Tuesday, 28 Mizan 1405 (Solar Hijri calendar)
Corresponding to 20 October 2026 (Gregorian calendar)
Afghanistan, the Region and the World: From the Crisis in People’s Lives to Labour and Social Struggles
🔴 AFGHANISTAN
1. Russia Announces Readiness to Help Reduce Tensions Between Afghanistan and Pakistan
Russia’s ambassador to Pakistan has announced that Moscow is ready to play a role in reducing tensions between Islamabad and Kabul. He also expressed concern about the continued closure of border crossings and the consequences for regional trade.
This position comes at a time when security disputes between the two countries are affecting people’s movement, trade and the economic situation in border areas.
Source: Business Recorder and Pakistani media; 20 October.
2. High-Level Russian Delegation to Visit Afghanistan to Expand Economic Relations
According to TOLOnews, a high-level delegation led by Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister is expected to visit Afghanistan in the near future. The stated purpose of the visit is to expand economic and trade cooperation.
According to Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, trade between the two countries doubled in the first half of the current calendar year, although the overall volume of trade remains limited.
The fundamental question is whether these contacts will lead to genuine investment, job creation and improvements in the lives of the Afghan people, or whether they will remain limited to diplomatic agreements.
Source: TOLOnews; 19 October.
3. Head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service Meets Taliban Officials in Kabul
TOLOnews has reported that Sergei Naryshkin, head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, met Abdul Haq Wasiq, head of Taliban intelligence, in Kabul.
At the time the report was published, officials in Kabul and Moscow had not provided clear details about the purpose or content of the discussions.
Alongside Russia’s security and diplomatic contacts with regional countries, this meeting highlights the growing importance of Afghanistan in the security calculations of regional powers.
Source: TOLOnews; 19 October.
4. European Union Representative Meets Taliban Foreign Minister
According to TOLOnews, a European Union representative held talks with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s foreign minister, on security, political and humanitarian issues.
Such contacts form part of diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan’s current rulers. However, assessing their results depends on practical measures, particularly regarding people’s rights, the situation of women and girls, and access to essential services.
Source: TOLOnews; report published in recent days.
5. Increase in Herat’s Mineral Stone Exports Raises Questions About the Public’s Share of Natural Resources
TOLOnews has reported a significant increase in exports of mineral stones from Herat. The outlet has also reported growth in carpet production in Badakhshan.
Increased exports and local production can create economic opportunities. However, assessing their actual impact on people’s lives requires attention to sustainable employment, workers’ wages, public revenue and the share of local communities in the income generated from natural resources.
An increase in export figures alone does not prove that poverty and unemployment have declined.
Source: TOLOnews; economic reports published in recent days.
6. Food Insecurity and Concerns About a Difficult Winter for Afghan Families
TOLOnews previously reported concerns about worsening food insecurity in Afghanistan during the coming winter.
For families facing unemployment, low incomes and limited access to essential services, falling temperatures can intensify economic pressure. Assessments of people’s food security should focus on families’ actual access to food, fuel, healthcare and shelter.
Editorial note: This is a warning reported in recent days, not an event that occurred today.
Source: TOLOnews; an earlier economic report.
🌍 THE REGION AND THE WORLD
1. Japan Launches an Unprecedented Mission to Explore a Moon of Mars
On 20 October, Japan launched a spacecraft to investigate Phobos, one of Mars’s two moons. The mission is designed to study Phobos’s surface and return samples from it to Earth.
The multi-year mission plan includes landing a probe and collecting samples. Their return to Earth is scheduled for 2031.
The project could improve scientific understanding of the origins of Mars’s moons and the history of the formation of the Solar System.
Source: Associated Press and Euronews; 20 October.
2. Washington Prepares to Release a New Review of the US Withdrawal from Afghanistan
On 19 October, The Washington Post reported that the US Department of Defense was preparing to release a new review of the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan in 2021.
The anticipated review is expected to examine military and political decisions made during the withdrawal, the evacuation process and warnings issued by commanders. The exact publication date and the final findings remain unclear.
The review also carries political significance ahead of the US midterm elections. Nevertheless, assessments of responsibility should be based on documents and evidence and should take into account the decisions of different administrations, including the 2020 agreement with the Taliban.
Source: The Washington Post; 19 October.
3. Israeli Settler Attacks in the West Bank; Ten Suspects Arrested
The Associated Press has reported that Israeli police arrested ten suspects following violent attacks by Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
According to the report, recent attacks injured people who were present to support Palestinians during the olive harvest season. European diplomats and an American journalist were also reportedly subjected to violence.
Arrests alone do not mean that the violence has ended. Judicial proceedings and effective measures to prevent further attacks are also essential.
Source: Associated Press; 19–20 October.
4. Britain Warns Companies About Involvement in the Expansion of Israeli Settlements
The British foreign secretary has warned companies that participation in activities linked to the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank could conflict with international law.
He described the E1 settlement project as a threat to the possibility of achieving a two-state solution. Israeli officials have opposed this position.
The central issue is the impact of settlement expansion on Palestinian land and people’s rights, as well as the prospects for achieving a lasting political solution.
Source: Associated Press; 20 October.
5. Iran and Russia Emphasise the Expansion of Regional Cooperation
During a meeting in Tehran between Iranian officials and Russia’s foreign minister, both sides emphasised strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation. According to the Associated Press, Iranian officials discussed expanding economic cooperation and connectivity projects.
At the same meeting, Iran’s president emphasised resolving disagreements with neighbouring countries through dialogue and described the US military presence in the region as a factor contributing to increased tensions. This assessment represents the publicly stated position of Iranian officials.
Expanded regional cooperation could affect trade routes and security arrangements. Its eventual impact will depend on the agreements reached and how they are implemented.
Source: Associated Press; 19 October.
6. Trump Urges Zelenskyy to Appoint Someone Else to Negotiate an End to the War
Reuters reported that on 19 October, US President Donald Trump said Volodymyr Zelenskyy should appoint someone else to negotiate an end to the war with Russia.
Trump also made remarks about Russia’s actions in the war and said that the United States was continuing to share intelligence with Ukraine.
These statements are the latest example of differing views over the path towards negotiations. It remains to be seen whether this position will lead to a formal change in the diplomatic process.
Source: Reuters; 19 October.
✊ LEFT-WING, LABOUR AND SOCIAL STRUGGLES
1. Glasgow Caledonian University Workers to Strike Again
According to Workers’ Liberty, members of the EIS-ULA education union at Glasgow Caledonian University are due to strike from 20 to 22 October and again from 26 to 29 October. Further strike dates have also been announced for November.
The dispute is taking place amid opposition to the threat of job losses and wider labour disagreements at the university.
Focus of the struggle: Defending job security and opposing attempts to transfer the costs of institutions’ financial difficulties onto workers and education staff.
Source: Workers’ Liberty; report published in recent days.
2. Camden Municipal Services Workers in London on Strike
Municipal services workers in the London borough of Camden, including traffic enforcement officers, have gone on strike over a labour dispute with the contractor NSL. According to Workers’ Liberty, the workers’ full-time strike began on 28 September and was still continuing when the report was published.
The dispute has developed amid workers’ concerns about employment contract terms, pay and the employer’s response to their demands. The strike forms part of workers’ efforts to hold the company accountable and secure an acceptable agreement.
In this case, it is important to distinguish between the direct employer and the public authority responsible for the wider municipal context. NSL is the contractor involved in the dispute. The issue therefore concerns the employment relationship between the workers and the company, although the services in question are delivered in an urban environment.
This struggle once again highlights working conditions in services managed through private contractors. For workers, job security, fair wages and respect for trade union rights are fundamental demands.
Focus of the struggle: Defending working conditions and workers’ rights in municipal services.
Source: Workers’ Liberty; report published in recent days.
3. Nationwide Protest in Colombia Against Cuts to Public Services Funding
On 19 October, the World Socialist Web Site reported that teachers, trade unions, students and Indigenous communities in Colombia had held a one-day protest strike on 14 October against cuts to government funding.
According to the report, protests took place in several cities. The demands included opposition to reductions in spending on education, social services and workers’ rights. The report also described confrontations between police forces and protesters.
The events took place in recent days, but the new report is relevant to understanding social struggles in Latin America.
Source: World Socialist Web Site; 19 October.
4. Teachers and University Staff Protest in Argentina
A World Socialist Web Site report published on 19 October stated that security forces attacked teachers and supporters of public universities during a protest in Argentina on 15 October. The demonstrators were opposing national legislative measures.
The protesters demanded implementation of the public-university funding law and the provision of the resources necessary to maintain the institutions’ operations.
The dispute is part of a broader struggle over public spending, workers’ wages and the future of higher education.
Source: World Socialist Web Site; 19 October.
5. Stellantis Workers in Canada Approve Strike Mandate by an Overwhelming Majority
A World Socialist Web Site report published on 19 October states that workers at the Stellantis automotive company in Canada approved a strike mandate with 97 per cent of the vote.
Disagreements continue over the future of jobs, employment guarantees and the fate of certain production facilities. Approval of a strike mandate does not mean that a strike has definitely begun; it gives the union the authority to pursue industrial action if the dispute continues.
Focus of the struggle: Job security, protecting production capacity and preventing the company from shifting the costs of its decisions onto workers.
Source: World Socialist Web Site; 19 October.
6. Thunder Bay Library Workers in Canada Involved in Strike Action
According to the same report, around 70 library employees in Thunder Bay, Ontario, went on strike last week. They are in dispute with management over the terms of their employment contract.
The issues under dispute include sick leave, annual leave, healthcare benefits and pension benefits. The report states that all four branches of the city’s public library remained closed during the strike.
This struggle is an example of a dispute over working conditions in public services, where cuts to benefits can directly affect employees’ lives and the quality of social services.
Source: World Socialist Web Site; 19 October.
🔥 EDITORIAL SUMMARY
Today’s news and recent reports, from Afghanistan to Europe and North America, highlight several major issues: diplomatic competition over Afghanistan’s future, economic pressures on ordinary people, disputes over Palestinian land and workers’ struggles to defend their jobs and social rights.
However, there is a difference between reporting that an event has occurred and analysing its political significance. A strike, protest or political statement alone does not determine the final outcome of a struggle. Understanding the demands, the level of organisation, government responses and the practical consequences for people’s lives is essential.
Daily News seeks to report events with clear dates, identifiable sources and a clear distinction between news and analysis, because reliable information is a foundation of social awareness.
Prepared by: Hassanpour
Tuesday, 28 Mizan 1405 — 20 October 2026
SOURCES
Afghanistan and the Region
● Russia’s statement on reducing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan — Business Recorder
● Afghanistan news — TOLOnews
● Russian delegation’s visit to Afghanistan for economic talks — TOLOnews
● Meeting of Russia’s foreign intelligence chief in Kabul — TOLOnews
● Herat’s mineral stone exports — TOLOnews
● Carpet production in Badakhshan — TOLOnews
● Report on food insecurity in Afghanistan — TOLOnews
The World
● Japan’s mission towards a moon of Mars — Associated Press
● US review of the withdrawal from Afghanistan — The Washington Post
● Developments in the Middle East and the West Bank — Associated Press
● Trump’s position on negotiations over the war in Ukraine — Reuters
Labour Movements
● Glasgow Caledonian University strikes and the Camden workers’ dispute — Workers’ Liberty
● Reports on labour struggles in North and South America — World Socialist Web Site