Apparent Stability? – What the UN Report Reveals About the Taliban Regime
In December 2025, the latest report of the Afghanistan Monitoring Team was published. Operating under the mandate of the United Nations Security Council, the expert group assesses the country’s political and security situation, the functioning of the Taliban administration, and the risks emanating from Afghanistan that affect regional stability.
Although the persecution of the Hazaras stretches back centuries, the decades-long armed conflict in Afghanistan and its aftermath has meant that the plight of minorities is often overlooked by mainstream media. Millions of Hazaras still live in uncertainty, poverty, and fear in Afghanistan and Pakistan. But what lies behind that fear – and beyond it?
Shab-e Yalda, the Persian winter solstice celebration, marks the longest night of the year and the symbolic rebirth of the sun. It is a time for family, poetry, and shared hope.
Why Water Unrest Looks Different in Iran and in Central Asia?
Water is a critical, often-overlooked national security issue nowadays. World Bank data even shows that 40% of global freshwater demand is projected to exceed supply by the end of this decade. It can therefore be stated that it is not a problem to be neglected. Especially for certain parts of the globe, for instance in the Middle East and in Central Asia. And there are particularly vulnerable countries where the water issue itself is already a security threat. Namely Iran and Uzbekistan. But why does water unrest look so different in these countries? The new op-ed on this issue written by Blanka Benkő-Kovács was published on the LCTS website.
What Can Uzbekistan Offer to Europe in Terms of Energy?
As Europe accelerates its search for diversified energy cooperation, Uzbekistan stands out as a pivotal player with substantial natural gas reserves and growing renewable capacity.