Violence in the Mideast, rising threats from Islamic State group in Afghanistan pressure US, allies

BY LOLITA C. BALDOR

Associated Press

Updated 1:03 PM EST, March 7, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Exploding violence in the Middle East, fueled by Iran, presents the most likely threat to the U.S. homeland, and the risk of an attack by violent extremists in Afghanistan on American and Western interests abroad is increasing, the top U.S. commander for the region told a Senate committee Thursday.

Army Gen. Erik Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command, said the Islamic State group’s Khorasan affiliates in Afghanistan and Syria “retain the capability and the will” to attack and could strike “in as little as six months and with little to no warning.” Such an attack would be more likely against the U.S. and its allies in Europe, and it will take “substantially more resources” to hit the U.S. homeland.

Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Kurilla painted a dire picture of violence in the Middle East region in the wake of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people and took 250 others hostage. That assault and Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, has fueled attacks by Iran-backed militant groups in Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq and Syria, threatening maritime traffic in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and targeting U.S. bases and troops across the region.

In response, the U.S. has retaliated with a handful of strikes in Iraq and Syria, and a persistent campaign of attacks against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.

This is a locator map for Afghanistan with its capital, Kabul. (AP Photo)

Asked by Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., about U.S. military surveillance over Afghanistan, Kurilla acknowledged that the U.S. has had to divert intelligence and reconnaissance assets from that region to Iraq, Syria and Yemen to better protect troops and ships under attack.

Kurilla said Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who have been launching nearly daily attacks against ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, have not been deterred by American and allied retaliation. But he said the Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria have been deterred and that it’s been a month since they last launched an attack.

Iran, however, has continued to fund and equip the groups in Iraq and Syria, even though their attacks have stopped, at least temporarily, he said.

“The events of seven October not only permanently changed Israel and Gaza — it created the conditions for malign actors to sow instability throughout the region and beyond,” said Kurilla. “Iran exploited what they saw as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the Middle East to their advantage.”

Senators quizzed Kurilla on why the U.S. hasn’t taken stronger action against Iran, including against Iranian ships that are delivering weapons, intelligence and supplies to militias.

“Why are we not sinking those Iranian ships if there’s an Iranian spy ship providing targeting information,” asked Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska.

Kurilla said deterring Iran requires more than a military solution but said he could provide more details in a closed session.

In other comments, he said the U.S. has been using directed energy weapons to shoot down drones but could use more of those so the Navy doesn’t have to use large, expensive missiles to take out the smaller threats.

 

Violence in the Mideast, rising threats from Islamic State group in Afghanistan pressure US, allies
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Corruption Ended in Government, Private in Institutions: Anwar

He also said that since the power regain by the coming of the Islamic Emirate, national unity in the country has been ensured.

The head of the general directorate of the Islamic Emirate in Administrative Affairs, said that corruption has ended in all government administrations.

Speaking at the results announcement program of the Qur’an memorization and recitation competitions today (Thursday), Noor-ul-haq called on officials of private and government institutions to pay attention to the demands of the country’s citizens.

He also said that since the power regain by the coming of the Islamic Emirate, national unity in the country has been ensured.

Anwar said, “We see that corruption has been eliminated in every sector, and a healthy competitive environment has emerged.”

The organizers of this competitive program said that it was held by the Deputy Ministry of Islamic Education of the Education ministry in six provinces of the country.

“I expect the Ministry of Education, the directorate of administrative affairs, and the Arg to pay deep attention to Quran studies,” Mobin Shah Ramzi, the organizer of this competition, said.

Meanwhile, some students who participated in this program have asked the Islamic Emirate to also pay attention to modern sciences beside the religious studies.

“Just as programs have been created for religious sciences, we ask the Islamic Emirate to implement competitive and motivational programs, as has been done; but it should be increased,” Aref, a student said.

This competitive program was held among more than 2,000 Qur’an memorizers in six provinces of the country, where the top three positions were honored in today’s program.

Corruption Ended in Government, Private in Institutions: Anwar
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Afghanistan Recognition, Role of Special Envoy on UN Agenda: Otunbayeva

Roza Otunbayeva stated that they expect to maintain the issue of recognition and the role of the special envoy for Afghanistan in the third Doha meeting.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan says that the issue of recognition and the role of the special envoy to Afghanistan are on their agenda.

After the conclusion of the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva stated in a press conference that they expect to maintain the issue of recognition and the role of the special envoy for Afghanistan in the third Doha meeting.

Roza Otunbayeva, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan, believes that the third Doha meeting on Afghanistan is scheduled to be held in June.

“We are approaching another Doha meeting in the future, and I hope to maintain the issue of recognition and the role of the special envoy, which is now on the agenda. This is exactly to work on this unity,” said Roza Otunbayeva.

However, at last night’s (Wednesday) UN Security Council meeting, some members emphasized positive international engagement with the Islamic Emirate. The representatives of Russia and China at this meeting consider constructive engagement with the interim government authorities as the only solution to the current problems in Afghanistan.

“We have consistently emphasized that there is no alternative to a comprehensive approach to Afghanistan. This approach, based on an objective analysis and accurate assessment of the situation and prospects for resolving the issue of Afghanistan, includes constructive engagement within the international community itself,” said Anna Evstigneeva, Deputy Representative of Russia to the UN.

“The international community should gradually, through patient communication with Afghan authorities, increase their understanding and trust in the outside world, and Afghan authorities, in response to international expectations, should adopt more effective initiatives, create favorable conditions for dialogue and interaction, and also avoid assumptions and imposing programs on Afghanistan,” said Geng Shuang, Deputy Permanent Representative of China to the UN.

Human rights issues, one of the main agendas of this meeting, were also emphasized by some members of the Security Council and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for the full observance of the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.

“Many women are currently afraid to move in public places. I take this opportunity to call again on the de facto authorities to reverse these restrictions. The longer these restrictions on women and girls continue, the more damage will be done,” stated Roza Otunbayeva.

“The Taliban are also detaining women who are not legally required to wear a hijab. The United States is working with Afghan women to be ready for the day when they can fully participate in society,” said Robert Wood, Deputy Permanent Representative of the USA to the UN.

“We emphasize that any future international action or engagement with the Taliban must maintain Afghanistan’s international obligations regarding combating terrorism, human rights, especially the rights of women and girls, as a conditional component,” said Naseer Ahmad Faiq, Acting Head of the Afghan seat at the UN.

However, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN claims that terrorist organizations in Afghanistan pose a security threat to its neighbors. Munir Akram says that combating terrorism must be a condition for engagement with the interim Afghan government.

“Terrorism from within Afghanistan poses the most serious impediment to normalization in Afghanistan. The terrorist organizations present there, pose security threat to each of Afghanistan’s immediate neighbors. Counter terrorism must be the highest priority in any future roadmap for engagement with the interim Afghan government,” stated Munir Akram.

Previously, the UN Security Council had held several meetings on the situation in Afghanistan, but according to experts, these meetings have not yet resulted in a positive outcome in resolving Afghanistan’s fundamental issues.

Afghanistan Recognition, Role of Special Envoy on UN Agenda: Otunbayeva
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US Calls on Kabul to Lift Ban on Girls’ Education

“We ask the Islamic Emirate to reopen schools for us so that we can get educated and serve our country,” Hadia told TOLOnews.

As the new academic year approaches, the US State Department has reiterated its call for the Islamic Emirate to lift the ban on girls’ education.

At a press briefing, Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the department, highlighted the impending “sad anniversary” for Afghan schoolgirls, and advocated for their right to return to school.

“We’re of course aware that this sad anniversary is coming up, and we have made it clear that girls should never have been blocked from going to school in the first place. Advancing respect for the rights of Afghan women and girls is critical to our efforts in Afghanistan. At every opportunity we urge the Taliban to allow girls to return to school, respect the rights of all Afghans, and reverse their discriminatory decrees on women and girls,” Miller noted.

Amid these calls for change, several female students have once again voiced their plea to the Islamic Emirate, seeking the restoration of their right to education.

Among them is 16-year-old Hadia, who has been deprived of her education for three years. Living with the fear of what her future holds, Hadia asked the government to restore their basic rights and allow them to return to school.

“We ask the Islamic Emirate to reopen schools for us so that we can get educated and serve our country,” Hadia told TOLOnews.

“We have fallen far behind our neighboring countries, and the reason for that is the low level of literacy,” Roita, another student told TOLOnews reporter.

The Islamic Emirate has yet to react to these remarks by the US State Department’s spokesperson; however, it has previously said that the right to education for girls is not being denied, noting that efforts are underway to address the issue.

This situation unfolds as it marks 900 days since the closure of schools for girls beyond the sixth grade in Afghanistan.

US Calls on Kabul to Lift Ban on Girls’ Education
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Afghanistan Recognition, Role of Special Envoy on UN Agenda: Otunbayeva

Roza Otunbayeva stated that they expect to maintain the issue of recognition and the role of the special envoy for Afghanistan in the third Doha meeting.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan says that the issue of recognition and the role of the special envoy to Afghanistan are on their agenda.

After the conclusion of the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva stated in a press conference that they expect to maintain the issue of recognition and the role of the special envoy for Afghanistan in the third Doha meeting.

Roza Otunbayeva, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan, believes that the third Doha meeting on Afghanistan is scheduled to be held in June.

“We are approaching another Doha meeting in the future, and I hope to maintain the issue of recognition and the role of the special envoy, which is now on the agenda. This is exactly to work on this unity,” said Roza Otunbayeva.

However, at last night’s (Wednesday) UN Security Council meeting, some members emphasized positive international engagement with the Islamic Emirate. The representatives of Russia and China at this meeting consider constructive engagement with the interim government authorities as the only solution to the current problems in Afghanistan.

“We have consistently emphasized that there is no alternative to a comprehensive approach to Afghanistan. This approach, based on an objective analysis and accurate assessment of the situation and prospects for resolving the issue of Afghanistan, includes constructive engagement within the international community itself,” said Anna Evstigneeva, Deputy Representative of Russia to the UN.

“The international community should gradually, through patient communication with Afghan authorities, increase their understanding and trust in the outside world, and Afghan authorities, in response to international expectations, should adopt more effective initiatives, create favorable conditions for dialogue and interaction, and also avoid assumptions and imposing programs on Afghanistan,” said Geng Shuang, Deputy Permanent Representative of China to the UN.

Human rights issues, one of the main agendas of this meeting, were also emphasized by some members of the Security Council and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for the full observance of the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.

“Many women are currently afraid to move in public places. I take this opportunity to call again on the de facto authorities to reverse these restrictions. The longer these restrictions on women and girls continue, the more damage will be done,” stated Roza Otunbayeva.

“The Taliban are also detaining women who are not legally required to wear a hijab. The United States is working with Afghan women to be ready for the day when they can fully participate in society,” said Robert Wood, Deputy Permanent Representative of the USA to the UN.

“We emphasize that any future international action or engagement with the Taliban must maintain Afghanistan’s international obligations regarding combating terrorism, human rights, especially the rights of women and girls, as a conditional component,” said Naseer Ahmad Faiq, Acting Head of the Afghan seat at the UN.

However, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN claims that terrorist organizations in Afghanistan pose a security threat to its neighbors. Munir Akram says that combating terrorism must be a condition for engagement with the interim Afghan government.

“Terrorism from within Afghanistan poses the most serious impediment to normalization in Afghanistan. The terrorist organizations present there, pose security threat to each of Afghanistan’s immediate neighbors. Counter terrorism must be the highest priority in any future roadmap for engagement with the interim Afghan government,” stated Munir Akram.

Previously, the UN Security Council had held several meetings on the situation in Afghanistan, but according to experts, these meetings have not yet resulted in a positive outcome in resolving Afghanistan’s fundamental issues.

Afghanistan Recognition, Role of Special Envoy on UN Agenda: Otunbayeva
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UNAMA Chief announces readiness for 3rd Doha conference with Taliban and stakeholders

The head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) announced the readiness to hold the third Doha conference on Afghanistan.

Raza Otunbayeva stated her hope for the participation of the Taliban and other stakeholders in this meeting. However, she did not provide further details about the timing of the conference.

The head of UNAMA stated in a report to the UN Security Council that the next Doha session should have a practical agenda, aiming for discussions that yield the results the organization seeks.

However, it is said that this session, unlike the first two Doha sessions, will likely be held at a different level and possibly without the presence of the UN Secretary-General.

The second round of Doha talks, attended by Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, and representatives from 25 countries and international organizations on Afghanistan, was held on February 18th and 19th.

This session ended without a clear outcome due to the Taliban’s abstention from participating and because the conditions set by the group for its attendance were not met.

UNAMA notes Afghanistan’s global challenge due to terrorism. Concerns extend to various terrorist groups, including the Pakistani Taliban, posing regional threats.

UNAMA emphasizes engagement with the Taliban and ongoing human rights consultations. Otunbayeva highlights substantial global aid, urging sustained support for Afghanistan’s stability.

Continued assistance from the global community is crucial for Afghanistan’s stabilization and development efforts, reinforcing the importance of sustained support.

UNAMA Chief announces readiness for 3rd Doha conference with Taliban and stakeholders
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Women’s exclusion costs Afghanistan millions: US Representative at UN

Khaama Press

The US Deputy Representative to the UN said Washington works with Afghan women to help them fully participate in society.

Robert Wood, speaking at the Security Council meeting, emphasized women’s participation, which could bring millions of dollars to Afghanistan’s economy.

The Deputy US Representative to the UN, during a special Security Council session on Afghanistan, mentioned the Taliban’s ongoing disregard for women’s rights and restrictions on girls’ education.

He highlighted the group’s imposed limitations on women’s work and enforced veiling as tools to marginalize them socially.

Wood noted that based on surveys, 85% of Afghans believe women should have equal access to education. He stressed that women’s participation enhances Afghan society and benefits the economy by over a billion dollars.

The Deputy US Representative to the UN expressed support for UNAMA’s activities in Afghanistan and endorsed appointing a UN special envoy for the country.

He emphasized the importance of developing a roadmap to hold the Taliban accountable to Afghanistan’s international commitments and normalize relations with the world.

Women’s exclusion costs Afghanistan millions: US Representative at UN
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Afghanistan to Witness Economic Growth in Coming Years: Kabir

Kabir called the completion of this project as a revolution in agriculture for the country.

The deputy prime minister for political affairs, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, said that within the next few years, Afghanistan will grow not only politically but also economically.

During the commencement ceremony of the national tree-planting campaign under the slogan “Planting Trees, Eradicating Drought” in Badam Bagh, Kabul, and at the Qosh Tepa Canal, Kabir called the completion of this project as a revolution in agriculture for the country.

He said: “Efforts are underway for water management, and surveys have been conducted in all districts of Afghanistan for the construction of dams to prevent drought and manage water throughout the districts.”

According to him, climate change has posed various challenges to countries worldwide, especially Afghanistan. Internal conflicts, deforestation, and illegal logging have exacerbated issues such as air pollution and drought in recent years.

In the event, the deputy prime minister for political affairs considered the lack of a standard water supply system as the reason for the scarcity of drinking water in Kabul, assuring that the Islamic Emirate plans to build large dams for national water management.

“The tree-planting process can energize and enhance the greening process,” Abdul Latif Nazari, Deputy Minister of Economy said.

Meanwhile, the acting Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Attaullah Omari, mentioned the efforts to standardize the agricultural system, livestock management, irrigation, and establish specific procedures to protect forests and reclaim government-encroached lands.

Omari said, “Our livestock sector is traditional, and we have plans for this sector. The first decision is to improve and transform the existing traditional breeds; we will provide breeds to our livestock farmers that are worth their efforts.”

Meanwhile, the Directorate of the greenery affairs department of the Kabul municipality highlighted tree planting as crucial in preventing floods, air pollution, and global warming, announcing that approximately 2 million fruit and non-fruit trees will be planted in 1403 (solar year).

The head of the greenery affairs department of the Kabul municipality, Abdul Wakil Mutawakil, said: “Kabul’s air was polluted in the past years, but efforts by the municipality have cleaned it.”

The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock reported that approximately 82 million fruit and non-fruit trees have been distributed and planted across the country in the past two years.

Afghanistan to Witness Economic Growth in Coming Years: Kabir
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Guterres Calls for Investment in Peace, Stability

The UN Secretary-General called on world leaders to invest in peace and stability in their countries through a statement.

On the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said that world leaders must prevent the use of deadly weapons.

The UN Secretary-General called on world leaders to invest in peace and stability in their countries through a statement.

António Guterres on X said, “Disarmament and non-proliferation are critical not only to a peaceful future, but to our very existence. On this Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness Day, we must speak with one loud, clear voice. It’s time to stop the madness. We need disarmament now.”

On this day, Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the Islamic Emirate said that since the Islamic Emirate came into power, all weapons have been collected from irresponsible individuals and transferred to depots.

Mujahid said, “The weapons that were in camps and military places have been collected, and several commissions have been appointed to ensure thorough investigations. This has been done, and we hardly see any unauthorized weapons now. If there are any in certain places, they are under control, and if we become aware of them, we collect them.”

Some analysts have diverse views on how Afghanistan and other countries can prevent the illegal trafficking of weapons.
“The increase in the trafficking of illegal weapons threatens the sovereignty and security of any country,” Sarwar Niazi, a military analyst said.

“Today, almost all people in Afghanistan are familiar with weapons, one of the reasons the war in Afghanistan has continued for so long is that everyone is armed,” Sadiq Shinwari, another military analyst said.

A resolution proposal was presented to the United Nations General Assembly in 2021 on the occasion of the International Day for Disarmament Awareness and Non-Proliferation, and following its adoption in 2022, it is commemorated annually in some countries around the world.

Guterres Calls for Investment in Peace, Stability
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UNSC to Vote on UNAMA Extension, Discuss Afghanistan

The members of the United Nations Security Council will vote on the extension of the UNAMA mission in this session.

The United Nations Security Council is holding a session today (Wednesday) to discuss the situation in Afghanistan.

The members of the United Nations Security Council will vote on the extension of the UNAMA mission in this session.

Stéphane Dujarric, the Spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General, stated that in addition to discussions on Afghanistan and extension of UNAMA mission, the head of UNAMA and the UN Secretary General Special Representative for Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva will present her quarterly report on the situation in Afghanistan at this meeting.

Dujarric said, “The Security Council session will focus on the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. In this meeting, Roza Otunbayeva, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, will speak at the center of the Security Council.”

Meanwhile, The Chargé d’Affaires of the Afghanistan Permanent Mission to the UN, Naseer Ahmad Faiq told TOLOnews that the meeting will feature speeches from the United Nations Special Representative, representatives of member countries of the organization, representatives of regional countries, and the Acting Representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations.

“In this meeting, Roza Otunbayeva, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative, a representative of civil society, member countries of the Security Council, representatives of regional countries, and the Permanent Representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations will participate and speak,” said Faiq.

“The UN Security Council meeting is a continuation of the February 26 meetings, with no significant difference. Civil society has not been invited, and the Taliban have not been invited either,” said Aziz Maarij, an international relations expert.

However, Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, considers such meetings to be ineffective without the presence of a representative from the Islamic Emirate.

Mujahid said, “The United Nations is under the influence of superpowers. It follows their policies, discussing issues related to Afghanistan without the representative of Afghanistan and the position of Afghanistan, which does not yield results.”

Previously, the members of the United Nations Security Council have discussed the appointing a special representative for Afghanistan in past meetings; however, due to the lack of a unified consensus within the organization, there has been no appointment of such a representative to date.

UNSC to Vote on UNAMA Extension, Discuss Afghanistan
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