Khaama: On Thursday, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby stated that the United States is not extending any form of direct support to the Taliban, whether diplomatically, economically, or otherwise. This includes diplomatic assistance, economic aid, or any other means of backing. Kirby’s declaration underscores the administration’s stance amid ongoing concerns and scrutiny regarding
Akmal Dawi VOA News March 14, 2024 An Afghan education official says Taliban authorities may permanently close girls’ secondary schools, promoting religious schools known as madrasas as an alternative. The Taliban shut down girls’ secondary schools in 2022, citing “religious and cultural” concerns. Taliban officials defend the ban, insisting they are working to create a
8am: Twenty-three years ago, the Taliban destroyed two large Buddha statues in Bamyan province. The taller statue, named Salsaal, standing at 53 meters, and the smaller one, Shahmama, at 35 meters, were carved into the mountains between the 3rd and 7th centuries AD with a distinctive style. Mullah Omar, the former Taliban supreme leader, ordered
Foreign Affairs: Two and a half years into Taliban rule, however, the United States has little to show for this approach. For one thing, the Taliban appear to be unmoved by global shaming, in particular when it comes to what they deem domestic affairs, such as the question of girls’ access to higher education and
Ariana: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced the names of 15 national cricket team players for the T20 international series against Ireland. Included in the team is Rashid Khan. This comes after a break of a few months following back surgery. Rashid will also captain the team. Click here to read more (external link).
Ariana: An earthquake of magnitude 5.3 on the Richter scale jolted Afghanistan on Wednesday, the National Center for Seismology reported. The tremors were felt at 08:54pm, at a depth of 146 km. There are no reports of any casualties or collateral damage due to the quake. Tremors were also felt in the neighbouring areas of
By Akmal Dawi VOA News March 13, 2024 The United States’ program to resettle former Afghan interpreters and contractors could come to an abrupt end in a few months as the number of available Special Immigrant Visas dwindles. Activists are urging Congress to authorize additional visas, known as SIVs, with less than 8,000 remaining amid a
Khaama: The World Bank says Afghanistan’s exports dropped 5% to $140.5 million from last January. According to this World Bank report, recently published under the title “Afghanistan Economic Update,” the country’s exports were $148.1 million in January of the previous year. However, the World Bank report states that Afghanistan’s imports have increased by 37% compared
The Guardian (UK): The Afghanistan inquiry is getting into gear at the Royal Courts of Justice. Led by the judge Charles Haddon-Cave, this public inquiry was convened to investigate about 80 killings allegedly committed by the SAS in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013. Proceedings took a dramatic turn last month when the minister for veterans’