8am: Sources from the Afghanistan Analysts Network say that important subjects such as human rights, democracy, electoral systems, constitutional law, sociology, and ethics philosophy are no longer being taught, and many books written by women or Iranian authors are also on the banned list. Additionally, books about Afghanistan’s contemporary history, the Taliban, Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, and
Khaama: A new United Nations report reveals that opium farmers in northern Afghanistan are struggling to replace lost income following bans on poppy cultivation. Surveys conducted in Badakhshan, Balkh, and Kunduz provinces show 85 percent of households have been unable to offset revenue losses, leaving communities in urgent need of economic support. Click here to
Amu: Taliban collected and burned dozens of musical instruments in the eastern province of Nangarhar, saying the move was aimed at enforcing Islamic principles and reforming society. Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban have imposed sweeping restrictions on music, banning it from public events, weddings, radio and television broadcasts, and many public
Al Jazeera: Afghanistan’s cherished buzkashi tournament maintains its status as a traditional sport characterised by limited formal rules and fierce physical competition. In its classic format, two teams compete to score using what was traditionally a goat carcass, though contemporary matches utilise a leather-and-rope substitute filled with straw to replicate the weight of an animal.
Amu: Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US special envoy for Afghanistan, has returned to Kabul for the fourth time since the Taliban took power. In a statement, the Taliban-run foreign ministry said Khalilzad met their Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to discuss “ways, opportunities and challenges” related to bilateral relations between the two sides. Click here
Afghanistan International: Eyewitnesses told Afghanistan International that Mawlawi Noman, an aide to Taliban intelligence chief, was killed in a targeted drone or rocket attack in Kabul. Sources close to the Taliban had initially said Mawlawi Noman died when a gas cylinder exploded at his home. However, an eyewitness living near the residence said a second-floor
8am: Many residents of Kabul now speak with growing anxiety about the spread of non-standard high-rise buildings across the city. They say builders have ignored Kabul’s limited capacity, and as a result, daily life has become harder and environmental damage more severe. At a time when the city already struggles with water shortages, heavy air
By Abubakar Siddique, Farhad Shinwari and Norias Nori December 27, 2025 Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty For nearly two months, Sayed Wali, a young Afghan truck driver, has watched the sun rise, and the sun set in the fabled Khyber Pass, which connects western Pakistan to eastern Afghanistan. But he’s not here for the view. He’s