LAST 24 HOURS
The Loya Jirga concluded with the same echoing calls for “international recognition” and “meaningful engagement” that have typified most of the Taliban’s national events since coming to power, despite simultaneous calls for the international community to stop interfering. Although the 11-point resolution penned by religious scholars did vaguely mention women’s rights, minority inclusion, modern and religious education, and other key issues, no real policies were crafted, and one ominous point called on religious scholars to avoid voicing contentious opinions on controversial topics in order to avoid causing sedition. Ultimately, the resolution read as an exhortation for obedience to Supreme Leader Akhundzada and the Taliban regime. Most Afghanistan analysts think it was primarily a staged cheerleading event meant to impress the world and pacify critics without fostering true inclusivity or debate. Our analysis indicates the calls for recognition fell on deaf ears given that there were no substantive results or progress from the gathering.
An attack on a madrasa in Nangarhar province has injured as many as 10 people when the attacker threw a grenade into a classroom. The attackers have not been identified, and no group has yet claimed credit for the attack.
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar (AKA the Butcher of Kabul), one of the most prominent dissenting voices in Afghanistan, gave a sermon where he criticized the exclusion of women from the Loya Jirga and renewed the call to repeal the draconian policies regarding women and girls in Afghan society.
Widespread counterfeiting of both Afghan and US bank notes has been reported among money exchanges in Kandahar and Helmand.
ISIS-K has claimed responsibility for the attack on the Loya Jirga that took place Friday.
A previous report of a Taliban helicopter crash in Jawzjan Province was confirmed by multiple sources. 3 occupants of the aircraft were killed and 7 are injured.
In what is perceived as a deliberate snub to the Taliban, Rina Amiri, US special envoy for Afghan Women and Girls, did not attend talks in Doha between the US and the Taliban. Amiri said that until there was substantive movement on the issues of schooling for Afghan girls and a restoration of human rights for women, she did not see any reason to add her voice to the discussions.
NEXT 24 HOURS
The Taliban will impose a curfew in Sar-e-Pol province that will be in effect for the next three days. Non-combatants will not be allowed outside after 20:00 hrs local time. One source claims a shoot order has been issued verbally to Taliban forces, but we have no confirmation. Night vehicle and dismounted patrols have been reported in and around Balkhab over the past four days and this activity is expected to continue.
SPOTLIGHT RESEARCH
By JURIST
Law students and lawyers in Afghanistan are filing reports with JURIST on the situation on the ground since the Taliban takeover. Here, a young lawyer in Kabul reports on the complications Taliban governance has wrought for young lawyers wishing to regain their rights to practice in the country. For privacy and security reasons, we are withholding our correspondent’s name. The text has only been lightly edited to respect the author’s voice.
AFGHAN NEWS
Afghanistan: Grenade attack on religious school injures 8
By ANI
Eight people were injured after unknown elements threw a hand grenade into a religious school in Afghanistan’s eastern Nangarhar province on…
By Saqalain Eqbal – Khaama Press
In order to legitimize the Taliban’s rule, the “men-only” gathering was convened, and the Taliban officials declared that…
Committee Formed for 'Transparent' Aid Distribution
By Amina Hakimi – TOLO News
“A center was formed, and the center includes many teams. The teams are comprised of employees from the State Ministry of Disaster Management,” said…
REGIONAL NEWS
Man Killed at the Torkham Border Was Not an Afghan National: Pakistan Embassy
By Saqalain Eqbal – Khaama Press
The Pakistani Embassy in Kabul dismisses reports of an elderly Afghan man attempting suicide by running himself under…
Islamic Emirate Delegation Travels to Tashkent
By Amina Hakimi – TOLO News
“The Minister of Commerce and Industry, leading a delegation of 50 people, which also includes members of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and…”
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Anti-Taliban law could be tweaked to get more humanitarian aid to Afghans: Canadian minister
By Marie Woolf – The Canadian Press
A law outlawing any dealings with the Taliban, which charities complain is impeding their ability to help needy Afghans, could be adjusted by the federal government to…
US May Resume Fulbright Program for Afghanistan
By Akmal Dawi – VOA
With the collapse of the former Afghan republic in August 2021, Azizullah Jahish suffered two…
THE DAILY WTF
Fear or Terror Has No Definition Under Islamic Emirate Rule
By Bakhtar News Agency
The ruler is the political and military situation in the country is moving towards self-determination under the roof of a legitimate rule, the tactic of intimidation, fear, and terror in this country no longer has a…
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 87.73 AFN (as of 03 JUL 2022)