Akhundzada vs. Haqqani: Akhundzada Tells Taliban, “Kabul Is Not the Place for Your Demands—Come to Kandahar”
Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada
8am: Over the past three years, numerous reports have highlighted tensions between Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban Supreme Leader, and Sirajuddin Haqqani, the group’s Interior Minister. Recently, Hasht-e Subh Daily obtained information indicating that Akhundzada summoned several local Taliban commanders from various provinces and warned them about their loyalty to Haqqani. Akhundzada reportedly told some of these commanders that they should go to Kandahar rather than Kabul if they sought positions and privileges. Click here to read more (external link).
Kunduz Workers and Tradespeople Face Taliban Oppression and Unemployment
8am: Farhad, a pushcart vendor, explained, “People don’t have money to buy things. Every morning, we leave home hoping for work, but there are fewer customers now. On top of that, the Taliban don’t let us work freely, and we’re forced to pay them bribes.” Shopkeepers in Kunduz are also grappling with reduced consumer spending power and the burden of unofficial taxes imposed by the Taliban. They report being required to pay substantial taxes, sometimes in advance. Rising prices, driven by increased taxes and customs duties, have worsened the situation, leaving shopkeepers unable to control costs. Click here to read more (external link).
As Afghan School Year Ends, So Do Girls’ Dreams
As the academic year ends in Afghanistan, students are saying goodbye to their teachers and classmates. But for girls as young as 11, it’s the end of their education altogether, due to the Taliban’s prohibition on girls studying after the sixth grade. One top student, whose identity has been concealed for her safety, told RFE/RL’s Radio Azadi that she was giving up her dreams of becoming a doctor as she tearfully left school for the last time.
Tolo News in Dari – December 15, 2024
Funeral for Taliban minister highlights divisions and tensions
Khalil Haqqani
Amu: The funeral for Khalil Rahman Haqqani, the Taliban’s minister of refugees and a key figure in the Haqqani network, has drawn attention for its opulence, high-profile attendees, and political undertones, raising questions about unity within the Taliban leadership. Observers suggest the gathering was intended to project a united front amid growing speculation of divisions within the Taliban leadership. However, the ostentatious display of wealth and the visible presence of armed Taliban guards at the event have sparked further scrutiny of internal dynamics and security concerns. Click here to read more (external link).
Kabul Residents Call for Serious Action on Air Pollution
Tolo News: Abdul Qader, a Kabul resident, said: “Our request to the government is to lower the price of firewood so that people can use it. Air pollution causes illnesses in both children and adults.”.Ahmad Jawad, another Kabul resident, stated:”People in Afghanistan cannot afford to buy firewood, so they burn plastic and tires instead.” Click here to read more (external link).
Afghan Man Sentenced To 30 Years In US Prison For Drug Trafficking & Financing Taliban
Afghanistan International: The US Department of Justice announced that it has sentenced Abdul Sattar Barakzai, 59, to 30 years in prison for “participating in narcoterrorism for the benefit of the Taliban and the Haqqani Network.” Barakzai is also charged with importing heroin into New York and forging documents. He was found guilty after a two-week trial that ended in August. Click here to read more (external link).
Taliban Arrests 2 Employees Of Refugees Ministry For Involvement In Haqqani Assassination
Khalil Haqqani
Afghanistan International: Reliable sources in Kabul have informed Afghanistan International that the Taliban’s intelligence agency has arrested two employees of the Ministry of Refugees on charges of involvement in the assassination of Khalil-ur-Rahman Haqqani, the Taliban’s Minister of Refugees. No further details regarding the identities of the arrested individuals have been disclosed. Click here to read more (external link).