlier in April.
- The conflict, ongoing since February, has caused hundreds of deaths despite a temporary truce during Eid al-Fitr.
Pakistan’s targeting is precise and intelligence-based. No strike has been carried out on Sayed Jamaluddin Afghan University. The claims are frivolous and fake.— In a statement, Pakistan’s information ministry said.
FIFA allows Afghan women to play for their country, defying Taliban: A ruling by soccer’s governing body lets exiled female players compete internationally for ...
edition.cnn.com/2026/04/29/sport/fifa-ruling-afghan-women-soccer-intl-latam
Straight Arrow Apr 30
Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA) used her time at a Defense budget hearing to question whether President Trump's recent social media posts threatening Iran raise ... Show more
JNIM jihadists have imposed a blockade to Mali’s capital Bamako and other major cities.
Traffic jams are reported in areas where blockade is happening ... Show more
Man convicted of aiding Islamic State group, but jury deadlocks on alleged role in deadly Kabul airport bombing
cnn.com/2026/04/29/politics/abbey-gate-suicide-bombing-kabul
Mali attacks: What next for the junta after shock of rebel offensive?: The military came to power to bolster security but the weekend's attacks have brought that ...
bbc.com/news/articles/cy818zdv831o
Austrian goes on trial accused of plotting attack on Taylor Swift concert: Prosecutors say the man, 21-year-old Beran A, received training from members of ...
bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c05d5qgprjzo
Taylor Swift Eras concert attack plotter pleads guilty - 'kill as many as possible'
birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/taylor-swift-eras-concert-attack-33851720
Federal government deports 25 Afghan criminals: Overnight, Germany deported a total of 25 men who, according to the Interior Ministry, had been convicted of ...
tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/abschiebeflug-afghanistan-120.html
At least 4 killed, 70 wounded in attack by Pakistan, claims Afghan Taliban: According to Hamdullah Fitrat, Deputy Spokesperson of Taliban, the attack commenced ...
wionews.com/world/at-least-4-killed-70-wounded-in-attack-by-pakistan-claims-afghan-taliban-1777312199844
Abschiebung nach Afghanistan: Bundesregierung schiebt offenbar erneut Straftäter nach Afghanistan ab
zeit.de/politik/ausland/2026-04/afghanistan-abschiebung-flugzeug-gestartet-straftaeter-gxe
‘Clearly stronger’: Germany’s Merz says Iran ‘humiliated’ US in its war: German chancellor warns the US risks becoming bogged down in another quagmire similar to ...
aljazeera.com/news/2026/4/27/iran-very-skilful-as-us-humiliated-says-german-chancellor
Key FactsMerz Critiques US Approach in Iran Conflict
Apr 27, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dw.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dw.com
- Friedrich Merz states Iran’s leadership is humiliating the United States amid ongoing tensions.
- According to Merz, the US lacks a convincing negotiation strategy and a clear withdrawal plan.
- The conflict is causing significant economic damage to Germany, increasing national expenses.
- Germany has proposed deploying minesweepers to reopen the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities cease.
an entire nation is being humiliated by the Iranian leadership, particularly by the so-called Revolutionary Guards.— Friedrich Merz, during a school visit in Marsberg, Germany
St Helens - Andy Reid aiming to make history at London Marathon: ANDY Reid, the inspirational army veteran who sustained life-changing injuries whilst on patrol ...
sthelensstar.co.uk/news/26053799.st-helens---andy-reid-aiming-make-history-london-marathon/
Trump dissolves interim camp: Report: US government to deport local Afghan forces to Congo
n-tv.de/politik/Bericht-US-Regierung-will-afghanische-Ortskraefte-in-den-Kongo-abschieben-id30741356.html
Afghan migrant admits stabbing landlord and 14-year-old boy in west London : At a court hearing on Monday, Safi Dawood, 23, admitted attacking his landlord and a ...
standard.co.uk/news/crime/uxbridge-stabbing-safi-dawood-afghan-migrant-london-crime-b1280118.html
Afghanistan calls on Afghans who helped US in war and are now stuck in Qatar to return home
yahoo.com/news/articles/afghanistan-calls-afghans-helped-us-083842422.html
Caught between wars, US Afghan allies trapped in Qatar without safe exit: Stuck for over a year behind a perimeter fence on a defunct American base on ...
al-monitor.com/originals/2026/04/caught-between-wars-us-afghan-allies-trapped-qatar-without-safe-exit
Japan's Finance Ministry says it will issue commemorative ¥1,000 coins marking the 100th anniversary of the 1926 start of the country's Showa Era ... Show more
Japan to issue coins marking 100th anniversary of Showa Era
Japan to issue coins marking 100th anniversary of Showa Era
US plans to send 1,100 stranded Afghans to ‘unstable’ Democratic Republic of Congo
dawn.com/news/1994205/
newlinesmag Apr 17
Egyptian Talk Show Host Crosses ‘Red Lines’ With Refugee Comments: On April 13, Egyptian TV viewers were treated to a rare sight: the humiliation of a top ...
newlinesmag.com/running-notes/egyptian-talk-show-host-crosses-red-lines-with-refugee-comments/
Shapoor Zadran admitted to ICU in Delhi Hospital as former Afghan pacer fights rare disease
wionews.com/sports/shapoor-zadran-admitted-to-icu-in-delhi-hospital-as-former-afghanistan-pacer-fights-rare-disease-hemophagocytic-lymphohistiocytosis-hlh-1776697699583
“Wouldn’t leave without it”: Refugees keep bakeries alive: Many master bakers are retiring, but at the same time, there are fewer and fewer apprentices in the ...
n-tv.de/panorama/Fluechtlinge-halten-Baeckereien-am-Leben-id30687508.html
Key FactsRefugees Sustain Bakery Workforce Amid Shortages
Apr 12, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: n-tv.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: n-tv.de
- Many master bakers retire, and refugees effectively fill the resulting skilled labor shortage.
- Bakery production operates smoothly despite language challenges when German is used as the workplace language.
- Apprenticeship contracts in Hesse’s baking sector increased by over 20% from 2024 to 2025.
- Improved working conditions exist, yet night and Sunday shifts remain difficult for bakery employers.
Without colleagues with migrant backgrounds, it wouldn't work— Christian Trompeter, NGG; Context: on the essential role of migrant workers in the bakery sector.
Lafarge: Cement giant guilty of financing militant groups including Islamic State
bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crl1441816po
Key FactsBen Roberts-Smith Firmly Denies War Crime Charges
Apr 19, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: smh.com.au
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: smh.com.au
- Ben Roberts-Smith firmly denies all war crime accusations and appeals for privacy for his children and family.
- He was arrested following a five-year probe by a special investigative unit into alleged unlawful killings of Afghan civilians.
- Court documents reveal that four soldiers testified they killed on Roberts-Smith’s orders and staged evidence to justify the deaths.
- Despite the allegations, Roberts-Smith expresses pride in his military service and honors fallen comrades in Afghanistan.
As I’ve always maintained, I categorically deny all these allegations. While I would’ve preferred these charges not have been brought, I will be taking this opportunity to finally clear my name.— Ben Roberts-Smith, speaking from the Gold Coast in a Sunday public statement denying the allegations
Israel denounces Pakistan defence minister's 'evil and cancerous state' remarks amid US-Iran talks
wionews.com/world/israel-denounces-pakistan-defence-minister-s-evil-and-cancerous-state-remarks-amid-us-iran-talks-1775772096316
Over seven million people live in Kabul, and the city is constantly growing. As a result, the groundwater level is dropping dramatically ... Show more
Afghan villagers turn to gold-panning to sustain livelihoods: In rugged Hindu Kush mountains, Afghan men pan for gold dust, forging livelihoods amid scarce ...
aljazeera.com/gallery/2026/4/16/afghan-villagers-turn-to-gold-panning-to-sustain-livelihoods
Baghdad’s decline two decades after the war: A mirror for Tehran : The Iraqi capital is still trying to recover from the destruction and economic stagnation that ...
english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-13/baghdads-decline-two-decades-after-the-war-a-mirror-for-tehran.html
Key FactsBaghdad’s Decline Reflects Tehran’s Regional Risks
Apr 13, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: english.elpais.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: english.elpais.com
- Baghdad continues to suffer from the 2003 invasion’s aftermath, with GDP dropping nearly 40% following the conflict.
- Oil revenues account for up to 95% of government income, leaving the economy vulnerable to price shocks and wars.
- Ongoing infrastructure decay and violent attacks hamper recovery efforts despite recent signs of economic growth.
- The escalating Iran conflict threatens to reverse progress and may bring renewed sanctions and widespread poverty.
This is where the car bomb exploded, killing 80 people and injuring dozens.— Omar al Jushali, owner of Café Shabandar in Baghdad, describing the street where the 2007 car bombing occurred.
Uganda Army Chief demands '$1 billion & "country's most beautiful woman" as wife' from Turkey: What it means
wionews.com/world/uganda-army-chief-demands-1-billion-country-s-most-beautiful-woman-as-wife-from-turkey-what-it-means-1776003284130
