8am: The Taliban’s claims of economic self-sufficiency and reduced narcotics production are superficial, short-term achievements designed to preserve the power of the ruling elite. In contrast, the people of Afghanistan face polluted villages, generations of illness, widespread poverty, suppression of women, and destruction of prospects for sustainable development. Click here to read more (external link).
8am: The inauguration of a major hospital in Kabul could have been a positive development in itself, especially under a regime whose name is synonymous with violence, bloodshed, and a detachment from public service. Yet, by omitting Persian from the hospital’s signage, the Taliban turned what should have been a celebrated moment into a source
Amu: US Senator Rand Paul said on Thursday that proposed legislation would claw back $631 million earmarked for Afghanistan reconstruction and permanently block US taxpayer money from reaching the Taliban. “If H.R. 260 becomes law, $631 million meant for Afghanistan reconstruction will be clawed back to the Treasury,” Paul said in a statement, adding that
Afghanistan International: Sher Ali Hamad made the comments at a funeral in Guldara district for a man identified as Ayoub, also known as Zakir. In his speech, Hamad described the political systems of Central Asian states and Pakistan as “parliamentary and infidel,” and called for the overthrow of those governments to establish Islamic rule. He
By Freshta Shikhany Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty January 28, 2026 The bombing earlier this month on a Chinese hotel restaurant in Kabul, claimed by a regional affiliate of the Islamic State extremist group, has raised new questions about the its operations in Taliban-run Afghanistan and what analysts say is an emerging campaign targeting Chinese citizens. The January
Amu: Pakistan’s defense minister said internal divisions within the Taliban have contributed to Pakistan’s deteriorating security situation and regional instability, adding that the Taliban have failed to provide Islamabad with concrete assurances on curbing militancy. Khawaja Muhammad Asif said the Taliban were split into rival factions based in Kabul and Kandahar, with differing approaches to
Afghanistan International: Afghanistan International has previously published investigations and video confessions showing Taliban members’ involvement in targeted extrajudicial killings in several provinces. Human rights organisations have reported bodies found in eastern regions, disappearances of young men in northern Kabul, killings of Ismailis for religious reasons and systematic targeting of former Afghan security personnel. Click here
Afghanistan International: The Taliban’s Ministry of Justice said Wednesday that all legislative documents issued by the group are based on Islamic law and warned that objections to those laws would be considered a crime. Afghan and international civil society activists have criticised the penal code, saying it legitimises practices such as slavery, domestic violence and
8am: In several areas of Herat, residents speak of widespread extortion by local strongmen who exploit humanitarian aid and charity programs. According to residents, these strongmen demand a share from each family in return for introducing needy and eligible households to aid organizations. Those who refuse to pay are excluded from beneficiary lists and denied
Amu: Afghanistan’s former vice president Amrullah Saleh said on Tuesday that the United States transferred tens of millions of dollars in cash to the Taliban this month, an allegation that neither US nor Taliban officials have publicly confirmed. Saleh said in a post on X that the United States handed over $45 million in cash