Features

Freedom House Assails Russia, Iran For Protest Crackdowns, But Also Raps U.S.

Freedom House has assailed crackdowns on protesters in “authoritarian states" Russia and Iran, but it also criticized traditional defenders of democracy -- including the United States -- for turning their backs on traditional safeguard roles to pursue “populist agendas.”

The Historic U.S.-Taliban Deal May Already Be Unraveling Over These Two Key Issues

A U.S.-Taliban deal aimed at ending the war in Afghanistan is threatening to unravel over two key issues: a major prisoner exchange and a reduction of violence.

Afghan President Calls On Taliban To Abandon Pakistani Sanctuaries

In an escalation of a war of words amid rising violence before scheduled peace talks between the warring sides, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has called on the Taliban to abandon their sanctuaries in neighboring Pakistan before beginning negotiations with his government.

Advice To My Younger Self: Women From Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran

To mark International Women's Day on March 8, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty asked successful women what advice they would give themselves when they were young. In this segment, women from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran offer their thoughts.

Afghan Taliban Ends Partial Truce As Deadly Bombing Hits Near Soccer Ground

A bombing at a soccer match has killed three civilians in Afghanistan’s eastern Khost Province, officials say, as the Taliban announced an end to a partial truce in the country.

Iran Coronavirus Deaths Mount, Including Senior Adviser To Supreme Leader

Iran's Health Ministry reported 12 more deaths from the coronavirus, bringing the total to 66 deaths, while the number of cases in the country has reached 1,501.

Attacks On Indian Journalists Highlight Growing Intolerance

Afghan President Casts Doubt On Key Aspect Of U.S.-Taliban Peace Deal

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has questioned a key component of an agreement between the United States and the Taliban aimed at ending the 18-year war in Afghanistan.

U.S., Taliban Sign Deal To End War In Afghanistan

The United States has signed a historic agreement with the Taliban aimed at ending the conflict in Afghanistan.

U.S., Taliban Poised For Biggest Step Yet Toward Afghan Peace

U.S. officials and Taliban negotiators are poised to meet in Qatar to take what could be the most important step yet toward ending America’s longest war -- the conflict in Afghanistan.

Taliban Present United Front As Opposed To Warring Afghan Gov’t

The imminent peace deal between the United States and Taliban this week is expected to be followed by negotiations between the hard-line Islamist movement and the Western-backed Afghan government.