Bulletin world briefing: Iran’s president calls for end of war after Trump threats Here are five stories from across the globe you may have missed The Independent UK · Aug 21
UN staffers held in Afghanistan released by Taliban after more than a week IN FULL The Independent UK · Aug 21
Taliban free two UN staff members detained in Afghanistan UN says they are relieved their staffers are in good health and face no legal issues The Independent UK · Aug 21
ICC separates Taliban probe from US case as Afghan women's fate stays uncertain ICC judges reportedly ordered prosecutors to open a standalone investigation into Taliban persecution of women, separating it from the probe that also covered alleged US crimes in Afghanistan. Afghan rights advocates warned the split risked undermining comprehensive justice. Euronews · Aug 20
Meet Afghanistan’s last midwives: The women saving babies’ lives in defiance of Taliban rules IN FOCUS: One of the last remaining midwifery trainers in Afghanistan describes some of the nightmares facing women in labour after a Taliban ban. Arpan Rai reports The Independent UK · Aug 20
Kashmir Hangul Deer Is Critically Endangered: The Conservation Crisis India Cannot Afford to Ignore A Species Reduced to a Single ValleyThe Hangul (Cervus hanglu hanglu) is the only surviving subspecies of the Kashmir stag, a large deer whose antlers can carry up to sixteen tines, more than almost any cervid on the subcontinent. It once ranged across the forests of Himachal Pradesh, parts of… Times Life · Aug 20
Afghan farmers turn their grapes into raisins after border closures slash fruit exports to Pakistan Sporadic fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan has left the border between the countries closed to trade The Independent UK · Aug 19
The Taliban has brought Afghanistan close to collapse, but resistance is growing Five years after returning to power in Afghanistan, the Taliban’s rule remains as ultra-extremist as ever. The Conversation · Aug 18
Underground Schools Keep Afghan Girls Learning in Defiance of Taliban Education Ban Afghan women are defying the Taliban's education ban by running secret schools for girls, preserving access to education and resisting oppressive policies despite international diplomatic engagement with the Taliban. International Business Times UK · Aug 17
Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will one day reintegrate into India: Baba Ramdev Yoga guru Ramdev said Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan would eventually “reintegrate” with India and urged patience. He also said no major religion was under threat in India, while calling for stronger national unity and opposing religious conversions. The Economic Times · Aug 17
25 Years in Afghanistan review – the extraordinary life of an optimist Mir Hussain has been followed by TV cameras since he was a child, and managed to deliver love and laughter alongside his struggle. Now his previous Bafta-winning documentary gets an update The Guardian - UK · Aug 17
Fury erupts at Fox host who blasted ‘weak’ sailors on USS Abraham Lincoln: ‘Put him on that ship’ The former Marine Corps staff sergeant compared the carrier crew’s living conditions to his own deployment in Afghanistan The Independent UK · Aug 16
Taliban mark five-year anniversary of regaining power in Afghanistan Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the former US embassy, with flowers thrown down from military helicopters. Critics of the Taliban, however, fear worsening human rights abuses. Euronews · Aug 16
TV tonight: a remarkable Bafta-winning film gets a vital update The story of Mir Hussein in Afghanistan, who cameras have now followed for 25 years. Plus: a comedy from the director of Colin from Accounts. Here’s what to watch this evening The Guardian - UK · Aug 16
The Guardian - UK · Aug 15 Kabul review – this thriller about Afghanistan’s abandonment is every bit as gripping as it is horrifying This tense, powerful six-parter starkly captures the nation’s slide into oppressive terror. Its capturing of a shameful moment in history is hugely vivid
The Economic Times · Aug 15 While Taliban leaders mark 5 years in power in Afghanistan, UN official warns of rights crisis Taliban rulers marked five years in power, citing stability after decades of upheaval. A UN official warned of a grave human rights crisis, especially for girls denied education. The Taliban administration imposed severe restrictions on women's rights and freedoms. Despite claims of security and infrastructure improvements, international isolation persists for…
Bangkok Post · Aug 15 Afghan writer pleads for country’s ‘abandoned’ women LONDON - Afghanistan’s women are “fighting alone” against discrimination by the Taliban authorities and feel abandoned by the world, sauys Afghan journalist Zahra Joya.
The Economic Times · Aug 15 Five years of Taliban rule: Survival is not the same as stability The Taliban has maintained control of Afghanistan for five years. Mounting domestic pressures include poverty and refugee returns. Internal factionalism and security strains also challenge the regime. External engagements have expanded, though Pakistan relations have worsened. India pursues calibrated engagement with humanitarian support and strategic patience.
Bangkok Post · Aug 15 Taliban mark five years in power in Afghanistan KABUL - The Taliban marked five years in power in Afghanistan on Saturday, seeking to portray their government as in control even as aid and rights groups warned of escalating crises.
The Independent UK · Aug 15 While Taliban leaders mark 5 years in power in Afghanistan, a UN official warns of a rights crisis Taliban rulers have celebrated the fifth anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan
Radio France Internationale · Aug 15 Five years into Taliban rule, Afghanistan seeks to ease international isolation In the five years since the Taliban seized back power in Afghanistan, the country's worsening human rights record has drawn sanctions and aid cuts. But despite refusing to officially recognise the fundamentalist movement's government, some countries are concluding that engaging with the Taliban has become unavoidable.
France 24 · Aug 15 'Suffocating restrictions' shadow five years of Taliban rule in Afghanistan Five years after seizing Kabul and returning to power, the Taliban is celebrating what it calls a more secure and "free" Afghanistan. But its anniversary comes amid mounting criticism over sweeping restrictions on women and girls, economic hardship and continued international isolation.
The Guardian - UK · Aug 15 Five years into Taliban rule, Afghanistan plunges into a state of collapse – visualised The stark figures show that since the hardliners seized power in 2021, women have been erased from public life, poverty is forcing hopeless families to marry off their daughters and healthcare is on the brink of failure
The Guardian - UK · Aug 15 I feel guilt talking to those left behind in Afghanistan. While I enjoy freedom, they are prisoners Five years since the Taliban returned to power, life – especially for women – is merciless and suffocating, says Afghan-British journalist Nelufar Hedayat
The Guardian - UK · Aug 15 Concerns grow over increased global ties with Taliban in Afghanistan Campaigners fear deeper diplomatic contacts are undermining demands for improvements in human rights