The Guardian (UK): “The Taliban tried to silence us,” said Ahmad Sarmast, the director of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music, in his new office in Braga. “But we’re much stronger and much louder than yesterday.” Click here to read more (external link).
Teen Vogue: Manizha Talash is considered Afghanistan’s first female breakdancer. She officially began training in 2020, at age 17, with the Kabul-based Superiors Crew after watching a Facebook video of one of the members spinning on his head. When Manizha started breakdancing, a lot of people looked down on what she was doing. Music and
Afghanistan International: In a speech marking his first joint campaign with his running mate, J.D. Vance, Donald Trump asserted that the Afghanistan crisis would never have happened if he had been president. He also stated that he would have retained control of Bagram Air Base, which he claims is now under China’s control. Click here
By RFE/RL’s Radio Mashaal July 21, 2024 Pakistan on July 21 reopened a key border crossing point with Afghanistan after a nine-month closure following complaints by residents. Pakistan in October closed the Chaman-Spin Boldak border that runs through Pashtun communities, ending the century-old Easement Rights, which had allowed certain communities along the 19th-century Durand Line border
Tolo News: Afghan migrants who were imprisoned in Pakistan report being tortured against all human norms. These migrants, who were returned through the Spin Boldak border crossing in Kandahar, said that despite having legal documents, they were still arrested by Pakistani forces and severely tortured while in prison. They call the treatment of Afghan prisoners
Ariana: Over the past 20 years, more than 39,000 Australian soldiers served in Afghanistan. As part of peacekeeping efforts alongside the United States and other allies, 400 Australian soldiers were deployed until their withdrawal in 2021. During that time, an investigation revealed that Australian soldiers committed war crimes, including the murder and abuse of numerous
Afghanistan International: Local sources in Bamiyan have told Afghanistan International that at least two villagers had been injured during clashes between nomads and villagers in Punjab District. According to these sources, one of the injured individuals was shot, while the other sustained a head injury after being hit by a stone. Click here to read
Michael Hughes July 19, 2024 Afghanistan was not at the forefront of mind for most American voters in 2020, but four years later the situation is much different. With less than four months until the U.S. presidential election Afghanistan is at the center of attention, but not about go-forward policies. It is all about the