The Week of February 26 - March 3
LAST WEEK
International Meetings and Conferences
Doha Outcomes – Following last week's Doha meeting, members of the UN Security Council are anticipated to start discussions on extending the mandate of UNAMA, set to expire on March 17 and the regular quarterly meeting on Afghanistan is expected to be held on March 6. Taliban Spokesperson, Zabiullah Mujahid released a statement on Monday that UN statements and meetings are against the interests of the Taliban and that they will not allow any such resolutions to be implemented. UN Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur, Richard Bennett, released his report on Afghanistan this week. US, UK and France were in opposition to China And Russia’s requests to expand regional countries' economic interaction with the Taliban.
Statement by Matthew Miller – Matthew Miller spoke on US-Afghanistan relations on Thursday noting that the arrest and detention of US citizens, including Ryan Corbett, is a significant barrier to engagement and insisted on the immediate and unconditional release of all US citizens held by the Taliban. Ryan Corbett has been detained by the Taliban since August 10, 2022.
Special Rapporteur Report Issued – Richard Bennett, UN Special Rapporteur issued his report this week , outlining a decline in the situation in Afghanistan since the previous report in September. He also spoke to the UN, noting that the human rights situation in Afghanistan has declined, and that a focus on human rights should be the cornerstone of all policies related to Afghanistan and that the current situation is gender apartheid. He also discussed issues of ISKP and other extremist attacks on Shias, Hazaras and other minority groups. The Taliban have rejected the report stating that all Afghan men and women are safe and have their Sharia rights. The NRF have issued a statement in support of the report, but noting that they were unable to meet with Richard Bennett during the reporting period. The full report can be found here: February 2024 report
UN Statement on Afghan Drug Production – Following a week of Taliban drug crackdowns, UN Office on Drugs and Crime's Regional Representative for Central Asia, Ashita Mittal, discussed the long term conflict in Afghanistan as a contributing factor to the prevalence of drug production and the shift from opium to heroin and the new emergence of methamphetamines. Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban Spokesman, asserts that drug cultivation has ceased entirely under Taliban rule.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Maniza Sediqi Sentenced – Maniza Sediqui, a prominent activist in women’s rights and protests, was reportedly sentenced to 2 years in Policharkhi prison for her activism. The Hamiyari Organization has called for efforts to release Manizha Sidiqi, detained by the Taliban since October 2023, citing torture and denial of legal defense. Sidiqi's health has deteriorated, prompting hospitalization. "Freedom Now" also seeks her unconditional release.
Herbert Fritz Released – Herbert Fritz, an 84 year old Austrian journalist was released by the Taliban on Sunday after 9 months of imprisonment. The Qatari government served as mediators between the Austrian government and the Taliban to assist with Fritz’s release. Mr. Fritz was reportedly detained after taking pictures with Ahmad Massoud.
Rawadari Report released – Rawadari, a human rights organization, released it’s report on Afghanistan this week. The report outlines over 500 people killed in targeted attacks, extrajudicial killings, suicide bombings and other similar situations in 2023 alone. The report also covers retribution killings by the Taliban against former ANSF personnel and their families, including young children. The full report can be found here.
Hazara/Kuchi issue – The Taliban in Uruzgan's Gizab district have mandated Hazara villagers from Kandir to pay 30 million Afghanis for land claimed by three Pashtun tribes and resident Kuchis from Helmand following a verdict from the Taliban primary court stating that the the local Pashtuns had an ownership claim on the land, and Hazaras of the village must pay compensation. Under the Previous Taliban government, clashes between Pashtun Kuchi nomads and other groups, mainly Hazaras, became frequent and violent. There is an expectation of continued ethnic tensions over land and grazing rights this year, with the Taliban continuing to back Pashtun nomads over local residents.
Security and Conflict
ISKP Intel Report – A recent report on ISKP in Afghanistan has been released suggesting that during the upcoming spring offensive, ISKP plans to concentrate on attacking the Taliban, Shias, and diplomatic entities in urban areas using methods such as targeted killings, suicide bombings, and missile strikes. In rural regions, they aim to attack Taliban forces and outposts to seize their weapons and ammunition for their own use. The report details closely mirror past ISKP practices and are likely to be accurate.
Indian Citizen Arrested by GDI – Indian citizen, Sanaul Islam Ullattupara, from Kozhikode in Kerala, was arrested in Kandahar, Afghanistan on Thursday for failing to explain his visit and suspected IS affiliation due to his travel from Tajikistan as this route has been used repeatedly by ISKP recruits. Since 2014, over 11 Indian nationals, mostly from Kerala, linked to ISKP, have been detained or killed in Afghanistan. The Taliban have not issued a statement.
Flogging in Herat – On Thursday, 8 people were flogged and sentenced to five months in prison, allegedly for “abuse and dishonor’. In response to the public response to such flogging and the public executions in the past weeks, Taliban spokesperson, Zabiullah Mujahed has stated that ‘retribution’ is part of Sharia and dissent is unIslamic.
Afghanistan Freedom Front Statement – The Afghanistan Freedom front issues a statement marking the second anniversary of its founding and to reaffirm their dedication to overthrowing the Taliban. The statement highlights the Taliban’s targeting of former ANSF despite claims of amnesty and the larger human rights abuses by the Taliban. They also claim that the Taliban have moved Pakistani terrorists to Northern Afghanistan and have allowed attacks by IS against Shiites and Hazaras. The AFF claimed activities in 29 provinces and 230 attacks on bases, checkpoints, and gathering centers, leaving 600 Taliban militants and leaders killed and about 700 injured.
Former Afghan National Police Killed – On Thursday, it was reported that Khabir Khan, a former ANP officer from Laghman was found dead, presumable from torture after being held for a month by the Taliban.
Former NDS Arrested – Aga Lal, a former NDS official was arrested on Sunday in Lashkar Gah, Helmand with 7 associates. No further information is known at this time.
Taliban Urge former ANSF to Return to Panjshir - On Friday, the Taliban Governor of Panjshir urged former Afghan government employees and soldiers from abroad to return, promising their safety, despite his own connections to Al Qaeda, security checkpoints across the province and countless reports of arbitrary arrest and killing of ANSF by the Taliban.
National Soldiers Day – Wednesday marked National Soldier’s Day in Afghanistan. Several resistance groups and former commanders issued statements commending past soldiers on their bravery, calling for renewed resistance to the Taliban and highlighting the arbitrary detentions, beatings and killings of former ANSFs since the Taliban takeover in 2021.
Freedom of the Press
GDI issues Further Restrictions on Pictures – A letter circulated this week, reportedly from the GDI stating that intelligence officials should avoid meetings with NGOs and aid organizations that would involve pictures or videos with women aid workers. They are also instructed to share details of any such meetings with the head GDI office.
Professor Arrested – On Thursday a Taliban military court sentenced university professor Mohammad Atif Daii to one year in prison, citing issues with the professor living in the home of Afghan Ambassador to Tajikistan, Zahir Aghbar. However, sources suggest his imprisonment stems from his social media engagement and advocacy for girls' education, challenging Taliban policies. Daii was denied legal representation in this matter.
Regional Developments
Turkmenistan Meeting on Afghanistan – Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi traveled to Turkmenistan this week to discuss bilateral relations. On Thursday, Muttaqi met with the leader of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, and discussed transportation infrastructure and investment in transit. Muttaqi also had meetings with several other officials to discuss business visas, the transfer of gas to the TAPI pipeline, restoration of the Lajawrd road, the Turghandi port. Turkmenistan is slated to hold the fifth meeting of regional ministers to discuss Afghanistan in March.
Prisoners Released from Iran and Pakistan – This week, both Iran and Pakistan have reported on Afghans being released from prisons and repatriated. Pakistan announced on Sunday that 40 prisoners, including one woman were released. The Talaban consulate in Karachi notes that in the past year, 3,261 Afghan inmates were released from prison in Sindh province and returned to Afghanistan. In a Similar Report, Iran noted that 1,136 prisoners have been released to the Taliban to continue their sentences in Taliban prisons. Neither Iran nor Pakistan provided information on the charges against those detained.
Oil Production Begins – The Taliban's Ministry of Mines reports daily oil extraction of 1,350 tons from the Amu River basin, with the private sector refining within Afghanistan. They signed a 25-year oil extraction contract with a Chinese company, aiming to increase wells from 24 to 47 by 2024, boosting extraction to 3,000 tons. Currently, 1,500 people work there, with reserves estimated at 87 million barrels. The contract has faced criticism from opponents for lack of legitimacy.
CASA -1000 Meeting – Istanbul is set to host a critical meeting on the CASA-1000 project next month. The Project will transfer electricity from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Pakistan via Afghanistan. The project, previously suspended by the World Bank following the Taliban takeover, has been reinstated with the support of regional countries.
Taliban Meeting in Qatar – Taliban acting Minister of Defense, Yaqub Mujahid, and the Chief of Staff of the Taliban army traveled to Qatar on Sunday for meetings focused on bilateral relations and participation in a Qatari defense exhibition.
Travel and Weather
Heavy Rain and Snow Afghanistan– Heavy rain in Helmand on Thursday led to the collapse of roofs in 2 houses, killing a total of 6 individuals. On Saturday, 2 women died and 3 children were injured following another roof collapse in Zazi Maidan, Khost. Heavy snow was reported in several provinces, leading to the closure of the a-Ghor road on Thursday. On Saturday, 2 houses collapsed and two were badly damaged in Panjshir as a result of the heavy snowfall. The snowfall in Herat has hit the population particularly hard, as many in the area are still residing in tents following the series of earthquakes last year. Reports also indicate that more than 20,000 livestock perished as a result of the recent snowfall across the country.
NEXT WEEK
Women's International Day – In the wake of the Doha negotiations and the stern international backlash against public executions, the UN Human Rights Special Reporter, Richard Bennett, has proposed initiating a criminal case against the Taliban for human rights violations, notably recognizing the situation as gender apartheid. This development suggests that the Taliban may intensify their clampdown on women activists. With the approach of International Women's Day on March 8, it is anticipated that the activities of Afghan women activists will gain momentum, potentially leading to an uptick in harassment, arrests, and imprisonment by the Taliban, especially targeting those active in the press and women's rights movements.
Ramadan, Spring Offensive – As Ramadan approaches, there is a heightened risk of increased activity from jihadist groups, particularly the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). This period may witness a surge in online radicalization efforts targeting susceptible individuals, alongside potential attacks against perceived adversaries, such as the Hazara Shiite minority and Taliban forces. Such actions could inadvertently harm civilians and exacerbate regional tensions, especially if attacks extend into Iran and Central Asian nations.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Basij Militia Attacked – Three members of IRGC’s Basij militia were attacked by a group of unknown individuals armed with knives. The incident took place close to a polling place in Darabad in Tehran on Friday during elections. In a separate incident on Saturday, another Basij, Othman Shahbakhsh was killed by unknown gunmen outside his home in Zahedan.
Elections – Iran held elections on March 1, 2024. Many reformist and moderate candidates were blocked from running and voter turnout was at a historic low. For more on elections, please see the spotlight analysis below.
PAKISTAN
Shehbaz Sharif becomes Pakistani Prime Minister – Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate, Shehbaz Sharif was named Pakistan’s Prime Minister for a second time on Sunday after securing 201 votes. Omar Ayub Khan, of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) secured 92 votes. A joint session has been called for March 9 to elect a President, with Asif Ali Zardari and Mahmood Khan Achakzai expected to be in the running.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif Elected – Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, has been elected as the Chief Minister of Punjab, becoming the first woman to hold this position in Pakistan's history. She secured 220 votes in a provincial assembly election boycotted by the opposition Sunni Ittehad Council party, supported by Imran Khan. Maryam's election as Chief Minister signifies the Nawaz family's deepening influence in Pakistan's political sphere, highlighting her emergence as a pivotal figure amidst her father's contentious legacy of corruption allegations.
Journalist Asad Ali Toor Arrested – Asad Ali Toor, a Pakistani journalist and YouTuber known for his political commentary, was arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on February 26, 2024. He was summoned for questioning related to an alleged campaign against Supreme Court judges and was detained after appearing before investigators. Toor's counsel, Imaan Mazari, confirmed his arrest and expressed concerns over due process violations and fears for his safety. The international community and digital rights activists have condemned the arrest, highlighting concerns over press freedom in Pakistan. Mr. Toor has reportedly begun a hunger strike in protest of his incarceration.
Attack on Ahmadi place of Worship – The Dastagir Society, an Ahmadi place of worship in Karachi was attacked by a mob of 20 extremists on Wednesday. Two police officers were taken hostage during the attack and the minarets of the building were damaged. Ahmadis, a religious minority based in Islam, are frequently singled out for targeted attacks by extremists on allegations of blasphemy.
TTP Commander Mohsin Qadir killed – On Monday, TTP commander Hassan Qadir Yousefzai, also known as Mohsin Qadir, was targeted and killed by Pakistani intelligence in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Yousefzai was killed along with his brother in law, Abbas. Yousefzai, an expert in making IEDs, was active in providing materials and training for terrorists infiltrating Afghanistan.
Shoaib Magsi handed over to Iran – Pakistan reportedly extradited Shoaib Magsi, also known as Abu Sufiyan, a key figure in the anti-Iranian group Ansar ul-Furqan, to Iran. He was previously detained in Kuchlak, Quetta.
Polio Vaccinator Killed – According to police, a Polio vaccinator was killed by beheading on Wednesday in Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. No further information has been released.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Another Sham Election In The Region
By TAD
The Islamic Republic of Iran, established in 1979, claims legitimacy through electoral processes, despite the pervasive belief that these elections serve more as a demonstration of regime strength rather than a reflection of public will. Historically, elections showcased a struggle between conservative clerics and reformist forces representing a younger, more global-minded demographic. However, recent trends have shifted towards a clear conservative dominance, moving away from the inclusivity of differing political voices.
The structure of Iran's political system, underpinned by the Guardian Council and the Assembly of Experts, heavily influences election outcomes. Supreme Leader Khamenei, with significant wealth and power, has a crucial role in this process, directly and indirectly selecting members of the Guardian Council, thereby controlling the parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections. This control extends to ensuring that the next supreme leader aligns with his preferences, underlining the crucial nature of these elections, especially given Khamenei's age of 84.
The recent elections were marked by engineered outcomes favoring conservative clerics, reflecting a voter turnout of 40% from 61.2 million eligible voters, a decrease from the 42% turnout in 2020. The barred participation of reformist candidates and the automatic inclusion of conservatives have led to a parliament predominantly occupied by the latter. Significant statistics from the election include:
A 40 percent turnout of 61.2 million eligible voters.
In Tehran, around a quarter of the 7.7 million eligible voters participated.
The operation of 59,000 voting stations, with 6,800 in Tehran province, witnessing the participation of approximately 25 million Iranians.
The backdrop of these elections includes a notable voter apathy, tied to recent national crises and a long-standing economic struggle exacerbated by international sanctions and high inflation rates, now around 40%. Historical events such as the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani and the downing of a Ukrainian passenger flight have also dampened public sentiment.
The ultimate losers in these elections are the reform-seeking, educated, and open-minded Iranians who have faced crackdowns by the conservative regime. The societal divide in Iran centers on fundamental values such as freedom and rights. The conservatives not only control the nation's wealth, ensuring the perpetuation of their rule by distributing resources among their supporters, but they also hold sway over significant institutions like the Army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), key in the suppression of dissent over the last four decades.
This scenario echoes the political landscape in Pakistan, where the military's influence often overshadows public sentiment. The recent installation of the new Pakistani prime minister post-elections, perceived as manipulated by military generals, exemplifies the strong despotic tendencies in the region, mirroring the Iranian clerics' hold on power. The duration for which these forces can maintain their grip remains a critical question for future generations in both nations.
AFGHAN NEWS
Looking Ahead In 2024 – The Taliban Factor In The Afghanistan-Pakistan Region
As the year 2024 began, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (the Movement of the Pakistani Taliban, TTP) appeared intent at creating – militarily, ideologically, strategically – a mini emirate in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the province now incorporating South and North Waziristan and other tribal districts, the TTP's traditional strongholds. Whereas, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA, i.e., the Afghan Taliban), the ideological jihadi cousins of TTP, continued to rebuff the global demand to reverse their order banning girls and women from attending schools from the sixth grade onward and colleges and universities, or from working.
Taliban to ban women from working in TV if they do not cover their faces
Arpan Rai
The Taliban will ban women media workers in Kabul if they fail to adhere to a “modest dress code” which includes face veils, said an independent media body that operates in Afghanistan.
Abdul Ghaffar Farooq, Taliban’s spokesperson for the Ministry of the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, suggested that media representatives “adhere to a modest dress code, showing images of women in black attire and veils with their faces mostly covered, leaving only their eyes visible”, the Afghanistan’s Journalists Centre said in a statement on Wednesday.
Envoy: Taliban invest $35mn in Iran’s Chabahar
IFP Staff
The Taliban administration in Afghanistan has invested 35 million dollars in Iran’s southeastern port city of Chabahar on commercial, residential and administrative projects, the Iranian special envoy to Kabul announced.
Kabul, women, life, and an underground education
Zan Times
One of my friends has been attending English language classes in Kabul for the past month. I was curious when she talked about her educational institution or saw her researching and writing assignments. I asked where this English language centre was located and how the Taliban allows girls to attend and study at such a centre. In a country in which no university, school, or educational institution –either public or private – is allowed to educate women, I couldn’t understand how an English language centre could have female students. “The Taliban allows English language centres and they only demand that we wear hijab,” my friend explained, saying she wore formal attire, including clean shoes, black chador, black mask, and black bag. She encouraged me to enroll in the same English class, saying, “Even if you did not learn anything new, you will review things you already know. More importantly, as you groom yourself every day and see a few other people, your spirit will be refreshed.”
REGIONAL NEWS
Key Issues In Iran's March 1st Elections: What's Missing
Majid Mohammadi
The 2024 elections in Iran mirror past ones under the Islamist regime in various aspects, such as the arbitrary disqualification of candidates, and dwindling participation rates.
Amid numerous crises gripping the nation, the regime, under the control of its 84-year-old ruler Ali Khamenei, is striving desperately to achieve a high turnout to demonstrate that it still maintains popularity and a degree of legitimacy.
Iran election: turnout sinks to record low as polls close
The Guardian
Polling closed in Iran’s parliamentary elections on Friday night, with officials claiming the nationwide turnout was a record low of 40.6%.
After 10 hours of voting, turnout had stood at only 27%, and in Tehran it was just 12% after eight hours, before the polls were unexpectedly kept open for an extra two hours.
Officials had predicted the eventual figure would be above the 42.5% recorded the last time parliamentary seats were contested, in 2020, but it fell short of that figure.
Afghan Taliban nudge TTP on talks with Islamabad
Shahabullah Yousafzai
The two main factions of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan – the Haqqani and Kandahari groups – have directed the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to engage in discussions with Islamabad to de-escalate tensions between the neighbouring capitals.
Amid X outage, ban sought on all social media
Kalbe Ali
While there are serious concerns among users over the continued disruption of the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) for over a fortnight now, a member of the upper house of parliament has called for a permanent ban on all social media.
Meanwhile, there are reports that the authorities are considering a blanket ban on all Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), prompting the IT and services sector to express concerns that such action could severely harm the country’s economy.
Imran, Bushra Bibi indicted in £190m graft case
Umer Burney
A Rawalpindi accountability court on Tuesday indicted former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the £190 million corruption case.
In December, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had filed a corruption reference against Imran and seven others, including his wife, in connection with the Al-Qadir University.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Doha Agreement Empowered Taliban, Says White House Spokesperson
Afghanistan international
Karine Jean-Pierre, White House spokesperson, has said that the Doha agreement empowered the Taliban and weakened the Afghan government.
On Wednesday, which aligns with the fourth anniversary of the Doha Agreement, Jean-Pierre said that the Taliban have not fulfilled their obligations in the agreement.
Teen arrested in killing of ride-share driver who served as interpreter for US in Afghanistan
Walter Morris
Police arrested a 15-year-old boy accused of killing a former Afghan interpreter for U.S. special forces who was working in D.C. as a ride-share driver.
THE DAILY WTF
The Iranian pop singer, Shervin Hajipour who wrote Baraye (For women, life, freedom), is jailed and ordered to write a song condemning America. His video was the most viewed in the history of social media in Iran.
For dancing in the streets, For the fear when kissing, …
For the girls wishing they were boys
For women, life, freedom
For freedom
For freedom
For freedom
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/baraye.html-3
