LAST 24 HOURS
UN SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR CALLS FOR NEW & INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO ATROCITIES – Typically, when an independent investigation is called for it signals there is enough evidence to confirm at least a portion of the accusations are valid. Kabul has consistently tried to downplay the reporting and has attempted misdirection through claims of ‘western bias’ in the media. However, it is a tall order to ask the international community to ignore the claims considering there are at least twelve independent videos of mass executions in Panjshir circulating on the internet. All appear to have been filmed by their own fighters (considering the point of view) and give the impression the illegal killings were joyous celebrations. Mr. Bennett’s recommendation sends a clear signal that the acts will be looked into.
COMMODITIES PRICES FLUCTUATING AS WINTER BEARS DOWN ON AFGHANISTAN – Coal and fuel prices surged this week while propane and firewood prices fell in a sign that the coming winter was going to add a new dimension of hell in Afghanistan. Coal and fuel shot up by nearly 36% this week alone on average while propane and wood dropped by about 30%. Our analysis indicates the fluctuations mean different things for different demographics but mainly, the brunt of the pain would be felt by those living in urban areas.
KHORASAN RESISTANCE GROUP STANDS UP A MILITARY WING – The Khorasan Warriors announced they had formed an anti-Taliban military group and would immediately commence operations against the de facto regime. The group plans to release its organizing principles in a video clip today on select social media sites. They intend to commence operations immediately but no information was given about the numbers they have in the group. The group claims to be operating in three additional unspecified provinces.
NEXT 24 HOURS
TWO POTENTIAL COUNTERATTACKS PLANNED BY TALIBAN IN BADAKHSHAN – A source in the Province said Taliban troops staged last night in two separate locations and were planning to hit two to three NRF camps today. The locations of the targeted camps were not provided. Each Taliban contingent is thought to have approximately two hundred fighters and thirty to forty trucks under their command. At-risk Afghans in Badakhshan are encouraged to avoid any concentrations of Taliban security vehicles.
SPOTLIGHT OPINION
Afghanistan: with civil war on the cards, the west needs to identify a moderate ally to support
By Kambaiz Rafi - The Conversation
It has become axiomatic that in Afghanistan, once an armed resistance group gains a foothold in an area it becomes hard to route out. This is more so if it musters a degree of local support and is in a geographically remote region. During the past year, an anti-Taliban force led by the National Resistance Front (NRF) appears to have achieved just that in Panjshir, Baghlan, and neighbouring provinces in the country’s north-east, despite significant odds and without much outside support.
AFGHAN NEWS
Private University Enrollment Down 50% Since Govt Change: Union
By Fatima Adib - TOLO News
“Younger generations are hopeless about their future and their education and students have economic challenges and cannot pay their fees,” said…
The Kabul Bank Crash (video)
By Al Jazeera World
The inside story of Kabul Bank and the nearly $1bn of money laundering and corruption that devastated Afghanistan.
380M Banknotes of Afghan Currency to Arrive Within 1 Month: Mehrabi
By Imran Danish - TOLO News
A member of the Afghanistan Trust Fund, Shah Mohammad Mehrabi, said that the Polish Security Printing Works (PWPW) is due to deliver new Afghani…
REGIONAL NEWS
Roles flip as Russians become ‘migrant workers’ in Tajikistan (for now)
By Karolina Kluczewska - Open Democracy
For the first time in 30 years, Russians are heading to Central Asia rather than the other way around – to escape war.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
IEA accuses international watchdogs of ‘reporting on rumors’
By Ariana News
According to a statement issued by the IEA, “some people report based on rumors and virtual sources (social networks and e-mail addresses) and use it against the…
THE DAILY WTF
Taliban Member Gunfire Kills and Injures 2 Girls in Northwestern Afghanistan
By Saqalain Eqbal - Khaama Press
Local sources in the Badghis province of northwest Afghanistan said that a 12-year-old girl was killed and another girl was injured as a result of…
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 86.77 AFN (as of 27 OCT 2022)