Pakistan calls on other nations to press Afghanistan on removing terrorist groups, and honestly, the immediate reaction is a mix of incredulity and irony, isn’t it? It’s a sentiment echoed quite a bit when discussions about Pakistan’s stance on terrorism come up. The feeling is that Pakistan, a nation with a complex and, at times, troubling history regarding its relationship with various militant groups, is now asking other countries to address a problem they might have, in some views, contributed to.
This call for action is often met with the pointed question of “where was Pakistan when the US, and others, were trying to root out these very same groups?”… Continue reading
The State Department has come under fire from Republicans, including Representative Tim Burchett, following reports of a $45 million cash transfer to the Taliban in Afghanistan. Burchett, who introduced a bill to prevent U.S. tax dollars from reaching the Taliban, argues that despite previous assurances, funds have allegedly been used by the group. Concerns were previously raised by John Sopko, who admitted that he could not assure the House Oversight Committee that American taxpayers weren’t currently funding the Taliban. Burchett’s bill aims to address these issues by increasing oversight of funds sent to Afghanistan and other nations.
Read More
On Tuesday, the Taliban publicly executed a man in Khost stadium, convicted of murdering 13 members of a family, including children. This execution, the eleventh since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover, followed a death sentence approved by the Supreme Court and Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. The execution was carried out by a relative of the victims, who had rejected reconciliation. The UN condemned the execution, citing its cruelty and violation of international law, and highlighted concerns about due process within the Taliban’s justice system.
Read More
In Khost, Afghanistan, the Taliban executed a man in a public stadium on Tuesday for the murder of 13 family members, including several children, as affirmed by the Supreme Court. The execution, attended by tens of thousands, including the victims’ relatives, was the eleventh carried out since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover. This action has drawn criticism, with the U.N. Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan condemning public executions as inhumane and against international law. The Taliban’s enforcement of a strict interpretation of Sharia law includes such public executions, alongside restrictions on women and girls’ education and employment.
Read More
An inquiry into alleged unlawful killings by British SAS units in Afghanistan has heard accusations of a cover-up by former UK special forces directors and other senior military officers. A whistleblower, identified as N1466, reported concerns about extrajudicial shootings, including the deaths of children, as early as 2011, but claims the chain of command failed to intervene. The whistleblower alleged that the director suppressed information and ordered a review of tactics to avoid scrutiny, despite awareness of the underlying issues. Evidence suggests the killings continued into 2013, with N1466 citing concerns about planted weapons and executions of detainees.
Read More
Following the death of one National Guard member, charges against Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the man accused of shooting two soldiers, have been upgraded to first-degree murder. The incident, which occurred near the White House, resulted in Specialist Sarah Beckstrom’s death, while Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe remains in critical condition. Authorities are actively investigating the motive behind the shooting, with Lakanwal, an Afghan national, also facing assault with intent to kill charges. In response, the U.S. government has announced a pause on all asylum decisions.
Read More
DC shooting suspect worked for CIA in Afghanistan, drove across country before attack, officials say. It’s a pretty staggering headline, isn’t it? The core of the story, as it’s emerging, revolves around a man, reportedly a former CIA operative who had worked in Afghanistan, who is now the prime suspect in a shooting incident in Washington D.C. The fact that this individual drove across the country before the event is a significant detail, painting a picture of deliberate action and premeditation. It’s a complex situation with a lot of moving parts.
The immediate reaction, as you might expect, is one of shock and a need to understand how something like this could happen.… Continue reading
Following the shooting of two National Guard soldiers near the White House by an Afghan national, the US has halted all immigration requests from Afghanistan. The suspect, who entered the US in September 2021 under a program for Afghan refugees, had previously been granted asylum. In response, President Trump has stated the need to reassess all Afghan immigrants, and the Pentagon is deploying additional National Guard members to the capital. This action follows the implementation of a travel ban and the termination of a program offering deportation protections for Afghans.
Read More
In a recent development, the Taliban has implemented a new restriction in Herat, Afghanistan, mandating that all female patients, visitors, and medical staff wear burqas when entering public hospitals. This measure, which went into effect on November 5th, has raised concerns from international organizations regarding its impact on women’s access to healthcare. Doctors Without Borders has reported a decrease in female patient visits, while a resident has shared that the implementation of the law has led to financial burdens. This is the latest in a series of restrictions the Taliban has imposed since taking power in 2021.
Read More
Afghanistan’s cellphone and internet services have been shut down following a Taliban order, and it’s hard not to immediately think about the ramifications for the people there. It’s a significant blow, cutting off a vital lifeline in the modern world. Consider the impact this has on families, businesses, and anyone relying on communication. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about access to information, the ability to connect with loved ones, and the potential to participate in the global economy. The question of how people will maintain these connections, especially those needing to communicate with relatives abroad, is a very real one.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker