LAST 24 HOURS
AFGHANS CROSSING BORDER WITH PAKISTAN REPORT TALIBAN SECURITY OFFICiALS ARE INCREASINGLY STEALING MONEY FROM THEM – Several recent reports illustrate a troubling trend where the Taliban security personnel at the borders of Iran and Pakistan have begun searching both males and females and are taking money from them before they are allowed to proceed across the border. Women were often left alone and not searched when making a border crossing but now the Taliban have consistently stationed female Taliban security personnel at most major border crossings. In recent instances, all the funds that people were carrying had been confiscated by the border personnel. It is not clear if this is an official policy or simply criminal activity on the part of low-ranking Taliban.
FORMER PM KHAN SHIFTS HIS STRATEGY BACK TO FAMILIAR GROUND – The former PM has come under heavy criticism for his attacks against the military establishment in April and May. Clearly, he misjudged the public’s support for the Army and even many in his own party have disavowed his conspiracy theories and left the party. This week, he appeared to have changed his messaging tactics to much safer ground by attacking the economic policies of the government and warning of a period of hyperinflation to come. He has yet to release a comprehensive economic plan to address the situation but seems to imply that the PTI is the only party capable of negotiating the rough waters ahead for the country. Khan definitely did not garner much support outside of his party with the previous strategy of attacking the military complex and most see his shift in tactics as a possible way to make up some ground and try to reestablish trust with the citizens.
MEDICAL NGOS CONCERNED OVER CONGO FEVER INFECTIONS – At least 2 people have died after contracting Congo Fever in Afghanistan. Medical professionals working in the country are particularly concerned as the virus is a hemorrhagic fever similar to Ebola and has an extremely high mortality rate. It is not clear where the virus originated and whether proper quarantine procedures have been put in place. A source in Kabul said that some Imams have been suggesting the virus was ‘let loose’ on the people through a US/Europe plot. Information about the virus and steps to take against contracting the disease can be found HERE.
NEXT 24 HOURS
SEVERE WEATHER POSES THREAT OF FLOODING OVER NEXT 48 HOURS – Rain is expected across much of the country and the Taliban emergency department is warning against unnecessary travel until the threat has passed. At-risk Afghans planning trips are urged to reschedule until conditions are more favorable.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Military officials from Iran and Iraq met in Tehran yesterday to disciuss the situation along their mutual border. It is believed that the primary point of discussion concerned the Kurdish region.
The trials of 2 female Iranian journalists who first reported on the death of Mahsa Amini began yesterday. The trials are being conducted separately and human rights activists fear the government will impose the death penalty should they be convicted.
The government says it has broken up another Israel-backed terrorist network in Western Iran. Tehran claims it has arrested 14 members of a terror cell that was responsible for carrying out assassinations, bombings, and other acts against the regime.
PAKISTAN
The Government strongly rejected accusations made by female PTI party members who say they were sexually abused after having been arrested during the May riots.
Leaders from the British military are in the country to engage with their Pakistani counterparts in talks about defense matters
A PTI leader who manages the voter lists for the party says the defections by several leaders will not have an impact on the party as a whole.
SPOTLIGHT ECONOMY
By WB
The World Bank, in close coordination with the international community, development partners, and the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) donors, is unlocking ARTF funds to support the Afghan people and deliver critical health, education and livelihoods support.
AFGHAN NEWS
Afghanistan weather bureau issues heavy rain and flood warning
By Ariana News
The Afghanistan Department of Meteorology issued a warning Monday on the possibility of heavy rain and floods in 19 provinces over…
Online Taxi Services Launched in Afghanistan’s Kandahar
By Nizamuddin Rezahi - Khaama Press
Samiullah Payegham, a local resident has started providing online cab services in Kandahar province, a new initiative of its kind that has not been experienced in…
1.3 Million Afghan Refugees Return Home in Past 20 Months
By Fidel Rahmati - Khaama Press
The acting Minister for Refugees and Repatriation (MoRR), Khalil-ur-Rahman Haqqani, said on Sunday that as many as 1.3 million Afghan refugees have…
REGIONAL NEWS
Iran's Interior Minister Plays Down Border Conflict With Taliban
By Iran International
Two days after the deadly clash on the Iran-Afghanistan border, Iran's Interior Minister described the incident as a…
Over 7,000 Afghan refugees return via Spin Boldak last month
By Atifa Suhrabi - Pajhwok Afghan News
A total of 7,036 Afghan refugees returned from Pakistan via the Spin Boldak crossing into southern Kandahar province last…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
IEA’s Prime Minister congratulates Erdogan on his victory
By Ariana News
Prime Minister of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, has extended his heartfelt congratulations…
By GOP House Foreign Affairs Committee
Chairman Michael McCaul is once again reiterating that all House Foreign Affairs Committee Members must be granted access to the July 2021 Dissent Channel…
THE DAILY WTF
Afghan Singer Arrested For Putting Taliban Verses To Music
By Ray Furlong - RFE
An Afghan singer who was well-known for supporting the Taliban has fallen foul of the militants. Khosh Naseeb was…
‘Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.’ TAD Staff
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 87.56 AFN (as of 30 MAY 2023)