Kabul says meetings in Tehran discuss 'political, economic, transit and refugee issues'

Recent diplomatic maneuvering signals growing realization that America's interest is moving elsewhere and now is the time for negotiations that were unthinkable just a year ago

After receiving high-level review of attack that killed civilians, US Secretary of Defense Austin makes no recommendation of accountability; Taliban urge him to reconsider

Foreign minister for extremist group that seized power in Afghanistan says women's rights will improve with gender segregation, pleads for Washington to give rulers a fair chance

50 or more wounded after bomber detonates at entrance to site and armed men open fire; attack not yet claimed by any group

But hardline Islamist government says 3 attackers were not acting on its behalf; 2 arrested and will be brought to trial, 3rd suspect on the run

Reclusive Akhundzada addresses his 'brave soldiers and disciples' at Kandahar madrassa; no photos or video of event, but audio recording shared on social media

Russian envoy calls on international governments to abandon their 'bias' against new Afghan government and offer aid to country's citizens

Jihadists say two suicide bombers carried out separate attacks on different parts of mosque in Kandahar

Blasts come exactly a week after a suicide bomb attack on Shiite worshippers in the northern city of Kunduz that was claimed by Islamic State