The Week of June 3 - June 9
Security and Conflict
Alleged Establishment of Dar-ul-Hejra – Sources allege the Taliban created a new directorate under their intelligence service called "Dar-ul-Hejra," or the Department of Refugees, headed by Qari Ishaq, who is closely connected to al-Qaeda (AQ) and the Haqqani Network (HQN). Recently, senior AQ figure Saif al-Adel referred to Afghanistan as "Dar-ul-Hejra" and urged Muslims to emigrate there, indicating possible collaboration between AQ and the Taliban to facilitate the movement of foreign fighters into Afghanistan. The establishment of this directorate, combined with the influx of foreign nationals, suggests a potential increase in foreign fighters under the guise of tourism, necessitating close monitoring.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Flogging – On Monday, the Taliban’s Supreme Court announced that a man in Parwan province was publicly flogged before being sentenced to prison. On Tuesday, the Taliban publicly flogged 63 individuals, including 49 men and 14 women, in Sar-e Pol's central stadium for various crimes. This punishment, conducted in the presence of local officials and residents, was announced by the Taliban Supreme Court. This marked the first mass public punishment of its kind since the Taliban takeover. Additionally, on Tuesday, one person in Parwan province received 39 lashes and imprisonment.
Destruction of IDP Camps – The Taliban has demolished informal settlements in Kabul, leaving over 800 families, or around 6,000 people, homeless, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). NRC's country director, Neil Turner, expressed shock and urged the Taliban to halt evictions until long-term relocation solutions are found. Turner emphasized the need for compassion and adherence to international humanitarian and human rights laws. By the end of 2023, 4.2 million people were displaced by conflict and 1.5 million by disasters. The recent return of 600,000 Afghans from Pakistan has worsened the displacement crisis.
Forcible Evictions of Hazaras in Ghazni – Residents of Nawaabad, a Hazara neighborhood in Ghazni, report that the Taliban have demanded their property documents and ordered them to vacate their homes, dismissing their ownership papers. Despite presenting valid documents, the Taliban have labeled the lands as seized and are demanding payment, exacerbating residents' fears and financial strain amidst accusations of discrimination against Hazaras.
Internal Politics
Taliban Statement of Female Civil Servant Salaries – The Taliban's General Directorate of Administrative Affairs announced that, per Mullah Hibatullah’s decree, all female employees in Afghanistan will have their salaries set at 5,000 Afghanis. This applies to those appointed during the previous government and continuing their duties. The directive, signed by acting head Noorul Haq Anwar, mandates equal salaries for all female employees. It is unclear how many women are impacted by this directive, as Taliban restrictions have prevented the vast majority of female civil servants from attending their jobs since the Taliban takeover. The Taliban have confirmed the authenticity of the directive.
Former Guantanamo Bay Detainee in charge of Afghan Border Security – Mullah Abdul Qayyum Zakir, Afghanistan's Deputy Minister of Defense and former Taliban military commander for operations in Panjshir, has been assigned to oversee the security of all borders and border forces. Previously detained at Guantanamo Bay, Zakir is now responsible for Afghanistan's border security.
Sami Sadat and AUF Release Report on ISKP – On Wednesday, the newly activated Intelligence Commission of the Afghan United Front (AUF) announced its initial focus on assessing the inception, capabilities, and future threats posed by the Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP). The commission emphasized that ISKP is now capable of conducting deadly attacks not only in the region but also in Europe and the United States. The announcement warned that failing to mitigate this threat could have significant global repercussions. The AUF called for regional cooperation, particularly among Islamic countries, to unite in combating this shared threat.
Taliban Announce Private Sector Support Fund – The Taliban have launched a "Private Sector Support Fund" to reduce unemployment, according to Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar. Despite this initiative, citizens criticize the limited job opportunities and rising poverty. Female entrepreneurs highlight the negative impact of Taliban-imposed restrictions on their businesses. Meanwhile, the IPC reports that 28% of Afghans will face "acute food insecurity" by October.
International Developments
Haqqani meets with President of UAE – On Tuesday, Sirajuddin Haqqani, Acting Interior Minister of Afghanistan, made his first public foreign visit to Abu Dhabi, accompanied by Mawlawi Abdul Haq Wasiq, head of the Taliban General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI). They met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Qasr Al Shati. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation, regional stability, and support for Afghanistan's economic and development efforts. Haqqani praised the strong relations between the UAE and the Taliban.
UN Security Council Meeting on Afghanistan – The UN Security Council will meet to discuss Afghanistan, featuring Roza Otunbayeva and an Afghan civil society member. Martin Griffiths, UN Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, will present a report on aid delivery as per Security Council Resolution 2615. A draft resolution on Al-Qaeda and ISIS sanctions will be voted on. The date of the meeting has not yet been released. Griffiths stated that hopes for Afghanistan have been shattered under Taliban rule, noting that since the Taliban's return, they have issued over 50 decrees restricting women's rights, including freedom of movement, education, and employment. Despite international appeals, the Taliban justify these actions as compliant with Sharia law. Griffiths emphasized ongoing international discussions with the Taliban to address these issues.
Taliban Acting Minister Labor Travels to Russia – Abdul Manan Omari, brother of Mullah Omar and the Taliban's Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, attended the 27th "Economic Leaders" conference at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in Russia after previously traveling to Qatar. Omari highlighted Afghanistan's observer status in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), asserting that SCO decisions would be "one-sided" without Taliban involvement. He emphasized Afghanistan's security and strategic trade location, called for lifting sanctions, and addressed accusations of human rights violations. Russia's envoy supported Afghanistan's SCO participation despite the Taliban's non-recognition, urging economic sector organization.
Organization of Islamic Cooperation Meeting in Kabul – On Tuesday, Mohammad Al-Ayash, head of the OIC's Kabul office, met with the Indonesian delegation led by Mohammad Yusuf Kalla to emphasize support for Afghanistan's health and education sectors. Al-Ayash discussed expanding humanitarian projects. The Indonesian delegation, visiting Kabul, expressed interest in investing in Afghanistan's education and mining sectors during meetings with Taliban officials.
NGO Working Group letter to UN on Doha – Ahead of the June 30-July 1 meeting in Doha, the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace, and Security sent a letter to the UN and its members, urging action on Afghan women's rights. The letter emphasizes the international community's failure to address the Taliban's abuses, which continue to worsen. It calls for non-negotiable principles on women’s rights, the meaningful inclusion of Afghan women in discussions, and accountability for human rights violations. The letter stresses that the legitimacy of any process depends on the full, equal, and safe participation of diverse Afghan women civil society. Read the full letter here
Taliban Allegedly undermining Foreign Aid – Reports have emerged that the Taliban have mandated extensive control over domestic and international organizations' operations, requiring Taliban oversight in employee recruitment processes. Documents reveal that the Taliban governor's office and economic department must be involved, declaring non-compliance illegal. Some employees suggest that this interference, aligned with major regional powers like China and Russia, aims to undermine Western aid efforts in Afghanistan. Despite Taliban denials, evidence shows significant influence over aid distribution and organizational activities, raising international concern about the autonomy and efficacy of these organizations.
High level Taliban Officials allowed to Travel to Hajj – US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller urged countries to adhere to the travel ban on Taliban officials, emphasizing the need for authorization through UN Sanctions Committee Resolution 1988. Despite this, Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani visited Abu Dhabi and met with high-ranking Emirati officials, including the UAE President. The UN Security Council approved travel exemptions for four senior Taliban leaders, allowing them to perform Hajj in Mecca, highlighting the complexities of international diplomatic efforts with the Taliban.
Manheim Attack Aftermath – German authorities have found evidence of an Islamic extremist motive in the Mannheim knife attack that fatally injured a police officer last week. Justice Minister Marco Buschmann confirmed clear indications of an Islamist motive, and federal prosecutors have taken over the case. The suspect, a 25-year-old Afghan man, injured several members of the anti-political Islam group Pax Europa and a police officer, who later died. The incident has reignited debates on deportations to Afghanistan, with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock calling for careful examination.
Freedom of the Press
Tamadon TV Raided – The Taliban raided Shia station Tamadon TV in Kabul, raising concerns that its broadcasts may be halted. A Taliban Ministry of Justice delegation reportedly aimed to stop the channel's operations, though broadcasts continued at the time. This follows previous Taliban closures of other stations like Beria and Noor TV. Tamadon TV, targeting Shia Muslim audiences, warned viewers of possible interruptions, reflecting ongoing press freedom restrictions in Afghanistan. The Taliban claimed the shutdown was due to the station's affiliation with the political party Hizb-e Harakat Islami - Mohsini. The Afghanistan Journalist Center condemned the threat, calling it politically motivated and a violation of media laws.
Regional Developments
Haqqani Allegedly meets with US – Sources indicate that Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s Minister of Interior, is set to meet with US security officials during his visit to the UAE. The discussions will focus on security concerns. Haqqani, who leads the Haqqani Network and is known as the “Conqueror of Kabul” by the Taliban, recently met with the UAE President. Key topics include unresolved issues between the Taliban and the US, the US blacklist of Taliban officials, American drone patrols, imprisoned US citizens, and cooperation in various sectors. The information has not been publicly confirmed.
Kazakhstan Removes Taliban from Terrorist List – On Monday, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced the removal of the Taliban from the list of terrorist organizations to enhance economic cooperation with Afghanistan. This move was highlighted during a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) member states. Tokayev emphasized the strategic importance of integrating Afghanistan into regional relations, acknowledging the Taliban's long-term control. This decision aligns with Russia's ongoing consideration to delist the Taliban, with President Vladimir Putin recognizing the necessity of establishing relations with the Taliban, as confirmed by Zamir Kabulov, Russia's special envoy for Afghanistan. The Taliban issued a statement welcoming Kazakhstan’s decision.
CSTO Meeting – On Monday, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov emphasized the need to bolster Tajikistan's borders and ensure regional stability due to Afghanistan's ongoing instability. At a CSTO meeting in Almaty, he highlighted the threat posed by radical groups in Afghanistan and the risk of terrorism spreading. Despite efforts to establish relations with the Taliban, Russia and its Central Asian allies view militant activities near Tajikistan as a significant threat.Concurrently, Kazakhstan's delisting of the Taliban as a terrorist group coincided with Tajikistan's Parliament Speaker Rustam Emomali warning of religious extremism from Afghanistan, highlighting the breeding of jihadists in religious schools and increasing drug production. Emomali stressed the importance of the CSTO plan to strengthen the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border. On Tuesday, Zabihullah Mujahid attempted to refute Tajikistan's claims that Afghanistan has become a center of extremism impacting Central Asia.
St Petersburg Meeting – On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed the need for an inclusive Afghan government involving all ethnic groups and highlighted the importance of implementing UN agreements. He emphasized that establishing relations with the Taliban is crucial for stability in both Uzbekistan and Russia. Putin discussed with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev the logistics through Afghanistan, pointing out Uzbekistan's sea access issues. He underscored the importance of improving relations with the Taliban, given their control over Afghanistan, and mentioned regional consultations to coordinate on engaging with the Taliban for security and development purposes.
Russia Indicated Support of Afghanistan Joining SCO – On Tuesday, Zamir Kabulov, Russia's special representative for Afghanistan, announced that Moscow will back Afghanistan's membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) if the Taliban are officially recognized. He stressed that Afghanistan must organize its economy to justify its inclusion in the SCO.
Taliban Deny Pakistan Allegations of Connections to Bisham Bombing – On March 26, a suicide bombing in Bisham, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, targeted a vehicle carrying Chinese citizens, killing five engineers and their Pakistani driver. This attack threatens Beijing's projects in Pakistan, especially given the increased security risks from the Taliban's rise in Afghanistan. Pakistan, facing severe financial and economic crises, struggles to counter militant groups. China, maintaining close ties with the Taliban, has urged action against terrorist groups to protect its interests. Pakistan's delegation, led by Muhammad Khurram Agha, met with Taliban officials to seek cooperation against these threats. The Taliban denied misuse of Afghan territory and criticized Pakistan's security measures.
Regional Contact Group Meeting in Tehran – Tehran hosted the second Regional Contact Group meeting on Afghanistan ahead of the third Doha talks. Iran's acting Foreign Minister emphasized the need for an inclusive Afghan government. Officials urged the UN to fulfill its responsibilities for Afghan peace. The meeting, attended by representatives from China, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan, aimed to create a unified stance for the Doha talks, addressing Afghanistan's fundamental needs and regional stability.On Saturday, Iran's Special Representative for Afghanistan, Hassan Kazemi Qomi, urged the Taliban to form an inclusive government with competent individuals from various domains to address Afghanistan's crises and challenges, emphasizing that this recommendation does not constitute interference in Afghanistan's affairs. Zakir Jalali, a Taliban diplomat, announced on Saturday that the Taliban had declined an invitation to attend the Tehran meeting.
Afghan Consulate Mashhad Issues Continue – Despite the Taliban foreign ministry's order last week to remove Jabir Ansar, he remains Afghanistan's Consul General in Mashhad, supported by Iran. Sources told Aamaj News that Ansar continues his role due to backing from Iran's Foreign Ministry and the Ansar Headquarters, disregarding the Taliban's directive.
Taliban Relations with India – Indian media report that a 10-year agreement between India and Iran to invest in Chabahar port has strengthened India-Taliban relations amid strained Pakistan-Taliban ties. Chabahar serves as a crucial transit route for India to Central Asia. The U.S. opposes the Taliban benefiting from this port due to its non-recognition of the Taliban government.
Miscellaneous
WPF Seeks Funding for Flood Assistance – The World Food Programme (WFP) urgently requires $14.5 million to aid Afghan families affected by recent floods over the next seven months. Since early May, heavy rainfall has caused severe flooding, particularly in northern and northeastern provinces, resulting in significant casualties and damage. WFP has already assisted over 65,000 people but highlights the ongoing need for funds to support recovery and livelihood rebuilding. The floods have disproportionately impacted women and children, exacerbating Afghanistan's existing humanitarian crisis. Due to budget shortfalls, WFP has recently scaled back operations in Afghanistan, resulting in the termination of local employees.
Decrease in International Organization Work – Credible sources report that international aid organizations have gradually reduced or suspended assistance to Afghan citizens. This reduction, linked to the upcoming Doha meeting on aid activities with the Taliban, has affected nearly all provinces over the past two months. Currently, only the WFP, UNHCR, and some Norwegian Refugee Council contractors continue limited operations. If the Taliban do not comply with international demands, many organizations may relocate their offices to Pakistan.
Sales of Natural Resources – Over the past ten days, the Taliban's Ministry of Mines and Petroleum sold 130,000 tons of crude oil from the Amu Darya basin for $71.6 million. In total, 150,000 tons have been sold in the past two weeks. The Taliban also sold 3,215 carats of Panjshir emeralds for $176,860. Critics argue these sales violate international laws, as an unrecognized government shouldn't sell a country's natural assets.
Eid Date Announcement – The Taliban declared June 17 as the first day of Eid al-Adha. June 8 marks the 1st of Dhu al-Hijjah, with June 16 as the day of Arafah.
NEXT WEEK
With Eid and the Doha meeting approaching, the Taliban may increase security measures and crack down on rights to consolidate their ranks and prevent any signs of weakness or lack of control. Despite this increased security, protests and attacks are likely. ISKP attacks against Shias and minorities are also possible.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Upcoming Presidential Elections – On June 9, the Guardian Council announced the approved candidates for the Iranian presidential election. The approved candidates are Alireza Zakani, Saeed Jalili, Amirhossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, Mostafa Pourmohammadi, Baqer Qalibaf, and Masoud Pezeshkian. Prominent figures like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Ali Larijani, and Eshaq Jahangiri were disqualified. This marks the second disqualification for both Larijani, previously a key political figure, and Ahmadinejad. Among the disqualified were 80 registrants. Campaigns began following the Ministry of Interior's announcement. The reformist coalition, "Reform Front," is expected to support Pezeshkian, the sole approved reformist candidate.
Kurdish Cleric Death Sentence Upheld – The U.S.-based Campaign for Human Rights in Iran condemned Iran's Supreme Court for upholding the death sentence of Kurdish cleric Mamusta Mohammad Khezrnejad, who was involved in the 2022 protests over Mahsa Amini's death. Khezrnejad, 45, addressed a rally and was sentenced to death for "corruption on earth." The ruling came as Iran's judiciary continues executions, including six prisoners in Shiraz. The CHRI demands an immediate halt to all executions, noting a surge in executions under late President Ebrahim Raisi.
Iranian Activist named ad G7 Gender Advisor – Iranian women's rights activist Masih Alinejad has been appointed to the G7's Gender Equality Advisory Council, which advises on gender equality and women's empowerment. Italy's Equal Opportunities Minister Eugenia Roccella praised Alinejad's expertise and dedication, highlighting her contribution to promoting women's empowerment.
PAKISTAN
Pakistan Elected to UN Security Council – Pakistan, Somalia, Panama, Denmark, and Greece have been elected to the UN Security Council, replacing Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland. These countries secured the required two-thirds majority in a secret ballot. They join existing non-permanent members Algeria, Guyana, South Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia. The Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
Imran Khan Acquitted – A court in Islamabad acquitted former Prime Minister Imran Khan of leaking state secrets, but he remains in prison due to another conviction. Khan and his aide, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, were cleared in the “cipher case” but had previously received a 10-year sentence for revealing a diplomatic cable. Despite the acquittal, Khan remains incarcerated on additional charges related to his 2018 marriage and corruption allegations. Khan claims his sentences are politically motivated.
Protesters Shot at Chaman Sit in – Reports indicate that over 30 Pashtun laborers were critically injured by Frontier Corps (FC) gunfire at the Chaman sit-in. Authorities used brutal force to disperse the nine-month peaceful protest. Pashtuns near the Durand Line oppose passport requirements, demanding their livelihood not be stolen. The FC fired on the sit-in again, and internet access was disrupted, affecting millions suffering under the one-document regime. On Saturday, the situation in Chaman remained volatile with ongoing violent protests and clashes, injuring 20 people, including eight security personnel. Authorities arrested 45 individuals for damaging properties and attacking officials. The violence led to the suspension of the Quetta-Chaman passenger train service and the closure of business centers and banks.
Attack in Lakki Marwat – An IED explosion targeting a Pakistan military vehicle in Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, resulted in six fatalities, including a captain, and one critically injured soldier. The incident occurred en route to the Kachi Kamar area and involved a subsequent firing raid by militants. Lakki Marwat has seen increased TTP attacks since local commander Tipu Gul Marwat joined the group.
Attack on Frontier Corps – On Saturday, at least seven Frontier Corps personnel were injured in an IED attack followed by gunfire in Bar Qambar Khel, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Two officers were among the injured. Except for one, all are out of danger. The incident occurred during troop movement from Tirah, according to official sources.
Eid Dates Announced – The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced the sighting of the Zilhaj moon, confirming that Eidul Azha will be on June 17. The announcement followed testimonies from multiple cities, including Peshawar and Lahore. The meeting was held at the Pakistan Meteorological Department in Karachi, with zonal meetings in other provincial capitals and Islamabad.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Inter-agency humanitarian evaluation of the response to the crisis in Afghanistan
The independent inter-agency humanitarian evaluation (IAHE) assessed the collective humanitarian response in Afghanistan between August 2021 and mid-2023. The evaluation finds that the humanitarian response provided critical support to millions of vulnerable Afghans by alleviating food insecurity and economic burdens on households, preventing the deterioration of health services and helping to sustain economic stability.
Many of the factors that complicated the response in Afghanistan were external and not under the control of humanitarian actors; nevertheless, the response only partially addressed the enormous scale and severity of needs. Preparedness for plannable scenarios was insufficient, as were accountability to affected populations and the integration of protection throughout the response. The evaluation makes six recommendations to improve the future response, including the creation of a support framework for financing and implementing flexible readiness plans.
AFGHAN NEWS
Taliban Discusses Doha Meeting Agenda With US & UN Representatives
Afghanistan International
Sources told Afghanistan International that Taliban representatives, including Abdul Manan Omari, the special representative of Mullah Hibatullah in Qatar, discussed the third round of the Doha talks with US and UN representatives.
According to the sources, both parties exchanged their respective conditions.
Sources told Abdul Haq Omari, a reporter of Afghanistan International, that Abdul Manan Omari, the Taliban's Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, who went to Doha on May 27, met Ali bin Samikh, Qatar's Minister of Labour, and representatives from the United Nations and the United States.
According to the sources, US and UN representatives shared the 15-point agenda for the third round of Doha meeting with the Taliban representatives, and Hibatullah's envoy shared the Taliban's nine conditions with the US and UN representatives.
Women’s protest movements, political groups demand Inclusion in Doha meeting
Amu TV
The Council of Resistance, the Freedom Front, and several women’s protest movements have issued a joint statement outlining five key demands and perspectives regarding the upcoming Doha meeting on Afghanistan.
The statement calls for the inclusion of political parties and women’s movements in the Doha meeting to facilitate “a meaningful increase in structured global engagement with Afghanistan.”
Another demand is the inclusion of the issue of terrorism threats on the agenda of the upcoming Doha meeting.
Applicants at the Herat Civil Registration Office Face Electric Shocks and Extortion
8 AM
After the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, obtaining legal and official documents has become a dream for the citizens of the country. Following passports, acquiring national ID cards (Tazkira) has also become a difficult aspiration in some provinces, and people face significant challenges in obtaining them. Applicants for Tazkira at the Herat Civil Registration Office under Taliban control say they are forced to endure electric shocks, rifle butt beatings, and extortion from the Taliban, in addition to waiting for days.
EU to launch Afghanistan gender country profile
Amu TV
The European Union announced that it will launch the Afghanistan Gender Country Profile 2024 on June 10, coinciding with the Senior Officials Meeting on Afghanistan. This profile is the result of a collaboration between the EU and UN Women.
According to the EU, the profile will be unveiled by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) and the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA).
The report highlights a significant decline in the role of women in Afghanistan over the past ten months, particularly in domestic settings. The share of women reporting “good” or “full” influence in the household plummeted from 90 percent in January to 39 percent by November 2023.
REGIONAL NEWS
President Zardari constitutes National Economic Council
Dawn
President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday approved the constitution of the 13-member National Economic Council (NEC) — a constitutional body responsible for reviewing the country’s overall economic condition and formulating plans while ensuring balanced development and regional equity — under Article 156 of the Constitution.
According to a notification from the Cabinet Division, the council includes Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and the four chief ministers.
Russia rebuilding ties with the Taliban
Mikhail Bushuev
When a delegation of Afghanistan's Taliban-led government first visited the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in 2022, it was the topic of much talk — not just in Russia, but around the world.
Now, two years later, another visit by Afghanistan's delegation would have barely made the news if it hadn't been for the proposal by Russia's foreign and justice ministries to remove the Taliban from the list of banned terrorist organizations.
While Russian President Vladimir Putin has not spoken on the matter directly, he has said the move was necessary to build ties with the Taliban and with the current leadership in Afghanistan.
Hans-Jakob Schindler, a Middle East expert at Counter Extremism Project (CEP), believes Russia's Foreign Ministry might be expecting something in return for delisting the Taliban as a terrorist group. But that might be easier said than done.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Report
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women today closed its eighty-eighth session after adopting concluding observations on the reports of Brazil, Estonia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Montenegro, Republic of Korea, Rwanda and Singapore.
The concluding observations adopted by the Committee on the countries under review will soon be available on the session’s webpage.
In concluding remarks, Committee Chairperson Ana Peláez Narváez said that during the eighty-eighth session, the Committee had considered the reports of eight States parties and adopted concluding observations on each. It also explored the possibility of considering the fourth periodic report of Afghanistan once it had been submitted by the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan in Geneva, following the precedent of the fourth cycle Universal Periodic Review of Afghanistan that took place on 29 April 2024.
Al Qaeda leader calls foreign fighters to Afghanistan
BIll Roggio and Caleb Weiss
In the latest issue of pamphlets released by al Qaeda’s central as-Sahab media entitled “This is Gaza: A War of Existence, Not a War of Borders,” Sayf al-Adl, believed to be al Qaeda’s current overall emir, calls on supporters around the world to migrate to Afghanistan.
In doing so, this offers the most clear and open call for foreigners to join al Qaeda’s ranks in Afghanistan since the Taliban captured the country in 2021. Adl’s message thus acts to officially pronounce Afghanistan as a safe-haven for al Qaeda and its future plans.
Adl, writing under the pseudonym Salim al-Sharif, plainly states that “the loyal people of the Ummah [worldwide Islamic community] interested in change must go to Afghanistan, learn from its conditions, and benefit from their [the Taliban’s] experience.”
Germany in talks with Afghanistan’s neighbors to deport ‘dangerous offenders,’ Scholz says
AMU TV
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that the country’s interior ministry is negotiating with Afghanistan’s neighboring countries to facilitate the deportation of “dangerous offenders” to Afghanistan.
Addressing the German parliament, Scholz emphasized that “serious criminals” and “terrorist threats” have no place in Germany. “Such criminals should be deported, even if they come from Syria and Afghanistan. Serious criminals and terrorist threats have no place here,” the Chancellor said. “In such cases, Germany’s security interest outweighs the offender’s interest in protection.”
Biden asserts US forces ‘remain postured’ to address threats from Afghanistan
Amu TV
President Biden has stated that U.S. troops remain “postured outside Afghanistan” to address emerging threats to U.S. interests from within the country.
In a letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate, Biden detailed the War Powers Report, vowing to take additional measures if necessary to protect U.S. people and interests from terrorist threats.
“It is impossible to know at this time the precise scope or duration of the deployments of the U.S. Armed Forces that may be necessary to counter terrorist threats to the United States,” Biden wrote. “United States military personnel remain postured outside Afghanistan to address threats to the United States homeland and United States interests that may arise from inside Afghanistan.”
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 70.31 AFN (as of 9 June 2024)
