Michael Hughes: The U.S. State Department shrugged its collective shoulders, so to speak, and seemed to say “not my problem” when pressed on the Taliban siphoning large portions of American humanitarian aid. Instead of taking any responsibility, the U.S. suggested international aid organizations should be blamed for getting ripped off by the radical movement. On
8am: The political movements that try to challenge the Taliban should not be established only in foreign countries aiming at exploiting the people again with the support of foreigners and a shift in their foreign policy. Such currents, even if they come to work with the support of foreigners, will still go through the same
Michael Hughes: The Taliban, an insurgent outfit that now acts as de facto authorities, have proven adept at tax collection, budget balancing and even external trade. However, their complete incapacity in the face of the recent earthquakes is a disturbing sign for the future of Afghanistan – a country prone to natural cataclysms – from
Michael Hughes: Islamabad introduced trade restrictions targeting a frail Afghan economy because – apparently – threatening to send 1.7 refugees to Afghanistan wasn’t enough of a message to send the Taliban in one week. On the surface they appear more disruptive than anything, but the measures could be the opening salvo of a one-sided trade
Hujjatullah Zia via Al Jazeera: Climate change is bringing about more devastation, forcing more Afghans to flee. Deportations from neighbouring countries will not stop them. Click here to read more (external link).
Michael Hughes: The caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, in his speech to the UN General Assembly in New York City said Islamabad aims to take action against terrorist threats emanating from Afghanistan, while in the same address accused India of “state terrorism.” The remarks come amid heightened tensions between the Taliban government and
8am: Burhanuddin Rabbani, the former leader of the Jamayat-E-Islami party, met his demise at the hands of a suicide bomber who allegedly concealed a bomb in his turban. At the time of his unfortunate death, Rabbani held the esteemed position of leading Afghanistan’s High Peace Council. He had also been a prominent figure within Afghanistan’s
Ruslan Suleymanov via carnegieendowment.org: The likely next step for Moscow is to officially remove the Taliban from Russia’s list of terrorist organizations and recognize the government in Kabul. But even those steps would be purely symbolic. They are unlikely to do much to deepen economic ties between the two countries. Click here to read more
8am: They [Taliban] seem willing to betray their own co-religionists for the sake of wealth and power, underscoring that their primary priorities are money and authority within the realm of political Islam. Click here to read more (external link).
8am: September 9th marks the anniversary of the assassination of Ahmad Shah Massoud, the charismatic leader of the resistance against the Taliban in the 1990s. With the resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan, Massoud’s legacy has gained renewed attention, underscoring the enduring relevance of his ideals. Discussing justice and equality in society serves as an