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Thursday, February 19, 2026
TopicHibatullah Akhundzada

Topic: Hibatullah Akhundzada

Senior Afghanistan official who called Taliban’s education ban for girls ‘un-Islamic’ leaves for UAE

An arrest warrant was issued against deputy foreign minister Abbas Stanikzai, say local reports. However, Stanikzai maintains he is travelling to the UAE because of health issues

Hibatullah can hide his face. But not the emerging struggle within Taliban leadership

Mullah Umar’s elusive successor, Hibatullah Akhundzada, delivered his Eid message this week. There hasn’t been any explanation though why he doesn't show his face in public.

On Camera

Telangana spoke up for Muslim vendor who was attacked. South is different from the North

A poor Muslim man from Kurnool, selling khoya buns during the Medaram Jatara in Telangana, was harassed by some YouTubers and surrounded by a mob over allegations of 'food jihad'.

In the West, there’s anxiety. In India, optimism—Rishi Sunak says India poised to be leader in AI

On Wednesday, the former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was speaking in New Delhi at a Carnegie & Observer Research Foundation event on AI.

US military commander, envoy Sergio Gor visit Indian Army Western Command, Bengaluru next

At the Western Army Command, the American delegation was briefed on the capabilities of the formation, past operations and the path ahead.

The new Great Game—Trump’s playing for time, China for leverage & India for wiggle room

This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.