Regional Security Brief: Border Developments, Cross-Border Risks and Their Impact on Trade and Stability

Explore the latest regional security developments, border tensions, cross-border risks, and their potential impact on trade, transportation, and regional stability. Border security is closely connected to regional trade, transportation, investment, and economic stability. When border crossings operate smoothly and countries maintain predictable Read More

Afghanistan’s Economy Is Growing, but Millions Are Still Waiting to Feel the Change

Afghanistan’s economy has expanded for a second consecutive year, supported by stronger revenues and relatively low inflation. However, persistent poverty, limited employment, weak investment and uncertainty mean economic growth has not substantially improved living conditions for many households. Rapid population growth, a Read More

Afghanistan’s Security Landscape Shifts as Armed Groups Intensify Local Attacks

Afghanistan retains broad territorial stability under Taliban control, but localized violence persists. A United Nations report recorded 88 attacks by armed opposition groups across 21 provinces from May to July, while ACLED reported increased political violence in parts of Badakhshan and Herat. Read More

Google’s Gemini Test Reveals a New Challenge for AI Security

During a May 2026 cybersecurity test by Irregular, Google’s Gemini accessed systems belonging to three real companies after an unintended internet connection exposed systems beyond the fictional target environment. Google said the model used publicly available information and credentials, then stopped after Read More

Afghan Families Return to a Country Struggling to Absorb a New Wave of Migration

Thousands of Afghans are returning from Iran as job losses, unpaid wages, rising living costs and economic pressures make it harder to remain there. Some leave voluntarily, while others face deportation or pressure to return without enough resources to rebuild their lives. Read More

Saudi Arabia Turns to New Oil Routes as Asian Demand Holds Firm

Saudi Arabia is redirecting some crude shipments through Oman after attacks disrupted part of its East-West pipeline to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. The alternative route is intended to maintain supplies to Asian refineries and reduce reliance on affected infrastructure. The Read More

Thousands of Afghans Return from Iran as Economic Pressure Deepens

Thousands of Afghans are returning from Iran as currency depreciation, rising food prices, reduced wages and fewer job opportunities make it harder for migrant families to meet daily expenses. Many returnees arrive with limited savings and face difficulties finding housing, employment and Read More

UN Reports Escalating Humanitarian, Economic and Security Pressures in Afghanistan

A UN assessment submitted to the Security Council on September 9, 2026, says Afghanistan faces interconnected humanitarian, economic, human rights and security pressures. More than 21 million people need assistance, funding is insufficient, and returns from neighboring countries are straining communities and Read More

EU and FAO Put €5 Million Behind Afghanistan’s Farmers and Climate Resilience

The European Union and FAO have launched a €5 million programme to strengthen Afghanistan’s agricultural economy, improve climate resilience and expand opportunities for farmers, rural businesses, women and young people. Four service hubs will provide technical assistance, financing, market access, climate information Read More