US-China dispute over Afghanistan resolutions escalates at UNSC

By

AMU TV

17 Feb 2025

File-Photo United Nations Security Council

A diplomatic dispute over control of United Nations Security Council resolutions on Afghanistan has escalated into a broader clash between the United States and China, raising tensions within the global body, Just Security reported.

The disagreement, which has been simmering since late 2024, has intensified in recent weeks following the return of the Trump administration. The dispute could shape not only the U.N.’s engagement with the Taliban-led government in Kabul but also Beijing’s growing influence in the Security Council.

“While the Trump administration has made headlines by pulling out of U.N. mechanisms like the Paris climate pact and the World Health Organization, this argument in the council could be a harbinger of more Sino-American tensions over multilateral security,” the report stated.

At the center of the dispute is which country should serve as the Security Council’s “penholder” on Afghanistan. In U.N. terminology, the penholder is responsible for drafting resolutions, initiating negotiations, and shaping key mandates related to the country in question.

Some council members have suggested a shared arrangement, with South Korea acting as a pro-Western counterbalance to China’s influence. However, Pakistan has asserted its right to take the lead, citing its geographic proximity and security concerns related to Afghanistan.

Security Council resolutions are binding documents aimed at maintaining international peace and security. They can include sanctions, the deployment of peacekeeping forces, and diplomatic measures, all of which member states are obligated to enforce.

Resolutions on Afghanistan typically address counterterrorism efforts, support for the peace process, oversight of U.N. missions—such as the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)—human rights, and sanctions enforcement.

The Just Security report noted that U.S. officials are increasingly concerned about China’s influence at the U.N. and are reluctant to allow Beijing to shape Afghanistan’s agenda. The tensions over Afghanistan’s Security Council resolutions have further intensified with Donald Trump’s return to office.

Trump has repeatedly emphasized the strategic importance of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. Two weeks ago, he stated that if he had been in office at the time of the U.S. withdrawal, he would have retained control of the base. He also claimed—without evidence—that China currently controls the facility.

Historically, the three Western permanent members of the Security Council—the United States, France, and the United Kingdom—have held significant influence over resolution drafting. According to Just Security, in 2024, the U.S. served as penholder on six country-specific issues, France on seven, and the U.K. on six. Russia has led on matters concerning Central Asia and co-leads with the U.S. on the U.N. peacekeeping mission in the Golan Heights.

With Beijing’s influence at the U.N. growing, the battle over Afghanistan’s Security Council resolutions is likely to remain a key flashpoint in U.S.-China relations.

US-China dispute over Afghanistan resolutions escalates at UNSC
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Afghanistan’s exports to India grow

By Fidel Rahmati

Indian media has reported that over the past two years, the country’s imports from Afghanistan have increased, with bilateral trade between India and Afghanistan reaching a value of $642.29 million.

According to the report, the largest exports from Afghanistan to India include agricultural products such as saffron, raisins, figs, apples, potatoes, almonds, apricots, onions, garlic, pomegranates, and mixed nuts.

Meanwhile, the National Statistics and Information Authority of the Taliban government has stated that the country’s exports decreased by $28 million in January compared to December, with a total export value of $162.2 million through the country’s customs in the past month.

It is reported that the highest exports were made to Pakistan, India, and the United Arab Emirates, while the highest imports came from Iran, Pakistan, and China.

Based on the statistics from this authority, the total export value of the country in the January 2025 was $190.2 million, while the import value was $1,041.5 million.

It is worth noting that the significant trade deficit and the increase in imports from other countries have turned Afghanistan into a consumer nation.

Additionally, the World Bank reported a 14% decline in Afghanistan’s exports from January to September compared to the same period last year.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan continues to maintain trade relations with neighboring countries, the growing import dependence and declining exports suggest challenges for the nation’s economic stability. The trade imbalance is a concerning trend, which highlights the need for efforts to boost local production and reduce reliance on foreign goods.

Afghanistan’s exports to India grow
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Ministry: Women’s Rights Accusations Used to Pressure Islamic Emirate

Saif-ul-Islam Khyber, the ministry’s spokesperson, said that Afghanistan is an Islamic country, and Islamic laws have defined fair rights for women, children, and all segments of society.

Khyber said: “Criticism of the laws, activities, and strategies of the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice under the name of women’s human rights reflects the double standards of international norms, using human rights slogans as a tool for political pressure.”

A day earlier, female foreign ministers from 17 countries, including Canada, Australia, Germany, and representatives of the European Union, expressed concerns in a joint statement regarding the restrictions imposed on women in Afghanistan.

They stressed that no government can achieve sustainable peace, prosperity, and a viable future without the participation of women and urged the Islamic Emirate to lift the restrictions imposed on Afghan women.

The joint statement read: “Today, women foreign ministers from around the world convened to discuss and reaffirm their deep concerns about the ongoing and systematic violations and abuses of human rights in Afghanistan by the Taliban de facto authorities, particularly those affecting women and girls.”

“Both women and men play significant roles in society. Without women’s participation, we cannot achieve goals such as the country’s progress and development,” said Faryal Saidzada, a women’s rights activist.

The ministers highlighted that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan depends on the participation of all Afghans, including women, in the country’s future and called on all countries to ensure the full and meaningful participation of women in discussions about Afghanistan.

The statement added: “We know that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is only attainable if all Afghans, including women and girls, can fully participate in and contribute to the country’s future. This includes discussions and decisions happening within the country, but also on the international stage.”

“We cannot move forward with only one segment of society; people have different mindsets and demands. We must have women’s representatives in organizations and international conferences,” said Fatima Fayzi, a women’s rights activist.

According to the statement, while Afghanistan faces high maternal and child mortality rates, the Islamic Emirate has decided to ban girls from attending health centers starting from December 2024.

Ministry: Women’s Rights Accusations Used to Pressure Islamic Emirate
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UNSC Grants 23-Day Travel Exemption to Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar

In a statement, the committee said that the purpose of this exemption is for Baradar’s travel to Doha for medical treatment.

The United Nations Security Council sanctions committee has announced a 23-day travel exemption for Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, deputy prime minister for economic affairs.

In a statement, the committee said that the purpose of this exemption is for Baradar’s travel to Doha for medical treatment.

The Security Council’s statement mentions that this exemption has been issued under resolution 1988 and is valid from February 9 to March 3, 2025.

The UN Security Council sanctions committee stated: “On 7 February 2025, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011) approved a travel ban exemption for Abdul Ghani Baradar Abdul Ahmad Turk (TAi.024) regarding his visit to Doha, State of Qatar, from 9 February 2025 to 3 March 2025 for medical treatment.”

“If Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar’s travel is for medical purposes, I hope it also has a political aspect to help Afghanistan emerge from economic and political isolation,” said Zalmai Afghanyar, a political analyst.

The statement also mentioned that a three-day travel exemption to Russia has been granted to the head of Afghanistan’s Central Bank.

The committee added that this exemption was granted for his visit to Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, to participate in the Ural Cybersecurity in Finance Forum, scheduled from February 19 to 21.

“For Afghanistan’s economic growth and to bring the country out of isolation, Mr. Baradar and his colleagues should take steps during this trip,” said Samim Shamsi, another political analyst.

Previously, the UN Security Council sanctions committee had also issued travel exemptions this year for three officials of the Islamic Emirate, including the acting ministers of interior, foreign affairs, and Hajj and religious affairs.

UNSC Grants 23-Day Travel Exemption to Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar
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Taliban Confirms Hand Grenade Attack At Aybak Mosque in Samangan

Volant Media UK Limited

Feb 14, 2025, 12:26 GMT

The Taliban police command in Samangan has confirmed an explosion at the Joi Zindan Mosque in the city centre of Aybak.

Hashmatullah Rahmani, the Taliban police spokesperson, stated that the incident occurred when two individuals threw a hand grenade into the mosque during prayers, reportedly over a “personal dispute.”

Rahmani indicated that at least four worshippers were injured in the attack. He added that Taliban security forces arrived promptly at the scene and subsequently arrested the perpetrators, confirming that the two attackers were armed. The incident is currently under investigation, and the injured have been transferred to Mazar-e-Sharif Provincial Hospital for treatment.

Earlier reports from local sources told Afghanistan International that an explosion and subsequent gunfire had been heard inside the Grand Mosque in the Joi Zindan area, with a grenade being thrown followed by gunfire. Doctors from the Samangan Public Health Department reported that dozens of worshippers were injured during the attack.

This attack is the latest in a series of explosions in Afghanistan in recent days. On the morning of Thursday, 13 February, a suicide attack targeted the Taliban’s Ministry of Urban Development in Kabul, resulting in multiple casualties.

Prior to that, on Tuesday, 11 February, a suicide bomber detonated explosives outside the Kabul Bank office in Kunduz, where Taliban officials and military personnel were awaiting their salaries. ISIS-K later claimed responsibility for the Kunduz attack.

 

Taliban Confirms Hand Grenade Attack At Aybak Mosque in Samangan
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UNICEF and ADB officials highlight support for women and children in Afghanistan

Tajudeen Oyewale, the UNICEF representative in Afghanistan, emphasized support for women and children during a meeting with officials from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

On Friday, February 14, Oyewale stated on his X account regarding the meeting with ADB officials, discussing how they can support women and children in Afghanistan.

He described the meeting as a “strong partnership for a brighter future for women and children in Afghanistan” and stressed that they are working together to expand essential services and create more opportunities to help those in greatest need.

He emphasized that during the discussion, both parties agreed to expand essential services and provide more opportunities for those in need. No further details have been released about the meeting’s discussions.

This comes at a time when several international humanitarian organizations have expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, especially for women, after the suspension of U.S. aid.

According to reports, Afghanistan’s economic and social crises have intensified, leaving millions of women and children reliant on humanitarian aid to meet their basic needs. Recently, the World Bank reported that Afghanistan is facing a severe food security crisis, with at least 2.9 million people currently on the brink of hunger.

UNICEF and ADB officials highlight support for women and children in Afghanistan
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Muttaqi Warns Against Unjust Criticism, Disobedience

During his speech, the acting foreign minister described unjust criticism as a cause of ruin.

Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting minister of foreign affairs, stated during a ceremony at a religious school in Kabul that those who disobey the Amir (leader) will face downfall.

During his speech, the acting foreign minister described unjust criticism as a cause of ruin.

Muttaqi said: “Now that Allah has granted us a society where we have elders, youth, teachers, an Amir, ministers, governors, and district chiefs, if we entertain wrong thoughts, follow other groups, engage in gossip, undermine our own community, and offer unjust criticism, it will lead to ruin.”

In another part of his speech, Muttaqi urged members of the Islamic Emirate to avoid narrow-mindedness and not to act in ways that alienate the people.

The acting foreign minister added: “The Taliban should not be narrow-minded, should not rely solely on themselves, or consider themselves perfect. They must view every individual in society with respect and dignity.”

Salim Paigir, a political analyst, told TOLOnews: “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has not taken significant steps in this area over the past three and a half years. It must also accept the Afghan people and political figures to collectively solve the current challenges of the country.”

This comes as the spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate recently acknowledged differences in views among its members but clarified that these differences do not imply division or conflict.

Muttaqi Warns Against Unjust Criticism, Disobedience
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Younus Akhundzada: No Internal Divisions in the Islamic Emirate

During the ceremony, the acting minister emphasized that the current system was established through sacrifice.

Mohammad Younus Akhundzada, acting minister of rural rehabilitation and development, stated during the inauguration of a project in Maiwand district of Kandahar that there are no divisions within the Islamic Emirate.

During the ceremony, the acting minister emphasized that the current system was established through sacrifice, and both officials and citizens have specific responsibilities toward it.

According to Akhundzada, the presence of the Islamic Emirate’s leader ensures that the enemies’ dream of creating divisions among the members of the Islamic Emirate will never come true.

Mohammad Younus Akhundzada also stated, “As long as this Amir is present, the idea that divisions could arise within the Islamic Emirate to the point of fragmentation is nothing but a dream. I assure you there are no divisions—do not worry. The system is moving forward on the path paved by sacrifices. You have responsibilities toward this system, and so do we.”

During the event, the acting minister inaugurated a 30 million afghani road reconstruction project. Akhundzada highlighted that connecting rural areas and providing services to their residents are key priorities for the ministry.

The acting minister added, “There are numerous ongoing projects—hundreds, in fact—in water supply networks, canals, dams, and roads. However, after 45 years of destruction in a country, it is extremely challenging to rebuild and restore it within just two or three years.”

Meanwhile, several residents of Maiwand district in Kandahar province stated that the implementation of reconstruction projects plays a vital role in addressing the people’s challenges.

Mohammad Qasim, a resident of Maiwand, told TOLOnews, “Besides the road, we need electricity, schools, and religious institutions, which must be provided to us.”

According to the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development, most of its development programs, launched under the balanced development initiative, are nearing completion across the country.

Younus Akhundzada: No Internal Divisions in the Islamic Emirate
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US, China Clash Over Drafting Afghanistan Resolutions at UN

According to the report, Pakistan and South Korea, two non-permanent members of the Security Council, had also sought to take on this responsibility.

The online forum Just Security reported that an “obscure diplomatic dispute over who should draft United Nations Security Council resolutions on Afghanistan is turning into a major row between the United States and China in the world body.”

This institution, which operates in the fields of security, politics, and democracy, added that the entity responsible for drafting UN resolutions would have the privilege and authority to determine the conditions and manner in which council members address specific cases.

The report states: “An obscure diplomatic dispute over who should draft United Nations Security Council resolutions on Afghanistan is turning into a major row between the United States and China in the world body. The debate, which has been brewing since late 2024 but has escalated in recent weeks since the Trump administration took over the US seat, has significant implications not only for how the UN engages with the Taliban in Kabul, but also for how Beijing positions itself as a leading power in the Security Council.”

According to the report, Pakistan and South Korea, two non-permanent members of the Security Council, had also sought to take on this responsibility. However, China’s candidacy for the task has faced opposition from the United States, which has also led to a deadlock over the extension of the UNAMA mandate.

Fazl-ur-Rahman Oria, a political analyst, told TOLOnews: “It is in Afghanistan’s interest for China to have the authority to arrange agendas and draft resolutions.”

Previously, the United Arab Emirates and Japan were responsible for handling Afghanistan’s case in the UN Security Council. The UAE’s mission had stated that during its two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, it had supported women’s rights, peace, and security in Afghanistan.

US, China Clash Over Drafting Afghanistan Resolutions at UN
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Nearly $500m of food aid at risk of spoilage after Trump USAid cuts

The Guardian

Mon 10 Feb 2025

Nearly half a billion dollars of food aid is at risk of spoilage following the decision of Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s “Doge” agency to make cuts to USAid, according to an inspector general (IG) report released on Monday.

Following staff reductions and funding freezes, the US agency responsible for providing humanitarian assistance across the world – including food, water, shelter and emergency healthcare – is struggling to function.

“Recent widespread staffing reductions across the agency … coupled with uncertainty about the scope of foreign assistance waivers and permissible communications with implementers, has degraded USAid’s ability to distribute and safeguard taxpayer-funded humanitarian assistance,” the report said.

According to USAid staff, this uncertainty put more than $489m of food assistance at ports, in transit, and in warehouses at risk of spoilage, unanticipated storage needs, and diversion.

USAid employs about 10,000 staff, with approximately two-thirds posted at the agency’s more than 60 missions overseas across multiple countries. The entire staff was put on administrative leave on Saturday, with limited exceptions.

David Lammy observes aid deliveries at a refugee camp in Adre, Chad.
Trump’s foreign aid cuts could be ‘big strategic mistake’, says Lammy
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The decision has caused chaos and devastation for those receiving foreign aid, such as in Malawi, one of the world’s most aid-dependent states.

The sweeping freeze on foreign assistance has also made it more difficult to track potential misuse of US taxpayer-funded humanitarian assistance, according to the report.

“While the USAid OIG [office of inspector general] has previously identified gaps in the scope of partner vetting, 10 USAid staff have reported that the counter-terrorism vetting unit supporting humanitarian assistance programming has in recent days been told not to report to work (because staff have been furloughed or placed on administrative leave) and thus cannot conduct any partner vetting,” the report said.

The agency requires that programs in Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Yemen, Syria, the West Bank and Gaza be vetted to ensure safe usage of US taxpayer funds. However, a lack of workers to vet the programs could lead to funding unintentionally being funneled into terrorist groups, according to the report.

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Nearly $500m of food aid at risk of spoilage after Trump USAid cuts
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