Ariana: The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has closed 12 media outlets – both public and private – in seven provinces this year, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has said. Eleven television stations and one radio station have been forced to completely cease their activities, while three radio stations were closed temporarily before they were allowed to resume operations on the condition that they agreed to stop broadcasting music, RSF said in a statement. Click here to read more (external link).
Who Will Win the Power Struggle: Akhundzada or Haqqani?
Haqqani (left) and Akhundzada
8am: The assassination of Khalil-ur-Rahman Haqqani, the Taliban’s Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, signals that the power struggle between Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Supreme Leader of the Taliban, and Sirajuddin Haqqani, the group’s Minister of Interior and the head of the Haqqani Network, has entered a new phase. This phase seems unlikely to be confined to verbal tensions alone. The power struggle has intensified to the point where the solution appears to lie in the physical elimination of rivals rather than mere rhetoric. If Sirajuddin Haqqani’s uncle was indeed assassinated as part of this power struggle an interpretation supported by certain signs. We can expect a response from the Haqqani Network, which is far more adept at assassination and suicide bombings than other Taliban factions. The Haqqani Network has yet to unleash its full terrorist potential against its adversary. If Mullah Hibatullah, as reported by an Indian media outlet, intends to remove Sirajuddin Haqqani from his position, the coming weeks and months could witness an escalation in the power struggle, potentially culminating in a confrontation. In this brief analysis, I aim to examine the strengths and weaknesses of both sides in this long-standing power struggle and assess which faction possesses greater power and resources to prevail over the other. Click here to read more (external link).
Three Senior Commanders Close To Mullah Hibatullah On ISIS’ Radar
Afghanistan International: After the assassination of Taliban leader Khalil Haqqani, Abdul Ahad Talib, commander of his special forces; Mullah Shirin, the governor of Kandahar, and Yousuf Wafa, the governor of Balkh, have been asked to pay attention to their security. Reliable sources in Kandahar told Afghanistan International that the Taliban leader has asked them to improve their security to prevent possible attacks. Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News in Dari – December 19, 2024
Afghanistan crush Zimbabwe by 232 runs in second ODI
Ariana: Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe by 232 runs in the second ODI on Thursday to secure a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. This was the second match of the ODI series between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. The first was abandoned due to rain. The third and final game of the series will be played on Saturday. Click here to read more (external link).
Two Traffic Accidents in Ghazni Leave 52 Dead and 70 Injured
Tolo News: Following two deadly traffic accidents in Ghazni province, 52 people have died, and 70 others have been injured. Local officials in Ghazni report that the first incident occurred at 10 PM last night in the Shahbaz area of Ghazni city, and the second incident took place half an hour later in the Nani area of Andar district in the same province. Both incidents resulted from collisions between 580-type passenger vehicles and fuel tankers or trailers. Click here to read more (external link).
Related
Jolani: Syria won’t be like Afghanistan
Jolani
Khaama: Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the leader of Syria, recently stated in an interview that he believes in women’s freedom and education and will not let Syria become like Afghanistan. In his interview with BBC World Service on Wednesday, December 18, Jolani emphasized that Syria differs from Afghanistan, where women’s education is heavily restricted. He clarified that he does not intend to impose similar bans in Syria. Jolani highlighted that Afghanistan has a “tribal” structure, while Syria is characterized by diverse and pluralistic mindsets. So far, the Taliban officials have not responded to Jolani’s remarks about Afghanistan being a “tribal” and backward society. Click here to read more (external link).
Related
We Are Engaging With Taliban To Advance US Interests, Says US State Department
Afghanistan International: A US State Department spokesperson said that Washington has the ability to engage with “designated terrorist groups” to advance US interests. Matthew Miller said that the US has engaged with various groups, including the Taliban and Tahrir al-Sham, to advance its interests. Click here to read more (external link).
The Fall of Bashar al-Assad May Not Be Good News for the Taliban
The Diplomat: The fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad marks a turning point not only for Syria but also for Islamist movements worldwide. For the Taliban, this moment is bittersweet. While the collapse of a rival regime offers a symbolic victory, the rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) poses a direct ideological and strategic challenge. HTS’s promises of inclusivity, tolerance of minorities, and democratic reform highlight the Taliban’s regressive policies and authoritarianism. Moreover, the Syrian rebels’ victory could inspire opposition movements within Afghanistan and embolden moderate Taliban officials to push back against their leader’s hardline rule. Click here to read more (external link).