Taliban fighters (file photo)
1TV: Taliban will never agree to possible delay in US withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan which is scheduled to be completed by May 1 as per the deal, according to the spokesman of the group. Zabihullah Mujahid told Germany’s DPA news agency that NATO and US must understand that implementing the deal is the only solution to the current crisis in Afghanistan. Click here to read more (external link).
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A barber in the Afghan capital, Kabul, has installed a small library in a corner of his shop. Assadullah says he dropped out of school early, but is encouraging other people to read as much as possible in a country where literacy levels remain low. The library has over 300 books and he’s offering a discount to customers who read while waiting for their turn in the barber’s chair.
Tolo News: Afghan women’s one-day taekwondo open competitions in Kabul ended with the victory of the Abrishom Dorakhshan team on Sunday. 50 female taekwondo athletes in multiple weight-categories participated. Nargis Hussaini was selected as “the top athlete,” while Nematullah Habibi was picked as “top coach.” Click here to read more (external link).
Ariana: The Afghan Office of the National Security Council (NSC) said Sunday that the US-Taliban deal, which was signed in Doha last year did not lead to ending the bloodshed in the war-weary country. Click here to read more (external link).
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Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
February 21, 2021
A blast targeting a police vehicle has killed at least two people and wounded at least five others in the Afghan capital, Kabul.
Police said the explosion happened near Baraqi Square, a busy intersection in Kabul’s fourth district at around 4:30 p.m.
The dead include the driver of the police car and a child who was standing nearby. Women and children are among the bystanders who were wounded.
No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Authorities have blamed the fundamentalist Taliban militia for an upsurge in similar, unclaimed attacks as frustrations mount over a stalemate in inter-Afghan talks to end two decades of war.
The peace talks, in Doha between the central Afghan government and the Taliban, have made little progress since beginning in the late summer.
The negotiations could pave the way for possible further reductions in international troop numbers in Afghanistan.
NATO postponed a final decision on whether or when to withdraw troops from Afghanistan during a virtual meeting of alliance defense ministers on February 18.
The meeting came as President Joe Biden’s administration is reviewing a U.S.-Taliban deal to determine if the militant group is meeting its commitments, including reaching a cease-fire and engaging in meaningful negotiations with the Afghan government.
Under the deal, all foreign forces are to leave Afghanistan by May in exchange for security guarantees from the militant group, such as severing ties with Al-Qaeda.
Kabul has seen an increase in recent months in the use of so-called sticky bombs — magnetically attached to a vehicle — and targeted bombings.
At least three mine explosions were reported in Kabul alone on February 20, killing at least four people and injuring two more.
Based on reporting by Radio Free Afghanistan, AP, and AFP
Ariana: According to the Ministry, cases of officials charged with corruption and extortion of truck drivers on highways have been referred to the Attorney General’s Office for further investigation. The move followed a three-week strike by truck drivers over the corruption allegations. Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News: In this league, Afghan cricket sensation Rashid Khan is part of the Lahore Qalandars team and it is his first presence in the event. All-rounder Mohammad Nabi and Noor Ahmad have joined Karachi Kings, spin bowler Mujeeb Zadran is competing in Peshawar Zalmay and Qais Ahmad is part of Quetta Gladiators team. Click here to read more (external link).
Ghani
Ariana: President Ashraf Ghani said during a phone conversation with Afghan soldiers on Saturday morning that Taliban will not get an interim government in Afghanistan. Ghani said that he is ready for Taliban’s threats. “As long as I am alive, they will not see the face of an interim government,” said Ghani. Click here to read more (external link).
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