8am: In Ghazni, some women, and girls strongly criticize the Taliban for their dual standards towards local women, and foreign women visiting the province. They assert that the Taliban consistently tightened their strict restrictions on women in Ghazni province, while foreign women freely move around different parts of the province without any prohibitions, enjoying full freedom. According to them, the Taliban employ a double standard policy to whitewash and gain global legitimacy, while, in their view, all women within the “Islamic system territory” should have equal rights. Click here to read more (external link).
The Afghan women’s rights activist who says the world should talk to the Taliban
Mahbouba Seraj
NBC News: In August 2021, when U.S.-led forces were withdrawing from Afghanistan and evacuation flights were being overwhelmed by people desperate to leave with them, Mahbouba Seraj decided to stay. Seraj, 75, an Afghan-American women’s rights activist and founder of the nonprofit Afghan Women’s Network, had been in Afghanistan since 2003, when she moved back with a mission to help the country’s women and girls. More than 25 years earlier, Seraj — the niece of the country’s former king — had been forced into exile by Afghanistan’s Communist government, settling in the United States. Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News in Dari – January 1, 2024
Afghanistan beat South Africa by 47 runs in U19 tri-series
Ariana: Afghanistan Under-19 cricket team defeated hosts South Africa by 47 runs in the tri-nation tournament on Sunday. The U-19 tri-series in South Africa began on Friday when India defeated Afghanistan by 6 wickets. The next match of the series will be between India and South Africa on Tuesday. Click here to read more (external link).
India-Taliban Relations: Presence in Afghanistan Is Vital for Delhi
8am: India, which was considered one of the friendly countries of the opposition front of this group during the first rule of the Taliban, this time has not even allowed its old friends to stay and seek asylum. Instead, it has reopened its embassy in Taliban-controlled Kabul, albeit in a limited way. Additionally, by applying pressure and imposing restrictions, it has also closed the Afghan embassy in Delhi, so that it will eventually come under the control of the Taliban. This shift in India’s position and opening of a new chapter in its relations with the Taliban is not due to the change of the Taliban but is influenced by the situation of the Taliban opponents in Afghanistan and the general atmosphere of the world in favor of interaction with this group and more importantly, the political-security interests of Delhi. Click here to read more (external link).
Afghanistan Among World’s Most Dangerous Countries for Journalists: RSF
Tolo News: According to the RSF, Vietnam, Russia and Afghanistan are also among the world’s most dangerous countries for journalists. “Spying charges are also used against journalists in Afghanistan, where Mortaza Behboudi’s long-awaited release on 18 October 2023 underscored the dangers of journalism under the Taliban, who have been persecuting independent media ever since retaking power in August 2021,” the RSF said. Click here to read more (external link).
National Resistance Front Asserts: Two Taliban Fighters Reportedly Killed in Parwan Province
8am: The National Resistance Front of Afghanistan alleges that following an offensive by their forces on a Taliban military base in Parwan province, two Taliban fighters were killed, and two others sustained injuries. A credible source, choosing to remain anonymous, provided a videotape to Hasht-e Subh Daily, outlining that the attack transpired on the night of Saturday, December 30th, above a Taliban outpost in the “Pol-e Mullah Habib” region of the Sayed Khil district. Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News in Dari – December 31, 2023
Tajik and Pakistani nationals were involved in Daesh attacks in Afghanistan: acting defense minister
Yaqoob
Ariana: Acting Minister of Defense Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid said on Sunday that citizens of other countries, including Tajikistan and Pakistan, were involved in Daesh attacks that happened after the Islamic Emirate seized power in Afghanistan… “This (Daesh) project has no roots and results in Afghanistan. The designers and sponsors of this project should understand this fact. After the Islamic Emirate came to power, all the attacks on mosques, khanqahs, religious scholars and public gatherings in Afghanistan involved foreigners, especially Tajik nationals. Dozens of Tajik citizens have been killed as a result of the operation of our security forces, and dozens more have been captured alive,” Mujahid said. Click here to read more (external link).
Other Security News
Winter Tourism at Band-e-Amir Should Be Supported: Bamiyan Residents
Tolo News: Sayed Taqi, a cultural activist in Bamiyan said: “Tourists come for skiing, there is volleyball and football. When the water of Band-e-Amir freezes, it becomes very beautiful and people ski, play volleyball and football.” The view of white snow and cold winter air has given Band-e-Amir National Park a fresh and spectacular face. Click here to read more (external link).