Exclusive Content: Is the Taliban Poised for an Internet Crackdown?
Whispers is a free intelligence and analysis column focused on a post-democratic Afghanistan.
Whispers 003: The Taliban’s Impending Internet Crackdown
TIP: Reports have been steadily coming in regarding the Taliban’s desire to restrict Afghan citizens’ access to the internet. Recent, credible reports state that China is providing equipment, software, and technical expertise to assist the Taliban with censoring the internet in the country…
LAST 24 HOURS:
Deutsche Welle was added to the list of sanctioned foreign news programs and has been stripped from local programming.
The airport in Mazar-i-Sharif reopened. It is believed international flights will begin soon.
Political opposition groups in Pakistan launched the expected no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Khan. There will be three days of debate before the full vote is taken. The security situation in Islamabad is tense with many roads blocked and a heavy police presence on the streets. Some observers remain concerned about the potential for violence.
Sporadic reports have been coming in claiming the Pakistani police and intelligence service have been arresting former Afghan Army officials who legally crossed into Pakistan and are forcibly repatriating them to the Taliban. We have not confirmed the veracity of these reports at this time.
The Department of State may have launched an investigation into several former Afghan MPs who are currently staying in Albania. Apparently, there are allegations of fraud and stolen funds.
The body of a young man was discovered in the Bamyan province. He appears to have been murdered. His identity has not been released yet.
Two seizures of weapons occurred. Both were reputedly heading to Pakistan. The Taliban released photos of the confiscated weapons and ordinance and have the arms traffickers in custody.
NEXT 24 HOURS:
Pakistan is facing an energy crisis that may affect markets tomorrow. Suppliers recently canceled several LNG shipments, which has left Pakistan in a cash crunch. Many industries are turning to coal from Afghanistan in “barter” agreements to bridge the gap between need and supply. Afghans residing in Pakistan could see currency fluctuations.
New searches may begin in Northern cities and towns over the next 24 hours. The Taliban are claiming they are focused on breaking up “narcotics rings”. However, several prominent former Afghan leaders are thought to be on their search list.
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