The Week of July 1 - 7
Security and Conflict
Muharram Security Concerns – Muharram begins today with Taliban-imposed restrictions, including bans on public processions, mourning flags on highways, and nighttime movements, limiting ceremonies to Shia mosques only. The Shia Ulema Council of Afghanistan has urged the Taliban to ensure security and prevent disturbances during Muharram, emphasizing vigilance and the avoidance of controversial topics by religious leaders. Despite past attacks and last year's restrictions on religious displays and activities, Muharram programs will proceed.
Clash Between IS and Taliban in Nangarhar – On Sunday in Momand Dara district of Nangarhar, the Taliban clashed with ISIS fighters, reportedly leaving five Taliban and at least one ISIS member dead. Local residents reported that the clash began when Taliban forces, dispatched for inspection, engaged with ISIS members in a house in Momand Dara. Al-Mersad, a Taliban-affiliated website, stated that an ISIS member, Zakirullah (a.k.a. Abu Shir), the local ISIS leader in Achin, was killed in the fight. ISKP Has reportedly confirmed the death of Zakirullah and the capture of seven fighters.
Locals Clash with Taliban Takhar – On July 7, a clash in Archa Kotl village, Kalfgan district, over salt collection resulted in seven injuries. Residents protested against a Taliban-supported company monopolizing saline water. Taliban fighters, securing the company, attacked the residents. Local Taliban officials have not commented, despite ongoing illegal mine extraction by the group.
House to House Searches – Sources in western Kabul (PD 5, 12, 13) reported that on Friday, July 5th, Taliban fighters conducted house searches in areas including Haji Nawroz Square, Naqash, and Dasht-e-Barchi. The searches, involving large numbers of forces, were conducted without explanation or the presence of female police officers. The Taliban have not commented on the operations, although searches for ISKP hiding in advance of Ashura are a likely explanation.
Taliban Intelligence Chief Killed – On Tuesday, July 2nd, unidentified gunmen shot and killed Haji Majid, the Taliban intelligence chief for the Kilaagi area of Pul-e-Khumri city. Originally from Kilaagi, Majid was responsible for Taliban intelligence in this area. The attackers fled the scene after the shooting.
Protests in Badakhshan – Residents of Darayim district in Badakhshan protested on July 3rd against the Taliban for destroying poppy fields. Taliban fighters fired on the protesters, injuring four people. Videos show locals chanting anti-Taliban slogans, with gunfire audible in the background. The Taliban have not commented. This protest follows previous clashes in the region over poppy field destruction. Locals report a significant Taliban force presence during the incident.
Taliban Infighting – On Tuesday in Takhar, a clash between Taliban commanders in Chahab district resulted in one Taliban fighter killed and three injured. The fighters are under the command of Mawlawi Burhanuddin Badakhshi and Mawlawi Amanuddin Mansour. Taliban officials in Takhar have not yet commented on the incident.
Former Soldier killed After Returning from Iran – Ghulam Sakhi, a former soldier who recently returned from Iran, was allegedly killed by the Taliban in his home in Pashtun Kot, Faryab, this week.
Attack on Taliban Mufti – The Taliban's senior Mufti, Sheikh Azizullah Mazhary, was attacked by unknown gunmen on a motorcycle in Laghman province's Qarghayee district. The attack happened as Mazhary and his family were returning from a funeral. Mazhary survived, but his wife was killed.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Floggings – On June 30th, two people were flogged in Malistan, Ghazni. On Monday, four were publicly flogged in Parwan. Taliban officials in Tarinkot, Uruzgan publicly flogged 18 people on Tuesday. The same day, two individuals were flogged in Baghis and one in Panjshir. On Thursday, five people were flogged in Kandahar and one in Ghazni. On Sunday, one woman was flogged in Balkh.
Taliban Confiscate Ownership of Town – The Taliban's Ministry of Justice announced that Sardar Mohammad Daud Khan Township in Kabul's Paghman district is state-owned after investigations. The land, totaling 556 jeribs (274.78 acres), was confiscated following a special court's ruling that the ownership documents were fake. The township belonged to trader Najib Zarrab. Previously, the Taliban had seized lands from Khatam al-Nabiyyin University and Tamadon TV.
Internal Politics
Minister Reshuffling – The Taliban announced nine new appointments, mostly reassigning existing officials, following leader Mullah Hibatullah’s orders. Notably, Shahabuddin Delawar becomes the head of the Afghan Red Crescent Society. This reshuffling, part of a broader trend, includes 37 leadership changes from September 2023 to June 2024, mostly reassignments. These changes come amidst reports that Mullah Haibatullah has adopted a communication strategy where significant policy announcements are made directly through Mujahid’s updates on X. Taliban officials allegedly check these posts to stay informed about potential changes in their roles and responsibilities.
Clarification on Women’s Salaries – Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid clarified that the new 5,000 AFN salary is for women who haven't attended work due to the Taliban ban over the past two years. Women currently working will continue to receive their normal salaries. Despite this clarification, it is likely that those on government payrolls will experience salary delays or non-payment, as is often the case in the Afghan government.
Teacher Salary Delays and Teacher Strike – Female elementary school teachers in Khost and Nangarhar provinces reported salary delays by Taliban education officials, fearing this may be a pretext to close girls' elementary schools. In Kabul, female teachers went on strike to protest salary suspensions. A Taliban Ministry of Education letter confirmed the delays until a new system is established. Teachers worry this move could lead to the closure of girls' schools, similar to the existing ban on education for girls above sixth grade.
Dismissal of Neighborhood Representatives – In Herat, the Taliban municipality has begun dismissing neighborhood representatives (wakil-e gozar), citing "old age" and "experience in the Republic era." Sources confirmed that several representatives have handed over their stamps to Taliban district authorities. Although they oppose this action, they fear public objection. These representatives act as informal dispute resolution agents, assist with neighborhood matters, and advocate for residents.
International Developments
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit – At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for an inclusive Afghan government respecting human rights for sustainable peace. He highlighted the UN's readiness to cooperate with the SCO in combating terrorism. Pakistan urged the Taliban to prevent Afghan soil from being used by terrorists, stressing that peace in Afghanistan is vital for regional stability. Tajikistan's President, Emomali Rahmon, reiterated his 2022 proposal for a security belt around Afghanistan, which SCO members supported. The SCO called for an international consensus on a comprehensive anti-terrorism convention and expressed support for a peaceful, independent Afghanistan.
Doha Civil Society and Women Meeting – The United Nations held a three-hour meeting in Doha with Afghan women representatives, human rights activists, and civil society members. Representatives from ten countries and five international organizations abstained. Seven Afghan civil society members, including Zuhra Bahman and Atif Mashal, attended, while others joined remotely. Notably, Habiba Sarabi and others declined the invitation due to the lack of women and civil society representation. Special representatives from 15 countries and the EU attended, following a prior two-day meeting with 25 countries.
Statements Following Doha – Following the third round of Doha talks, the U.S. emphasized that Afghanistan's banking restrictions are a result of the Taliban's human rights abuses. Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State, clarified that these sanctions do not target the Afghan people. Meanwhile, Moscow announced plans to delist the Taliban as a terrorist group but did not provide a clear timeline. Russia also urged the Taliban to form an inclusive government that respects women's rights. Thomas Nicholson, the EU's special representative for Afghanistan, stated that excluding civil society representatives from the meeting was a worthwhile concession to enhance engagement with the Taliban. The U.S. Special Representative's office refuted the Taliban's claims about sanctions' negative impacts, explaining that private banks are cautious due to the Taliban's human rights record. According to U.S. Treasury licenses, aid organizations and businesses have sufficient freedom to operate. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid called for lifting sanctions and unfreezing central bank assets. Despite participating in the talks, the Taliban's policies on women remain a significant concern.
Taliban Statement on Doha – On Wednesday, Zabihullah Mujahid stated that their demands were accepted at the third Doha meeting and that international perspectives on Afghanistan are positive. He emphasized separating humanitarian and political issues. Mujahid noted that progress in Afghanistan was acknowledged by participants, with satisfactory outcomes in banking and anti-drug efforts.
German Backlash against Afghan Refugees – Amnesty International Germany reports that many Afghan refugees in Pakistan, previously awaiting relocation to Germany, will be deported to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan within seven days, as Germany has recently revoked its acceptance for some of them. Amid these concerns, Saxony’s Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer called for the immediate expulsion of Afghan refugees, urging the federal government to expedite deportations and establish deportation centers in Berlin. This follows increased social media support for terrorism and incidents involving Afghan refugees in Germany.
Starmer Cancels UK Rwanda Plan – Britain's new Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced he would scrap the plan to fly asylum seekers, including Afghans, to Rwanda. This plan, initiated by the previous Conservative government in 2022, aimed to deter unauthorized arrivals by sending migrants to the East African nation.
Freedom of the Press
Kawoon Ghag Radio Shut Down – The Taliban's General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) shut down the private radio station Kawoon Ghag in Laghman province, claiming government ownership. The Afghanistan Journalists Center expressed concern, calling for its reopening. Despite complaints to the Ministry of Information and Culture, the station remains closed, pending investigation by the Media Complaints and Violations Commission.
Regional Developments
Next Round of Pakistan Deportations to Begin – On Sunday, June 30, Pakistan began the second phase of its plan to expel undocumented Afghan refugees, targeting over 800,000 people after having already expelled about 541,000 last November. The government cited security concerns and economic struggles for the crackdown. Critics, including the UNHCR and Amnesty International, warned of potential persecution for returnees and emphasized the need for international protection. Refugees pleaded for more time and humane treatment. Syed Moazzam Shah of Pakistan's Human Rights Commission reported that Afghan refugees in Pakistan have increased from 1.44 million to 2.18 million since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021.
US-Pakistan Joint Military Operations – On Wednesday, Pakistani and U.S. armies began a two-week joint counter-terrorism exercise in Pabbi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, aiming to enhance military cooperation and coordination. Forces will share experiences on counter-terrorism tactics. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a troubled province and TTP hub, has seen deadly attacks against Pakistani forces. Pakistan claims TTP leaders are sheltered in Afghanistan, which the Afghan Taliban denies. The U.S. supports Pakistan's recently approved Operation "Azm-i-Istehsal" against terrorism.
Torkham Protests – Pakistani traders protested at the Torkham crossing against the quadrupled import tariffs on Afghan fruits and vegetables in Pakistan's new budget. They argued that this decision harms bilateral trade and warned of nationwide protests if the government does not reconsider. Northern Pakistan relies on Afghan produce despite being an agricultural country.
Arrests in Zakis Wardak Case – Indian media reports that four jewelers were arrested by India's Revenue Intelligence department in connection with a gold smuggling case involving Zakia Wardak, the former Afghan Consul General in Mumbai. The Times of India revealed that these individuals were detained on Monday. Zakia Wardak is suspected of previously supplying gold bars to these jewelers. The arrested are Vaibhav Thakur, Sohail Shah, Vinod Shah, and Shailesh Jain. An Afghan consulate employee, Rafiullah Kalewal, is also implicated. According to credible sources, the gold smuggling operation, the Consul General's departure, and the questioning of Afghan staff are linked to India's efforts to transfer the consulate to the Taliban. The remaining local Afghan staff resisted, leading to their implication in the smuggling operation..
Uzbekistan Meeting on Infrastructure – The Taliban announced that Mohammad Essa Thani, Minister of Public Works, met with Uzbekistan's Railway Authority head at Hairatan port. The reconstruction of the Hairatan-Mazar-i-Sharif railway was extended for six months, with a contract signed on July 3 to complete the remaining station work. Repairs began in February 2024.
Miscellaneous
GIZ Withdraws Workers from Afghanistan – The German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) will withdraw all German employees from Afghanistan, transitioning future projects to NGOs. By 2025, GIZ will no longer employ local staff, ending contracts for 160 employees this year. All Afghanistan projects run by GIZ will be managed through local NGOs starting in 2025. GIZ's decision follows operational challenges under Taliban rule, impacting international aid agencies since 2021.
UNICEF Report on Malnutrition – UNICEF reported treating 234,000 out of 857,000 Afghan children under five with severe acute malnutrition, a 79% increase in May from April. These treatments occurred at 3,300 locations across Afghanistan. Despite requesting $1.44 billion for 2024, UNICEF has only received $52 million. Since the Taliban's takeover in 2021, reduced international aid, declining health services, and rising poverty have worsened malnutrition rates among Afghan children. The number of people needing humanitarian aid has surged to nearly 24 million, including about 12 million children requiring medical and nutritional support.
Increase in Suicides – The 8am newspaper reports that in the past three months, at least 55 people in Afghanistan committed suicide due to economic hardships, family violence, and the Taliban's discriminatory policies. Victims include children, young men, and women from various provinces, with the highest numbers in Nangarhar, Faryab, and Badakhshan. The rise in suicides is linked to poverty, unemployment, and forced marriages, with a significant mental health crisis exacerbated by the Taliban's rule.
Kabul- Kandahar Road Temporary Closures – The Taliban's Ministry of Public Works announced the Kabul-Kandahar highway closure at Sheikhabad Bridge in Maidan Wardak Province for cargo and large passenger vehicles from Monday 5:00 pm to Wednesday 5:00 pm due to highway damage.
Japanese Aid – Japan is providing $10 million to support alternative livelihoods for former Afghan poppy farmers and drug prevention programs. The aid, administered by the UNODC, targets Badakhshan, Helmand, and Kandahar.
UNICEF to Build Schools – UNICEF will build 190 schools in Afghanistan this year, aiming to educate 200,000 students. No information on the location of schools, grade levels, or the gender of students was provided.
Polio Campaign – "Polio-Free Afghanistan" announced a polio vaccination campaign starting Monday in several provinces. Previously, a campaign was conducted in 21 provinces. Positive polio cases have been reported this year in Nuristan, Kunar, Herat, Kandahar, and Ghazni. Two new polio cases in Kandahar involve children recently arrived from Pakistan. Kandahar has registered four cases this year.
NEXT WEEK
Afghanistan – Shia areas of worship may be targeted by ISKP during the month of Muharram, specifically on Ashura. Those in Shia-predominant areas or attending Shia places of worship should exercise caution. Additional Taliban security and checkpoints are likely over the next 10-15 days, and house-to-house searches have begun in Western Kabul and are likely to continue.
Iran – Muharram begins today. Large crowds are expected near shrines and mosques. Attacks by ISKP and terrorist groups are possible, particularly in the lead-up to and on Ashura. Additionally, Iran is still actively arresting and deporting Afghans. Afghans in Iran should be cautious and not call attention to themselves. Use caution in large groups.
Pakistan – The next phase of deportations has begun in Pakistan, targeting those with Afghan Citizen Cards. Tensions are high between Pakistan and Afghanistan currently. Those in Pakistan should continue to limit unnecessary travel.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Elections – Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist candidate, won Iran's presidential runoff with 16.3 million votes, defeating hard-line conservative Saeed Jalili, in an election with a 49.6% turnout, lower than typical. Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon and lawmaker, promises modest reforms and increased global engagement but faces a hard-line government and skepticism over his effectiveness. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei described the low turnout in the first round as "less than expected," attributing it to personal issues and expressing hope for higher participation in the second round. Former President Mohammad Khatami emphasized that the unprecedented 60% abstention reflects broader dissatisfaction, not just among non-voters.
Two Afghans Executed in Iran – An Iranian human rights group reported the execution of two Afghans, Aliullah Bakhsh and Afzalullah Bakhsh, in Shiraz Central Prison, Iran, on Tuesday for drug-related crimes. They were arrested three years ago and executed two days ago. Iranian authorities have not commented. In 2023, Iran saw an 84% rise in executions for drug offenses compared to 2022, with 471 people executed, including Afghans, up from 256 in 2022.
Iranian Border Guard Killed - Local sources in Nimroz report that Iranian border guards shot and killed a resident named Shir Agha at the Seh-Tappeh border. His body was handed to his family after three days. Shir Agha was a laborer. Neither local Taliban officials nor Iran have commented on the incident. Three months prior, another resident was similarly killed.
Hurdles to Afghans Registering for School – An Afghan in Iran reported that Iranian schools now require Afghan immigrant children to have a census card for registration. Each household must pay 11 million Tomans (14 thousand Afghanis) to the Office of Sponsorship and Management of Foreign Nationals for the new census card.
EU May Designate IRGC as Terrorists – The EU is considering Germany's request to designate Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) as a terrorist entity amid foiled Iran-backed plots in Europe. Supported by Germany's CDU party, this aligns with actions by the US and Canada, and aims to counter Iran's nuclear ambitions and human rights abuses.
PAKISTAN
Defense Minister Warns That Pakistan Will Continue Cross Border Attacks – Pakistan will continue launching attacks against Afghanistan to counter terrorism, targeting groups accused of attacking Pakistani security forces and civilians. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed ongoing aerial strikes and dismissed concerns about legality or informing the Taliban. The Taliban condemned these actions as violations of sovereignty. Rising tensions are fueled by Pakistan's accusations that Afghanistan harbors the TTP. The new military operation, "Resolve for Stability," aims to curb violence, partly addressing security threats to Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan.
Seven TTP Killed – On Monday, the Pakistani army announced it killed nine insurgents, including two senior commanders, in separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The commanders were identified as Najib (Abdul Rahman) and Ashfaq (Muawiya). Local sources confirmed the insurgents were affiliated with Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan.
Social Media Shutdown in Punjab – Officials in Punjab, Pakistan, have requested the central government to shut down social media networks for six days during Muharram to prevent the spread of hate content and sectarian violence. This decision follows reports of "foreign forces" sharing inciting content. The provincial Ministry of Interior also plans to record religious speeches and compile a list of individuals who provoke sectarian actions. Last year, similar measures were taken to ensure peace and security.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Women’s Participation in UN Deliberations is Crucial to a Sustainable Peace in Afghanistan
Zubaida Akbar, Sussan Tahmasebi
In an unfortunate decision, the United Nations accommodated the Taliban’s condition to exclude women and civil society from the third meeting of Special Envoys on Afghanistan held in Doha, Qatar, to discuss how to advance international engagement on Afghanistan. Women from across Afghanistan have voiced their criticism of this decision. While proclaiming concern about the situation of women and the gross violation of their rights, many international actors have failed to meaningfully engage Afghan women and civil society when developing their policies on engagement and negotiation with the Taliban. As the UN and the broader international community move closer to normalizing diplomatic ties with the Taliban, advocates for Afghan women urge that they not lose sight of the strategic importance of women’s involvement in creating a sustainable peace for Afghanistan.
Afghan Women Advocate Against UN Decision
Nearly three years have passed since the country fell to the Taliban. The regime has plunged Afghanistan into a perpetual economic and humanitarian crisis, with severe consequences for the rights of women, minorities, and marginalized ethnic and religious groups. Afghanistan now holds the distinct dishonor of being the only country that prevents women from accessing formal education. The Taliban have imposed almost 100 edicts to reverse women’s hard-won rights and social gains, effectively erasing them from the public sphere. Yet, the UN, special envoys, and various officials have planned or held several meetings with the Taliban to date. Additionally, high-level UN officials, including Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo, have traveled to Afghanistan to meet with the Taliban.
AFGHAN NEWS
Video appears to show gang-rape of Afghan woman in a Taliban jail
Zahra Joya, Chris McGreal, Khudadad Poladi, Annie Kelly and Tom Levitt
Activist claims she was threatened with release of the footage in order to silence her, amid multiple reports of sexual violence inflicted upon imprisoned Afghan women.
The Guardian has seen video evidence of a female Afghan human rights activist being gang-raped and tortured in a Taliban jail by armed men.
There have been mounting reports that sexual violence is being inflicted on women and girls being held in detention in Afghanistan, but this video is believed to be the first direct evidence of these crimes occurring.
Taliban Seals Shia Mosque in Kabul
Afghanistan International News
Sources have informed Afghanistan International that the Taliban's Ministry of Justice has closed a Shia mosque in Darulaman, Kabul, citing the government ownership of the mosque's land.
According to the sources, several worshippers protesting against the Taliban’s Ministry of Justice's decision have also been arrested.
Sources stated that on Monday evening, July 3, Taliban Ministry of Justice forces stormed the Bab-ul-Hawaij Mosque on Hesabdari Street, Sanatorium Road, Darulaman, during evening prayers.
Work on historic Silk Road underway: Amiri
Ahmad Fazad
The construction of historic Silk Road between Afghanistan and China has reached to the zero point between the two countries, an official said on Friday.
Eng. Zabihullah Amiri, head of the provincial Information and Cultural Affairs, visited the Pamir and the Ghajeer valleys. He told Pajhwok Afghan News the construction work has reached to the zero point.
REGIONAL NEWS
Why Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions Are Soaring
Astha Rajvanshi
Tensions between neighbors Pakistan and Afghanistan are running high as the Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said this week that his country plans to continue launching cross-border attacks as part of a new military operation to curb terrorism. The comments mark a notable shift for Pakistani officials who, until now, had only admitted to one such cross-border strike in March.
“We won’t serve them with cake and pastries. If attacked, we’ll attack back,” Asif told the BBC.
Reformist Candidate Wins Iran’s Presidential Election
Farnaz Fassihi
In an election upset in Iran, the reformist candidate who advocated moderate policies at home and improved relations with the West won the presidential runoff against a hard-line rival, according to results released by the interior ministry on Saturday.
The winner, Masoud Pezeshkian, a 69-year-old cardiac surgeon, got 16.3 million votes to defeat Saeed Jalili with 13.5 million votes. It was a blow to the conservative faction in Iran’s ruling establishment and a major victory for the relatively moderate reformist camp, which had been sidelined from politics for the past few years.
Security threats: Pakistan and Tajikistan sign strategic cooperation against terrorism
Fidel Rahmati
Following concerns over the threats posed by transnational terrorism, leaders of neighboring countries Pakistan and Tajikistan have signed a strategic cooperation agreement.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, who traveled to Tajikistan leading a high-level delegation on Tuesday, July 2nd, met with President Imomali Rahmon of Tajikistan.
In their first meeting since the formation of the new government in Pakistan, the leaders of these two countries signed a strategic cooperation agreement.
Putin: Taliban an ally in fighting terrorism
Amu TV
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday that Russia considers Afghanistan’s Taliban movement an ally in the fight against terrorism.
“We need to proceed from the fact that the Taliban movement controls the country. In this sense, the Taliban is undoubtedly an ally for us in fighting terrorism,” Putin said.
Pakistan has met all requirements for IMF bailout deal, finance official says
Dawn
Pakistan is looking to clinch a staff-level agreement (SLA) on an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout of more than $6 billion this month after addressing all of the lender’s requirements in its annual budget, state minister for finance told Reuters.
The country has set challenging revenue targets in its annual budget to help it win approval from the IMF for a loan to stave off another economic meltdown, even as domestic anger rises at new taxation measures.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
The enemy of my enemy: Biden admin weighs working with the Taliban to combat ISIS-K
Dan De Luce, Mushtaq Yusufzai and Tom Winter
Facing a growing global terrorist threat, Biden administration officials are debating expanding cooperation with the Taliban regime in Kabul to help track ISIS-K, the branch of the terrorist group active in Afghanistan, according to two sources familiar with the matter and a former U.S. official.
The administration and other Western governments are scrambling to keep up with the mounting danger ISIS-K poses. Before this year, U.S. and other Western officials believed ISIS-K had the intent but not the ability to orchestrate attacks abroad. But that view changed with the horrific attack at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall concert venue on March 22, which killed 130 people and injured hundreds more. It was the deadliest terrorist attack in Europe since 2004. ISIS-K also launched a major attack in Iran this year that killed dozens, and other plots were disrupted in Europe.
Amin Kawa
The third Doha meeting, hosted by the United Nations, was held without the participation of women, civil society representatives, ethnic groups, war victims, and political and military opponents of the Taliban, despite widespread reactions from citizens of Afghanistan and some human rights organizations. Special representatives from about 25 countries and five international and regional organizations attended this meeting. Simultaneously, widespread protests were held in various cities around the world. Some citizens of Afghanistan abroad, participating in global demonstrations, demanded an end to Taliban rule, stating that this group has extensively hosted international terrorists. The National Resistance Council for the Salvation of Afghanistan has stated that as long as the United Nations continues its current approach, it will no longer cooperate with this institution. Some human rights activists have also said that the current structure of the Doha meeting contradicts Security Council resolutions. According to them, the main problem in Afghanistan is the Taliban’s totalitarianism and the gender apartheid regime imposed by this group.
US envoy pressed IEA at Doha meeting to release American prisoners
Ariana News
Vedant Patel, deputy spokesperson for the US State Department, said Tuesday that Thomas West, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan, pressed the Islamic Emirate delegation at the Doha meeting for the release of two American citizens held in an Afghanistan prison.
“During these meetings, Special Rep West pressed for the immediate and unconditional release of US citizens unjustly detained in Afghanistan, noting that these detentions impede progress in the Taliban’s (IEA) own desire for international recognition. US officials continue to press for their release continuously and at every opportunity,” he said.
Ireland joins international criticism of exclusion of Afghan women from UN-Taliban talks
Saedullah Safi
Ireland has joined an international chorus of disapproval over a decision to exclude Afghan women from a meeting between the United Nations and Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban at the weekend.
The two-day, UN-led meeting in Qatar was the first of its kind attended by the Taliban which has not been internationally recognised since seizing power in 2021 as US-led forces withdrew after 20 years of war.
Russian Envoy to UN Criticizes Taliban’s Women Policies as Un-Islamic
Besmellah Zahidi
The Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, has criticized the Taliban’s justification of their policies towards women and girls, arguing that their claim of being based on Islamic teachings is inaccurate.
During a press conference at the UN on Monday, June 1, the Russian envoy, when asked whether his country had ever urged the Taliban to respect human rights, especially women’s rights, said that the Taliban have their own ideas and are not inclined to listen to others.
“We are talking to them but they have their own ideas about it unfortunately, I am not approving that. But that is the reality we are facing,” the Russian envoy said.
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 71.08 AFN (as of 07 July 2024)
