Afghanistan



Elite Afghan soldiers turn barbers, gym trainers in India to escape Taliban

Al Jazeera: Trading guns for hair clippers and dumbbells, they’ve had to desert their dreams, as their government deserted them. Click here to read more (external link).
Afghan Online Press

Elite Afghan soldiers turn barbers, gym trainers in India to escape Taliban

Al Jazeera: Trading guns for hair clippers and dumbbells, they’ve had to desert their dreams, as their government deserted them. Click here to read more (external link).

Taliban’s Oppression in Andarab Region Persists: Forced Displacement, Land Destruction Continues

8am: Taliban, facing armed resistance in Panjshir and Andarab after Seizing control of Afghanistan, has been accused of widespread harassment and persecution of residents in these regions over the past nearly three years. According to sources, the group has d
Afghan Online Press

Taliban’s Oppression in Andarab Region Persists: Forced Displacement, Land Destruction Continues

8am: Taliban, facing armed resistance in Panjshir and Andarab after Seizing control of Afghanistan, has been accused of widespread harassment and persecution of residents in these regions over the past nearly three years. According to sources, the group has detained and tortured hundreds of young men and adults from Panjshir province and Andarab regions. SourcesRead More...

Taliban’s Investment In Iranian Port Signals Shift Away From Pakistan

RFE/RL: The Taliban’s decision to turn to Iran to access international markets is a strategic move with regional implications. Access to the Chabahar Port reduces Afghanistan’s reliance on Pakistan and gives it access to India, Islamabad’s archenemy an
Afghan Online Press

Taliban’s Investment In Iranian Port Signals Shift Away From Pakistan

RFE/RL: The Taliban’s decision to turn to Iran to access international markets is a strategic move with regional implications. Access to the Chabahar Port reduces Afghanistan’s reliance on Pakistan and gives it access to India, Islamabad’s archenemy and Kabul’s traditional ally. Islamabad has historically been Kabul’s biggest trading partner, but Iran has taken its placeRead More...

Out of Sight, Afghans Are Going Hungry – Taliban Abuses Exacerbate Impact on Women and Girls

HRW: “The situation is getting worse every day,” Ahmad, a former journalist in Herat, Afghanistan, told me. “I don’t think anyone can afford to buy enough food anymore.” According to the United Nations, in 2024, 23.7 million people – more than hal
Afghan Online Press

Out of Sight, Afghans Are Going Hungry – Taliban Abuses Exacerbate Impact on Women and Girls

HRW: “The situation is getting worse every day,” Ahmad, a former journalist in Herat, Afghanistan, told me. “I don’t think anyone can afford to buy enough food anymore.” According to the United Nations, in 2024, 23.7 million people – more than half of the country’s population – will need humanitarian assistance. The statistics are startling:Read More...

23rd Anniversary of the Destruction of the Bamyan Buddhas: Historical Artifacts Are Plundered

8am: Twenty-three years ago, the Taliban destroyed two large Buddha statues in Bamyan province. The taller statue, named Salsaal, standing at 53 meters, and the smaller one, Shahmama, at 35 meters, were carved into the mountains between the 3rd and 7th centur
Afghan Online Press

23rd Anniversary of the Destruction of the Bamyan Buddhas: Historical Artifacts Are Plundered

8am: Twenty-three years ago, the Taliban destroyed two large Buddha statues in Bamyan province. The taller statue, named Salsaal, standing at 53 meters, and the smaller one, Shahmama, at 35 meters, were carved into the mountains between the 3rd and 7th centuries AD with a distinctive style. Mullah Omar, the former Taliban supreme leader, orderedRead More...

Taliban Expand Madrasas, May Never Reopen Girls’ Secondary Schools

Akmal Dawi VOA News March 14, 2024 An Afghan education official says Taliban authorities may permanently close girls’ secondary schools, promoting religious schools known as madrasas as an alternative. The Taliban shut down girls’ secondary school
Afghan Online Press

Taliban Expand Madrasas, May Never Reopen Girls’ Secondary Schools

Akmal Dawi VOA News March 14, 2024 An Afghan education official says Taliban authorities may permanently close girls’ secondary schools, promoting religious schools known as madrasas as an alternative. The Taliban shut down girls’ secondary schools in 2022, citing “religious and cultural” concerns. Taliban officials defend the ban, insisting they are working to create aRead More...

What the explosive testimony of a minister reveals about Britain’s war in Afghanistan – and its rogue special forces

The Guardian (UK): The Afghanistan inquiry is getting into gear at the Royal Courts of Justice. Led by the judge Charles Haddon-Cave, this public inquiry was convened to investigate about 80 killings allegedly committed by the SAS in Afghanistan between 2010
Afghan Online Press

What the explosive testimony of a minister reveals about Britain’s war in Afghanistan – and its rogue special forces

The Guardian (UK): The Afghanistan inquiry is getting into gear at the Royal Courts of Justice. Led by the judge Charles Haddon-Cave, this public inquiry was convened to investigate about 80 killings allegedly committed by the SAS in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013. Proceedings took a dramatic turn last month when the minister for veterans’Read More...

World Bank Report: Afghanistan’s trade deficit widens

Khaama: The World Bank says Afghanistan’s exports dropped 5% to $140.5 million from last January. According to this World Bank report, recently published under the title “Afghanistan Economic Update,” the country’s exports were $148.1 million in Janua
Afghan Online Press

World Bank Report: Afghanistan’s trade deficit widens

Khaama: The World Bank says Afghanistan’s exports dropped 5% to $140.5 million from last January. According to this World Bank report, recently published under the title “Afghanistan Economic Update,” the country’s exports were $148.1 million in January of the previous year. However, the World Bank report states that Afghanistan’s imports have increased by 37% comparedRead More...

Advocates Call on Congress to Avert End of Afghan Special Visa Program

By Akmal Dawi VOA News March 13, 2024 The United States’ program to resettle former Afghan interpreters and contractors could come to an abrupt end in a few months as the number of available Special Immigrant Visas dwindles. Activists are urging Congre
Afghan Online Press

Advocates Call on Congress to Avert End of Afghan Special Visa Program

By Akmal Dawi VOA News March 13, 2024 The United States’ program to resettle former Afghan interpreters and contractors could come to an abrupt end in a few months as the number of available Special Immigrant Visas dwindles. Activists are urging Congress to authorize additional visas, known as SIVs, with less than 8,000 remaining amid aRead More...

Hunger, Poverty Overshadow Ramadan In Afghanistan

By Faiza Ibrahimi and Sana Kakar Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty March 12, 2024 Ramadan is usually a time of compassion, charity, and celebration. But the Islamic holy month has been overshadowed in Afghanistan, the world’s largest humanitarian crisis,
Afghan Online Press

Hunger, Poverty Overshadow Ramadan In Afghanistan

By Faiza Ibrahimi and Sana Kakar Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty March 12, 2024 Ramadan is usually a time of compassion, charity, and celebration. But the Islamic holy month has been overshadowed in Afghanistan, the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, by rising hunger, poverty, and joblessness. As some in the Muslim world break their fast with nightlyRead More...

ISIS Is Back and Threatens to Be Deadlier Than Ever

The Daily Beast: As well as cruelty and misogyny, Taliban rule has also brought a resurgence in the threat from ISIS. The Sunni Muslim terror group has been allowed to re-group and re-tool in Afghanistan where thousands of fighters are training and plotting a
Afghan Online Press

ISIS Is Back and Threatens to Be Deadlier Than Ever

The Daily Beast: As well as cruelty and misogyny, Taliban rule has also brought a resurgence in the threat from ISIS. The Sunni Muslim terror group has been allowed to re-group and re-tool in Afghanistan where thousands of fighters are training and plotting attacks, despite Taliban claims that they are trying to clamp down onRead More...

Unemployed men risking lives for elusive gold in war-torn Afghanistan

Firstpost: The dire economic situation in Afghanistan, exacerbated by the recent Taliban takeover and ongoing poverty affecting half the population, has driven many like Sharif, a former livestock keeper, to turn to mining for survival. Click here to read mor
Afghan Online Press

Unemployed men risking lives for elusive gold in war-torn Afghanistan

Firstpost: The dire economic situation in Afghanistan, exacerbated by the recent Taliban takeover and ongoing poverty affecting half the population, has driven many like Sharif, a former livestock keeper, to turn to mining for survival. Click here to read more (external link).

Afghanistan’s inflation hits 10.2% in January: Work Bank

Khaama: Afghanistan’s export sector witnessed a contraction of 5 percent year-on-year in January 2024, totaling $140.5 million, down from $148.1 million the previous January. Notably, food exports to India surged by 22 percent, contrasting with an 18 percen
Afghan Online Press

Afghanistan’s inflation hits 10.2% in January: Work Bank

Khaama: Afghanistan’s export sector witnessed a contraction of 5 percent year-on-year in January 2024, totaling $140.5 million, down from $148.1 million the previous January. Notably, food exports to India surged by 22 percent, contrasting with an 18 percent decline in exports to Pakistan.  The afghani (AFN) experienced a noteworthy 27 percent appreciation against the USRead More...

Afghanistan population estimated near 35 million in 1402

Khaama: The recent statement by Afghanistan’s interim government estimating the population at 34.9 million starkly contrasts with international assessments, which suggest the population exceeds 40 million. This significant discrepancy underscores the challe
Afghan Online Press

Afghanistan population estimated near 35 million in 1402

Khaama: The recent statement by Afghanistan’s interim government estimating the population at 34.9 million starkly contrasts with international assessments, which suggest the population exceeds 40 million. This significant discrepancy underscores the challenges in accurately gauging the demographic landscape amid the country’s tumultuous circumstances. Mohammad Haleem Rafie, the spokesperson for the Afghan Statistical Office, disclosed thatRead More...

Afghanistan losing over $1 billion annually due to restrictions on women: US envoy

Ariana: Afghanistan is losing more than $1 billion annually due to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s (IEA) extreme decrees against women and girls, Rina Amiri, US special envoy for Afghan women, said on Saturday. “The edicts prohibiting Afghan women &#
Afghan Online Press

Afghanistan losing over $1 billion annually due to restrictions on women: US envoy

Ariana: Afghanistan is losing more than $1 billion annually due to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s (IEA) extreme decrees against women and girls, Rina Amiri, US special envoy for Afghan women, said on Saturday. “The edicts prohibiting Afghan women & girls’ education & employment are hurting all Afghans. To lift Afghanistan out of aid dependencyRead More...

McCaul: suggestion of engaging with Taliban a slap in the face of Afghans

Khaama: Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, vehemently opposes any notion of engagement with the Taliban regime dubbing it as a direct affront to the Afghan people. His stark disapproval came as a reaction to US Charge d’Affaire
Afghan Online Press

McCaul: suggestion of engaging with Taliban a slap in the face of Afghans

Khaama: Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, vehemently opposes any notion of engagement with the Taliban regime dubbing it as a direct affront to the Afghan people. His stark disapproval came as a reaction to US Charge d’Affaires Karen Decker’s advocacy for dialogue with the Taliban, underscoring the deep-seated tensions surrounding diplomaticRead More...

‘I Can’t Tell’: Sexual Abuse At Taliban-Run Madrasahs Fuels Fear, Dropouts

By RFE/RL’s Radio Azadi March 10, 2024 Male students who enrolled in Taliban-run religious schools say that sexual and physical abuse has led some to end their pursuit of an education in Afghanistan. The students, all of whom were aged 10 to 17 and spo
Afghan Online Press

‘I Can’t Tell’: Sexual Abuse At Taliban-Run Madrasahs Fuels Fear, Dropouts

By RFE/RL’s Radio Azadi March 10, 2024 Male students who enrolled in Taliban-run religious schools say that sexual and physical abuse has led some to end their pursuit of an education in Afghanistan. The students, all of whom were aged 10 to 17 and spoke to RFE/RL’s Radio Azadi on condition of anonymity out of fearsRead More...

Afghanistan’s singing sisters defying the Taliban from under a burka

BBC: As the world was watching the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, two sisters in Kabul were among millions of women in Afghanistan who could directly feel the new regime tightening its grip on them. They decided they couldn’t just stan
Afghan Online Press

Afghanistan’s singing sisters defying the Taliban from under a burka

BBC: As the world was watching the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, two sisters in Kabul were among millions of women in Afghanistan who could directly feel the new regime tightening its grip on them. They decided they couldn’t just stand back and watch women’s freedoms being restricted, and started secretly using theRead More...

The Taliban once smashed TVs. Now it fosters YouTubers to promote its image.

WP: The Taliban-run government is fostering a thriving community of YouTube influencers and video bloggers in Afghanistan, seeking to shape a positive narrative about the country by rewarding those who have welcome viewpoints with access to stories that can d
Afghan Online Press

The Taliban once smashed TVs. Now it fosters YouTubers to promote its image.

WP: The Taliban-run government is fostering a thriving community of YouTube influencers and video bloggers in Afghanistan, seeking to shape a positive narrative about the country by rewarding those who have welcome viewpoints with access to stories that can draw millions of views online. Meanwhile, videos that are critical of the Taliban have largely disappearedRead More...

The Little-Known Story of Afghanistan’s Last Jew

News Line Magazine: Tova Moradi, who was forced to flee Kabul, recalls her religious roots, a girlhood interrupted and the love she still carries – Around sundown on Aug. 31, 2021, a minivan stopped in front of Tova Moradi’s house in Kabul, Afghanista
Afghan Online Press

The Little-Known Story of Afghanistan’s Last Jew

News Line Magazine: Tova Moradi, who was forced to flee Kabul, recalls her religious roots, a girlhood interrupted and the love she still carries – Around sundown on Aug. 31, 2021, a minivan stopped in front of Tova Moradi’s house in Kabul, Afghanistan. She had to get in as quickly and quietly as possible. AnyRead More...

UN Presses Taliban Again to End ‘Heartbreaking’ Curbs on Afghan Women

By Ayaz Gul VOA News March 8, 2024 ISLAMABAD — The United Nations warned Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities Friday that their bans on women’s education and work risk pushing the country further into deeper poverty and international isolation. The head o
Afghan Online Press

UN Presses Taliban Again to End ‘Heartbreaking’ Curbs on Afghan Women

By Ayaz Gul VOA News March 8, 2024 ISLAMABAD — The United Nations warned Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities Friday that their bans on women’s education and work risk pushing the country further into deeper poverty and international isolation. The head of the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, or UNAMA, called again on the fundamentalist regime to reverseRead More...

Afghan Student Shot at University Begs Taliban to Let Girls Learn

Akmal Dawi VOA News March 7, 2024 Breshna Musazai endured 19 agonizing months in Qatar, anxiously awaiting resettlement to the United States as a refugee. Forced to flee Afghanistan just two days after the Taliban seized Kabul in 2021, Musazai found herself s
Afghan Online Press

Afghan Student Shot at University Begs Taliban to Let Girls Learn

Akmal Dawi VOA News March 7, 2024 Breshna Musazai endured 19 agonizing months in Qatar, anxiously awaiting resettlement to the United States as a refugee. Forced to flee Afghanistan just two days after the Taliban seized Kabul in 2021, Musazai found herself separated from her parents and her dreams shattered. A dull ache in herRead More...

Building Migrant Settlement in Anaba, Panjshir Province: Residents Claim Taliban Pursuing Ethnic Relocation

8am: Local sources in Panjshir province report that the Taliban plan to establish migrant settlements on private lands in the Anaba district. These lands, currently serving as pasturelands in the village of Anaba, are nestled amidst residents’ houses and ru
Afghan Online Press

Building Migrant Settlement in Anaba, Panjshir Province: Residents Claim Taliban Pursuing Ethnic Relocation

8am: Local sources in Panjshir province report that the Taliban plan to establish migrant settlements on private lands in the Anaba district. These lands, currently serving as pasturelands in the village of Anaba, are nestled amidst residents’ houses and rugged mountains. However, some Panjshir residents and civil society activists criticize the Taliban, accusing them ofRead More...

Taliban’s New Threat Against Critics: ‘Religion Doesn’t Allow Criticism’

8am: Taliban have extensively suppressed and tortured critics and opponents of their regime over the past two and a half years. A senior Taliban official recently warned that no one has the right to criticize this group. The Director of Invitation and Guidanc
Afghan Online Press

Taliban’s New Threat Against Critics: ‘Religion Doesn’t Allow Criticism’

8am: Taliban have extensively suppressed and tortured critics and opponents of their regime over the past two and a half years. A senior Taliban official recently warned that no one has the right to criticize this group. The Director of Invitation and Guidance at the Ministry of Martyrs and Disabled Affairs under Taliban control statedRead More...

Six dead, 32 injured in traffic accident on Kabul-Kandahar highway

Ariana: Local officials in Ghazni province said a traffic accident happened late Tuesday on the Kabul – Kandahar highway in Nani area of Ghazni province leaving six people dead and 32 injured. Children and women are among the victims, officials said. Click
Afghan Online Press

Six dead, 32 injured in traffic accident on Kabul-Kandahar highway

Ariana: Local officials in Ghazni province said a traffic accident happened late Tuesday on the Kabul – Kandahar highway in Nani area of Ghazni province leaving six people dead and 32 injured. Children and women are among the victims, officials said. Click here to read more (external link).

Taliban Returns Its ‘Eye For An Eye’ Justice To Afghanistan

By RFE/RL’s Radio Azadi and Abubakar Siddique March 5, 2024 With the recent execution of three convicted murderers in separate incidents, the Taliban has sent a very public message that its infamous “eye for an eye” approach to justice has b
Afghan Online Press

Taliban Returns Its ‘Eye For An Eye’ Justice To Afghanistan

By RFE/RL’s Radio Azadi and Abubakar Siddique March 5, 2024 With the recent execution of three convicted murderers in separate incidents, the Taliban has sent a very public message that its infamous “eye for an eye” approach to justice has been restored in Afghanistan. “Qisas,” or retributive Islamic punishments that can include killings at theRead More...

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