LAST 24 HOURS
FORMING A GOVERNMENT, TALIBAN SAY THEY ARE WORKING ON IT – The Taliban’s chief spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, addressed concerns over the formation of the ‘official’ government for the country in an interview recently. He said the main obstacles concerned a lack of laws for the regime. Presumably, he was referring to reinterpretations of existing laws under the Taliban’s strict Sharia code. The Taliban have continually maintained they will form a new government after international recognition has been achieved. With the prospect of recognition a distant hope that recedes further every month women and girls are not allowed to study or work, the world is likely to see a revamped version of the Taliban regime of the 90s. At no time were elections or representation of minority groups mentioned.
US DEPARTMENT OF STATE SAYS IT IS TRYING TO EVACUATE 44 US CITIZENS FROM AFGHANISTAN – The US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, said the 44 represent about one-quarter of all US citizens thought to still be in the country. The remainder has not asked to leave and some have even returned to the country since the Taliban takeover. Of the 44 citizens who have asked to depart, some are said to be imprisoned by the Taliban.
FLOODWATERS RECEDING SLOWLY, HIGHWAYS REOPENING – THe Khandahar-Herat highway reopened yesterday after closing temporarily for dangerous road conditions due to flooding. A storm system dropped several centimeters of rain across Central and Northeastern Afghanistan over the past three days and the rainwater added to snow runoff in the mountains which caused flooding in at least 17 Provinces. Roads are slowly reopening and there were reports of some deaths due to the conditions but a definitive accounting was not available yet.
INTERNATIONAL CRICKET COUNCIL INCREASES FUNDS FOR AFGHANISTAN, WOMEN’S TEAM NOT MENTIONED – The ICC announced it had substantially increased the budget for the Afghanistan Cricket Board but dodged questions about supporting the Afghan Women’s team that has formed in Australia.
NEXT 24 HOURS
POSSIBLE THREAT TO SHIITE MOSQUES FRIDAY – A source in Kabul has stated that Ministry of Interior agents and Police were actively following up on a threat against a Shia Mosque either in Kabul or Herat. The source said the Taliban security forces were looking for a cell of 3-6 men who are planning a presumed ISIS-K suicide bomb attack that has been scheduled for weeks. It was not clear in which city the potential attack would occur. The source finished by saying the threat had been communicated to them via a ‘friendly nation’. At-risk Afghans planning on attending religious observances in Shia neighborhoods should be aware of the threat and make plans accordingly. TAD will issue an alert if additional information that may authenticate/clarify the threat is received.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
The top US General told the US Congress that multiple options are being considered should Iran develop a nuclear weapon.
Three staff members of the Supreme Leader were arrested and interrogated by a counter-intelligence unit. The arrests come after several leaks of sensitive information and documents have been made.
It has been over 30 days since the regime announced it would pardon thousands of those arrested during the protest movement. However, the pardon has been selectively applied and there have been rumors that a bribe must be paid by the family to secure a loved one’s release.
PAKISTAN
Several rallies were held across the country to celebrate Pakistan Day.
Rail service in Hyderabad was suspended after an explosive device was detonated on a track near Kotri. There were no casualties and damage was minimal. Service is expected to continue today or tomorrow.
Police officials in Punjab said they intend to probe the claims made by the former PM, Imran Khan, about a ‘murder plot’ against him.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
How Dangerous Is the Islamic State-Khorasan?
By Michael Kugelman - Foreign Policy
Since launching in 2015, IS-K has staged many attacks in Afghanistan but relatively few beyond its borders. The group has claimed a few dozen attacks in Pakistan, including a suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in Peshawar last year. Last April and May, IS-K claimed rocket attacks in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, although governments in both countries denied such attacks took place. The group has long shown an ability to adapt—and Kurilla’s warning shouldn’t be taken lightly.
AFGHAN NEWS
Protesting Afghan Woman Activist Released After Temporary Arrest
By Nizamuddin Rezahi - Khaama Press
Taliban had detained Waheeda Mahrami, a women activist on Monday, March 20 in Kabul, according to a source close to…
Daesh/ISIS has stronger presence in Afghanistan: Top US general
By Rabia Iclal Turan - Anadolu Agency
Daesh/ISIS has a stronger presence in Afghanistan than the previous year following the withdrawal of US troops in August 2021, the top US general for…
Work is Underway on Official Govt: Mujahid
By TOLO News
The Islamic Emirate spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said that the lack of laws and a “few other issues” are the main obstacles ahead of the announcement of an official…
REGIONAL NEWS
Pakistan steps up crackdown on Afghan refugees, adds new restrictions
By Amel Ghani - The New Humanitarian
Despite the worsening economic and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the Pakistani government is intensifying its crackdown on…
Death toll from Pakistan, Afghanistan quake rises to 21
By San Francisco Chronicle
Ten died in Afghanistan and 11 in Pakistan after the temblor rattled this South Asian region late on…
High time for Pakistan to rethink its Afghan policy
By ANI
Recently, a high-level Pakistani delegation comprising Defence Minister, DG ISI, and Foreign Secretary visited Kabul and held…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
US paints grim picture of Afghanistan in 2022 Human Rights report
By AMU TV
The report, which covered 198 countries and territories around the globe, reiterated that Afghanistan is the only country in the world where women and girls are barred from…
Finland to Grant Asylum to All Afghani Women & Girls
By Schengen Visa Info
The Finnish Immigration Service has updated its guideline for Afghanistan, including suspending issuing negative decisions to Afghan citizens, especially girls…
THE DAILY WTF
Deputy PM Kabir Meets Potzel, Calls for Intl Recognition
By TOLO News
Kabir said the Islamic Emirate does not oppose girls' education and he hoped that the international community will take…
“Hmmmm” TAD Staff
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 86.79 AFN (as of 24 MAR 2023)