Flynn Holds NRF Leader’s Book In Meeting With FBI Director

The New York Times first reported that the proposed ban could affect 43 countries. Sources told Reuters that the restrictions would be less extensive than those imposed during Trump’s first presidency. However, internal government memos indicate that the list could still change before being finalised.

The draft proposal divides the affected nations into three categories. The “Red List” includes 11 countries whose citizens would be completely banned from entering the US The “Orange List” features 10 nations whose citizens would face strict travel restrictions but not a complete ban. The “Yellow List” includes 22 countries given 60 days to improve their immigration security or risk stricter measures.

The ban closely resembles Trump’s 2017 travel restrictions, which initially barred entry from eight countries. That policy was later modified and upheld by the US Supreme Court in 2018.

On 20 January 2025, Trump signed an executive order tightening security screening for foreign nationals. The order mandates that government agencies submit a list of countries requiring full or partial travel suspensions by 21 March. The move is part of Trump’s broader immigration agenda, a key priority of his second term.

If enacted, the ban could have major consequences for immigration, diplomacy, and the economies of affected nations. Critics argue that the policy is discriminatory, while Trump’s supporters view it as necessary for national security.

It remains unclear whether those already holding US visas or Green Cards will be exempt. The recent revocation of a Syrian-Palestinian student’s residency status has raised concerns about the broader impact of the policy.

Many of the targeted nations are Muslim-majority or developing countries. However, some inclusions, such as Bhutan and Russia, have raised questions. Venezuela’s placement on the list may also complicate recent US diplomatic efforts with Caracas.

When Joe Biden took office in 2021, he revoked Trump’s previous travel ban, calling it a “stain on our national conscience.” However, Trump has argued that such measures are essential for protecting the US from security threats. His latest executive order claims that the policy will prevent individuals with extremist ideologies or those seeking to exploit US immigration laws from entering the country.

The presidents of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan signed the agreement to demarcate their shared border. The disputed border had long been a source of tension between the two nations.

In a statement on Saturday, the Taliban’s Foreign Ministry praised the agreement for strengthening mutual trust. The ministry called it an important move for peace and cooperation in the region. The statement added that resolving disputes through dialogue contributes to economic development and regional stability.

The Taliban reaffirmed their support for peace and regional cooperation. They expressed hope that the agreement would open a new chapter of lasting peace in Central Asia.

On Thursday, 13 March, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon signed the border demarcation agreement. Following the deal, two border checkpoints that had been closed since 2021 were reopened. Direct flights between Bishkek, Dushanbe, and Khujand resumed on 14 March.

President Japarov called the agreement a “historic event” and said it would be welcomed by both nations and the international community. He emphasised that the deal was a major step toward enhancing security and sustainable development in Central Asia.

Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan share a nearly 1,000-kilometre border. One-third of it had been disputed, leading to violent clashes in recent years. In September 2022, a confrontation between Tajik and Kyrgyz border forces left 24 Kyrgyz citizens dead and 87 others injured.

The report states that the Taliban has not taken decisive action against the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), which operates in Afghanistan. Uzbekistan considers the IMU a national security threat.

In April 2023, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), which includes Uzbekistan, raised concerns about the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan. A joint CIS statement warned that organisations such as ISIS, al-Qaeda, the East Turkistan Islamic Movement, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, the Balochistan Liberation Army, Jundallah, Jaish al-Adl, Jamaat Ansarullah, and the IMU continue to pose a serious threat to regional and global security.

The ACAPS report, published on Friday, also noted Uzbekistan’s concerns over the Taliban’s construction of the Qosh Tepa water canal in northern Afghanistan. The Taliban has invested heavily in the project, which diverts water from the Amu River to Balkh, Jowzjan, and Faryab provinces.

ACAPS warned that disputes over the Amu River’s water management could escalate once the canal is completed. In September 2023, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev warned that the canal could alter Central Asia’s water balance. He stated that Afghanistan, as a new consumer, has no obligations toward neighbouring countries.

The report also discussed the Taliban’s demand for the return of Afghan military helicopters taken to Uzbekistan and later transferred to the United States. Uzbek media previously reported that seven Black Hawk helicopters, originally used by the former Afghan army, were sent to the U.S. The Pentagon determined they could be repurposed.

Following the transfer, the Taliban’s Ministry of Defence condemned the move as “unacceptable” and called on the U.S. to return the helicopters to Afghanistan.

According to spokesperson Enayatullah Alokozay, the country has a total of 26 million SIM cards, with the registration process for the remaining ones still ongoing.

Bakhtar News Agency, controlled by the Taliban, reported on Saturday that the registration process is being overseen by the ministry. The Taliban had previously instructed all telecommunications companies to comply with SIM card registration procedures to regulate mobile services.

The previous Afghan government also attempted to register SIM cards to enhance security and prevent misuse by armed groups, particularly the Taliban. However, the initiative was largely unsuccessful.

Despite the ongoing registration drive, experts and citizens have raised concerns that the Taliban could use the process to monitor communications and infringe on privacy under the guise of security measures.

A day before the video’s release, a high-level security meeting was held in Kandahar without Haqqani. The meeting was led by Defence Minister Mullah Yaqub, with Deputy Interior Minister Ibrahim Sadr attending in Haqqani’s place.

During Haqqani’s absence, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has made several key appointments over the past two months. On 24 February, Samiullah Hezbollah officially assumed office as the new governor of Takhar, replacing Obaidullah Aminzada.

The leadership reshuffle in northern provinces continues, with Akhundzada appointing Mullah Nik Mohammad Malang as the new police chief of Badakhshan.