LAST 24 HOURS
RUSSIA DOUBLES DOWN ON CLAIMS THAT WESTERN GOVERNMENTS ARE SUPPORTING RESISTANCE GROUPS – After the Russian Defence Chief told reporters from the TASS news agency that Western countries are increasing their support for non-Pashtun Resistance groups, it appears that Russian media outlets have taken up the story with gusto. The new claims follow on the heels of others that suggest the US is working directly with the Taliban to target both ISIS and Al Qaeda. No evidence has been offered to support any of these claims and many have simply dismissed it as obfuscation tactics meant to draw attention away from Ukraine.
CHINESE COMPANY HUAWEI AGREES TO INSTALL NATIONWIDE CCTV CAMERA SYSTEM – The Afghan Digest recently reported on a visit by Huawei executives to discuss the possibility of setting up a national system for monitoring citizens and infrastructure. Recent reporting in international business journals indicates the company is moving forward with the project and intends to establish a network in all 34 Provinces. It was not immediately clear if the project involves a contract or is being done as a favor to the Taliban.
IRANIAN AUTHORITIES ARREST 12 WOMEN ACTIVISTS – Police and Intelligence personnel rounded up 12 noted women’s rights activists in Gilan yesterday. There are unconfirmed rumors of additional arrests in Tehran and elsewhere in the country. Analysts say that arrests of those suspected of involvement in the protests that erupted last year have risen sharply over the last three weeks and believe the regime is attempting to thwart the return as the anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death approaches (16 September).
NEXT 24 HOURS
NO THREATS REPORTED
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
A Russian delegation of engineers who were touring the drone production facility in Isfahan last January admitted they were in the facility when Israeli strikes took place.
Iran’s parliament appears set to pass the harsher Hijab and Chastity Bill in advance of the 1 year anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death. In the latest poll, 175 MPs said they supported the bill and only 49 oppose it.
The Commander of US-led coalition forces in Iraq and Syria pushed back against recent reports that US forces intend to cut supply lines to the Iranian-backed militias.
PAKISTAN
Police and Military forces have arrested nearly 130 people accused of participating in the anti-Christian riots that destroyed several churches and homes in Faisalabad on Wednesday. A strong police presence has remained in the Christian neighborhoods.
A man belonging to the influential group, the Pirs of Ranipur, has been jailed on murder charges in Sindh for allegedly raping and torturing to death a 10-year-old maid that worked in his home.
The Election Commission released a four-month plan that will result in elections being delayed until 2024. The next elections are tentatively scheduled for March 2024. The PTI party was quick to denounce the delays and says it plans to challenge the decision in court.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
By Ashraf Jehangir Qazi - Dawn
Let us take a brief look at Pakistan’s external relations. Its relations with India are hostile largely due to India. Its relations with Afghanistan are strained because of strategic short-sightedness. Its relations with Iran are dubious because of US diplomatic and economic leverage over Pakistan. Its relations with China are stable but static because of its structural inability to avail of transformation opportunities. Its relations with Russia remain undeveloped due to Pakistan’s elite deference to the US and India’s continuing influence in Moscow. Its relations with the US, despite its elite deference, have declined because of its diminished strategic relevance as well as India’s rising strategic profile in Washington.
AFGHAN NEWS
Nine journalists arrested in past 10 days in Afghanistan: Report
By ANI
The situation of press freedom in Afghanistan is quite alarming under the Taliban for the…
Red Cross set to end funding at 25 hospitals in Afghanistan
By Charlotte Greenfield - Reuters
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is likely to end the financial running of 25 Afghan hospitals by the end of August due to funding constraints…
Afghanistan’s Automotive Graveyard: A Looming Environmental Crisis
By Khaama Press
Nestled within Afghanistan’s rugged terrain and enigmatic history lies a paradoxical tale that intertwines geopolitics, conflict, and a burgeoning environmental…
REGIONAL NEWS
'Al-Waseet': Qatar TV's new documentary highlights Qatar’s role in historic Afghanistan evacuations
By Mahmoud Elmazaty - The Peninsula
Qatar TV has released a trailer for the documentary titled "Al-Waseet", which translates to “The Mediator”, highlighting Qatar's pivotal role in the evacuation operations in…
Prosperous Afghanistan in Pakistan’s interest, say speakers
By Dawn
Speakers at a webinar on Wednesday said humanitarian assistance, unfreezing of financial assets pivotal to building a sustainable economy in Afghanistan and prosperous…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Employing refugees from Ukraine or Afghanistan and other countries – the process
By National Farming Union
Find out how you can offer employment to people who have arrived in the UK as…
Qatar, UN officials discuss Afghanistan amid warnings over humanitarian situation
By AMU TV
Qatar and the United Nations held talks on Afghanistan’s evolving circumstances on Wednesday, underscoring Doha’s sustained commitment to engage with the…
THE DAILY WTF
Muttaqi Optimistic About Increased Interaction With Afghanistan
By TOLO News
The acting minister of foreign affairs, Amir Khan Muttaqi, said that interaction between the Islamic Emirate and the world will improve in the…
‘What interaction?’ TAD Staff
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 84.31 AFN (as of 18 AUG 2023)