The Week of May 27 - June 2
The Week of May 27 - June 2
Security and Conflict
Possible ISKP Arrest in Herat – Taliban officials in Herat and pro-Taliban Al-Mersaad Media have reported the arrest of individuals responsible for attacks on Shias, including the April 29 mosque attack. Nisar Ahmad Ilyas, the Taliban governor's spokesperson, confirmed the capture of a group that had been targeting Shias for eight months, recovering weapons and a suicide vest. Pro-Taliban Al-Mersaad Media reported that Afghan special forces conducted a counter-terrorism operation against ISKP members in Herat, linking them to various attacks.
Possible Drone Strike in Paktika – A drone allegedly struck a vehicle in Paktika's Gomal district on June 1, reportedly killing eight armed individuals. The attack, targeting the Tarkha area, follows Pakistan's request for Taliban cooperation in apprehending attackers on Chinese citizens. Neither the Taliban nor Pakistan have commented. Military experts noted ongoing airspace violations by Pakistan, with similar strikes targeting Pakistani Taliban (TTP) members in border areas.
Arrests of Alleged Resistance Supporters – Local sources in Baghlan report that the Taliban arrested seven residents of Khost and Fereng districts for alleged collaboration with the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan. The arrests occurred at a Taliban checkpoint in the Duabi Bazaar area. Among those arrested is a former military member. Four individuals, Amanuddin, Mohammad Adil, Noor Ahmad, and Sanatullah, have been identified, while the other three remain unidentified. This follows a similar incident in May, where 15 Ismaili sect followers were arrested in Badakhshan.
Talibs killed in Ghor – Gunmen killed Taliban commander Mullah Hassan and injured another fighter in Ghor province on June 2nd. ISKP claimed responsibility for the attack. In a separate incident, unidentified gunmen killed Taliban intelligence head Sayed Noor Mohammad Qatal in Ghor. The Taliban have not commented on these incidents.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Former Military Doctor Killed – Dr. Sardar, a former military doctor and Provincial Council candidate in Badakhshan, died on Tuesday after being tortured by the Taliban. He was a notable figure, having worked at Kabul's 400-bed hospital and owned a dental clinic in Badakhshan. Dr. Sardar had previously been arrested by the Taliban for his work as a military doctor.
Taliban Discrimination against Ismailis – Local sources in Baghlan report that the Taliban have ordered around 70 Ismaili families in the Shamraq area of Pul-e-Khumri district to vacate their homes by the third day of Eid al-Adha. These families, originally from Badakhshan, have lived there for about 30 years and are economically disadvantaged. Despite complaints to the Aga Khan Foundation, no action has been taken. The Taliban have not commented, but there are claims of ongoing forced conversions of Ismailis to Sunni Islam.
Women’s Rights Protest – Members of the "Rosena Freedom Movement" condemned the Taliban's invitation to the third Doha meeting by the United Nations as "cruelty to the people of Afghanistan, especially women." They called the invitation shameful and urged global support for women instead of engaging with the Taliban.
Statement by Female Olympian – Fariba Rezaei, Afghanistan's first female Olympic representative, called for a sports ban on Taliban representatives at the Paris Olympics due to their ban on women's sports. She questioned the fairness of the Taliban sending an all-male team while Afghan women are denied sports opportunities.
Flogging – The Taliban’s Supreme Court announced that an individual in Paktika province received 21 lashes for "moral corruption" and drug use. The punishment was executed on Monday in Urgun district. Another flogging took place in Deh Yak district of Ghazni on Wednesday. Additional floggings were noted in Khost and Kunduz.
Forced Displacement of Ismaili’s – Alam Majidi, the Taliban spokesperson for Baghlan, announced plans to build a bus station on Shia Ismaili residential land in Pul-e-Khumri, denying reports of forced relocation. The Bakhtar News Agency claims that Ismailis agreed to the relocation. However, the Afghan Embassy in Italy states that 70 Ismaili families face forced relocation and pressure to convert to Sunni Islam, with no compensation or relocation details provided.
Wardak Chamber of Commerce – The Department of Industry and Trade of Maidan Wardak Province opened a "Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry," despite Taliban restrictions on women's work. Some women criticized this move as "showing off." Taliban officials claimed the chamber aims to facilitate women's businesses. Critics argue it won't empower women amidst widespread bans on education and employment.
Yama Maqsudi Arrested – Yama Maqsudi, 73, an activist and a German citizen born in Panjshir, was arrested by the Taliban in Kabul on Thursday. No further information is currently available.
Internal Politics
Death of Qayum Karzai – Qayum Karzai, former House of Representatives member and brother of ex-president Hamid Karzai, passed away on Thursday in Maryland. Politicians and former House members expressed condolences. Karzai, who served in the first post-2001 parliament but resigned after four years, died of an unspecified illness.
Consul General in Mashhad Dismissed – The Taliban dismissed Abdul Jabar Ansar, the former Consul General in Mashhad, replacing him with Mawlawi Nasir Ahmad Haqqani. Despite Ansar's refusal to allow Haqqani entry to the consulate, the Taliban's Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared Ansar's term ended on May 27, rendering his documents invalid. The consulate issued a statement ensuring continued services. The Taliban's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Ansar's dismissal, citing his involvement in illegal activities, lack of transparency in revenue collection, and irresponsible interference in consulate affairs. Consequently, any signatures by Ansar are now considered invalid. For the first time, the Taliban canceled the diplomatic passport of Afghanistan's Consul General in Mashhad, Iran, forcing his extradition. This action bypasses standard termination procedures. Ansar has faced corruption allegations since President Ghani's administration but maintained his position due to connections with senior political figures.
Iran’s statements on Talibs in Mashhad – The Islamic Republic newspaper reported that Dr. Salim, a Taliban diplomat and member of the Haqqani network, lured an Iranian photographer into the Afghan consulate in Mashhad and tortured him. Following the photographer's complaint, Salim was expelled from Iran on December 16, 2023. Sources confirmed the incident and highlighted the Taliban's defiance by appointing consular staff without Iranian approval and attempting to kidnap a prominent Taliban opposition member. The newspaper criticized Iran's diplomatic response, warning that the Taliban's actions under diplomatic cover undermine Iran's authority and highlight the group's disrespect towards the country.
Officials arrested for Corruption – The Taliban's General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) reported the arrest of several officials from the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs, including the head of the Passport Department, on charges of bribery and corruption.
Changes to Taliban Leadership – Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, leader of the Taliban, has enacted several significant reassignments within the group's leadership. Qalandar Ebad has been dismissed from his position as Minister of Public Health, and Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, formerly Deputy Minister of Interior, has been appointed as his replacement. Mullah Rahmatullah Najib, previously Deputy Chief of Taliban Intelligence, is now the Administrative Deputy Minister of Interior. Mullah Abdul Ahad Fazli, former governor of Samangan, is appointed as governor of Faryab, while Mullah Mohammad Shoaib Resalat, former governor of Faryab, takes over as governor of Samangan. Haji Mohammad Sadiq Enqilabi, previously the district governor of Greshk in Helmand province, is now the Deputy Governor of Kandahar. Mawlawi Hayatullah Mubarak, the former Deputy Governor of Kandahar, is appointed as the district governor of Greshk in Helmand province.
Statement By Women’s Counsel of the National Resistance Front – The Women's Council of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan announced a boycott of the third Doha meeting, rejecting negotiations with the Taliban. They argue that engaging with the Taliban violates human rights and Islamic principles, and they call for intensified efforts to combat the group instead of legitimizing their governance.
Taliban Curfew Letter – The Taliban defense ministry has imposed a curfew, restricting movement after 10 PM, according to a secret memo distributed to all militia units. The memo, which cites summer season insecurity as the reason, instructs units to enforce the curfew. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has since denied reports of a nighttime curfew, calling the circulated document “false” and “fake.” He clarified that imposing a nighttime curfew is the responsibility of the Ministry of Defense.
Hekmatyar Statement on Doha – Gulbuddin Hekmatyar criticized the third Doha meeting, likening it to the failed Bonn Conference, and claimed it aims to install a UN special representative approved by the US. The Taliban have set conditions for their participation, including gaining Afghanistan's UN seat and excluding certain topics like girls' education.
International Developments
Russian Support for the Taliban – Russia has expressed support for the Taliban's demands in previous Doha meetings. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that removing the Taliban from the list of "banned groups" reflects the "objective reality" of their control in Afghanistan. A Russian court lawyer noted the legal process for delisting based on new circumstances. Several Russian ministries have suggested this change to President Putin, and the Taliban have been invited to an economic forum in St. Petersburg next month. Both the AFF and the U.S. National Security Council have condemned Russia's potential decision to remove the Taliban from its terrorist list. The AFF warns that this move would bolster terrorism, betray the Afghan people, and highlight the unchanged terrorist nature of the Taliban, posing regional and global security risks. The U.S. National Security Council, through spokesman John Kirby, criticizes it as sending a "horrible message" due to the Taliban's failure to meet international commitments. The Supreme Council of National Resistance issued a statement urging international and regional powers, particularly the Russian Federation, to prioritize the Afghan people's interests over engaging with extremist groups and to support inclusive international meetings aimed at establishing a legitimate government and restoring the rule of law in Afghanistan.
Russian Special Envoy Statement – Russia’s special envoy for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, emphasized the importance of the Taliban's control over Afghanistan for Moscow. He discussed potential cooperation in exporting oil products and enhancing food security. Kabulov highlighted the significance of stability in Afghanistan, warning that its disintegration would negatively impact the region. Russia proposed removing the Taliban from its terrorist list.
Statement By Iran’s Special Representative — Iran’s special representative for Afghanistan, Hassan Kazemi Qomi, stated that Afghanistan belongs to all Afghans and called for a government representing all ethnic groups. He criticized U.S. intervention, blaming it for instability, and highlighted Iran's engagement and advice to Afghanistan's new rulers. Despite this, the Islamic Emirate claims its current government is inclusive.
Taliban Statement on Special Representative – Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesman, criticized U.S. Special Representative Tom West's trips as "useless" without direct engagement with the Taliban. Mujahid emphasized the importance of direct U.S.-Taliban talks, stating that West's trips alone won't resolve issues. He also highlighted the Taliban's beneficial regional contacts. West recently discussed Afghanistan in Turkey, addressing ISIS-Khorasan threats.
Canada-Uzbekistan Meeting on Afghanistan – Uzbekistan's representative, Ismatulla Irgashev, met with Canada's representative, David William Sproule, to discuss reviving Afghanistan's economy, regional connectivity, and establishing stability. The Taliban maintain close relations with Uzbekistan, having appointed an ambassador to Tashkent.
Statement by Chinese Ambassador on ISKP threat – China's Ambassador to Afghanistan discussed urban development and human resource training with the Taliban's Minister of Urban Development, Mawlawi Hamdullah Nomani. The Taliban assured China of the safety of its projects and personnel. China perceives ISKP as a significant threat to its investments and personnel in Afghanistan.
WTO Meeting – Taliban Commerce Minister Nuruddin Azizi met with UNAMA head Roza Otunbayeva to discuss reactivating Afghanistan's WTO membership. They also discussed support for small enterprises, boosting exports, and facilities for female entrepreneurs. This is the Taliban's first interest in rejoining the WTO.
Regional Developments
Turkey Suspends Diplomatic Visa Agreement with Afghanistan – Turkey announced the suspension of its visa exemption agreement with Afghanistan for diplomatic passport holders, effective June 1. This decision follows a visit by Turkish migration officials to discuss irregular Afghan migration and deportations. The suspension affects all Afghan diplomatic passport holders, including Taliban leadership. Turkey remains a major destination for Afghan migrants.
China increases Engagement with the Taliban – Chinese Ambassador Zhao Sheng has intensified diplomatic efforts with the Taliban, marking a shift amidst strained Pakistan-Taliban relations. Zhao's recent meetings with Taliban ministers underscore China's strategy to secure its regional interests, including economic projects under the Belt and Road Initiative and addressing security concerns like terrorism. This development highlights China’s growing influence in Afghanistan, potentially reshaping regional dynamics.
Deportations – Deportations continued from Pakistan and Iran. The number of daily deportees remains consistent, with approximately 3,500 Afghans being ‘voluntarily’ or forcibly repatriated from Pakistan and Iran daily.
Afghan Talib Killed in Pakistan – On Monday, Bashir, son of Khan Badshah and a member of the Haji Usman group of Afghan Taliban, was shot dead by unidentified attackers in Inayat Kallay, Bajaur district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The attackers escaped, and police have launched an investigation. The Haji Usman group has faced increased targeted killings by ISKP in recent years. The Islamic State group's Al-Naba weekly reported that ISKP assassinated Bashir, an Afghan Taliban member and former bodyguard for a key Taliban commander, in Bajaur last week. The report included a photo of Bashir in military uniform with a weapon and a military plane in the background.
Afghan Migrants Arrested in Turkey — On Monday, Turkish media reported that police arrested 103 Afghan refugees and eight human traffickers in Çanakkale over the past month. The operations, involving various security forces, resulted in the seizure of cash, vehicles, air pumps, and life jackets. The refugees were transferred to Ayvacık holding centers.
Hizb ut Tahrir Statement on Doha – Hizb ut Tahrir Afghanistan warned the Taliban of political consequences for attending the Doha 3 meeting, which they labeled an international 'neo-colonial gathering' aimed at creating a new U.S. intervention mechanism to protect its interests in Afghanistan.
Miscellaneous
Flooding in Panjshir – On Tuesday, flooding of the Panjshir River destroyed access routes between Darah and Abshar districts and the provincial center, leaving residents without access to markets and hospitals for two weeks. Local Taliban officials are unable to reopen the blocked roads.
WFP Statement on Child Malnourishment – The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) marked World Food Day by highlighting that three million Afghan children suffer from malnutrition, with WFP able to assist only 1.3 million. WFP's head of Nutrition, Mona Shaikh, noted a rise in malnutrition among pregnant and lactating women. Factors worsening the crisis include floods, droughts, and returning refugees. Additionally, 28% of Afghanistan's population faces acute food insecurity, with 2.4 million experiencing emergency hunger levels.
FAO Statement on Food Insecurity – Similar to the WFP report, the FAO reported that 27% of Afghanistan's population faces food crisis or emergency-level insecurity. While food assistance remains essential, the FAO highlighted that enhancing agriculture through a locally-driven, climate-smart strategy could significantly boost the country's food self-sufficiency. The full report can be found Here
NEXT WEEK
In the run up to the Presidential elections in Iran, candidates will debate in the public sphere about the presence of refugees including Afghans. Heightened anti-refugees sentiments and the risk of ISIS attacks will affect the Afghans living in Iran negatively.
The ongoing tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan over TTP, may result in more raids including drone attacks on TTP positions in the border area of Afghanistan. Increased pressure by Pakistan is likely in the form of border closure, continued deporations and air raids or artillery attack across the border.
The Taliban's police command in Kabul has issued a warning to all districts, mosques, and community councils that in the coming weeks, there is a potential threat of ISIS attacks on Shias and Hazaras. A Taliban official, in an audio message, advised Shias to avoid holding gatherings.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Candidates begin Registering for Presidential Elections – Iranian politicians, including Masoud Pezeshkian, Alireza Zakani, Seyyed Ahmad Rasoulinejad, Habibollah Dahmardeh, Sayyid Mohammad-Reza Mirtajodini, Fada-Hossein Maleki, Zohreh Elahian, and U.S.-sanctioned former Revolutionary Guards commander Vahid Haghanian, registered as candidates for the June 28 presidential election. The registration began on May 30 following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. Haghanian, known for his secretive role in the Supreme Leader's office, has been a key player in implementing directives across various sectors. Other notable registrants include Mohammadreza Sabaghian, Mostafa Kavakebian, and Ali Larijani, among others, as announced by election headquarters spokesperson Mohsen Eslami.
Renewed Hijab Crackdown — Amid escalating state repression in Iran, at least 100 female university students were detained by the "morality police" for hijab violations at Tehran's Islamic Azad University. They were forced to cover their hair fully and sign pledges to comply with the mandatory hijab policy on May 26th.
Arrests of Dissidents – Nine men and one woman were arrested in Iran for celebrating former President Ebrahim Raisi's death. They are among several detained nationwide for "mocking" Raisi, as the state intensifies its crackdown on dissent, according to state media.
PAKISTAN
TTP Border Attacks – Afghan border early Monday, killing five soldiers and seven assailants in the Tirah valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Six soldiers were injured. The Pakistani military confirmed the deaths and said the militants, linked to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), were responsible. A significant amount of weapons and explosives were recovered. The attack followed a counterterrorism raid near Peshawar, which resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and five alleged TTP militants. Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi urged Afghanistan’s Taliban to prevent TTP from conducting cross-border terrorism.
Attack on Girls School – Unidentified terrorists torched a girls' middle school in North Waziristan's Razmak tehsil and a police officer survived a remote-control bomb attack in South Waziristan on Tuesday. No casualties were reported. The school, built in 2020, was severely damaged. Attacks on schools have surged in the region, with similar incidents on May 9 and May 17. The police officer's vehicle was damaged in the bombing near Azam Warsak Police Station.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Amira Jadoon, Abdul Sayed, Lucas Webber, Riccardo Valle
The evolving nature of Islamic State Khorasan’s (ISK) operational attacks, media campaigns, and connected actors, both locally in Afghanistan and transnationally, provide important insights into the group’s adaptive and multifaceted approach to ensure its survival and grow its influence. By situating ISK-linked attacks in Moscow and Iran within the group’s overarching operational strategy, the authors delve into ISK’s exploitation of the local environment under the Taliban regime and its operational adaptations under the leadership of Sanaullah Ghafari. After reviewing attack trends, and losses due to the Taliban’s counter-offensives, the article explores ISK’s intentional pivot to appeal to a Central Asian audience through its recent media campaigns, which simultaneously encourage hijrah to Afghanistan and the pursuit of external operations. The authors contextualize the significant involvement of Tajik nationals in ISK’s external operations, both in Central Asia and the West, as an embodiment of the group’s broader strategy to diversify and internationalize its recruitment, and operational agenda. Through a shifting multifaceted approach, ISK seeks to rebuild and consolidate its base within its traditional strongholds in and around Afghanistan while simultaneously extending its transnational reach.
AFGHAN NEWS
Amin Kawa
Hibatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Taliban, has issued an order to dissolve the provincial, district, and village development councils. According to this directive, all developmental programs of international organizations, including the World Bank, which were implemented through these councils, have also been declared null and void. Sources within international organizations told the Hasht-e Subh Daily that currently, millions of dollars are contracted through the World Bank for these programs, and the Taliban have taken this action following these contracts.
Moreover, based on the verbal order of the Taliban supreme leader, all domestic and foreign organizations are now required to obtain approval from the Taliban’s Council of Scholars to implement their projects. These new measures by the Taliban have raised concerns about the potential misuse of humanitarian aid by the group.
Islamic Emirate: Relations Between Kabul and Beijing 'Expanding'
Mitra Majeedy
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said that the interim government has official interactions with China, and Beijing has been striving to invest in various sectors in Afghanistan.
According to Mujahid, the relationship between Kabul and Beijing is expanding with each passing day.
The spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate said: "The relationship between Afghanistan and China is in a very good state. We have official interactions and exchanges, especially with China making significant efforts to invest in Afghanistan's economic sector."
REGIONAL NEWS
Pakistan Seeks Afghan Cooperation to Finalize Besham Attack Investigation
Hayatullah Rahimi
During a recent visit to Kabul, the Pakistani delegation headed by the Secretary Interior, Muhammad Khurram Agha, presented findings regarding the Besham attack to Afghan officials, as stated by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The delegation met with Mohammad Nabi Omari, the Deputy Minister of Interior of the Islamic Emirate, requesting assistance in identifying the perpetrators of the attack.
28 Dead 22 Injured as Quetta-Bound Bus Falls into Ravine
Abdullah Zehri
At least 28 people died and 22 were injured after a bus fell into a ravine in Washuk, Balochistan on Wednesday, according to officials.
Speaking to Dawn.com, Basima Assistant Commissioner (AC) Ismail Mengal said the accident occurred when a tyre of the vehicle got burst, which led to it crashing into a hill and then plunging into a ravine.
Russia to build nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan
Al Jazeera
Russia will build a small nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan, the first such project in post-Soviet Central Asia, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has said as he met visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Putin said on Monday that Russia would put $400m into a joint investment fund of $500m to finance projects in Uzbekistan.
World body concerned about poliovirus surge in Pakistan
Ikram Junaidi
The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) for polio eradication has shown concerns about the deteriorating situation of the disease in Pakistan.
Data shared at a TAG meeting held in Qatar showed that Pakistan’s situation was worse than the war-ridden Afghanistan.
TAG is an independent body charged with advising and making recommendations to the ministry of health and partners on polio eradication programme policies, strategies and operations. It held meetings with the health departments of Pakistan and Afghanistan from May 22 to 25 in Doha, the capital of Qatar.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
‘Never Been Done Before’: A True Investigation of a Failed American War
Nahal Toosi
If you played a role in Afghanistan policy over the past few decades, be prepared for a call.
In their first joint interview since the launch of the Afghanistan War Commission, co-chairs and veteran Afghan policy thinkers Shamila Chaudhary and Colin Jackson discussed their move into an active new phase, including interviewing the diplomats, generals and politicians who shaped the war.
Their goal? To determine just what went wrong in the 20-year conflict.
Emirates spymaster intensifies economic presence in Afghanistan
Intelligence Online
It was an announcement that almost went unnoticed, so common is this kind of thing in the airline industry. On 3 May, Etihad Airways signed a reciprocal interline partnership agreement with the private Afghan airline Kam Air, enabling the two companies to sell tickets on each other's flights. Although at first sight the agreement looks merely like a commercial strategy, it nevertheless strengthens Abu Dhabi's presence in Afghanistan, and in particular that of Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, brother and national security adviser to President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MbZ).
In October 2022, Abu Dhabi's Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs, which brings together all the princes in MbZ's inner circle, transferred the unprofitable Etihad Airways to the portfolio of the sovereign wealth fund ADQ, chaired by Tahnoon bin Zayed. The move enabled the Emirati spymaster to begin the process of bringing together all the Emirate's aviation assets into his own hands (IO, 13/12/22).
Paul Cruickshank
Ahmad Zia Saraj served as the General Director of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan from September 2019 until August, 15, 2021. He is currently a visiting professor at the war studies department of the King’s College London (KCL).
Under his leadership, the NDS arrested thousands of terrorists including key Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) operatives such as the group’s leader Aslam Farooqi; Sheikh Omar Kunari, chief of ISKP regional cells; and Abu Jawad, chief of the group’s media wing. The elimination of key al-Qa`ida figures such as Abu Assem Omar, chief of al-Qa`ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS); Sheikh Mohsen al-Masri, al-Qa`ida’s top planner; Qari Hanif, the deputy leader of AQIS; and Mustafa al-Tajiki also occurred through the operations conducted by the NDS special forces during his tenure.
Saraj served as the Deputy Director General for operations at the NDS from March 2019 to September 2019 where he supervised all operations across the country against terrorist cells, oversaw counterintelligence operations, and countered organized crime. Prior to heading the NDS, he served in the organization as Chief Director of the CT department, deputy Director for Counterintelligence and Foreign intelligence, and the chief of the foreign relations department.
In Afghanistan, women-headed households are the most vulnerable population group, as identified in the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP). In comparison to male-headed households, they rely more on emergency livelihood coping mechanisms and have higher rates of food insecurity, which contribute to increased chances of early marriage of their daughters and child labour. The HNRP also identifies women as a vulnerable group encompassing 24 per cent of the population in need.
During this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD), themed Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress, OCHA Afghanistan marks it by honouring female aid workers who not only serve in women-supporting-women roles, but also lessen the hardships incurred by women-led households. During an interview on humanitarian principles, one female aid worker said, “I work for UNFPA in Afghanistan. This agency is helping vulnerable women and is delivering services to mothers and children. We provide essential services and in doing so we target and reach the most vulnerable women and girls, without any discrimination. This ensures that women and children can be seen, heard and assisted.”
Women Peace and Security: Current and Past Recommendations to the UN Security Council
Afghanistan has been engulfed in violent armed conflict since the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001, and efforts to build sustainable peace while preventing the re-establishment of extremist rule depend on the inclusion of women.
Living in the most dangerous place in the world to be a woman, as the Thomas Reuters Foundation revealed in 2011, Afghani women have emerged as leaders in the peace process— advocating constantly for more inclusive government, and inspiring marginalized groups nationwide to demand a place in the political system. Despite the important role that Afghani women play in bringing about social change in Afghanistan, many barriers to their involvement still exist.
Based on the work of NGOWG members and their partners, the NGOWG advocates for eliminating these barriers by encouraging UNAMA to support the Afghan government in fully implementing the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (NAP), and ensuring women’s full and equal participation in regularly held elections.
In The Enemies Pocket Al-Qaeda's Lord of War
Sarah Adams
This case file of Abdul Azim Ali Musa bin Ali, exposes his role in Al-Qaeda's operations in Afghanistan and Syria. It reveals how he channels U.S. taxpayer funds to ISKP through the Taliban government, highlighting deep ties between Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and ISIS.
Opinion
Afghan refugees under immense pressure in Iran, and the Taliban demanding dollars
Zan Times
Afghan immigrants and refugees face ever increasing hardships to stay in Iran. Not only is the country rounding up and deporting any migrants whose papers aren’t in perfect order, but Iranian officials exploit the vulnerability of its Afghan population by demanding bribes and extracting kickbacks of every shape and sort. The strict immigration regulations of the Islamic Republic of Iran are compounded by unfavourable economic conditions, an inflation rate of more than 30 percent, wage increases that aren’t keeping up with rising costs, including that of housing and basic goods, and political groups exploiting resentment over the large Afghan population to their own political ends.
Right now, employers are taking advantage of the large presence of Afghan migrants, many who arrived after the Taliban retook Kabul in 2021. Often the only jobs they can find are for manual labour. Iranian bosses exploit their desperation by paying low wages, without any kind of rights, legal protection, insurance, or job security.
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 71.72 AFN (as of 2 June 2024)
