Afghanistan among world’s least peaceful countries in 2026 Global Peace Index (opens original article in a new tab)

Afghanistan is ranked among the world's least peaceful countries, while religious leaders in Herat urged unity after a protest over dress regulations. Russia supports reviving regional cooperation with Afghanistan.

• Afghanistan is among the world's least peaceful countries in 2026 Global Peace Index
• Religious scholars and community leaders in Herat called for unity and stability after a protest over Islamic dress restrictions
• Russia supports reviving the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group for regional cooperation with Afghanistan
• Herat police stated no violence occurred during the protest and some online images were misleading or altered