World

In August 2025, it will be four years since the Taliban came to power in Kabul. The initial focus of the Taliban after coming to power was on establishing centralized authority in the country, halting poppy bean cultivation, and attempting to govern the country based on Sharia law. The new government also aims to improve the socio-economic situation in the country, pursue stable and pragmatic policies with neighboring states, and achieve international recognition. 

Against the backdrop of this dangerous crisis, with the international community’s attention focused on the direct participants in the conflict, Gaza, Libya, and Syria, it is appropriate to turn attention to Afghanistan, which, despite its peripheral position relative to the region, is also becoming involved in these processes. Israel and Iran seek to expand their spheres of influence both ideologically and strategically. In this context, South and Central Asia, including Afghanistan, are becoming key zones of geopolitical rivalry, especially for Iran.

U.S. President Donald Trump, in social media posts, hinted at the possible killing of Iran’s supreme leader and called for Iran’s "unconditional surrender." This signals that the United States may join the war alongside Israel. The New York Times reported the developments.

On June 16, the Group of Seven (G7) countries jointly announced their full support for Israel and labeled Iran as a source of instability in the Middle East. The G7 leaders also called for de-escalation between the two nations. This was reported by Reuters news agency. 

Today, May 19, the Israeli government announced it would once again allow humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip. Observers have warned that without this assistance, the region faces an imminent threat of widespread famine.

US President Donald Trump's May tour of the Gulf states promises to be a turning point, with "economic diplomacy" taking center stage and, instead of official declarations, dominating large-scale investment and infrastructure projects. The focus is on the US project in the East, which aims to strengthen energy security, stimulate technological transformation, accelerate military cooperation and offer a "new life" to war-torn Gaza through the so-called "Gaza Riviera".

A new development has emerged in the case of 43 students who disappeared in Mexico in 2014: former judge Lambertina Galeana Marín has been arrested on suspicion of destroying evidence related to the incident, according to a report by the BBC.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he is ready to hold direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Istanbul on May 15.

The United States has been the major military partner of several countries in the Middle for decades. However, Egypt is trying to make a strategic change towards diversifying its military and economic relations with new emerging powers, particularly with China. This trend clearly shows Egypt’s long-term ambitions and such a bold move comes with potential challenges that could shape Egypt’s geopolitical trajectory and future decisions. 

The number of Uzbek citizens who died in Turkey due to the consumption of counterfeit alcoholic beverages has reached 14. This was reported by the press service of Uzbekistan's Consulate General in Istanbul.

The Lithuanian government stated that it is concerned about potential problems arising from a sharp increase in the number of migrants coming from Central Asia since 2021. This was reported by the country's LNK television channel.

In this insightful interview filmed in Tashkent, Dr. Jordan Peterson delves into the key ideas that can help create a better society. Drawing on centuries-old traditional values, Peterson explains how Western countries achieved economic stability and growth through principles of freedom, long-term commitments, and moral integrity.