Khaama: Officials from the Mental Health Department of the Herat Regional Hospital have reported a concerning increase in the number of women suffering from mental illnesses. According to the report, at least eighty per cent of those seeking help at the Herat Psychotherapy Hospital are women and girls. According to a United Nations report, since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, women in Afghanistan have been grappling with deep and increasing psychological issues. With the Taliban’s return to power, women face widespread restrictions. Girls are prevented from attending schools and universities, and women are barred from working. Since the Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan, they have prohibited girls from attending school beyond the sixth grade. This restriction has contributed to mental health issues among young girls, leaving them with a bleak future. Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News in Dari – May 17, 2024
Tehran, Kabul to ditch US dollar in bilateral trade
Tehran Times: The deputy governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) said that talks are ongoing between the two countries for the implementation of “offshore rial’ in Afghanistan. Mohsen Karimi pointed out that ‘offshore rial’ is used with the aim of supporting the economic activists and exporters of the private sector of the country. The project of ditching the US dollar and using rial in foreign trade exchanges has always been followed up by the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to neutralize sanctions, he underlined. Click here to read more (external link).
Afghans and Tajiks mix in rare but vital border bazaar
AFP: For Afghans living under Taliban rule, a Saturday market is a rare chance to cross the border into neighbouring Tajikistan and pick up food and household goods. The popular bazaar in the small town of Kalai-Khumb — about six hours’ drive east from the Tajik capital Dushanbe — has reopened after being shut down after the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan in 2021. Tajikistan, which shares a winding 1,350-kilometre (840 mile) border with Afghanistan, designates the Taliban a terrorist organisation. Click here to read more (external link).
Taliban & Pakistani Border Guards Clash In Dand Wa Patan District of Paktia
Afghanistan International: Sources informed Afghanistan International that on Wednesday, the Taliban and Pakistani border forces clashed in the Dand Wa Patan district of Paktia province. According to the sources, the reason for the conflict was the construction of an outpost by Pakistani forces at the zero point between the two countries. Audio recordings obtained by Afghanistan International reveal relatively intense gunfire between the Taliban and Pakistani border forces. Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News in Dari – May 16, 2024
US contractors and former Afghan officials buy million-dollar properties in Dubai
Khaama: After the fall of the Taliban in 2001, the United States poured billions of dollars into Afghanistan for reconstruction efforts. However, many U.S. contractors and former Afghan officials were accused of misusing these funds. Today, some contractors and former officials own luxury properties in Dubai. An investigative journalism organization has released a list revealing the assets of hundreds of current and former government officials and institutions from various countries in Dubai. This list, compiled from leaked information, includes names of ten individuals from Afghanistan, primarily consisting of former government officials or their relatives. Click here to read more (external link).
Flood Catastrophe and Citizen Desperation: Taliban Observe Flood Victims from Above
Baradar
8am: The provinces of Baghlan, Ghor, Badakhshan, and Herat have faced devastating floods, resulting in significant human casualties and extensive financial losses. Flood victims and some citizens of the country accuse the Taliban of mishandling natural disaster victims. They claim that this group lacks the ability and knowledge to manage and provide services, holding the country “hostage” and treating people with discrimination and bias. Click here to read more (external link).
Former Official Who Returned to Afghanistan at Taliban’s Invitation Forced to Flee Again
Haji Ghalib Mujahid (photo by RFE/RL)
Afghanistan International: Ghalib Mujahid, the former district governor of Bihsud in Nangarhar province, said that he returned to Afghanistan at the invitation of the Taliban’s Commission for Contact with Afghan Personalities, but after being harassed by the group, he was forced to migrate again. He told Afghanistan International that after returning to Kabul, he survived four assassination attempts. This former official said, “The Taliban should abandon their vindictive behaviour, conspiracies, and bullying, and adhere to the general amnesty.” He mentioned that Taliban leaders have announced a general amnesty, but the group’s commanders do not believe in it. Click here to read more (external link).
Taliban Helicopter Crash Results in Multiple Deaths & Injuries
Afghanistan International: Sources told Afghanistan International that a Taliban helicopter crashed into the Firozkoh-Harirud river, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. The helicopter was reportedly on the way to Ghor province to rescue two people who had drowned in the river. The Taliban are currently “gathering information about this incident” and have not yet made an official comment. Click here to read more (external link).