Afghanistan’s Energy Reality: Afghanistan still imports over 90% of its petroleum needs, with domestic supply only 5–7%, and fuel prices tied to global diesel costs and incoming shipments—an ongoing pressure point for households and industry. Taliban Diplomacy vs. Human Rights: Five years after the Taliban takeover, campaigners warn that rising diplomatic engagement with the regime is undermining consistent human-rights demands, as UN reporting highlights bans on women’s education and work and broader repression. Education Crisis: A new analysis argues Afghanistan’s education “horizon” has been stolen—girls and young women face years of interrupted schooling with futures frozen by the ban on education beyond grade 12. Security and Terror Links: A UN Security Council monitoring report attributes the November 2025 Red Fort blast to Al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), describing a shift toward smaller cells and attempts to expand operational reach, including toward Bangladesh. Regional Trade Signals: India reaffirmed “longstanding ties” with Afghanistan, citing recent engagements and ministerial visits that support development cooperation, trade, and connectivity. Local Hardship in the North: Drought in Balkh’s Zari district is cutting rain-fed farming output, raising food and transport costs and worsening access to clean water, healthcare, and education.