LAST 24 HOURS
PRESIDENT OF UZBEKISTAN URGES THE UN TO SET UP TEAM – President Mirziyoyev proposed the United Nations form an international group to negotiate with the Taliban. The call appears to have at least tacit support from Russia and China. Some UN observers believed the team would be redundant and pointed to the existing UNAMA mission as a ready-made solution. However, sources in both Dushanbe and Tashkent say suspicions have grown about UNAMA acting as a tool for the West.
DISILLUSIONED UZBEK COMMANDER’S DEPARTURE FROM TALIBAN CONFIRMED – Previous source-based reporting had suggested noted Uzbek Taliban leader, Qari Salahuddin Ayubi had broken ties with the Taliban leadership over several concerns he felt were being ignored. Several press outlets confirmed that Ayubi had cut ties and returned to his home in Faryab Province. While he hasn’t signaled an intention to join the Resistance, his departure is seen as another blow to the Taliban’s desire to present a united front to the international community.
JAPAN ANNOUNCES IT WILL CONTINUE PROVIDING AID – Japan’s commitment to health and food security will continue after discussions were held with the Foreign Minister recently. Some aid agencies had expressed fears that Japan may not fulfill commitments promised to the Afghan people but all indications point to continued relations with the Taliban to facilitate the nation’s pledge of support.
RECENT TERROR ATTACKS GO UNCLAIMED – Terror organizations that may have executed the recent spate of bombings in the country continue to keep silent about who was responsible for the attacks. Previous to the deadly education center attack, ISIS-K and others laid claim to the attacks within days. The silence has observers concerned over the emergence of new terrorist organizations or rogue provisional factions that may have splintered from the main groups.
NEXT 24 HOURS
UNIVERSITY EXAMS IN KABUL BEGIN – Tens of thousands of prospective college students began their exams in Kabul. The exams are expected to take three days to complete and are being administered on four University campuses. Security has reportedly been increased at two of the campuses but the remaining two have not received additional security forces. There is the potential that the exams could be targeted by terror organizations and at-risk Afghans are advised to stay vigilant.
PLANNED LGBTQ PROTEST CALLED OFF – Several human rights groups had reportedly been planning a protest over the recent killing of Hamed Sabouri, a young gay man by the Taliban. Thankfully, the organizers resisted the calls by some international groups to hold the protest over safety concerns. Several LGBTQ communities plan to hold vigils for Sabouri around the world.
SPOTLIGHT CULTURE
The Taliban’s Gender Apartheid Regime
By Naheed Farid - The Dispatch
After enduring a quarter century of revolution, occupation, and civil war, the people of Afghanistan began laying the foundations for nationhood two decades ago. The return of the Taliban to power in August 2021 ended all of the progress that had been made. Now the country is falling into sectarian conflict, magnified by the turmoil of economic freefall, natural disasters, and public health crises.
AFGHAN NEWS
University Entrance Exam Kicks Off in Kabul
By Imran Danish - TOLO News
“The examinations were launched in four universities at the same time. Nearly 34,000 people participated in…
Taliban Commander Severs Ties with Group over ‘Ethnicist’ Policies
By Saqalain Eqbal - Khaama Press
The disaffected Taliban commander has reportedly left Kabul, the Afghan capital, and is now at his base in Faryab province in…
Who keeps attacking mosques and minorities in Afghanistan?
By 5 Pillars
Ever since the U.S.-led occupation of Afghanistan ended in August 2021 there have been a number of deadly…
Taliban Orders Male Teachers, Students To Sign Pledge To Observe Shari'a Law
By Omid Zahirmal - RFE
That includes following the Taliban's strict dress code for men, including growing a beard, wearing a turban or…
REGIONAL NEWS
Afghanistan remains one of biggest security challenges: Putin
By ANI
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said that Afghanistan remains one of the biggest security challenges in Asia and…
Stable Afghanistan serves regional, global interest: Pakistan PM
By Pajhwok Afghan News
“Prosperous and stable Afghanistan is not only in the interest of Pakistan, but also for the international…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Chartered Flight Carrying Over 300 Afghans Lands in Canada
By Saqalain Eqbal - Khaama Press
A chartered flight from Dushanbe, the Tajik capital, relocated the aforementioned number of…
IEA’s legitimacy depends on the rulers’ conduct: US
By Ariana News
“As long as the Taliban (Islamic Emirate) repress the women and girls of Afghanistan, the Taliban’s relationship with the…
THE DAILY WTF
Islamic Emirate Cabinet Not Formalized After One Year
By Mohammad Farshad Daryosh - TOLO News
The Islamic Emirate’s spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, said that the announcement of an official cabinet will take…
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 85.96 AFN (as of 14 OCT 2022)