The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a measure allowing the Pentagon to share intelligence with opponents of the Taliban. Experts consider this a possible sign of Washington's gradual return to Afghanistan following the events of 2021. The amendment, proposed by Eli Crane, a Republican representative from Arizona, was approved during the discussion of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. Its aim is to enhance the capacities of Taliban opponents and prevent the full consolidation of Taliban power in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, a Russian media source reported that four Afghan political factions are set to hold an in-person meeting titled “National Unity” in Turkey next year to discuss forming a government. The Russian newspaper Nezavisimaya Gazeta noted that preparations for this meeting, which will include factions like the Supreme Resistance Council, National Rescue Assembly, National Movement for Peace and Justice, and the Panjshir Front, are underway.

This meeting follows an online session and aims to foster coordination among the leaders of the Taliban opponents and advance intra-Afghan dialogue for establishing a legitimate government. A political analyst pointed out that some influential Taliban figures have reacted mildly to the meeting, such as Sirajuddin Haqqani, but this does not signal any willingness from Taliban leaders to engage with their opponents.

Opponents, including Abdul Rashid Dostum, Mohammad Hanif Atmar, Ahmad Massoud, Mohammad Mohaqiq, Ata Mohammad Noor, Mohammad Ismail Khan, and Yunus Qanuni, have aligned themselves for this National Unity meeting.

Efforts by Taliban opponents to unite under a singular umbrella over the past four years have previously fallen short of achieving full coordination. The formation of this National Unity coalition signifies a serious attempt to establish a united front. Past similar meetings were mostly conducted online, and this in-person gathering in Turkey represents a significant step toward strengthening coordination among opponents and drawing attention from regional and some Western countries to their efforts.