China continues economic support to Taliban, will plan refugee settlement: Chinese Envoy

Khaama Press

Chinese Ambassador to Kabul, Zhao Xing, during a meeting with Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the Taliban Minister for Refugees and Returnees, stated that Beijing would continue its economic cooperation with Afghanistan.

 

The Ministry of Refugees and Returnees of the Taliban announced on Wednesday, February 26, that China has plans to build a settlement for refugees and returnees.
Zhao Xing emphasized the importance of diplomatic relations between China and the Taliban, highlighting the significance of maintaining strong ties for future cooperation. Mawlawi Abdul Kabir noted that in order to build the settlement for migrants, they would need assistance from humanitarian organizations.

 

Over the past three years, China and the Taliban have strengthened their economic and political relations, with China supporting the Taliban in various sectors.

This partnership reflects China’s long-term interest in the region, as it aims to solidify its role in Afghanistan’s economy and political landscape.

 

Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan have been forcibly deporting Afghan refugees, exacerbating the dire conditions many face.

 

This forced deportation comes as the country struggles with severe instability and economic challenges, leaving many refugees vulnerable to further hardship.

China continues economic support to Taliban, will plan refugee settlement: Chinese Envoy
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Trump: Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan should have been retained for strategic reasons

By Fidel Rahmati

Khaama Press

February 27, 2025

Donald Trump, the President of the United States, stated during a cabinet meeting that the U.S. should have kept Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan. He emphasized that retaining the base was crucial for strategic purposes, not just for Afghanistan.

Trump reiterated his earlier claims about the disastrous U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, specifically highlighting his desire to keep Bagram Airbase. He noted that the base was just one hour away from China’s missile production area and was strategically vital.

Trump further argued that U.S. forces should have left through Bagram instead of Kabul airport, suggesting that the chaotic withdrawal would have been avoided. He criticized the handling of the withdrawal and the choice of Kabul airport for the operation.

He pointed out that Bagram provided a solid, fortified base with hundreds of hectares of land, whereas Kabul’s small, inadequate airport led to the disorganized evacuation.

Trump’s comments reflect his ongoing criticism of the Afghanistan withdrawal and his belief that the loss of Bagram Airbase was a strategic blunder, potentially benefiting China.

Meanwhile, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with U.S. weapons remaining in Afghanistan, stating that the Taliban is selling them. He emphasized that Afghanistan has become one of the largest sellers of military equipment globally.

He estimated that the U.S. left behind $85 billion worth of military equipment, including helicopters, vehicles, and firearms. Trump insisted that these weapons should be reclaimed, as they are now in the hands of the Taliban.

Trump: Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan should have been retained for strategic reasons
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UN Special Rapporteur warns of worsening Crisis for women in Afghanistan

UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett has warned that the situation for women in Afghanistan is deteriorating rapidly.

The 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council began in Geneva on Thursday, February 27. Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights for Afghanistan, stated that the situation in Afghanistan is worsening daily, especially for women.

Bennett highlighted that the Taliban’s policies against women have become more severe compared to the previous regime, with signs of further oppression on the horizon. He emphasized the urgent need for global attention to address the deteriorating situation.

He called on the international community to fulfill its responsibility in addressing Afghanistan’s crisis and expressed support for the creation of an independent accountability mechanism that aligns with his work.

Bennett is expected to present his report on Afghanistan today, Thursday, but several side meetings will be held before the main session. The eight-day session, running from February 24 to March 4, will see high-level officials from 100 countries and global organizations participate.

A human rights activist underscored the importance of establishing a UN-led mechanism to collect evidence and documentation in Afghanistan. This approach, which has been utilized in other cases, is seen as vital for providing Afghanistan’s citizens with the support they deserve.

Fatima Amiri, a human rights activist, a survivor of the Kabul Kaj Education Center attack, called on countries to take practical actions in support of Afghanistan’s women and girls. She highlighted the severe impact the current situation is having on women in Afghanistan, stressing the urgent need for international attention to address their plight.

The ongoing efforts by the UN Human Rights Council highlight the growing international awareness and action regarding the human rights abuses in Afghanistan, especially those targeting women and girls.

As the session progresses, it is hoped that concrete actions will be taken by the international community to support the victims in Afghanistan and ensure justice for the crimes committed. Continued advocacy and pressure are needed to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

This session marks a crucial moment for the international community to take responsibility and act decisively in the face of Afghanistan’s ongoing human rights challenges, offering a glimmer of hope for the people of Afghanistan.

UN Special Rapporteur warns of worsening Crisis for women in Afghanistan
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rump Orders Review of US Military Equipment Left in Afghanistan

Trump claimed that Afghanistan is one of the largest sellers of military equipment in the world.

US President Donald Trump has instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to review the process of retrieving American military equipment left in Afghanistan.

In his first cabinet meeting with the US Secretaries of Defense and State, Trump claimed that Afghanistan is one of the largest sellers of military equipment in the world.

The US President stated: “I think we should get a lot of that equipment back. I told Pete to study that, but we left billions, tens of billions of dollars worth of equipment behind, brand new trucks you see them display it every year.”

Trump also stressed that he had intended to keep Bagram Air Base—not for Afghanistan, but due to its proximity to China; however, the Biden administration lost control of the base.

Regarding Bagram Air Base, Trump said: “We were going to get out, but we were going to keep Bagram, not because of Afghanistan but because of China because it’s exactly one hour away from where China makes its nuclear missiles.”

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in the cabinet meeting, stated: “We’re doing a complete review of every single aspect of what happened with the botched withdrawal of Afghanistan and plan to have full accountability, it’s one of the first things we announced at the Defense Department.”

The interim government of Afghanistan has not yet reacted to this statement. However, a spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate previously dismissed the idea of retrieving US military equipment as unrealistic and also asserted that Bagram Air Base is not under the control of any foreign country.

“It is better to find a solution to these tensions through dialogue, understanding, and diplomacy, and the stance of the Islamic Emirate should also be political in this matter,” said Janat Fahim Chakari, a military analyst.

This is not the first time that the US president has spoken about the military equipment left in Afghanistan. He has previously said that continued US aid to Afghanistan is conditional on the return of these military assets.

rump Orders Review of US Military Equipment Left in Afghanistan
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Torkham Border closure: Fifth day of $3 million losses and disrupting trade and travel

Khaama Press

The Torkham border crossing has been closed for five days, causing significant problems for travelers and traders on both sides of the border. This closure has disrupted normal movement and trade, creating a severe bottleneck for businesses and individuals relying on this route.

According to local sources, the closure on Wednesday, February 26, was due to the construction of a Taliban checkpoint and facilities near the border. The Pakistani border forces took this action in response to the security concerns posed by these developments on the Afghanistan side.

Pakistani media have reported that the closure of the Torkham crossing is resulting in daily losses of approximately $3 million for traders on both sides. The ongoing shutdown is having a detrimental effect on trade and travel, exacerbating the economic difficulties for people in the region.

So far, the Taliban has not taken any action to resolve the issue or reopen the crossing. Despite the growing concerns, the group has remained silent on the matter, leaving the situation unresolved for now.

Pakistan has not yet officially commented on the closure or provided a statement on how long it expects the situation to last. The tension remains high as the blockage continues, impacting both the local economy and daily life.

The Torkham border has been closed before due to border tensions. In August 2024, the crossing was shut down after clashes between Pakistani forces and the Taliban over road construction near the border. Similar closures have occurred at other crossings like Ghulam Khan and Kharlachi following military confrontations.

Despite ongoing talks between Taliban officials in Nangarhar and Pakistani authorities, no resolution has been reached. Pakistan has requested the Taliban halt construction near the border, but the Taliban have refused. As the closure continues, hundreds of trucks with essential goods are stranded, raising concerns about price hikes and shortages in Afghanistan.

Torkham Border closure: Fifth day of $3 million losses and disrupting trade and travel
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Former Afghan Intelligence Officer arrested amid US Immigration Crackdown

Photos/Newscom, Steve Allen.

A former Afghan intelligence officer, who had worked with U.S. forces for 13 years, was arrested due to the new immigration policies under the Trump administration. Upon visiting the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office for his annual check-in, he was informed that his temporary residency permit had been revoked.

The officer’s situation is a direct result of the immigration policy changes implemented after Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025. These new regulations have significantly impacted the cases of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers.

As part of the policy shift, Trump issued an executive order suspending the resettlement program for Afghan refugees, including halting all flights for eligible Afghans seeking resettlement in the United States. Furthermore, reports indicate that the Trump administration closed the U.S. State Department office responsible for resettling refugees who had worked with U.S. forces.

These changes have caused significant concern among Afghan refugees and other migrants who are seeking the safest way to settle in the U.S. Many individuals, including this officer, who had collaborated with U.S. forces, are now facing serious challenges regarding their immigration status.

The Trump administration’s refugee and resettlement policies have created considerable uncertainty for those who worked alongside U.S. forces, including Afghan nationals who assisted with intelligence and military operations. These individuals, who had been promised protection, now face the risk of deportation or detention under the new regulations.

The suspension of the refugee resettlement program has left many individuals stranded, unsure of their future and safety. With limited avenues for legal recourse, they find themselves in precarious situations as they navigate the shifting policies.

The actions of the Trump administration have sparked widespread criticism, especially from advocates for refugees and human rights organizations. Many argue that these policies betray the promises made to those who risked their lives working with U.S. forces and jeopardize their safety and well-being.

Former Afghan Intelligence Officer arrested amid US Immigration Crackdown
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Islamic Emirate: ‘Good Intentions’ of Russia, Iran Appreciated

The foreign ministers of Russia and Iran said in Tehran on Tuesday that developments in Afghanistan are of particular interest to both countries.

After discussions between the foreign ministers of Russia and Iran regarding Afghanistan, the Islamic Emirate has described its relations with these two countries as positive and expressed hope that these ties will further expand.

Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, stated: “The Islamic Emirate has good relations with both Russia and Iran and appreciates their good intentions regarding Afghanistan. Especially in economic and political matters, we have witnessed significant progress with them, and we hope these relations will grow further.”

The foreign ministers of Russia and Iran said in Tehran on Tuesday that developments in Afghanistan are of particular interest to both countries and that they will continue their consultations on the issue.

Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, stressed in a joint press conference with Abbas Araghchi, Iranian foreign minister, that their discussions focused on regional issues, particularly Afghanistan. According to Lavrov, Moscow addresses Afghanistan-related matters through neighboring countries and within the framework of the “Moscow Format.”

Lavrov stated: “I already mentioned the successful holding of the Economic Forum in January here in Iran and our cooperation on Afghanistan, where we interact in various formats, including the Moscow format, meetings of Afghanistan’s neighboring countries, and the Quadrilateral group of China, Iran, Russia, and Pakistan.”

The Russian foreign minister stressed that Afghanistan should not be forgotten and that Moscow, in collaboration with Afghanistan’s neighboring countries, pays special attention to resolving the country’s issues.

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, also noted that developments in Afghanistan have always been of interest to both Tehran and Moscow and that the two countries will continue their consultations in this regard.

The Iranian foreign minister stated: “Afghanistan’s developments are important to us and Russia. Our discussions on this matter have always continued, and we intend to consult even more on this issue.”

“Overall, we should maintain balanced relations with the West to avoid being dragged into a Cold War, as Afghanistan suffered significant damage in the 1980s and 1990s,” said Moeen Gul Samkanai, a political analyst.

Previously, Russia’s foreign minister had also stated that the United States seeks to maintain its influence in Afghanistan and is using neighboring countries to achieve this objective.

Islamic Emirate: ‘Good Intentions’ of Russia, Iran Appreciated
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Taliban says ‘misunderstanding’ led to arrest of British couple in Afghanistan

 and Reuters

The Guardian

Tue 25 Feb 2025

A British couple were arrested in Afghanistan due to a “misunderstanding” that they had fake Afghan passports, the Taliban said on Tuesday.

Peter and Barbie Reynolds, 79 and 75, were detained by the Taliban’s interior ministry on 1 February while returning to their home in the central province of Bamiyan.

The couple, who run education and training programmes in Afghanistan, were arrested along with Faye Hall, a Chinese-American friend and an interpreter from their business.

Taliban spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani said the arrests were due to a “misunderstanding” that they possessed fake Afghan passports.

On Monday, the Reynolds’ daughter, Sarah Entwistle, said the family had initially chosen not to involve the UK authorities “hoping to hear directly from the Taliban about why they’d arrested our parents”.

“Our parents have always sought to honour the Taliban, so we wanted to give them the opportunity to explain their reasons for this detention. However, after more than three weeks of silence, we can no longer wait,” Entwistle told Times Radio.

“We’re now urgently calling on the British consulate to do everything in their power to get us answers and to put as much pressure as they can on the Taliban for their release.”

On Monday, Qani said the Taliban would attempt to release the couple “as soon as possible”, the BBC reported.

He said: “A series of considerations is being taken into account and, after evaluation, we will endeavour to release them as soon as possible.”

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it was “supporting the family of two British nationals who are detained in Afghanistan”.

The couple married in Kabul more than 50 years ago and run Rebuild, “an Afghan-registered research and training business” that has been operating since 2009.

In an open letter to the Taliban, Entwistle and her three brothers said: “We do not understand the reasons behind their arrest. Our parents have consistently expressed their commitment to Afghanistan, stating that they would rather sacrifice their lives than become part of ransom negotiations or be traded.”

Taliban says ‘misunderstanding’ led to arrest of British couple in Afghanistan
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155 Afghan staff transferred from Pakistan to Germany, another group expected next month

Khaama Press

German media reported that a group of 155 Afghan local staff members who worked for the German government were transferred from Islamabad to Berlin on Tuesday. According to Bild newspaper, another group of Afghan refugees is expected to be transferred from Islamabad to Germany next month.

The group flew from Islamabad to Berlin on Tuesday, February 25, with a stopover in Dubai. Bild reported that there are no direct flights from Afghanistan to Germany, and the next flight from Pakistan to Germany is planned for March.

Some of those transferred to Berlin had worked for the German government before the German forces left Afghanistan in 2021. These individuals were part of the local staff employed by the German government in Afghanistan.

The Bild newspaper also noted that the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU) have criticized these flights. German politician Thorsten Frei warned that the federal government is bringing in people from Afghanistan instead of focusing on deporting Afghan criminals.

Reports indicate that Germany has accepted over 48,000 Afghans since the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban. Of these, 38,000 are individuals identified as “at risk” by the German government.

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Friedrich Merz, won the recent German elections, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) making significant gains.

The AfD’s rise has sparked concerns among migrants about potential changes in immigration policies. The transfer of Afghan refugees to Germany continues, reflecting the country’s ongoing commitment to those at risk in Afghanistan.

However, with the AfD’s increased influence, the issue of immigration and refugee policies is becoming more contentious. Election outcomes could shape future policies, balancing humanitarian efforts with concerns over security and immigration control, potentially impacting Germany’s domestic and international stance on refugees.

Around 3,000 Afghans with German admission permits are currently waiting in Islamabad for their transfer to Berlin. This ongoing refugee process continues to be a significant issue in Germany’s foreign policy and immigration strategy. The government’s approach has sparked debate over the consistency of its policies regarding Afghan refugees.

155 Afghan staff transferred from Pakistan to Germany, another group expected next month
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US continues weekly payments to Afghanistan, says Sopko

Khaama Press

John Sopko, the former Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), stated at the Herat Security Conference in Madrid on Tuesday that the United States has spent over $21 billion on Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return to power. He highlighted that, despite a reduction in foreign aid, the U.S. continues to send money to Afghanistan on a weekly basis.

Sopko, who previously headed SIGAR, mentioned that a significant portion of this funding had been directed towards humanitarian aid, refugee relocation, and the repayment of Afghanistan’s foreign assets. According to SIGAR’s report from August, 2021, Washington had provided around $21 billion in assistance with $3.7 billion allocated specifically for humanitarian purposes.

Despite the U.S. government’s stance on cutting aid, Sopko argued that if the Taliban does not change its policies on women’s rights, education, and human rights, the U.S. believes that these funds should be halted. He also proposed that $4 billion from Afghanistan’s Swiss escrow fund should be used as compensation for victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

He added, “The humanitarian aid provided to Afghanistan has had no real impact on the Taliban’s views on women, children, education, and human rights.”

SIGAR’s report further breaks down that from the $20.7 billion allocated between August 2021 and June 2024, $2.97 billion went towards humanitarian and development assistance. These funds were spent across various sectors, including humanitarian aid, development projects, organizational operations, and security.

Sopko also raised concerns that a significant portion of U.S. aid has reached the Taliban, as there was insufficient oversight regarding how the funds were used. He noted that previous U.S. military and diplomatic personnel often provided misleading reports to enhance their careers, leading to a lack of accountability. According to Sopko, much of the assistance was funneled through organizations like the UN and the World Food Program, but the monitoring process was not robust enough to ensure it was used effectively.

Sopko’s remarks reflect the ongoing challenges in Afghanistan, highlighting issues with U.S. financial aid and the lack of transparency in its use. His comments underscore a growing sense of frustration within the U.S. about its involvement in Afghanistan and the lack of tangible outcomes from its extensive investments. Moving forward, as U.S. priorities shift under a new administration, the future of American aid to Afghanistan remains uncertain.

US continues weekly payments to Afghanistan, says Sopko
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