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Security and Conflict
Tourists Killed in Bamiyan – At least eight people were shot in the central market area of Bamyan city on Friday evening near the "Highland" hotel. Taliban spokesperson Mufti Abdul Mateen Qani stated that three foreigners, and at least 3 Afghans were killed, and four foreigners, including three Afghans, were injured. The victims included tourists from Spain, Norway, Australia, and Lithuania. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Abdul Mateen Qani, the Taliban Ministry of Interior spokesperson, claims that four people were arrested in connection with the attack. Additional sources close to the Taliban claim that at least one individual, Sarwar, the son of Qanbar Ali, who the sources allege has ties to a foreign government or intelligence agency, was arrested as a significant suspect. On Sunday, the Islamic State issued a statement through Amaq News claiming responsibility for the attack. The statement noted that their fighters targeted Christian tourists and Shiite Hazaras, following orders to attack nationals of coalition countries wherever found.
Cross Border Fighting – Clashes between Taliban forces and Pakistani border guards took place from Monday to Friday in Paktia's Dand Patan district over the construction of a Pakistani checkpoint. On Monday, clashes in the Spini Shagi Park area of the Zazi Aryub district involved heavy weaponry and lasted over an hour and a half. This skirmish followed Pakistan's alleged airstrikes on Paktika, which led the Taliban to cancel a Pakistani military delegation's trip to Kandahar. On Tuesday, additional conflicts in Zazi Aryub and Kurram-Dand Patan resulted in the death of one guard from each side and the injury of five Pakistani soldiers. Reports indicate that at least five Taliban members, one Pakistani border guard, and three civilians were killed over the course of the conflict. Anwar Siddiqui, a tribal elder in Paktia, stated that an agreement was reached by a local jirga held between groups on both sides of the Durand Line to cease hostilities, reopen the border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and organize a consultative meeting to form a 40-member committee of tribal elders from both countries to resolve future issues.
ISKP Promotes Attacks on NGOs – The latest issue of the ISKP-affiliated "Voice of Khorasan" magazine, published by Al Azaim Media, warns Taliban supporters and targets foreign NGOs. The editorial threatens economic and ideological supporters of the Taliban, urging them to sever ties and repent or face attacks. It labels foreign and Afghan organizations, journalists, and media aiding the Taliban as legitimate targets. The magazine also accuses international NGOs of promoting Christianity under the guise of humanitarian aid.
Continued Badakhshan Protests – On Monday, the Taliban Ministry of Interior reported that the anti-narcotics unit of the Badakhshan Police Command had cleared 250 acres of poppy fields in Draim, Bahark, Argo, Keshm, and Faizabad city. Additionally, over 20 acres in Uruzgan, Kapisa, and Kunduz provinces were cleared. This led to renewed protests in Barlas village, Argo District, Badakhshan. The Taliban reportedly arrived via helicopter, cut telecommunications, and arrested 50 protesters, opening fire into the crowd. Casualty reports vary between 2-5 dead and 13-20 injured. The arrested individuals were transferred to Faizabad. On Wednesday, unconfirmed reports indicated that the Taliban conducted house-to-house searches in Barlas, Argo District, resulting in 12 more arrests.
Protests in Takhar – On Tuesday, a video emerged from Farkhar district in Takhar province, showing local men protesting against armed Taliban members. According to the video's sender, the Taliban are forcibly seizing land from the residents
Conflict between Taliban and Miners in Badakhshan – Local sources report that forces commanded by Hayatullah Mohsin, the Taliban governor, clashed with miners in Raghistan, Badakhshan, injuring five locals. The clash on Wednesday followed the beating of locals and the confiscation of mining equipment by the Taliban. Villagers retaliated, injuring the Taliban's police chief and criminal director. Protests erupted on Wednesday, with details scarce due to poor communication networks. Taliban authorities have not commented. Mines are common sources of funding in Afghanistan for various groups, and governments, internal political factions, local leaders, and resistance groups often clash over mining rights.
Taliban Checkpoints in Kabul – On Saturday morning, there was a significant presence of Taliban intelligence forces in the Khair Khana area of northern Kabul, setting up checkpoints and conducting extensive inspections.
Missile Attack Logar – Sources report that a Taliban outpost in Logar's Mohammad Agha District was targeted by airstrikes on Friday night. Abdul Matin Qane, spokesman for the Taliban's Ministry of Interior, attributed it to unexploded ordnance. According to Amrullah Saleh and the AGT, the airstrike targeted the former Unit 333 compound in Shekar Qala, killing twenty Taliban militants. The northeastern tower, where the militants were stationed, was hit. This compound, a significant Taliban training center, hosts both local and foreign trainees. The militants killed were from the Greater Paktia region.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Flogging – The Taliban's supreme court reported that an individual was publicly flogged 20 times and sentenced to six months in prison for robbery in Paktika province on Monday. On Tuesday, two individuals were flogged in Fayzabad, Badakhshan, for adultery. On Wednesday, public floggings occurred in Ghazni and Kabul. A man and a woman in Jaghuri district received 35 lashes for eloping. Another man in Kabul was flogged 39 times for "sodomy" and sentenced to two years in prison.
Law Against Begging Introduced – The Taliban's Ministry of Justice announced that Hibatullah Akhundzada has ratified the "Law on Collecting Beggars and Preventing Begging," published on May 18. The law criminalizes professional and organized begging. It prohibits begging by able-bodied individuals and the use of children and disabled persons for begging. Offenders face imprisonment under this new law. The law comes as Afghanistan faces high levels of unemployment and poverty, particularly as many NGOs have recently laid off Afghan workers.
Internal Politics
Mullah Hibatullah Visits Kabul – Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada visited Kabul, meeting with cabinet ministers and governors at the Ministry of Interior amid heightened security. Homes near the ministry were inspected. The Taliban have not disclosed details of the discussions, and Akhundzada has avoided public appearances. Mullah Hibatullah reportedly held several meetings with ministers and governors, possibly with the intention of making changes to the Taliban cabinet.
Taliban Budget Issues – Two months into the Taliban regime's fiscal year, budget documents remain unapproved, causing severe delays in salary payments for government employees and halting development programs. The delay stems from a dispute between Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and the Ministries of Interior and Defense over budget allocation. Thousands of civilian employees face financial hardship, with some not receiving salaries for two months. Despite promises, only Taliban military personnel have received partial payments, exacerbating the economic challenges for many.
Ministry Consolidations – The Taliban have consolidated eight independent institutions into various ministries to reduce costs and enhance efficiency. Notable changes include the integration of the Afghanistan Medical Council into the Ministry of Public Health, the Afghan Railway Authority into the Ministry of Public Works, and the National Olympic Committee into the General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports.
International Developments
UN Undersecretary Trip to Afghanistan – UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, visited Kabul on May 15 to address the dangers of unexploded ordnance. Accompanied by Eileen Cohen, Lacroix aims to develop strategies for clearing explosives and raising awareness of their impact. The visit, preceding the third Doha meeting, highlights the need for financial resources and support for mine action. Afghanistan's people are threatened by mines, with 81% of the 821 explosive ordnance casualties between January 2023 and March 2024 being children.
UN Deputy for Political Affairs Visit to Kabul – Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs, arrived in Kabul for talks with Taliban officials about the upcoming third Doha meeting. The meeting, set for late June, will discuss the appointment of a UN special representative for Afghanistan, which is opposed by the Taliban. Human Rights Watch urges the UN to prioritize human rights before engaging with the Taliban, amid continued restrictions on women and girls. Critics argue against engaging with the Taliban, calling for sanctions and non-recognition instead.
Civil Society Meeting in Norway – A meeting in Norway, hosted by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, involves Afghan civil society representatives and Taliban supporters. Discussions focus on human rights, Afghanistan's future, political dialogue, and economic empowerment. Participants include UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett, along with a mix of pro-Taliban figures, allies of Dr. Abdullah and Karzai, Hekmatyar, women’s rights activists, and other civil society organizations. The meeting, held under strict security, includes representatives from 25 countries, including the U.S., and marks the ninth "Future of Afghanistan Think" session proposed by Norway. Critics oppose normalizing relations with the Taliban.
Freedom of the Press
Reporters Without Borders Statement on Afghanistan International News – Reporters Without Borders has issued a statement urging the Taliban to lift the ban on Afghan journalists working for the London-based Afghanistan International TV, effective May 8. On Thursday, the Taliban warned that cooperating with Afghanistan International TV would be a crime, accusing it of professional violations and moral breaches. The station, which operates via satellite, cable, and social media, relies on citizen reporting due to the lack of on-ground staff. This follows the closures of Noor TV and Barya TV. The Taliban have also banned public screenings of Afghanistan International's broadcasts, continuing their crackdown on media freedom. Afghanistan ranks 178 out of 180 in press freedom, with numerous journalists facing arrests and media outlets closing due to Taliban restrictions and economic challenges. Women journalists face additional hardships due to work bans and travel restrictions.
Regional Developments
Torkham Closed – The Torkham gate, a key border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan, has been closed for four days, affecting many, including patients needing medical treatment. Pakistani officials cite the installation of electronic systems as the reason and aim to reopen the gate soon. Local residents and drivers have expressed concerns.
Pakistan Reportedly meeting with Opposition Fighters – Unconfirmed reports by Afghan journalist Mukhtar Lashkari suggest that Pakistani officials are allegedly meeting with Afghan opposition figures to provide arms and support against the Afghan Taliban.
Pakistan Deportations – The Taliban Ministry of Refugees reported that more than 600 families of Afghan migrants were forcibly returned from Pakistan via the Torkham and Spin Boldak crossings. Among them, two individuals were released from Pakistani prison. Each family received 10,000 Afghanis and was referred to aid organizations for further assistance.
Iran Deportations – The Taliban-run Ministry of Refugees reported that 2,621 Afghan refugees were returned or deported by Iran in one day, with hundreds more being forcibly deported later in the week. The returnees, including families and children, arrived through the Islam-Qala port and were referred to War Child for family reunification.
Spin Boldak-Chaman Crossing Closed – Activists demonstrating against new visa requirements for entering Afghanistan disrupted travel at the Chaman-Spin Boldak border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan, blocking National Highway 25 at Khojak Pass. Atif Ikram Sheikh, FPCCI president, called for the immediate reopening of the border, which has been closed for a week starting May 8, leaving thousands of trucks stranded. He described the situation as chaotic and urged the government to facilitate the transport of essential goods, citing a humanitarian and socio-economic crisis.
Tajikistan Immigration Constraints – The National Security Committee of Tajikistan announced strict control over entry into border areas with Afghanistan. Foreigners and stateless individuals need permits from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while citizens must declare their travel purpose and carry identification. These measures, aimed at enhancing security amid regional threats, respond to concerns about extremist infiltration following the Taliban's rise in Afghanistan.
Miscellaneous
New Flooding – On Friday, heavy rains caused severe flooding in central Ghor province, Afghanistan, resulting in significant damage and leaving at least 50 people dead. The floods killed thousands of cattle and damaged or destroyed approximately 2,000 homes. Floodwaters entered Firouz Koh city from the south around 1:30 PM, damaging roads, shops, and houses. Marghab, Daulatyar, and Dolineh districts have also experienced flooding. Subsequent flooding on Saturday in Ghor, Badghis, and Faryab left at least 50 dead. The floods in Faryab impacted Pashtun Kot, Almar, Qaisar, Belcheragh, Khwaja Sabz Posh, and Dawlat Abad districts, destroying 560 houses, 150 hectares of farmland, 110 shops, a mobile clinic, and 2,300 trees, causing significant financial losses.
Flood Aid and Aftermath – Recent devastating floods across five Afghan provinces have spurred significant international aid efforts, though criticisms of the Taliban government's handling persist. In areas like Baghlan, the need for aid is critical. Despite 315 reported deaths and extensive property damage, local sources claim underreporting by the government, affecting aid mobilization. The EU, UN, WHO, and UNICEF are actively involved, with UNICEF distributing aid packages and hygiene kits. However, road blockages and logistical challenges hinder relief efforts, and funding shortages exacerbate the situation. Concerns include the timely issuance of flood warnings and the potential spread of diseases from contaminated water sources. Critics urge the Taliban to improve disaster response and information dissemination. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban's Deputy Prime Minister, has requested international organizations to build houses for flood victims and increase humanitarian aid. Qatar Charity delivered 60 tons of relief aid to 8,000 individuals in Balkh and Takhar provinces, in collaboration with the Afghan Red Crescent Society.
Helicopter Crash in Ghor – A Taliban helicopter crashed into the Firuzkuh-Harirod River while distributing aid, resulting in several casualties. The helicopter had gone to Ghor to rescue two people who had drowned in the river. The Taliban have not yet commented. Several injured and deceased individuals have been taken to Ghor hospital.
NEXT WEEK
In response to Sunday's helicopter crash involving President Raisi, expect increased border security with Pakistan and Afghanistan, heightened security in major cities, and intensified crackdowns on Afghan refugees. If President Raisi was killed in the crash, commemorations and ceremonies will follow. The public may respond with demonstrations, potentially leading to law and order breakdowns in some areas.
NGO and aid workers should exercise caution in Afghanistan following the Islamic State statement claiming aid workers as missionaries and legitimate targets. NGO workers, both locals and internationals should exercise caution and follow their organizations security protocol .
The Taliban will likely increase security measures over the next week, particularly in Kabul, Bamiyan, and possibly Badakhshan, to address recent security incidents. Additional checkpoints may be established around Kabul and on roads between major cities. House-to-house searches are also likely this week. Those in Afghanistan should expect security stops during travel and exercise caution with storing important documents and cellphones in their homes.
Intra-Taliban power struggles are likely with Mullah Hibatullah's recent trip to Kabul, budget issues and possible changes made to government appointments.
Flash flood warnings have been issued for Badakhshan, Takhar, Baghlan, Panjshir, Nuristan, Kunar, Kapisa, Parwan, Maidan Wardak, Bamyan, Samangan, and Ghor on Monday. Much of Afghanistan has experienced heavy rain over the past month, and the possibility of flooding, road washouts, mudslides, and earthquakes remains high in many parts of the country.
Torkham Gate remains closed while undergoing updates. Pakistani officials have not provided a date for the gate to reopen to travelers. Those planning to travel to Pakistan overland should check the status of the gate prior to their travel.
Deportations will continue from Iran and Pakistan. Those in Iran and Pakistan should continue to avoid crowds, maintain a low profile, avoid unnecessary travel between cities, and ensure they have proper documentation.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
President Raisi Helicopter Crash – On Sunday, a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and several high-ranking officials, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, made a "hard landing" in the Dizmar forest in northwest Iran after returning from the Khoda Afarin region. The incident prompted extensive search operations that began around 9 am ET. Iranian media reported the lives of Raisi and other officials were "at risk" following the crash in mountainous terrain with poor visibility.
Senior officials, including IRGC head Hossein Salami and Vice President Mohammad Mokhber, were involved in the search efforts. Despite initial confusion and reports of wreckage, rescuers confirmed receiving signals from the helicopter and a cell phone. By 3:23 pm ET, the crash site was located.
The international community, including the EU, Iraq, Armenia, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, offered assistance. Turkey dispatched a search and rescue team with specialized equipment. Iranian media assured the public that national affairs would remain stable, with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei urging calm. The US State Department is monitoring the situation.
US Statement on India Chabahar Port – India's Foreign Ministry stated that the U.S. acknowledges Chabahar Port's crucial role in providing humanitarian aid and economic alternatives for Afghanistan. India has signed a 10-year agreement to develop the port, enhancing trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan. Highlighting regional connectivity, India emphasized the project's importance. Russia also supports Afghanistan's development through India.
Filmmaker Flees After Sentencing – Iranian dissident filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, recently sentenced to eight years in jail and flogging, has fled Iran on foot through mountainous areas. Announcing his departure on Instagram, Rasoulof is now preparing his film for the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and joins millions of expatriate Iranians opposing the regime.
Arrest of Baha'i Women – Fifteen Baha'i women were sentenced to 75 years in prison by the Islamic Revolutionary Court in Isfahan, Iran, for "educational and propaganda activities contrary to Islamic Sharia." Each received a 5-year term, fines, and restrictions. Over 75% of Baha'is summoned in Iran since March have been women.
PAKISTAN
Waziristan Protests – The district police office in North Waziristan has shut down due to police demands, following similar closures in South Waziristan Lower. Protests by the police force are also ongoing in the Khyber and Orakzai merged districts, according to correspondents.
House Explosion in South Waziristan – On Tuesday, an explosion in Ladha, Upper South Waziristan, killed at least five people, including two women and children. Local reports and figures like MP Maulana Jamaluddin Khan and Pashtun Rights Movement leader Manzoor Pashteen claim it was a drone strike by the Pakistani military. However, a local official and Muhammad Khorasani, the Pakistani Taliban spokesperson, alleged it might have been an IED or a U.S. drone strike. The contrasting theories have led to demands for a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause and responsible parties of the incident.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Analysis of Recent Statements by Taliban Leader
TAD Staff
Background
Recent statements attributed to Taliban leader Habatullah Akhundzada reveal increasing friction and power struggles within the movement. As usual, the statements utilize a mix of traditional and populist values such as upholding Islamic values, maintaining unity, and preventing corruption within the regime. Key concerns include threats to unity, misuse of power, neglect of vulnerable groups, and misinterpretation of Islamic law.
This increased public activity from Akhundzada may be linked to several ongoing issues:
1. National Budget: The pending approval of the national budget, with internal conflicts over the size of government institutions, suggests that the Taliban leader seeks to downsize the Kabul administration.
2. Leadership Appointments: The prolonged absence and unreplaced position of former Kabul leader Mullah Hassan Akhund indicate a power struggle within the Taliban, with Akhundzada potentially vying for greater influence in the appointment process.
3. Conflict with Pakistan: Ongoing tensions with Pakistan over alleged Taliban support for the TTP, despite public denials, suggest Akhundzada may be attempting to mitigate conflict with Pakistan.
4. Division Among Taliban Factions: Taliban leader statements to provincial governors and commanders refer to complaints he has received (probably in the ulema meeting earlier in May) and enforce greater cooperation between the ulema (scholars, the provincial ulema council), commanders, and governors.
These factors may be contributing to Akhundzada's increased public engagement as he seeks to consolidate power, address internal and external challenges, and reinforce his commitment to a particular interpretation of Islamic governance.
Taliban Leader’s Concerns (Based on Statements Made in Kabul in Mid-May)
The analysis of the Taliban leader’s recent statement reveals a set of underlying concerns and fears:
1. Erosion of Faith and Religious Practice: The importance of restoring and promoting faith suggests a concern about the potential perception of a decline of religious values and practices within Taliban ranks.
2. Disobedience and Disunity: Emphasizing the importance of obedience and unity reveals a concern about potential dissent, factionalism, and challenges to authority that could undermine stability within the movement.
3. Overreach and Interference: Advising officials to focus on their individual duties and avoid interfering in the work of others indicates a shared worry about officials exceeding their authority and causing friction within the government.
4. Weakness and Corruption: Highlighting the role of leadership in maintaining unity and preventing corruption reflects a fear of internal divisions and the misuse of power that could lead to instability.
5. Lack of Cooperation and Respect: Calling for cooperation and mutual respect among officials, scholars, and Taliban fighters suggests a concern about conflicts and power struggles emerging between various factions.
6. Neglect of Sharia and Injustice: Emphasizing the importance of upholding Sharia law and avoiding discrimination reveals a fear that personal interests or biases could override obedience and unity.
7. Nepotism and Favoritism: Stating the need to appoint officials based on competence rather than personal connections indicates a concern about corruption and the potential misuse of power for personal and factional gain.
8. Mismanagement of Resources and Oppression: Expressing concerns about financial mismanagement, corruption, and the abuse of power to exploit resources and populations.
9. External Threats and Usurpation: Stressing the need to safeguard against usurpation suggests a concern about external forces or individuals seeking to seize power or resources.
10. Ignorance and Misinterpretation of Law: Highlighting the importance of educating Taliban members and ensuring their understanding of Islamic law indicates a concern about misinterpretations, legal disputes, and problems arising from a lack of religious knowledge.
AFGHAN NEWS
Before the Deluge: How to mitigate the risk of flooding in Afghanistan
Mohammad Assem Mayar
In Afghanistan’s rugged landscape, floods arise from a multiplicity of causes: torrential rainfall, rain on snow, the rapid melting of snow due to warmer weather, glacial lake outbursts, the overflow of natural ponds or even the breach of dams. Regardless of their origins, floods can destroy whole villages, ruin farmland and change the very landscape. Almost a quarter of all casualties caused by natural disasters in Afghanistan are due to floods, with the problem only likely to worsen, given that the climate crisis is predicted to bring heavier spring rains and more severe monsoons. This spring, above-average precipitation brought an end to the multi-year drought that had plagued Afghanistan, says AAN guest author Mohammad Assem Mayar,* but the considerable rainfall has also led to devastating flooding. In this report, he delves into what can be done to mitigate the risk of flooding in Afghanistan, both now and in the longer term.
The Taliban’s Attacks on Diversity Undermine Afghanistan’s Stability
Joyana Richer; Belquis Ahmadi
Each year, the U.N. International Day of Living Together in Peace reminds us that true, sustainable peace is achieved not simply by eliminating war, but rather by building tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity among and between communities.
In Afghanistan, this day holds immense potential. For more than four decades, the country’s resilient yet diverse population has endured cycles of political turmoil, violent conflict and civil war. After so much suffering, Afghans yearn to transcend the mere cessation of violence — to establish true peace built on coexistence and reconciliation. However, while Afghanistan is no longer in an official state of war, the Taliban’s grip on power has made the prospects of seeing real, positive peace appear faint.
Afghanistan midwife numbers falling in face of study bans, chaperone requirements, and salary cuts
Haaniya Frotan
Sara* is one of only a few female midwives in northern Sar-e-Pol province. Each morning, the 24-year-old walks for 1.5 hours to her job at a health clinic where hundreds of women and children seek care.
Although her job description is meant to only provide care to women and babies around pregnancy and childbirth matters, Sara says staff shortages means she provides many other services.
“I’m not only a midwife at the clinic. People even come to me for treatment of their colds and ask for all sorts of help,” she says.
REGIONAL NEWS
Who Would Benefit From Ebrahim Raisi’s Death?
Accidents happen everywhere, but not all accidents are equal. Many hours after initial news broke about an “incident” involving a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country’s state media has still not confirmed whether he is dead or alive. Various state outlets have published contradictory news—Was Raisi seen on video link after the accident? Was he not? Was the National Security Council meeting? Was it not?—signaling chaos and panic. A source in Tehran close to the presidency told me that Raisi has been confirmed dead, and that the authorities are looking for a way to report the news without causing mayhem. I have not been able to independently confirm this.
India, Russia officials hold talks on Afghanistan
Amu TV
Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s Special Presidential Envoy for Afghanistan, and J.P. Singh, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs held consultations on Afghanistan in New Delhi on Wednesday, focusing on the situation of the Afghan people, Indian media reported.
The two sides discussed the need for development assistance to support the welfare of the Afghan population, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
The Russian Embassy detailed the meeting in a post on X, noting, “On May 15, in New Delhi, Zamir Kabulov, Special Presidential Envoy for Afghanistan and Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Second Asian Department, held inter-MFA consultations on Afghanistan with J.P. Singh, Joint Secretary for Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran at India’s MEA.”
Iran calls on UN to address drug-related issues in Afghanistan
Tehran Times
The Secretary-General of the Anti-Narcotics Headquarters, Eskandar Momeni, has urged the United Nations to allocate resources to address the drug-related problems in Afghanistan.
Momeni met the Secretary-General for Afghanistan and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Roza Isakovna Otunbayeva, in Tehran on Monday.
The officials discussed ways to fight drug trafficking from Afghanistan.
Pakistan, US reaffirm continuation of counter-terrorism cooperation to advance regional security
Imtiaz Ali
Pakistan and the United States have reaffirmed the continuation of counter-terrorism cooperation to advance regional and global security and stability.
According to a joint statement issued today on the Pakistan-US Counterterrorism Dialogue held last week on May 10, the dialogue underscored the cooperation between the two countries in addressing the most pressing challenges to regional and global security, including the threats posed by terrorist organisation such as the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K).
Another girls' school blown up in Waziristan
The Express Tribune
Suspected militants blew up on Friday a girls' school in the Wana Dubkot area of the South Waziristan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. There was no loss of life reported in the incident but the school premises was heavily damaged.
There was no loss of life reported in the incident but the school premises was heavily damaged.
Russia Expands Oil Trade South via Afghanistan, Seeking Warm Water Ports
Sophia Nina Burna-Asefi
Last week, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan announced plans to build a logistics center in Herat province in western Afghanistan, according to an interview given to Reuters by the Taliban’s Minister of Trade Nuruddin Azizi. As part of this agreement, the governments of the three countries will prepare a series of official plans for the creation of a new logistics hub within two months.
The answer to the important question of who will finance this logistics hub remains elusive. The proposed hub will operate as part of the wider International North-South Transport corridor (INSTC), a 7,200 kilometer intergovernmental transport project first established in 2000 by Iran, Russia, and India. The list of participants in INSTC later expanded to 14, including Oman, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Ukraine is also a member, although the current conflict has put a stop to its active participation.
India Signs 10-Year Agreement to Operate Iran's Chabahar Port
India and Iran have inked a deal allowing India Ports Global (IPGL) company to develop and control the management of an Iranian port for 10 years.
According to the deal, signed on Monday, IPGL is allowed to manage the transit operation of Indian goods to Afghanistan and Central Asia at the port in Chabahar, on Iran's southeastern coast along the Gulf of Oman.
Sarbananda Sonowal, India's Minister of Ports and Shipping, visited Iran today to participate in the ceremony and discuss boosting relations.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Taliban Madrasas: A Time-Bomb in the Making
William Maley
Largely unnoticed, the Afghan Taliban have been rapidly expanding a network of Madrassas to propagate their ideology to a captive audience. This may prove to be one of the most fearsome developments in Southwest Asia since the United States abandoned Afghanistan to the Taliban in 2020-21.
Terrorist attacks and terrorist groups rarely emerge from thin air. On the contrary, they are often the product of socialisation of vulnerable people over a considerable period of time. It therefore pays to be alert to the processes of incubation of terrorism, and one country that should be a source of growing alarm is Afghanistan under the Taliban.
Senior Study Group on Counterterrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan: Final Report
USIP
When announcing the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in April 2021, President Joe Biden identified counterterrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan as an enduring and critical US national security interest. This priority became even more pronounced after the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, the discovery of al-Qaeda’s leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in Kabul less than a year later, and the increasing threat of the Islamic State of Khorasan (ISIS-K) from Afghanistan. However, owing to the escalating pressures of strategic competition with China and Russia, counterterrorism has significantly dropped in importance in the policy agenda. Following 9/11, the national security policy pendulum swung to an overwhelming focus on counterterrorism, but since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, it appears to have swung in the opposite direction.
In 2022, the United States Institute of Peace convened the Senior Study Group on Counterterrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan to examine the counterterrorism challenge from the region in light of the US withdrawal and growing strategic competition. The study group is a bipartisan group of experts, bringing a range of policy, scholarly, operational, and analytical experience related to terrorism, counterterrorism, and South Asia policy issues.
Terrorist groups regain strength in Afghanistan; Critics question Biden ‘over the horizon’ strategy
Ben Wolfgang
The power vacuum that America left behind in Afghanistan is fueling a resurgence of Islamist terrorists who have the will, and perhaps the capability, to target the U.S. and its interests abroad, according to a major report by the United States Institute of Peace, which argues that the Biden administration should consider unleashing more military strikes against terrorist targets in the country.
The study, being made public Tuesday, is one of the most detailed looks at the threats emanating from Afghanistan in the years since President Biden ordered the U.S. military withdrawal in 2021. It cites the rising threat from ISIS-K, the Islamic State’s Afghanistan affiliate, and continued support for al Qaedafrom Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban regime as two of the most immediate threats confronting America and its allies.
Former army lawyer sentenced to prison after exposing alleged Australian war crimes in Afghanistan
Fox News
An Australian judge sentenced a former army lawyer to almost six years in prison on Tuesday for leaking to the media classified information that exposed allegations of Australian war crimes in Afghanistan.
David McBride, 60, was sentenced in a court in the capital, Canberra, to five years and eight months in prison after pleading guilty to three charges including theft and sharing with members of the press documents classified as secret. He had faced a potential life sentence.
Justice David Mossop ordered McBride to serve 27 months in prison before he can be considered for release on parole.
Weekly WTF
In a plot twist worthy of a daytime soap opera, Abdul Hamid Khorasani, commander of the Taliban's Badri unit, who last week publicly split with the Taliban and criticized them as thieves and ruffians, has had an apparent change of heart.
On Friday, Khorasani packed his bags and headed to Dand Patan in Paktia province to support the Taliban in their fight against Pakistani forces along the Durand Line border. Looks like even in the world of militant commanders, breaking up is hard to do!
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 71.86 AFN (as of 19 May 2024)
