Taliban bringing water to Afghanistan’s parched plains via massive canal
WP: The canal project was initially conceived in the 1970s under the first Afghan president, Mohammed Daoud Khan, and construction finally began in 2021 under the last, Ashraf Ghani. Click here to read more (external link).
Beggars’ Independence Day
Taliban militants (file photo)
8am: The word “independence” has been degraded in Afghanistan and has become meaningless due to the current situation. While independence is a noble and admirable concept, it is absurd for individuals who are deeply entrenched in poverty, particularly a group that has been historically mercenary, to speak of it. Presently, the Taliban’s rule is sustained by substantial financial aid, amounting to millions of dollars per week, flowing from the United States and other countries. Click here to read more (external link).
Triumphant Victory: Mohsen Rezaei Claims Gold at World Taekwondo Festival
8am: In a display of impressive skill and unwavering determination, Afghan taekwondo athlete Mohsen Rezaei has emerged as the victor in the final match of the World Taekwondo Festival, triumphing over Mehdi Khavari and securing the coveted gold medal. The final match of this prestigious competition took place on Sunday, August 19th, culminating in Rezaei’s victory with a score of two to one. Click here to read more (external link).
‘My goals in life vanished’: Afghan students rocked by US visa denials
The Guardian (UK): Yalda Azamee blinked back tears as she stared down at the American consular officer. “He did not even give me a chance to explain myself; he rejected me right away. He didn’t even look at my documents,” she said, rushing out of the US embassy building on to the streets of Islamabad to cry. It was the second time her application for a US student visa had been rejected. To get a student visa, applicants like Yalda need to prove that they do not intend to immigrate to the United States. The consular officer needs to believe that the applicant will leave the United States after graduation. Click here to read more (external link).
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Tolo News in Dari – August 19, 2023
Taliban marks 104th anniversary of Afghanistan’s independence from Britain
King Amanullah Khan
Ariana: The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) [Taliban] in a statement on Saturday congratulated the nation on the occasion of 104th anniversary of independence from Britain and emphasized on healthy relations with countries in the region and the world based on Islamic Sharia. The statement said that the nation of Afghanistan considers it a “great honor” that it has driven out three empires from its soil in a century. Click here to read more (external link).
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Consequence of Taliban’s Ban on Girls’ Education: Some Students Have Accepted Forced Marriage
8am: The resurgence of the Taliban into power is a terrifying nightmare for Afghan girls and women, who saw their two-decade-long dreams of freedom and equality crumble overnight; to the extent that their basic and modest rights, notably education, have transformed into unattainable fantasies. Click here to read more (external link).
Health Consequences of Taliban Restrictions: Only 10% of Afghan Women Have Normal Mental State
8am: The findings of a study indicate that Taliban restrictions have subjected women to intensified pressures and various psychological problems. Over 320 women in 20 provinces were interviewed in this report, with more than 60% of them experiencing feelings of depression. According to the report, the mental health of 25% has been described as poor, while only 10% of women consider their mental state as normal. Based on the research findings, 70% of women have experienced various forms of violence, including physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. Click here to read more (external link).
Kunduz health officials report 28 cases of Congo fever, and 3 dead
Ariana: Kunduz Public Health Department says this year 28 cases of Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever have been recorded in the province, of which three people have died. Najibullah Sahil, Kunduz Public Health Director, said they activated a special department for the treatment of Congo fever at the infectious diseases hospital. Click here to read more (external link).