UNSC to Meet on Appointment of Special Envoy to Afghanistan

February 2, 2024
 Fatema Adeeb
Tolo News
2 Feb 2024

Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate said that the appointment of the special representative is not useful.

The United Nations Security Council is to hold a meeting on Afghanistan based on resolution 2721 for the appointment of a special representative to Afghanistan.

The UNSC in a statement said that the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “appreciates” the meeting, as it’s to be held for the discussion about the independent assessment of the situation of Afghanistan, but has not stated anything about the exact date.

“Regarding Asian issues, the Security Council will hold a private meeting on Afghanistan in line with resolution 2721 of 29 December 2023. This resolution, among other matters, requested the Secretary-General to appoint a Special Envoy on Afghanistan in consultation with a range of stakeholders, welcomed the Secretary-General’s intention to convene the next meeting of the group of Special Envoys and Special Representatives on Afghanistan, and encouraged the meeting to discuss the recommendations of the independent assessment on Afghanistan. The resolution requested the Secretary-General to brief the Council within 60 days on the outcome of these consultations and discussions. Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo may brief at the meeting.” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate said that the appointment of the special representative is not useful.

“The position of the Islamic Emirate is clear in this regard, that the appointment of a new representative is not needed, because the representative is appointed in a country where there is war and crises but in Afghanistan, there is no war and crises,” said Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman of the Islamic Emirate.

On the other hand, several political analysts believe that the appointment of a special representative is a good step for the betterment of the situation of the country.

“The appointment of a special representative by the United Nations for Afghanistan is a positive step and the effectiveness and success of the special representative’s work depends on the flexibility of the Afghan politicians and requires the firm support of the permanent members of the Security Council,” said Sayed Jawad Sajadi, a political analyst.

“The relations of Afghanistan and even the current regime with the world can be strengthened with the help of this special representative and may one day lead to the recognition of the Islamic Emirate,” said Tariq Farhadi, a political analyst.

Before this, several high-ranked officials of the Islamic Emirate said that there is no need for the appointment of a new representative for Afghanistan.

UNSC to Meet on Appointment of Special Envoy to Afghanistan
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US Again Urges Interim Afghan Govt to Take Steps for Intl Legitimacy

February 2, 2024
Fatema Adeeb
Tolo News
2 Feb 2024

The Islamic Emirate’s spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, said that they are committed to all pledges which they made with the international community. 

The spokesman for the US Department of State, Matthew Miller, said that Washington would continue to call on the “Taliban” to take steps to gain international legitimacy. 

He made the remarks at a press conference in Washington D.C.

“We continue to call on the Taliban to take steps to gain international legitimacy, to stop the crackdown on the legitimate expression by its own people, and that’s what we’ve done and what we’ll continue to do,” he said.

He also responded to a question regarding the fate of Afghan allies who worked with the US but are still stranded in Afghanistan, saying: “We have been working very hard to accelerate those cases and work through the backlog, and we’ll continue to do so.”

The Islamic Emirate’s spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, said that they are committed to all pledges which they made with the international community.

““The Islamic Emirate… is committed to the rights of the people and also international laws. It has fulfilled the promises for recognition of the country. Unfortunately, some countries are bringing up their political and personal wishes under various pretexts,” he said.

Political analysts gave various opinions on the matter.

“The Islamic Emirate… should take concrete steps so that the international community recognizes us. We should put aside our ego and should act in a way to draw in the international community,” said Saleem Paigeer, political analyst.

This comes as the deputy prime minister for political affairs earlier said that the Islamic Emirate will not compromise Islam and the rights of people for international recognition.

US Again Urges Interim Afghan Govt to Take Steps for Intl Legitimacy
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WHO praises Japan’s ongoing healthcare aid to Afghanistan

February 2, 2024
Khaama Press

The World Health Organization (WHO) welcomed the sustainable aid provided by the Japanese government in the healthcare sector for Afghanistan during a visit by a Japanese delegation to the Afghan-Japan hospital.

Wednesday, the World Health Organization shared on its social media platform X that the visit of this delegation further strengthens the collaboration between the Japanese government and WHO in Afghanistan.

Japan had previously announced its commitment to supporting Afghanistan by providing $6.9 million in collaboration with the World Health Organization to enhance Afghanistan’s capacity to respond to infectious diseases.

Japan is considered one of the significant contributors to aid efforts in Afghanistan. Following the resurgence of the current regime of the Taliban, Japan extended substantial assistance to various sectors, including earthquake victims, in Afghanistan.

The recent political changes in Afghanistan have left the nation in a state of uncertainty, compounding the already dire humanitarian crisis.

Afghanistan is facing a bleak future due to a series of challenging events, including the devastating Herat earthquake on October 7, 2023.

The forced expulsion of Afghan migrants from Pakistan during a severe humanitarian crisis and harsh winter has added to the country’s woes.

WHO praises Japan’s ongoing healthcare aid to Afghanistan
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US dismisses reports of reopening American consulate in Kabul

February 2, 2024
Khaama Press

The US Embassy for Afghanistan in Doha has denied reports about the reopening of its consulate in Afghanistan. The US mission to Afghanistan in Doha, also known as the Afghanistan affairs unit, told Khaama Press that the United States’ position towards Afghanistan remains unchanged, and there are no immediate plans to resume diplomatic mission in Kabul.

“To be clear, the State Department’s position has not changed and we have no near-term plans to return any diplomatic functions to Kabul,” said a State Department spokesperson.

Previously, the voice of America reported that the United States is “cautiously” exploring the possibility of reopening its consulate in Afghanistan under the control of the Taliban, without officially recognizing the group. This development has been mentioned in a new strategic document of the U.S. Department of State.

The report suggests that this move signifies a potential shift in America’s policy towards engaging with the Taliban to achieve various security, political, and economic objectives.

However, the U.S. Embassy in Doha emphasized that there has been no change in the United States policy towards Afghanistan under Taliban control.

Additionally, the document emphasizes strong support for the U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs in their efforts to secure the release of American hostages detained in Afghanistan.

The report also underscores the United States’ dedication to discussing the fundamental rights of the Afghan people, particularly those of women and girls. Since the fall of the previous government and the Taliban’s takeover, the U.S. embassy in Afghanistan has been closed, operating with its staff in Doha.

US dismisses reports of reopening American consulate in Kabul
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Exile Scholars helping Afghan girls to access online education

February 2, 2024
Khaama Press

Written By: Tabasum Nasiry

A group of Afghan scholars in exile have announced the creation of online classes to provide access to education for Afghan girls who are facing gender discrimination and educational bans in Afghanistan. According to a report by the American University, these classes have been established under the leadership of Bashir Mobasher, an Afghan researcher in the Afghanistan Legal and Political Sciences Association (ALPA).

According to this institution, the courses at this university are offered for free and cover various subjects, including gender studies, human rights, critical thinking, arts, and preparation for scholarships, especially English language education, for girls and women in Afghanistan, from the tenth grade to completion of their studies.

The American University has emphasized that since the establishment of this university, it has created 15 classes for nearly 400 girls and women and plans to expand these numbers to 30 classes due to increasing demand.

Fatima, a student who couldn’t continue her education in Afghanistan after the Taliban took over, spoke with this university and said, “Everything is closed for girls. They promised us they would open the school doors for us, but they didn’t.” She had previously been able to study mathematics, history, writing, and art in the ninth grade despite gender restrictions.

Bashir Mobasher, the head of the Afghanistan Legal and Political Sciences Association, highlighted that the current political situation in Afghanistan has created many challenges for women and girl students, and online learning potentially offers a vital lifeline for many Afghan girls who lack access to education.

According to Mr. Mobasher, these online classes are taught by professors and graduates from the American University, as well as legal and political science professors from Afghanistan in exile and other universities.

Sima Bahous, the executive director of the United Nations Women, has called the creation of online classes for girls deprived of education a “fresh hope.” She mentioned that these girls have no voice, political or otherwise, and they are not allowed to leave their homes without a male companion, go to public parks, or engage in sports. Women and girls in no other country are deprived of all aspects of life to this extent.

The American University also stated that Afghan women and girls face challenges in accessing remote education due to issues such as the lack of reliable technology and internet access, insufficient electrical infrastructure, economic constraints, and security threats.

Mental health classes are also mentioned in this report as the increasing cases of depression and suicides among Afghan girls and women are a growing concern.

This comes at a time when the number of online universities in various countries, including the United States, has increased in the past two years, despite the challenges in internet connectivity. Financial Times had previously reported that, despite internet connectivity issues, the enrollment of Afghan girls in online education, especially English language, science, and business courses, has risen.

Exile Scholars helping Afghan girls to access online education
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Former Afghanistan Security Forces targeted in Killings, says US Congressman

February 1, 2024
Khaama Press

Brian Mast, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, stated on Wednesday that contrary to the statements made by the Biden administration and the Taliban, former Afghan security forces are systematically and purposefully being killed in Afghanistan.

He accused the Biden administration of dishonesty, alleging that they do not acknowledge the reality of the targeted killings of former security forces and other former colleagues of the U.S. government in Afghanistan.

The Taliban has rejected reports from reputable international organizations and news agencies regarding the killing and torture of former security forces, attributing it to personal vendettas.

Mr. Mast referred to numerous reports from international organizations and stated that these pieces of evidence confirm the deliberate killing of former security forces.

The U.S. Congress Foreign Affairs Committee held a meeting to examine the Taliban’s reprisals against former Afghan military associates of the United States.

This gathering was attended by Republicans, Democrats, and veteran supporters of these local associates, as well as an Afghan journalist.

Brian Mast emphasized the efforts being made by the United States to investigate the Taliban’s reprisals against their former associates in Afghanistan.

Despite the Taliban’s announcement of a general amnesty following their takeover in August 2021, over 200 former Afghan soldiers and officials have been extrajudicially killed.

In its first report since the Taliban’s takeover two years ago, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has documented 800 cases of serious human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests, detentions, torture, and enforced disappearances.

Since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, a significant number of former security forces from the Afghan army and police have fled to neighbouring countries. They have been driven by concerns over security threats, potential reprisals by the Taliban, and the challenging economic and financial conditions prevailing in the country.

Former Afghanistan Security Forces targeted in Killings, says US Congressman
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Ex-Afghan special forces to have UK relocation claims re-examined

February 1, 2024

By Joe Inwood

BBC Newsnight
1 February 2024
Benjamin Tagart An Afghan soldier seen from behind looking through the sight of a rifle, wearing a combat helmet
BBC Newsnight previously revealed that more than 200 members of the Triples who had fled to Paksitan were facing deportation

Former Afghan special forces who served alongside the British but were denied relocation to the UK will have their cases re-examined, the government says.

Armed Forces Minister James Heappey said ineligible applications with credible claims of links to Afghan specialist units would be reassessed.

The so-called “Triples” were elite units set up, funded and run by the UK.

But hundreds had their relocation claims denied following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.

Campaigners have been fighting for them ever since the Taliban swept into Kabul in August 2021, with one describing the government announcement as “a momentous decision and a life-changing day.”

The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) was launched in April 2021 for Afghan citizens who worked for or with the UK government in “exposed or meaningful” roles.

Those eligible may relocate to the UK with a partner, dependent children and additional family members who are also deemed eligible, the scheme says.

Last month, BBC Newsnight revealed that more than 200 former members of the Triples who had fled to Pakistan were facing deportation, and that many of the character references given to them by British soldiers had not been followed up.

In a House of Commons statement, Mr Heappey said a review had found inconsistencies in the application of ARAP criteria and “necessary steps” would be taken to rectify this.

He said a new, independent team within the Ministry of Defence (MoD) would carry out the reassessments, adding the UK “owes a debt of gratitude to these brave individuals” who served for, with or alongside British forces in Afghanistan.

‘Duplicitous or incompetent’

Commando Force 333 and Afghan Territorial Force 444 were said to be the elite of the Afghan military.

They were established by the British during the 20-year operation in the country, working “shoulder-to-shoulder” with UK special forces. They were also paid by the British over many years, according to former senior officers who spoke to BBC Newsnight.

When Kabul fell to the Taliban, the Triples were among the last Afghan units standing, even helping to protect British citizens as they fled the capital.

Benjamin Taggart A group of Afghan soldiers, seemingly working at night

Some managed to escape the country as part of the chaotic evacuation process, but many did not. They had assumed their long association with the British would mean they would be automatically helped under the ARAP scheme, but hundreds of former Triples have ended up stuck in a process described as “a huge miscarriage of justice”.

One campaigner told the BBC it had been “literally hellish”.

“They were so certain they would be taken care of, but to have to go into hiding and see colleagues murdered and not to have received any response or be rejected, was utterly heartbreaking,” they said.

“We failed in our duty of care to these people. These decisions were unlawful. The MoD knew they were unlawful but have just tried to delay the inevitable. They’ve been duplicitous.”

Gen Sir Richard Barrons, who served in the British Army in Afghanistan for over 12 years, previously described the failure of the UK to relocate these soldiers as “a disgrace, because it reflects that either we’re duplicitous as a nation or incompetent”.

Their plight has been the subject of a long-running campaign, with many high-profile military, legal, political and diplomatic supporters. Despite this, the government had until now resisted calls to re-examine their cases.

Just last month, the armed forces minister told the MPs that identification was an issue. Mr Heappey said it was hard to “verify the service of those who just served in the unit rather than explicitly alongside UK personnel”.

That was met with a furious response by former soldiers, who told the BBC they had tried to give references but been ignored.

‘Not all will make it’

While Thursday’s news has been welcomed by campaigners, supporters of the Triples say the delay has cost lives. The exact number is not known, but there are extensive reports of former Triples being attacked, tortured and killed by the Taliban.

“We have lost a number already, not all of them will make it, but for those who do this is the end of two-and-a-half years in hiding. This is finally a ray of hope for them, with the potential to have a life for them and their families.”

Benjamin Taggart A members of the Triples pictured front on with his head in shot. He is wearing a combat helmet, sunglasses, and his mouth is covered
Many members of the Triples assumed they would be eligible under the ARAP scheme Mr Heappey said assessing eligibility presented a “unique set of challenges” as the government did not hold employment records and comprehensive information about them.

But he added: “Understanding the depth of feeling ARAP evokes across this place and beyond, we thank members for their ongoing advocacy and support for ARAP. We have that same depth of feeling in the MoD and in government, and we will now work quickly to deliver it.”

Despite Thursday’s announcement, supporters of the Triples who have spoken to the BBC say questions remain about the speed at which those deemed eligible will be brought over, as well as the reason it took so long for the government to change a policy they say was a “shameful betrayal”.

Ex-Afghan special forces to have UK relocation claims re-examined
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Kabul Reacts to UNSC Report, Saying Counter Terrorism Main Principle

February 1, 2024
TOLOnews
TV Network
1 Feb 2024

But Mujahid said that serious fighting took place against Daesh.

The Islamic Emirate in reaction to the United Nations Security Council’s report said that counterterrorism is the main principle of the interim Afghan government.

This comes as the UNSC in its recent report said al-Qaida was reported to have established up to eight new training camps in Afghanistan, including four in Ghazni, Laghman, Parwan and Uruzgan Provinces, with a new base to stockpile weapons in the Panjshir Valley.

“The greatest threat within Afghanistan still comes from ISIL-K, with its ability to project into the region and beyond,” the report said. “Overall, ISIL-K targeting patterns were directed first against the Shia, then the Taliban, and ultimately civilians.”

The Islamic Emirate’s spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid meanwhile denied the report and said: “From the address of the United Nations, a regular slander program has been created against the Islamic Emirate, and they always spread propaganda against them.” He said in an audio recording that there is no Al-Qaeda base in Afghanistan.

“The stance of the UN is misused. We call on the countries who are members of the UNSC but have good relations with Afghanistan to not allow the reputation of the organization to be harmed,” he said.

“The world says that there are TTP [Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan] and al-Qaida groups but the Taliban says they do not exist. But both sides neither provide evidence nor take any action,” said Aziz Maarij, a former diplomat.

According to the report, “the Taliban are generally sympathetic to TTP aims.”

“Besides supplying weapons and equipment, Taliban rank and file, Al-Qaida core and AQIS fighters assisted TTP forces in cross-border attacks,” the report cited. “Despite the Taliban instructing TTP fighters not to participate in operations outside Afghanistan, many had done so with no apparent consequence. Some Taliban members also joined TTP, perceiving a religious obligation to provide support. Interlocutors reported that TTP members and their families receive regular aid packages from the Taliban.”

But Mujahid said that serious fighting took place against Daesh.

“Fighting against Daesh is important for the security of Afghanistan. There has been serious fighting and all of them were eliminated,” he said.

“If they have any allegation they should share it with the Islamic Emirate, media of Afghanistan or at least their own media,” said Abdul Hai Qanat, a political analyst.

Since its arrival to power in Afghanistan, the Islamic Emirate within nearly the past three years has repeatedly assured the international community that the Afghan soil is not a threat to any country.

Kabul Reacts to UNSC Report, Saying Counter Terrorism Main Principle
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Nations Engaged With Kabul Should Urge Women’s Rights: US State Dept

February 1, 2024
Hadia Ziaei
Tolo News
1 Feb 2024

Matthew Miller said that Washington wants to see the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan improved.

A US State Department spokesperson said that Washington calls on any country engaged with Kabul to urge improvement on women’s and girls’ rights.

Addressing a press briefing, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that Washington wants to see the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan improved.

“So we very much want to see the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan improved, and we would urge any country that engages with the Taliban to urge improvement on that front,” he said.

Rabia, who is fourteen years old and was in the eighth grade more than two years ago, said that she began studying calligraphy and painting when the schools were closed to girls.

“When I couldn’t go to school, I did not become disappointed, because when Allah closes one door for us, he opens another door and I turn to calligraphy and painting,” she told TOLOnews.

“I ask the Islamic Emirate to immediately reopen schools for girls so that we have a bright future,” Sana, another student, told TOLOnews.

However, the Islamic Emirate said that the rights of all women and girls in the country are guaranteed, adding that the world should consider the cultural differences of the country and define the rights of women and girls.

“It is better that there is interaction. Afghanistan is a safe country and it is an Islamic country which gives rights to its citizens and it is necessary that it should grant rights to its citizens and it is the commitment of the government. However, the rights should be defined — what rights should be ensured. And they should also consider opinion and cultural differences,” said Zabihullah Mujahid, the Islamic Emirate’s spokesman.

Earlier, in a meeting with a number of female education activists, former president Hamid Karzai said that the reopening of girls’ schools and universities was vital to the development of Afghanistan.

Nations Engaged With Kabul Should Urge Women’s Rights: US State Dept
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Islamic Emirate Reacts to Transparency Intl Report

February 1, 2024
TOLOnews
TV Network
31 Jan 2024

Afghanistan has scored 20 out of 100 in the new index, ranking 162 out of 180 countries and territories.

The Islamic Emirate responded to a Transparency International report by saying that Afghanistan’s ranking of 162nd in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) does not mean that corruption levels have risen in the nation.

Afghanistan has fallen 12 places to 162nd position in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2023 compared to the previous year, Transparency International reported on Tuesday.

The Islamic Emirate spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said that Afghanistan is now free of corruption, and if the investigation of the Transparency International was carried out closely in the county, Afghanistan would be in the first place.

“The fact that Afghanistan is ranked 162nd means that very serious steps have been taken against corruption; if they were close here in [Afghanistan], Afghanistan might have been placed first or second, because here transparency and absence from corruption are very evident. It is considered an important achievement from a state that was in the first rank of corruption,” Mujahid said.

Afghanistan has scored 20 out of 100 in the new index, ranking 162 out of 180 countries and territories.

“The reactions of governments to the figures presented by international organizations can sometimes be positive and sometimes negative, but the main thing is that these figures should not be considered useless,” said Sayed Masoud, an economist.

“In reality, presenting these reports serves as a warning about the governance system in the governments, emphasising the need for significant action to address the flaws,” said Najibullah Shamal, an international relations analyst.

Previously, the Islamic Emirate has said that the fight against corruption is one of the most important principles of current governance in Afghanistan.

Islamic Emirate Reacts to Transparency Intl Report
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