Daily Evacuation Brief | March 25, 2023
LAST 24 HOURS
TALIBAN FOREIGN MINISTER DELIVERS IMPASSIONED PLEA FOR RECOGNITION – Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting Foreign Minister for the Taliban published an article in Al Jazeera calling on the world to recognize the Taliban as the rightful government and to give Afghanistan a seat at the table. The Foreign Minister used a remarkably persuasive tone in his message and sought to assure the region/international community of the regime’s intentions. He laid the blame for the economic crisis on the US-imposed sanctions and urged leaders to release the frozen funds so they could be used to ameliorate problems for the citizenry. However, he employed misdirection when discussing the issues facing minorities and women in the country. While the article illustrates the Foreign Minister is evolving as a statesman, it is unlikely to move many to shift their positions in regard to dealing with the Taliban. Certainly not while half the population has been muzzled and disenfranchised (women) and the minority ethnic groups have no voice in governing the country.
US/IRAN PROXY WAR IN SYRIA FLARES UP – 1 US citizen was killed and 6 military members were injured when Iranian-backed militias launched a drone attack on a coalition military base in Northern Syria on Thursday. The US responded with air strikes against 2 militia (rumored to be IRGC) facilities in Eastern Syria. Yesterday, US sources confirmed that 10 rockets were fired at the coalition ‘Green Village’ compound in Northeastern Syria. The rockets were far off target and at least one was said to have landed in an area where non-combatants were living and caused some injuries. Nearly 80 attacks against US installations in Syria have been recorded since 2021 but some observers are concerned that Iran is being prodded by Russia to ‘play tougher’ against the US. It is not clear if the latest attack will provoke another US response.
PAKISTAN SECURITY FORCES CONTINUE ROUNDUP OF PTI ACTIVISTS – Punjab has been the most active Province during the crackdown and several senior party officials had their homes raided across the Province on Friday. While the leaders themselves were presumably ‘tipped off’ about the raids and were not home, some family members and other PTI loyalists were arrested in their stead. A spokesman for the PTI party announced that over 300 party members were currently being held by police. For its part, the Government adopted a reconciliatory tone and has called for a dialogue with party leaders to resolve differences and lower tensions across the country.
NEXT 24 HOURS
THREAT TO MOSQUES CONTINUES – While the reported threat of an ISIS-K action against a Shia Mosque did not materialize on Friday, a social media account affiliated with ISIS-K reiterated a similar threat in Balkh Province on Friday afternoon. The general threat warned worshipers they would be targeted if they chose to worship in Mosques deemed ‘friendly’ to the Taliban. No specifics were mentioned but our assessment is that Mosques will continue to be a priority target for ISIS-K throughout Ramadan.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
The US responded to an Iranian militia-backed drone strike in Syria with air strikes against 2 militia installations in Eastern Syria. US press outlets reported that the much-vaunted US air defense system may have been inoperable when the drone struck the base and killed a US citizen.
A large protest took place in Zahedan which resulted in several injuries to both protestors and police forces in the ensuing clash.
The IRGC has said it has been empowered to enforce the Hijab dress codes. Shortly after making the announcement, security forces arrested 3 protestors who attempted to form a ‘human shield’ between women protestors and police.
PAKISTAN
Pakistan Cricket fans were stunned as Afghanistan beat Pakistan in a T20 match. It marks the first time Afghanistan has prevailed in a major international competition.
The International Monetary Fund paused a major loan and has asked the Government for clarification on the fuel price controls it had imposed.
The Government has called for talks with the PTI party in an effort to resolve some of the outstanding issues that have destabilized the country.
UZBEKISTAN
MPs in the Parliament approved a law that would criminalize domestic violence. If ratified by the Senate and President the law would take effect later this year.
An Uzbek delegation traveled to Kabul for talks about the controversial Qosh Tepa Canal project. Uzbekistan is concerned the project could divert irrigation water Uzbek farmers and stock growers need.
SPOTLIGHT REFUGEES
Afghan women refugees restarting their lives from scratch
By Kiah Lucero - Rabble
Since arriving in Canada, Mayar and Afshar have shared a similar experience—while they are relieved to be safe, they are also disheartened. Both renowned and successful women in Afghanistan are now forced to start their careers and lives from scratch—this has taken a toll on their mental health.
AFGHAN NEWS
Pressure from the Taliban has Contributed to Rise in Underage Marriages in Afghanistan
By Inter-Press Service
A combination of poverty and the fear of girls being forced to marry the islamist fighters of the Taliban movement are the main reasons behind the…
70 prisoners released from Helmand, Kandahar prisons
By Ariana News
The supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Mawlavi Hibatullah Akhundzada, in a special decree on the occasion of the…
The Azadi Briefing: Another School Year Begins With Afghan Girls Shut Out Of Class
By Abubakar Siddique - RFE
Last year, the Taliban made a last-minute U-turn after promising for months to allow teenage girls to attend…
REGIONAL NEWS
Pakistan continues to sponsor terrorist outfits along LoC
By ANI
Pakistan has been known for its perennial support to the Taliban in Afghanistan and other terrorist organizations in…
US Conducts Airstrikes in Syria After Deadly Attack
By Nizamuddin Rezahi - Khaama Press
Following a drone attack in a maintenance facility on a Coalition base in northeast Syria on Thursday, a US contractor was killed another…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Qatari, Canadian Officials Discuss Ways to Support Aghan Girls’ Education
By Nizamuddin Rezahi - Khaama Press
Lolwah Al Khater criticized the bans imposed by the Taliban barring women and girls to attend schools and…
Afghanistan: Activists seek world’s collective stance against ‘continued closure’ of girls’ schools
By AMU TV
A group of nearly 200 activists and 15 watchdog organizations in a statement on Friday called for a collective and more coordinated stance by the…
THE DAILY WTF
IEA Rejects US Official’s latest Comment on Daesh Group
By Bakhtar News Agency
The US official’s allegations about the existence of the group in Afghanistan are not true, said Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman of the…
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 86.74 AFN (as of 25 MAR 2023)