In a first, Indian official holds talks with Taliban defence minister

Davey: Super-injunction was a cover-up

Sir Ed Davey accused Tories of letting down Afghans who supported British forces and protecting its ministers. It comes as a super-injunction blocking reporting about the “horrific” leak of data was lifted. The Ministry of Defence only became aware of the breach when excerpts from the dataset were posted anonymously on a Facebook group in August 2023, and a super-injunction was granted at the High Court in an attempt to prevent the Taliban from finding out about the leak. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Sir Mel Stride defends Afghan injunction

Sir Mel Stride defends a super injunction obtained by former defence secretary Ben Wallace to block the reporting a data leak relating to Afghan nationals who supported British forces during the Afghanistan War. The shadow chancellor says people could have been murdered and tortured had the Taliban got hold of the information. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

'The mistake puts almost 19,000 people at risk of harm from the Taliban'

'Choose Friendship’: Kabul’s First Reaction As Russia Becomes First To Recognize Taliban Government

In a historic and controversial move, Russia has become the first nation to officially recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan. The announcement was met with cautious optimism on the streets of Kabul, where many Afghans are now urging neighboring powers like Iran, Pakistan, and India to “choose friendship” over continued conflict. Locals say the recognition brings hope for stability, economic revival, and an end to international isolation. “War brings only destruction. We want peace and cooperation,” said Ahmad Zia Popal, a Kabul resident. The Taliban, still sanctioned by the West and condemned for its human rights record—especially on women’s rights—called Russia’s decision “courageous” and a model for others. While global criticism looms, many ordinary Afghans see this as a turning point. Moscow’s move also raises geopolitical questions as it deepens its footprint in the region amid growing tensions with the West. #RussiaTaliban #TalibanRecognition #AfghanistanNews #KabulVoices #PutinTaliban #RussiaAfghanistanTies #Geopolitics #TalibanRule #AfghanPeople #RegionalPeace #IndiaPakistanAfghanistan #AfghanPeace #MiddleEastNews #IranTaliban #RussiaInAsia #GlobalDiplomacy #FriendshipNotWar #AfghanistanFuture #WorldNews #TalibanGovernment ~HT.318~ED.102~PR.152~

Russia’s BIGGEST Blunder Yet? Putin Bets On Taliban, Crowns Kabul’s Sharia Kings As Official Rulers

In a stunning geopolitical shift, Russia has become the first country to officially recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan. Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov personally conveyed the recognition to Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul, marking what Taliban leaders called a "new phase" in bilateral relations. The Kremlin, now seeking to strengthen regional influence, sees commercial potential in Afghanistan’s energy, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors, despite global condemnation of the Taliban's human rights record. Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have faced international isolation for enforcing brutal Sharia laws and gender apartheid. Yet, Russia has maintained its embassy, signed economic deals, removed the Taliban from its terror list, and labeled them allies in the fight against extremism. As the West tightens sanctions, Russia's move could set a precedent for others considering formal engagement with Kabul's hardline rulers. #Russia #Taliban #Afghanistan #Putin #Kremlin #TalibanRecognition #Geopolitics #ShariaLaw #HumanRights #GenderApartheid #InternationalRelations #RussiaAfghanistan #MiddleEastPolitics #PutinMoves #GlobalDiplomacy #MoscowKabul #BreakingNews #RussiaNews #AfghanistanNews #WorldNews ~HT.408~

Afghan leaks 'catastrophic', says shadow minister

A Conservative minister has described the Afghan leaks as "catastrophic", saying the breach is a huge threat to national security. The leak saw the details of almost 19,000 people seeking to flee Afghanistan released. Shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho said the case needs to be looked at more closely to ensure the protection of the public. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Starmer ''welcomes'' inquiry into Afghan leak

Speaking in the House of Commons today, Sir Keir Starmer said ex-ministers in the previous Conservative government have “serious questions to answer” about the Afghan data breach which resulted in a £850 million secret relocation scheme and an unprecedented legal gagging order. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn