Afghanistan Stability Watch: The UN says Afghanistan’s “relative stability” under Taliban rule hides mounting risks, including human rights violations, weaker basic services, economic pressure, mass returns/out-migration, and fears the country could still be used as a safe haven by militant groups. Public Health: The Polio Free Afghanistan initiative announced a nationwide polio vaccination drive starting September 21, with Nangarhar reporting new cases this year and health partners warning Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only places with ongoing wild poliovirus transmission. Security & Extremism: A UN-backed report says Al-Qaeda has rebuilt training infrastructure in Afghanistan, with at least eight training sites reported over the past three years, raising concerns about militant regrouping under Taliban rule. Water & Climate Resilience: Iceland pledged new funding to the UN Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan to expand access to essential services and support water, sanitation, renewable energy, and local livelihoods as climate-related disasters and poverty deepen needs. Standards & Environment: Kabul’s Economic Commission approved 36 national standards and 30 testing methods covering environmental protection and other sectors, and set ownership rules for coal processing centers in five provinces. Remote Communication: In Tala Wa Barfak (Baghlan), residents rely on two-way radios for disaster warnings and community news, as only about 35% have telecom access.