Afghanistan
New clashes on the Afghanistan–Pakistan border; Torkham crossing temporarily closed
2 November 2026
Clashes between Afghan and Pakistani border forces in several border areas, particularly Torkham and Angoor Ada, have once again heightened tensions between the two countries. According to Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper, an exchange of fire continued for nearly an hour in Torkham, and the crossing was closed for approximately five hours. The clashes began following a disagreement over the construction of a border outpost. Through the mediation of border officials, both sides agreed to suspend the disputed construction activities. Reports have also emerged of mortar fire and the killing of a civilian in the Angoor Ada area. Afghan and Pakistani officials have presented conflicting accounts of how the clashes began, while tensions remain unresolved.
More than 1.3 million Afghans returned this year; $8.8 million funding gap threatens winter assistance
30 October 2026
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has announced that more than 1.3 million Afghan nationals returned to their country from Iran and Pakistan in 2026. According to the organization, the total number of recorded returns has exceeded 6.6 million since September 2023. The 2026–2027 winter assistance programme was designed to support nearly 200,000 people. However, only $4 million of the required $12.8 million has been secured, leaving a funding gap of $8.8 million. If the funding is not provided, more than 140,000 returnees, internally displaced people and vulnerable families could be deprived of essential winter assistance.
Opium poppy cultivation rises by 330%; Afghanistan’s opium production increases fivefold
29 October 2026
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in its annual report, announced that the area under opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan reached more than 43,000 hectares in 2026, compared with approximately 10,000 hectares in 2025. According to the report, opium production also increased by 400%, rising from approximately 300 tonnes to nearly 1,500 tonnes. The United Nations identifies widespread poverty, the lack of livelihood opportunities and farmers’ difficulties accessing legal markets as contributing factors. Officials from the Taliban administration’s Ministry of Interior rejected the UN figures, claiming that more than 26,000 hectares of land used for narcotics cultivation had been destroyed during the current year. The two sides continue to disagree over the actual scale of cultivation.
Healthcare crisis: Report highlights rising maternal and newborn deaths in Afghan hospitals
30 October 2026
Rukhshana Media has published an investigative report examining the deteriorating state of healthcare services and the difficulties pregnant women face in accessing medical care in Afghanistan. Based on accounts from families and healthcare workers, the report says shortages of doctors, medical equipment and medicines, alongside the closure of several healthcare centres, have increased the risk of maternal and newborn deaths. Experts interviewed for the report say Afghanistan continues to have one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. An estimate cited in the report suggests that one woman dies every two hours from pregnancy- or childbirth-related causes. The report also highlights healthcare workers’ concerns about increasing maternal and newborn mortality in several provinces.
UN warning: 19.2 million people expected to face severe food insecurity this winter
15 October 2026
The World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have warned that approximately 19.2 million people in Afghanistan, representing 38% of the population, will face high levels of food insecurity during the lean season from November 2026 to April 2027. This figure is higher than the estimated 17.4 million people for the same period last year. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis, approximately five million people will face emergency levels of hunger. The two UN agencies have stressed that urgent food assistance and support for rural livelihoods are essential to prevent the crisis from deteriorating further.
Kabul urges Washington to act responsibly in deporting Afghan migrants
2 November 2026
The Taliban administration’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on the United States to act responsibly in the deportation of Afghan migrants to Afghanistan. Reuters reported that Kabul had expressed its readiness to engage in dialogue and constructive interaction with Washington on the issue. The statement comes as the US government considers deporting a number of detained Afghan migrants, while reports indicate that some could be transferred to Afghanistan through Pakistan. Migrant rights organisations have expressed concern about the potential dangers of forced returns, particularly for Afghans who previously worked with US forces and institutions.
Region and the World
UN mission in Western Sahara ends after 35 years amid US–Russia disagreement
1 November 2026
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara, known as MINURSO, has ended after 35 years of operation. According to the Associated Press, disagreements between the United States and Russia in the Security Council prevented the mission from being extended. Russia vetoed a US-backed draft resolution supporting Morocco’s claim to sovereignty over the territory, while a competing Russian proposal failed to secure sufficient votes. MINURSO was established in 1991 to monitor the ceasefire and facilitate a referendum on self-determination for the people of Western Sahara. However, the referendum was never held because of disagreements over voter eligibility. Morocco welcomed the end of the mission, while the Polisario Front and Algeria condemned it.
Local ceasefire in Kherson expires; civilians fear renewed fighting
2 November 2026
A temporary ceasefire in Ukraine’s Kherson region, which had allowed the evacuation of some civilians from the besieged city of Oleshky, has expired. According to the Associated Press, the temporary pause in fighting provided a rare opportunity to evacuate civilians and deliver humanitarian assistance. Approximately 2,000 civilians were given the option of relocating to areas controlled by either Ukraine or Russia, or remaining where they were. Meanwhile, attacks continued in other parts of Ukraine, with Ukrainian officials reporting damage to energy infrastructure and power cuts affecting hundreds of thousands of people. Both sides continue to accuse each other of carrying out drone and missile attacks.
China and Oman stress that the Middle East must not become an arena for great-power rivalry
2 November 2026
Chinese President Xi Jinping, during a meeting with Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, stated that the Middle East and the Gulf region must not become an arena for competition between major powers. According to Reuters, the two countries issued a joint statement emphasising the importance of ensuring maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and resolving disagreements between the United States and Iran through peaceful means. China also announced that its special envoy for Middle Eastern affairs would visit Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia during the current month. The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation in oil and gas, solar and wind energy, and electricity infrastructure.
Mass protests in France: Hundreds of thousands take to the streets against rising living costs and cuts to public services
31 October 2026
Large-scale demonstrations continued in several French cities, focusing on rising living costs, cuts to public services and concerns about the country’s economic future. According to Le Monde, approximately 320,000 people participated in nationwide demonstrations, based on government figures, while organisers estimated the turnout at nearly 500,000. Most demonstrations remained peaceful, although clashes between protesters and police occurred in some areas. French authorities reported hundreds of arrests. Protesters also voiced opposition to restrictions on the right to demonstrate, police violence and the difficult employment and education conditions facing young people.
Bulgaria: Iliana Iotova leads in the second round of presidential elections
2 November 2026
Exit polls and parallel counts published by several polling organisations in Bulgaria indicate that Iliana Iotova has taken a significant lead over her rival, Andrey Gyurov, in the second round of the presidential election. According to Anadolu Agency, estimates from five polling organisations place Iotova’s share of the vote between 56.6% and 58.2%, while her rival is estimated to have received between 38.6% and 40.6%. Iotova is a veteran figure associated with the Bulgarian Socialist Party. During her election campaign, she opposed increasing military assistance to Ukraine and advocated a diplomatic solution. Official final results are required before her victory can be declared definitive.
More than 130 migrants rescued off the coast of Mauritania
1 November 2026
News reports indicate that more than 130 migrants were rescued off the coast of Mauritania. The migrants had encountered danger while travelling by sea towards Spain’s Canary Islands. The Atlantic route from the West African coast to the Canary Islands is considered one of the most dangerous migration routes to Europe, with many migrants losing their lives during the journey every year. Poverty, unemployment, insecurity and the absence of promising economic opportunities in countries of origin are considered among the main factors driving these migration movements.
More than 200 arrested in Germany amid youth protests
2 November 2026
Anadolu Agency reported that more than 200 people had been arrested following youth protests in Germany. The demonstrations took place in several cities and attracted significant participation from young people. Initial reports indicate tensions between some protesters and police forces. The published report does not provide full details of the organisers’ demands or the final number of arrests. Further monitoring is therefore necessary to establish the full scale and consequences of these demonstrations.
Workers’ Movements, Communist Parties and Left Forces
International dockworkers’ strike across 113 ports in 22 countries
30 October 2026
Dockworkers and trade unions in 113 ports across 22 countries took part in a coordinated international strike and protest against arms shipments to conflict zones and the militarisation of port infrastructure. According to reports by the Associated Press and international communist media, the action took place across Europe, Asia, Africa and other parts of the world. Participating unions called for an end to the use of civilian ports for transporting weapons and military equipment. They also raised demands for higher wages, job security and improved working conditions. Ports in Greece, France, Italy, Turkey and Morocco were among the main centres of the action.
French Communist Party backs student mobilisation and planned workers’ action
1 November 2026
The French Communist Party (PCF) announced its support for student mobilisation scheduled for 2 November and a planned workers’ action on 5 November. According to international communist media, the party, alongside the Young Communist Movement of France, has supported students’ and workers’ demands concerning living conditions, social rights and economic policies. The call comes amid continuing social unrest and demonstrations across France in recent weeks.
Japanese Communist Party mobilises against proposed electoral reforms
1 November 2026
The Japanese Communist Party has expanded its campaign against a proposal to reduce the number of proportional representation seats in the country’s House of Representatives. The party has warned that such reforms could restrict the ability of smaller political forces and diverse social perspectives to gain representation. The Japanese Communist Party is also preparing for its 30th Party Congress and has called on citizens to speak out against the proposed changes to the electoral system.
Syrian Communist Party calls for intensified class struggle and workers’ mobilisation
1 November 2026
The Syrian Communist Party, in a statement issued from Damascus, emphasised the need to intensify class struggle and expand workers’ mobilisation. The party called for strengthening the role of the working class in the struggle for social and economic rights and resisting policies that, in its view, place the burden of the crisis on the shoulders of working people. The statement comes as the economic crisis and difficult living conditions continue to place considerable pressure on large sections of Syrian society.
Indian communist parties join rally in defence of voters’ rights
2 November 2026
The Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), CPI(M), joined other parties of the INDIA alliance in a major rally focused on defending voters’ rights. According to international communist media, participants demanded accountability from the Election Commission and called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The communist parties stressed that protecting the right to vote and safeguarding the independence of electoral institutions are essential to defending citizens’ democratic rights.
Communist Party of Brazil warns against US interference
2 November 2026
The Communist Party of Brazil, responding to Flávio Bolsonaro’s visit to the United States, warned of the possibility of Washington interfering in Brazil’s internal affairs. The party called on progressive forces to remain vigilant and continue political mobilisation in defence of national independence and the sovereignty of the Brazilian people. The statement comes amid continuing domestic political divisions and concerns about the role of foreign powers in Brazil’s political processes.
Greek Communist Party joins anti-fascist mobilisation in Athens
2 November 2026
The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) participated in an anti-fascist mobilisation in Athens. The action was organised in protest against fascism, government policies and threats to social and democratic rights. The Greek Communist Party emphasised the need for organised resistance against fascist forces and the defence of workers’ and young people’s rights.
South African Communist Party expands its election campaign
2 November 2026
The South African Communist Party (SACP) has expanded its grassroots activities and door-to-door campaign ahead of the local elections scheduled for 4 November. The party has also announced plans to hold rallies aimed at attracting voter support. Its election campaign focuses on organised engagement with communities and raising social and economic demands at the local level.
Editorial Note
As winter approaches, Afghanistan faces simultaneous crises of poverty, large-scale migrant returns, food insecurity and deteriorating public services. These conditions place the heaviest burden on workers, farmers and impoverished families. Border clashes impose yet another burden on ordinary people.
Globally, rivalry between major powers, wars and political crises continue to cast a shadow over the lives of millions. At the same time, social protests in France and other countries demonstrate that public dissatisfaction with rising prices, inequality and cuts to public services is growing.
The coordinated action of dockworkers and the activities of communist parties and left-wing forces in different countries once again underline the importance of international solidarity among working people.
Compiled by: Yama Afghan