US mortgage rates rise slightly with refinancing applications up
U.S. mortgage interest rates saw slight changes last week as applications for refinancing increased, even though home purchase applications dipped.
Two influential Turkic states — Uzbekistan and Türkiye — are intensifying their diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government, signaling a shift in regional dynamics focused on pragmatic cooperation over political isolation.
In a recent interview with Uzbek media, Abdulaziz Kamilov, Deputy Secretary of the Security Council under the President of Uzbekistan, emphasized that his country follows a “consistent, pragmatic, and principled policy” toward Afghanistan. He underscored the need for the international community to shift its approach, stating: “The people of Afghanistan, who have endured interventions by the British Empire, the Soviet Union, and NATO, need support, not pressure.”
Kamilov clarified that Uzbekistan’s cooperation with Kabul is not dependent on formal recognition of the Taliban administration. He argued that recognition is a matter of time, calling it “inevitable,” and stressed the importance of launching a broader international dialogue involving the current Afghan authorities.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue on the ground in Kabul. Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s acting Foreign Minister, met with Turkish Ambassador Cenk Ünal to discuss bilateral ties, regional developments, and ongoing cooperation.
According to a statement from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Muttaqi expressed appreciation for Türkiye’s support and highlighted the “expanding” nature of relations between Kabul and Ankara.
The moves by Tashkent and Ankara reflect a growing trend among regional actors to engage directly with Afghanistan’s de facto authorities, prioritizing stability and strategic interests over international hesitation to grant official recognition.
As Western pressure continues to mount on the Taliban over human rights and governance issues, regional powers appear increasingly willing to chart their own course in dealing with Kabul.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and its European services to Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until 15 September due to escalating situation in the Middle East. Also, the air carrier temporarily suspended its flights between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
Norway is stepping up military support for Ukraine with a $640 million package aimed at boosting the country's drone capabilities, both on the battlefield and for infrastructure protection.
Afghan farmers are shifting away from opium cultivation as the interim government ramps up efforts to eliminate the drug trade, offering alternative crops and local support.
U.S. mortgage interest rates saw slight changes last week as applications for refinancing increased, even though home purchase applications dipped.
Victor Arthein, a senior figure in the Guadeloupe Communist Party, has urged the territory to pursue political and economic independence from France, citing deep-rooted structural dependence and declining sovereignty.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says new NATO defence spending targets are achievable for Italy, thanks to their flexible structure, and insists no other budget priorities will be sacrificed.
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