LAST 24 HOURS
HEKMATYAR CAUSING HEADACHES FOR THE TALIBAN – The recently ‘de-fanged’ Gulbuddin Hekmatyar released a video that claimed the Taliban had received ‘a list’ from the US with a request to form an inclusive government. Taliban officials were quick to dismiss Hekmatyar’s claims and publicly rebuked him for causing trouble. Hekmatyar contends that the US is shifting its strategy in Afghanistan and that Resistance groups are, or will, begin receiving support to destabilize the regime.
WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME SUB-CONTRACTORS HARASSED IN GHAZNI, PHONES SIEZED – According to Hasht-E Subh news, GDI agents recently confiscated approximately 20-30 mobile phones belonging to employees of the HEAITHO Institute, an organization that says it works with the World Food Programme in Ghazni. It is unclear why the phones were taken and sources were unable to ascertain any reason for the Taliban’s actions. As a result of the phones being seized, some humanitarian aid programs in the Province have been halted.
US ADMINISTRATION TELLS CONGRESS IT IS PREPARED TO RESPOND TO THREATS FROM AFGHANISTAN – In a letter to the US Congress, President Biden said that US forces deployed in Central Asia are prepared to deal with any possible threats emanating from Afghanistan. Most analysts agree that terror groups in Afghanistan do not currently possess the capability (much less capacity) to strike the United States.
PAKISTANI OFFICIAL SAYS RECENT US TALKS FOCUSED ON AFGHANISTAN – After a US visit to Islamabad, senior Pakistani officials were quoted saying that Afghanistan is ‘barely a priority in the American policy ecosystem’ and that the US had acquiesced to Pakistan’s Afghan Deportation program. However, West reputedly asked Pakistan to provide temporary asylum to 25,000 Afghans who are earmarked for relocation to the US.
NEXT 24 HOURS
NO THREATS REPORTED
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
The Foreign Ministers of Germany and Iran discussed the issue of German nationals who are being held in Iranian prisons. Many believe the meeting was provoked by an incident in the German parliament last week where the government was accused of aiding Tehran in silencing dissidents.
Mexico has apprehended 5 Iranians near the US border. 2 of those apprehended were reportedly being watched by the US FBI. Mexican authorities said they detained the individuals out of suspicions they were planning to cross the US border.
A new version of the hated ‘hijab bill’ was submitted by the parliament for review by the Guardians Council in Tehran. Although initially approved in September, the bill required additional revisions over ambiguities contained therein.
PAKISTAN
The Interior Minister said his investigators had discovered 10 Afghan nationals who were working in political campaigns and that they had been deported. He went on to say that there is evidence that more Afghans are still engaged in Pakistan’s political process.
Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has petitioned INTERPOL for assistance in apprehending Shahzad Akbar who is wanted for questioning in various fraud cases.
The Supreme Court expects to recommence hearings on the Afghan Deportation case on 13 December.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Afghans Find A Credible Opposition Voice To The Taliban – Analysis
By Luke Coffey - EurAsia Review
After taking power more than two years ago, the Taliban have learned that resisting is much easier than governing. There is a nationwide shortage of basic medical supplies. Tens of millions of Afghans suffer from food insecurity. The economic situation remains bleak, with reports of fathers even selling off their young daughters for marriage to much older men to get money for food. Natural disasters have also taken their toll on the country. Major earthquakes in Herat in October killed almost 1,500 and left 144,000 needing humanitarian aid. The international community has not worked out a way to ensure that much-needed humanitarian aid reaches those most affected without lining the pockets of the Taliban elite in Kabul.
AFGHAN NEWS
Girls Over 6th Grade Concerned About Their Educational Future
By TOLO News
At the end of the 1402 solar school year, a number of sixth grade girls have expressed concern about not being able to go to school next…
Concerns Mount For Women In Taliban Detention
By Abubakar Siddique - RFE
The Taliban currently holds at least five women's rights activists in…
REGIONAL NEWS
Ex-PM Imran Khan: 1.5 million Afghan refugees not a burden for Pakistan
By Fidel Rahmati - Khaama Press
“1.5 million refugees are not much of a burden for a nation of 250 million people. There is a fear of a permanent rift in the…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
US hits Taliban and Iranian officials with human rights sanctions
By Kyle Fitzgerald - The National News
The US on Friday imposed sanctions on dozens of people, including some from Afghanistan and Iran, for committing human…
UN Security Council plans meeting on Afghanistan for December 20
By Bais Hayat - AMU TV
During this session, council members are anticipated to review proposals from the United Nations’ special coordinator, which may include the appointment of a special representative for…
THE DAILY WTF
By Sue Reid - The Daily Mail
'We boarded the planes bearing only backpacks, handbags and memories,' recalls the Afghan school's president and co-founder…
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 69.23 AFN (as of 9 DEC 2023)