Trump Links US Aid to Afghanistan with Return of Military Equipment

February 23, 2025
TOLOnews
TV Network
23 Feb 2025

Some political analysts argue that retrieving the equipment is not feasible.

US President Donald Trump has made Washington’s continued aid to Afghanistan conditional on the return of military equipment left behind in the country.

Trump stated that the US provides $2.5 billion annually to Afghanistan, and this aid will only continue if the weapons and military gear are returned to Washington.

The US president said: “We give Afghanistan about two or two and a half billion dollars a year. Do you know that — for aid? We need aid ourselves. And I’m going to go back, I told them yesterday, I want to look at it, but if we’re going to give them money it’s okay, but I want them to give us back our military equipment that they have.”

The Islamic Emirate has not yet responded to Trump’s remarks. However, in the past, its spokesperson dismissed Trump’s claims about retrieving military equipment and the Bagram airbase as unrealistic.

Some political analysts argue that retrieving the equipment is not feasible.

“These military assets were handed over to the former republic’s government, and the Islamic Emirate took them as spoils of war. According to diplomatic principles, war spoils are not requested back or returned,” said Edris Mohammadi Zazi, a political analyst.

“Trump’s claim, when compared to the oppression and killings the US carried out in Afghanistan over the past 20 years, could lead to the conclusion that the US is actually indebted to Afghanistan,” said Sayed Akbar Sial Wardak, another political analyst.

This is not the first time Trump has raised the issue of US military equipment in Afghanistan. Previously, he also stressed reclaiming the military assets and the Bagram airbase, a claim that the Islamic Emirate’s spokesperson dismissed as unrealistic.

Trump Links US Aid to Afghanistan with Return of Military Equipment
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Afghan women’s radio station will resume broadcasts after Taliban lift suspension

February 23, 2025

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
February 23, 2025

An Afghan women’s radio station will resume broadcasts after the Taliban lifted their suspension over alleged cooperation with an overseas TV channel.

Radio Begum launched on International Women’s Day in March 2021, five months before the Taliban seized power amid the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops.

The station’s content is produced entirely by Afghan women. Its sister satellite channel, Begum TV, operates from France and broadcasts programs that cover the Afghan school curriculum from seventh to 12th grade. The Taliban have banned education for women and girls in the country beyond grade six.

In a statement issued Saturday night, the Taliban Information and Culture Ministry said Radio Begum had “repeatedly requested” to restart operations and that the suspension was lifted after the station made commitments to authorities.

The station pledged to conduct broadcasts “in accordance with the principles of journalism and the regulations of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, and to avoid any violations in the future,” it added.

The ministry did not elaborate what those principles and regulations were. Radio Begum confirmed the ministry had granted permission to resume broadcasting. It did not give further details.

Since their takeover, the Taliban have excluded women from education, many kinds of work, and public spaces. Journalists, especially women, have lost their jobs as the Taliban tighten their grip on the media.

In the 2024 press freedom index from Reporters without Borders, Afghanistan ranks 178 out of 180 countries. The year before that it ranked 152.

The Information Ministry did not initially identify the TV channel it alleged Radio Begum had been working with. But the Saturday statement mentioned collaboration with “foreign sanctioned media outlets.”

Afghan women’s radio station will resume broadcasts after Taliban lift suspension
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India considering accepting Taliban Ambassador amid rising Chinese influence in Afghanistan: Bloomberg

February 22, 2025
Khaama Press

Bloomberg has reported that India, in response to China’s growing influence in Afghanistan, is cautiously considering accepting a Taliban representative as the ambassador to the Afghanistan Embassy in New Delhi.

This move by India comes as part of a competitive effort to counter China’s influence in the region, and India is currently exploring various avenues to re-establish its relationship with the Taliban. Diplomatic sources have informed the media that the Indian Ministry of External Affairs is consulting and negotiating on the possibility of accepting Taliban diplomats at the Afghanistan Embassy in India.

“India’s government is expected to accept a top Taliban representative to the country soon, the latest step from New Delhi to improve ties with Kabul and counter China’s growing influence in Afghanistan,” the report stated.

According to the report, Najib Shaheen, the son of Sohail Shaheen, the Taliban’s ambassador in Qatar, has been introduced as a potential candidate for this post.

According to the information, the Taliban plans to send a small delegation to New Delhi as a first step to assess the embassy’s situation. Najib Shaheen and Shaukat Dawlatzai, another prominent figure from the Taliban, have been named as the main candidates for the position of Taliban’s ambassador to India.

Before 2021, India was involved in over 500 development projects in Afghanistan. However, after the Taliban took control, India severed ties with the group and closed its embassy in Kabul. In recent months, while political interactions between the Taliban and India have begun, India has continued to reduce its humanitarian aid and has halted visas for Afghanistan’s patients and students.

Following the collapse of the previous Afghanistan government, former Ambassador Farid Mamundzai resigned due to pressures from the Taliban and direct contacts between the Indian government and the Taliban. Currently, Syed Mohammad Ibrahimkhil, the Afghanistan Consul General in Hyderabad, has taken over the responsibility of the embassy, with the approval of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

India’s cautious steps toward engaging with the Taliban reflect its strategic considerations in balancing regional influence, particularly in light of China’s growing presence in Afghanistan. As India navigates this delicate diplomatic situation, the future of Afghanistan-India relations and the Taliban’s representation in India remain pivotal in shaping the regional dynamics.

India considering accepting Taliban Ambassador amid rising Chinese influence in Afghanistan: Bloomberg
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Closure of Torkham Crossing Increases Hardship for Travelers

February 22, 2025
Sadaqat Ghorzang
Tolo News
22 Feb 2025

However, some passengers and traders are calling for an immediate resolution to the issue and the reopening of the crossing.

Pakistan shut down the Torkham crossing last night, halting all movement.

Abdul Jabbar Hikmat, the Torkham commissioner, told TOLOnews that the Pakistani side closed the gate after Islamic Emirate forces on the Afghan side were engaged in construction activities.

Regarding the issue, the Torkham commissioner said: “Whenever we build facilities, they close the route. We tell them, if you don’t allow us to construct facilities, then you shouldn’t build them either.”

However, some passengers and traders are calling for an immediate resolution to the issue and the reopening of the crossing.

Noor-ul-Haq, who is with a patient at Torkham, told TOLOnews: “One of our patients is here, and we are not allowed to take them to Peshawar for treatment. Another one of our patients has passed away on the other side, and Pakistan is not permitting us to bring back the body because the gate has been closed since yesterday.”

Abdullah, one of the travelers stuck at Torkham, told TOLOnews: “We arrived at Torkham at 8:30 in the morning. We have a bride with us. Half of our family is stuck here, and the other half is on the other side because the gate is closed.”

Anwar Khan, a resident of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said: “Our request is for both sides to sit down and resolve this issue through dialogue. There are many children and women facing difficulties here; they should be allowed to pass.”

Previously, due to clashes between Pakistani military forces and Islamic Emirate forces, not only the Torkham crossing but also the Ghulam Khan crossing in Khost and the Kharlachi crossing in Paktia have been repeatedly closed and reopened.

Closure of Torkham Crossing Increases Hardship for Travelers
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Ishaq Dar: Pakistan Committed to Cooperation with Afghanistan

February 22, 2025
Mohammad Bashir Soltani
Tolo News
22 Feb 2025

According to Dar, if those countries refuse to accept the refugees, Pakistan will send them back to Afghanistan.

Pakistan’s foreign minister reaffirmed his country’s commitment to continued cooperation with Afghanistan.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Ishaq Dar stated that given the shared cultural, religious, and historical ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Islamabad remains committed to cooperation with the interim Afghan government.

Dar once again emphasized that the Islamic Emirate must provide assurances that Afghanistan’s territory will not be used against Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, stated: “We are neighbors, we have a common culture, we have a common religion, and we have a common history. So, we want Afghanistan to prosper and develop. It is a landlocked country. We have given all the assistance, and we will continue to provide all the assistance to Afghanistan.”
Dar also addressed the situation of Afghan refugees awaiting relocation to third countries.

According to Dar, if those countries refuse to accept the refugees, Pakistan will send them back to Afghanistan.

He said: “If it doesn’t happen and the country refuses, for us, that will be an illegal immigrant in Pakistan, and we might be forced to send such a refugee back to their country of origin, which is Afghanistan.”
The Islamic Emirate has not yet responded to Ishaq Dar’s latest statements. However, it has previously reiterated that Afghan soil is not used against other countries and, in contrast, has accused Pakistan of allowing its territory to be used against Afghanistan.

Political analyst Yusuf Amin Zazai said: “For 45 to 50 years, Pakistan has harbored terrorism, and there is overwhelming evidence of this. What is surprising is why the world turns a blind eye and why Pakistan refuses to acknowledge it. This only means one thing—the global powers and the West are backing terrorism and supporting Pakistan.”

Previously, Ishaq Dar had also stated during a United Nations Security Council meeting that despite security concerns, Islamabad would continue engagement and cooperation with the Islamic Emirate.

Ishaq Dar: Pakistan Committed to Cooperation with Afghanistan
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Afghan embassy says nationals face arrests, expulsions in Pakistan capital

February 21, 2025
Al Jazeera
Published On 19 Feb 2025
The embassy says Afghan nationals face forced relocations in Islamabad amid rising tensions between the neighbours.

The Afghanistan embassy in Pakistan has warned that the government wants to remove all Afghan refugees from the capital, Islamabad, and the adjoining city of Rawalpindi.

The embassy issued a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, saying Afghan nationals in both cities have been subjected to arrests, searches and orders from the police to leave and relocate to other parts of Pakistan.

The warning comes as the relationship between the two countries continues to deteriorate, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of failing to curb cross-border attacks.

“This process of detaining Afghans, which began without any formal announcement, has not been officially communicated to the Embassy of Afghanistan in Islamabad through any formal correspondence,” the embassy said.

“Ultimately, officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that there is a definitive and final plan to deport/remove all Afghan refugees not only from Islamabad and Rawalpindi but also from the entire country in the near future,” it added.

In November 2023, Pakistan launched a widely criticised repatriation programme aimed at returning millions of Afghans, regardless of their legal status.

Pakistan currently hosts nearly more than 2.5 million Afghans, according to government estimates. About half of them are registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Authorities say those registered earlier had their stay extended until June 2025, and they would not be arrested or deported at least until the extension expires.

Last month, in a two-page document issued by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office, the government outlined a three-phase plan to send back Afghan citizens to their country.

The Afghan embassy said it had already “expressed serious concerns” regarding the “mass expulsion of Afghan refugees within such a short timeframe and the unilateral nature of Pakistan’s decision”.

Pakistan has set March 31 as the deadline to expel Afghan refugees from Islamabad and Rawalpindi in preparation for their deportation if they are not relocated to the host countries that agreed to take them after the Taliban seized power in 2021.

In the past three years, tens of thousands of Afghans have fled to Pakistan. Many of them were approved for resettlement in the United States through a programme that helps people at risk because of their work with the US government, media, aid agencies and rights groups.

However, US President Donald Trump paused refugee programmes last month. Since then, about 20,000 Afghans are now in limbo in Pakistan.

Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies
Afghan embassy says nationals face arrests, expulsions in Pakistan capital
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White House: Women suffer under Medieval Laws in Afghanistan

February 21, 2025
Khaama Press

The White House deputy press secretary stated that Afghan women face severe oppression following the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Anna Kelly, deputy press secretary for the White House, has stated that Afghan women are facing severe oppression due to the “disastrous” withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan during Joe Biden’s presidency, leading to the imposition of medieval Taliban policies.

Kelly discussed the impact of the suspension of U.S. foreign aid on the education of Afghan women in an interview with The Washington Post. She stated that the chaotic withdrawal allowed the Taliban to seize control of the country and impose extreme Sharia laws on its citizens.

According to The Washington Post, many educational programs for Afghan women, ranging from online courses to scholarships for studying abroad, have been suspended following the halt of U.S. foreign aid. These programs were often the last hope for thousands of Afghan women and girls who were banned from attending schools and universities after the Taliban regained power.

The suspension of U.S. aid has left these women with little opportunity to pursue their education. Between 2005 and 2019, the U.S. invested approximately $167 million in the American University of Afghanistan. This university, which has now moved to Doha, Qatar, was one of the largest providers of online education for Afghan women.

However, the university announced on its website that its Spring 2025 semester has been suspended, affecting about 700 students. Afghan students hoping to study abroad are also now facing uncertain circumstances. The Asian University for Women in Bangladesh, which had become a lifeline for many Afghan women, has delayed the admission of 330 new students due to the suspension of U.S. aid.

International organizations and human rights groups have expressed deep concern about the future of Afghanistan women’s education. A UN official warned that the Trump administration’s decision to cut off foreign aid could worsen the situation for Afghanistan’s women and girls, effectively denying them access to education.

Donald Trump issued an order to suspend all U.S. foreign aid on his first day as president. This decision has had a wide-reaching impact on humanitarian and educational programs across the globe, with Afghanistan being one of the hardest-hit countries.

The suspension of U.S. foreign aid has not only crippled educational opportunities for Afghanistan’s women but also worsened the broader economic crisis in the country. With the future of Afghanistan women’s education hanging in the balance, there is a growing call for international efforts to reinstate support and safeguard the rights of women and girls in the country.

White House: Women suffer under Medieval Laws in Afghanistan
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12th Herat Security Conference to take place in Spain on February 24-25

February 21, 2025

By Fidel Rahmati

Khaama Press

The 12th Herat Security Conference will be held in three days in Madrid, Spain. This important event will gather international leaders and experts to discuss critical security issues affecting Afghanistan and the broader region.

The Afghanistan Institute for Strategic Studies has announced that the conference will take place on the 24th and 25th of February in Madrid. This marks a significant opportunity for global stakeholders to engage in discussions about Afghanistan’s future and its security challenges.

The theme of the conference is “Afghanistan: Reviving Hope; Synergetic Efforts.” This theme emphasizes the need for collaborative solutions to the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan, aiming to foster hope for a peaceful and stable future for the country.

According to a statement from the Afghanistan Institute for Strategic Studies, the world cannot view Afghanistan merely as a chronic crisis, nor can Afghanistan solely rely on the world for solutions. The statement highlights the importance of internal efforts alongside international support to address the nation’s challenges.

 

It is expected that diplomats, civil society activists, women, and intellectuals from around the world will participate in the conference. These participants will share their expertise and propose solutions to the complex issues that Afghanistan currently faces, particularly its ongoing security concerns.

 

The 11th edition of the Herat Security Dialogue was held last year in Tajikistan. This year’s event in Madrid will continue the tradition of fostering international dialogue on Afghanistan’s future, with a focus on both security and development.

The security situation in Afghanistan remains a pressing concern, with ongoing violence, instability, and the threat of terrorist activities. The international community must prioritize collaborative approaches to address these challenges and support Afghanistan in building a more secure and prosperous future.

12th Herat Security Conference to take place in Spain on February 24-25
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Criticism Mounts as the US Ends Afghan Resettlement Program

February 21, 2025
TOLOnews
TV Network
21 Feb 2025

Meanwhile, Afghan migrants awaiting resettlement in the US have expressed concern over this decision.

The Trump administration’s decision to close the Afghan resettlement office (CARE) has faced widespread criticism.

Shawn VanDiver, the head of AfghanEvac, expressed concern about this move during a press conference and urged the US president to honor commitments regarding the resettlement of Afghans.

“On day one, the administration issued an executive order that brought refugee missionaries in for us, providing them with all the key programs that we were going to have. At the time, we were told that the administration didn’t need a time group. But now we know the truth. The State Department has been directed to draw a plan for a permanent shutdown,” said VanDiver.

Meanwhile, Afghan migrants awaiting resettlement in the US have expressed concern over this decision.

“This situation has increased stress and mental health problems among migrants and has had a negative impact on their social lives,” said Haseena Sarwari, an Afghan migrant.

Humanitarian organizations have also called on the US government to uphold its commitments to Afghan allies.

“It’s been an honor to welcome Afghans who risked their lives for our country and encouraging to see the incredible hospitality of the American people in receiving them. But our work — and America’s moral obligation to these individuals — is not complete, and it would be a disaster,” said Myal Greene, president and CEO of World Relief.

Human rights activists have also reacted to this decision.

“The United States, as a global power and a committed member of international conventions, is obligated to honor its commitments. This is not only a human rights and security issue but also essential support for individuals in crisis who need assistance,” stated Fazel Saberi a human rights activist.

According to Reuters, the US government intends to shut down the Afghan resettlement office (CARE) by April this year—a move that could impact the future of 200,000 Afghan refugees awaiting resettlement in the US.

Criticism Mounts as the US Ends Afghan Resettlement Program
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Rubio: ‘Taliban’ Cooperative with US Against ISIS, But Concerns Remain

February 21, 2025
TOLOnews
TV Network
21 Feb 2025

The US Secretary of State also stressed that America’s concerns are not limited to Afghanistan and mentioned Syria as another security threat.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the Islamic Emirate has, in some instances, cooperated with Washington in eliminating ISIS and Al-Qaeda.

In an interview with an American media outlet, he said that a lack of control over these groups in Afghanistan gives them the opportunity to expand their activities.

Marco Rubio stated: “I think any time you have governing spaces that are contested, that you don’t have a government that has full control of every part of the territory, it creates the opportunity for these groups.”

The US Secretary of State also stressed that America’s concerns are not limited to Afghanistan and mentioned Syria as another security threat.

“In my opinion, this is a baseless claim because, over the past three and a half years, the current government has proven its authority in Afghanistan and has not lost control over even a small portion of its territory. They should clarify which part of the country is outside the government’s control,” said Moeen Gul Samkanai, a political analyst.

“These are just media statements. So far, they have not provided any global proof, nor does such proof exist, to suggest that Afghanistan poses a threat to the world or its neighboring countries,” said Hewad Zazi, another political analyst.

Meanwhile, in a recent statement, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior told TOLOnews that ISIS has been suppressed in Afghanistan and that there are no concerns regarding threats from this group.

Rubio: ‘Taliban’ Cooperative with US Against ISIS, But Concerns Remain
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