LAST 24 HOURS
CSTO WARNS OF THREATS COMING FROM AFGHANISTAN – Following on the heels of the Russian Ambassador to Tajikistan’s warnings about border insecurity, the Secretary-General of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation warned of the threat of spreading terrorism, arms/drugs trafficking, and exported extremism in the region. The Secretary-General went on to say that several large-scale exercises were planned in the region that would involve the militaries of many member states and that the exercises would aim to prepare for potential ‘threats’ to peace and stability. Finally, he said that 2024 would see a military modernization effort to equip the security forces of member states better. The announcements contrast sharply with those coming from Beijing which seem to be striking a more conciliatory tone with regard to the Taliban. However, that may have more to do with many pending economic projects China is pursuing in the country.
UN DEFERS DECISION REGARDING AFGHANISTAN’S SEAT – The Credentialing Committee at the United Nations has deferred the decision on who would represent Afghanistan in the upcoming General Assembly for the third time since the Taliban came to power. The non-decision will allow Naseer Ahmad Faiq, the representative accredited from the previous regime, to continue serving in his position.
‘BALOCH GENOCIDE’ MARCH DRAWS THOUSANDS OF PROTESTORS – The marchers reached Taunsa yesterday and were met by thousands of protestors calling for Islamabad to look into the claims of genocide in the troubled Province. The column is making its way to Islamabad where leaders intend to protest in the government district.
THE UN RELENTS, GRANTS TRAVEL BAN EXEMPTION FOR 1 TALIBAN OFFICIAL – On Monday, the United Nations Security Council agreed to allow the Taliban’s Deputy Minister of Defense, Mullah Mohammad Fazil Mazloom, to travel to Turkey for medical treatment.
NEXT 24 HOURS
NO THREATS REPORTED
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
The UN Security Council heard from the UN political affairs chief about a lack of footing to continue monitoring Iran’s nuclear program. The project was said to be at a ‘standstill’.
Tehran protested Sweden’s recent decision to uphold a life sentence for Hamid Nouri, a jail official implicated in the 1988 crackdown on the MEK opposition group. Iran claims he was convicted based largely on innuendo by Iranian expatriates.
The US Justice Department charged 2 men in the US for attempting to bypass sanctions and supply Iran with microelectronic technology.
PAKISTAN
The anti-terrorism court began proceedings to declare 7 PTI leaders who went into hiding after the 9 May violence, to be ‘proclaimed offenders’.
An Italian court convicted the parents and an uncle of an 18-year-old Pakistani woman for her murder in an ‘honor killing’ situation involving an arranged marriage.
The Supreme Court has dismissed another legal challenge that would have delayed elections. The Justices made it clear that they intended to see elections take place.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Is the Taliban’s Controversial Canal Leaking Water?
By Bruce Pannier - RFE
The Qosh Tepa canal, currently being built in Afghanistan, is raising concerns in Central Asia since water from the canal will come from a river that Central Asians have had almost exclusive use of until now. Concern has also been expressed about the quality of the canal’s construction as the Taliban, having failed for find a foreign partner for the project, are building it on their own.
AFGHAN NEWS
100 Families on Average Cross Torkham to Afghanistan Per Day: Officials
By TOLO News
The officials at the refugee camps at Torkham crossing said that an average of 100 families are crossing to Afghanistan on a daily basis as…
Helpline for Afghan women's micro-enterprises
By Asia News
Called Bale Khanom, it provides “a free telephone helpline to support women and women-led micro-enterprises in Afghanistan…
Afghan Journalist Released Amid Criticism Over Increasing Taliban Intimidation
By RFE
An Afghan journalist detained by the Taliban’s intelligence service has been released amid increasing concerns over mounting Taliban harassment of…
REGIONAL NEWS
Russia raises alarm over deportation impact, security threats in northern Afghanistan
By AMU TV
“The Taliban’s promises regarding border security remain unfulfilled,” Grigoryev said. “Extremist groups have tried infiltrating…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
UNSC meeting to address crucial Afghanistan reports: Faiq
By Milad Sayar - AMU TV
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to discuss the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) report and an assessment report by UN special coordinator…
Increased funding for humanitarian response in Afghanistan
By Foreign Ministry of Norway
‘I am pleased that we can increase our support to UN agencies operating at the border and inside…
THE DAILY WTF
Pakistan boosts security, acts on Kabul’s advice against illegal aliens: PM Kakar
By Fidel Rahmati - Khaama Press
Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Kakar stated that the interim Afghan government’s suggestion to address internal issues led to Pakistan’s decision to organize its…
“Actually…a true and factual statement by the Prime Minister.” TAD Staff
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 69.69 AFN (as of 20 DEC 2023)