On 7 September 2026 the Taliban mines ministry signed with Saudi Delta International for the Kushk Tirpul basin (Herat–Badghis). Official notice: $200 million first into seven gas blocks; TOLOnews: 25-year term. AnewZ and company material describe a larger regional-gas programme if reserves, finance, and studies hold. A signature is not proven wells or power.

World Bank (May 2026): output growing, living standards still falling—population, returns, inflation, weak investment, less aid. UNDP: subsistence insecurity. Gas could mean jobs, electricity, fewer imports, and revenue only if money and rules are managed. EITI delisted Afghanistan in 2024. A 25-year project needs published terms, owners, revenues, output, and environmental duties; also site, transport, insurance, and political-risk cover.

UN Women: limits on women’s school, work, movement. UNAMA/HRW: Herat dress detentions and force against June 2026 protests. Reuters (Feb): Russia alone formally recognizes the Taliban; UN listings and terror monitoring continue. 2008 Mecca meeting at Karzai’s request is on the record; stronger “Kaaba oath never to fight” is not. Test: can terms be checked and enforced when disputes come.

Afghanistan needs investment, energy and jobs. On 7 September 2026, the Taliban controlled Ministry of Mines and Petroleum signed an agreement with Saudi........

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