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May 2026
Week of May 18, compared to 12-week average
No discrete economic events were reported this period. The ambient context indicates a worsening hunger crisis and aid cuts, but no specific economic policy or market developments are available.
View full calendar →The Taliban actively seek international legitimacy, with Russia signing a military cooperation deal and urging others to follow, while the EU invites Taliban for talks on migrant repatriation. Domestically, the Taliban issued a marriage separation decree and lowered the legal age of marriage for girls to nine, drawing UN criticism.
Cross-border violence with Pakistan intensifies: a Pakistan suicide attack killed 15 police personnel in Bannu, and Afghanistan accused Pakistan of cross-border attacks killing civilians. Russia's military pact with the Taliban adds a new dimension, while Kabul's warning to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan fails to convince Islamabad.
A humanitarian crisis deepens: a refugee truck crash killed 18, floods killed 24, and the WFP warns of worsening hunger among mothers and children. The Taliban's new family law legitimizing child marriage draws widespread condemnation, while voluntary returns of Afghans remain low despite payments.