Hisham Allam is a freelancer journalist based in Egypt.

Beyond the classroom: How Taliban policies are shaping Afghanistan’s education system

11 Dec 2024  |  DevelopmentAid  |  English  |  Taliban Policies

Afghanistan's education system faces significant challenges under Taliban rule, with curriculum changes and restrictions on women and minorities. Dr. Sardar Mohammad Rahimi, a former Deputy Minister of Education, highlights the negative impact on educational quality and inclusivity. He advocates for online education as a potential solution, emphasizing the need for international coordination and support. The article discusses the role of Islamic countries and organizations in pressuring the Taliban to allow education for girls and women, while urging the international community to implement alternative educational programs.

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Taliban Policies Education in Afghanistan Women's Rights

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Freelance Photojournalist for AFP News Agency, based in Afghanistan. Experienced in covering conflict zones, humanitarian crises, and cultural stories. Published in international outlets with strong expertise in visual storytelling and multimedia reporting.

New generation of Afghan women shift from burqa

19 Mar 2025  |  www.france24.com  |  English  |  Taliban Rule

Since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, Afghan women have faced strict dress codes, but many young women are opting for abayas and hijabs over the traditional burqa, citing comfort and freedom of expression. The Taliban's enforcement of Islamic law has led to a gender apartheid, with women being erased from public spaces. Despite the restrictions, the new generation is influenced by social media and fashion trends from Gulf nations. The article highlights the cultural shift and the challenges women face under the Taliban's rule.

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Taliban Rule Women's Rights Cultural Change

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Obaidullah Baheer is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

The ‘inclusive’ Afghan government Afghans do not want

17 Feb 2024  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Taliban

A meeting hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Doha aims to address the formation of an inclusive Afghan government, a key precondition for the Taliban's recognition. The term 'inclusivity' evokes negative memories for Afghans due to past experiences with warlords, complicating efforts to build trust and cooperation. The Taliban resists international pressure to include other political forces, leveraging public sentiment against warlordism. The article highlights the challenges of finding qualified non-Taliban political figures and suggests that the Taliban should have the autonomy to choose who to include in the government to improve the current situation.

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Taliban Afghan Government Political Inclusion

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Ahana Bhattacharya is an Entertainment/Bollywood journalist based in Mumbai, India.

Taliban bans women from pursuing nursing and midwifery education in Afghanistan

05 Dec 2024  |  thecsrjournal.in  |  English  |  Taliban Policies

The Taliban has reportedly banned women from pursuing nursing and midwifery education in Afghanistan, a move condemned by Afghan cricketers Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, as well as the European Union. This decision, part of a broader pattern of restricting women's rights since the Taliban's return to power, has sparked significant backlash. The EU has urged the Taliban to reverse the policy, highlighting its detrimental impact on Afghanistan's humanitarian situation. The ban exacerbates the shortage of female medical professionals, affecting women's healthcare. The article emphasizes the importance of education for all, rooted in Islamic teachings, and calls for the Taliban to reconsider their stance.

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Taliban Policies Women's Rights Education Ban

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Una Cilic is a multimedia journalist, currently based in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Afghan Taliban Minister Killed In Kabul Blast

11 Dec 2023  |  www.rferl.org  |  English  |  Taliban

The article reports on the killing of Khalil ur-Rahman Haqqani, Afghanistan's Taliban refugee affairs minister, in a suicide bombing claimed by the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K). The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the Taliban and IS-K, as well as the complex relationship between the Taliban and Pakistan, particularly concerning the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The Taliban's reluctance to act against the TTP, despite Pakistani pressure, is attributed to ideological and ethnic ties. The article also touches on the broader geopolitical implications, including Pakistan's military actions and diplomatic efforts, and the Taliban's internal challenges and international isolation.

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Taliban Terrorism Afghanistan-Pakistan Relations

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Umar Farooq is a multimedia journalist based in Peshawar, Pakistan. He has extensive experience working in conflict zones. He has expertise in reporting on Pakistan-Afghan-US affairs and militancy۔

Geopolitical Rifts: How US-China-Russia Tensions Could Strengthen The Taliban Govt

28 Apr 2024  |  The Friday Times  |  English  |  Taliban Government

The geopolitical rivalry between the US, China, and Russia is reshaping global power dynamics, with China and Russia forming a strategic partnership to counter US influence. The US withdrawal from Afghanistan has created a vacuum that the Taliban seeks to fill, despite lacking international support due to their governance model. China and Russia are engaging with the Taliban to promote regional stability and development, challenging Western sanctions and isolation strategies. However, the success of these efforts remains uncertain due to internal and external challenges faced by the Taliban and the cautious approach of China and Russia.

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Taliban Government Geopolitical Rivalry US-China-Russia Relations

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Maurizio Geri is a freelance journalist, also Italian Navy lieutenant reservist POLAD and EU Marie Curie Postdoc fellow 2024/2026 (2024 at GMU in Washington DC, 2025 at GMF and VUB in Brussels, 2026 at Ca’ Foscari University in Venice) to research the EU-NATO cooperation in Emerging Disruptive ...

India and Trump’s power moves could destabilize Pakistan and supercharge the Taliban’s nuclear dream

31 Jan 2025  |  Modern Diplomacy  |  English  |  Taliban Influence

The article discusses the potential destabilizing effects of Trump's policies on Pakistan and the Taliban's ambitions. Trump's executive orders, including a ban on Afghan refugees, and his alignment with India's Modi could exacerbate instability in Pakistan, a nuclear-armed nation. The Taliban, armed with abandoned U.S. military gear, pose a growing threat, potentially seeking Pakistan's nuclear weapons. The article emphasizes the need for diplomatic strategies over brinkmanship to maintain regional stability. It highlights the Islamabad Declaration, a faith-driven initiative against extremist ideologies, as a potential soft power approach for the U.S. to counter the Taliban's influence and support regional stability.

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Taliban Influence US Foreign Policy Pakistan Stability

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Journalist in Kathmandu, often with BBC Travel, der Spiegel, Stern, the Scotsman and other German and British media. 
Former senior foreign correspondent in Brussels covering EU affairs. Worked in broadcast, but still prefer print and photography. 
I usually write in English and German, but can ...

Nothing compensates for the stolen years: the Afghan women rebuilding shattered dreams in Iran

04 Jul 2024  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  Taliban's Ban on Education

Afghan women, barred from education by the Taliban, are seeking opportunities in Iran, where universities have opened their doors to them. Despite challenges, including high tuition fees and cultural adjustments, many Afghan women are determined to pursue their studies in Iran. The influx of Afghan students is seen as beneficial to Iran's economy, though there are concerns about discrimination. The article highlights the ongoing struggle for women's rights in Afghanistan and the hope for a better future through education.

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Taliban's Ban on Education Afghan Women's Education Afghan Refugees in Iran

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Zakeria Hashimi  freelance photographer and  journalist Kabul , Afghanistan . my whats app - 0093788315231

An Afghan family flees from Jaghori district in Ghazni province to escape battles between Taliban and Afghan security forces

12 Nov 2023  |  Los Angeles Times  |  English  |  Taliban insurgency

The article discusses the recent escalation of the conflict in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, where a U.S. military vehicle hit a Taliban-planted roadside bomb, killing three American service members. It highlights the Taliban's growing influence in the region since the NATO drawdown in 2015, and their strategic attacks on districts previously considered secure. The Taliban's surge in violence is seen as a move to strengthen their position ahead of potential peace talks with the U.S. The Afghan government's struggle to maintain control and protect civilians is also emphasized, with the recent Taliban attack on Jaghori district causing civilian casualties and displacements. The article suggests that the Taliban's tactics aim to undermine the Afghan government's legitimacy and gain leverage in negotiations, while the U.S. seeks a withdrawal before the 2020 presidential election.

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Taliban insurgency War in Afghanistan U.S. military casualties Afghan government stability Peace talks

Muhammad Jawad, professionally known as Jawad Shinwari, is an accomplished journalist with over nine years of experience. He has collaborated with both national and international news organizations, with a particular focus on reporting from the Peshawar and Pakistan-Afghanistan border region. His ...

Afghanistan Excluded from Upcoming SCO Summit in Islamabad, Citing Suspended Observer Status

15 Oct 2024  |  Forsige  |  English  |  Taliban

Afghanistan, holding an observer status in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), has been excluded from the upcoming SCO summit in Islamabad due to its suspended status since the Taliban's takeover in 2021. Despite the Taliban's requests for participation, no country has recognized their government, leading to their exclusion. The summit, chaired by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, will focus on economic cooperation, trade, connectivity, and regional security, with participation from ten SCO member countries. The decision reflects the complexities of engaging with an unrecognized regime, highlighting regional security and Afghanistan's stability as key issues.

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Taliban SCO Summit Afghanistan

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Tahir Khan is a freelance journalist based in Islamabad, Pakistan. I started journalism in 1990 and worked in several media outlets. I hosted TV programms for an Urdu and two Pashto-language TV channels. I write on foreign affairs and security issues. My area of interest is militancy, terrorism, ...

Taliban govt assures Afghan soil won’t be used for attacks on Pakistan

29 Oct 2024  |  www.dawn.com  |  English  |  Taliban Government

The Taliban government, represented by Afghan Chargé d’Affaires Mawlawi Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, has assured that Afghan soil will not be used for terrorist attacks against Pakistan. This statement comes amid rising terrorist incidents in Pakistan, with Islamabad expressing concerns over the presence of terror groups in Afghanistan. Shakeeb highlighted the potential benefits of regional cooperation through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the Belt and Road Initiative, emphasizing Afghanistan's role as a bridge between South and Central Asia. He also addressed challenges in trade relations, including Western sanctions and border issues, and called for enhanced diplomatic engagement and infrastructure development to boost economic ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

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Taliban Government Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations Regional Economic Cooperation

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Lisa Louis is a freelance journalist based in Paris, France.  She is a native German speaker, but also fluent in French, English, Spanish and Portuguese.  She works for TV, radio and online. 

You can find more info and examples of her work on her website: ****

Afghan Youth Orchestra in Exile

27 Feb 2024  |  www.dw.com  |  Spanish  |  Taliban

The Afghan Youth Orchestra continues to make music in exile in Braga, Portugal, after the Taliban destroyed their music school and banned them from playing.

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Taliban Exile Music

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Claudia Manildo is a journalist based in Rome, Italy.

Giornalista pubblicista e content editor, sono laureata all'Università di Siena in Comunicazione e all'Università di Parma in Giornalismo e Cultura Editoriale. Scrivere, oltre che un lavoro, è una missione quotidiana. Sono editor e correttore ...

The story of women in Afghanistan, what the press does not fully tell

07 Mar 2024  |  Claudia Manildo  |  Italian  |  Taliban

The article explores the historical and contemporary struggles of women in Afghanistan, highlighting the oppressive practices enforced by the Taliban and the broader patriarchal and religious contexts. It references the work of Oriana Fallaci and Khaled Hosseini in documenting these issues and critiques the superficial coverage by the media. The narrative underscores the persistent suffering and lack of rights for Afghan women, drawing parallels with broader global issues of gender inequality.

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Taliban Women's Rights Afghanistan

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Marc Martorell Junyent holds a Bachelor in International Relations and is a second-year student of a master in Comparative and Middle East Politics and Society at the University of Tübingen, Germany. His research and political analysis focuses on the Middle East and North Africa region, with ...

How to Lose a War: The Story of America’s Intervention in Afghanistan

18 Nov 2024  |  www.juancole.com  |  English  |  Taliban Rule

Amin Saikal's book 'How to Lose a War' examines the US intervention in Afghanistan, highlighting the strategic missteps and consequences of the two-decade-long conflict. The text discusses the Taliban's resurgence, the impact on women's rights, and the flawed constitutional structure in Afghanistan. It critiques the US's 'light footprint' strategy, the shift to a 'heavy footprint,' and the misallocation of resources due to the Iraq invasion. The Doha Agreement and its aftermath are analyzed, with Saikal arguing that the US made excessive concessions. The book calls for renewed dialogue on Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for engagement over endorsement with the Taliban.

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Taliban Rule US Intervention in Afghanistan Afghanistan War

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Julia Montfort is a journalist based in Paris, France.

Female Reporter in Afghanistan: Clandestine Information

13 May 2024  |  guitinews.fr  |  French  |  Taliban Regime

Since the fall of Kabul in August 2021, Afghanistan has become one of the most repressive countries for women, with increasing violations of their rights. Zahra, a 25-year-old journalist, defies the Taliban by reporting on the plight of Afghan women, despite severe restrictions and threats to her safety. The Taliban's oppressive measures have led to a drastic decline in press freedom, with Afghanistan ranking near the bottom globally. Zahra works clandestinely, using pseudonyms and taking precautions to avoid detection. Her main employer, Rukhshana Media, is a female-led resistance media outlet. Zahra's reporting highlights issues like forced marriages and clandestine schools, despite the risks of harassment and violence. Her family fears for her safety, but she remains committed to informing the world about the ongoing crisis for Afghan women.

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Taliban Regime Women's Rights Press Freedom

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Lluis Muñoz Pandiella is a journalist based in Barcelona, Spain.

Khadija Amin: "If I had stayed in Afghanistan, I would have been killed"

03 Dec 2024  |  www.france24.com  |  Spanish  |  Taliban Rule

Khadija Amin, an exiled journalist, shares her personal experiences to highlight the dire situation for women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, where women face severe restrictions and gender-based oppression. The Taliban's policies are described as a 'gender apartheid' by many organizations, underscoring the lack of freedom and rights for Afghan women.

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Taliban Rule Women's Rights Gender Apartheid

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I am an Afghan journalist with a degree in Islamic Law from the Kabul University, and co-author of ’Night Letters: Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and Afghan Islamists who Changed the World’. Since 2010 I covered Afghanistan from Kabul and remote provinces, writing for the National, Al Jazeera, and Arab News ...

The Real Story of Donald Trump’s Mysterious ‘Abdul’

23 Sept 2024  |  New Lines Magazine  |  English  |  Taliban negotiations

Donald Trump mentioned a Taliban leader named Abdul during a debate, referring to Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a key figure in Taliban negotiations with the U.S. The article explores Baradar's history, his role in the Taliban, and the peace talks with the U.S. that led to the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan. It highlights the Taliban's current focus on reconstruction, including the TAPI pipeline project, and the challenges they face in governing Afghanistan. The piece provides context to Trump's comments and the implications of the U.S.-Taliban agreement.

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Taliban negotiations U.S. war in Afghanistan Donald Trump

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Lailuma SADID is a journalist based in Brussels, Belgium. But i can travel if needed where in the world for my work.

Journalism in Afghanistan: A Taliban forced me to marry him!

29 Jan 2025  |  Latitudes - FR  |  English  |  Taliban

Female journalists in Afghanistan face severe challenges, including threats from the Taliban, forced marriages, and suppression of rights. Wahida Soleiman, a pseudonym for a journalist who fled to Pakistan, shares her experiences of being threatened with forced marriage by a Taliban member. Despite escaping to Pakistan, she and her family continue to face difficulties and insecurity. Wahida calls for international assistance to improve the conditions for Afghan refugees.

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Taliban Journalism Women's Rights

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Sertan Sanderson is a seasoned journalist with a rich background in covering news and current affairs. Specialising in social change, migration, and cultural impacts, his work is characterised by a deep exploration of the intersection of politics and human rights. 

His reporting has taken him ...

Germany: mounting calls for deportation deal with Afghanistan's Taliban

18 Feb 2025  |  www.infomigrants.net  |  English  |  Taliban

Germany is considering deportation talks with the Taliban despite not recognizing them diplomatically. The discussions are driven by recent Islamist attacks in Germany and the upcoming elections, with right-wing parties like the AfD and CSU advocating for deportations. The German government maintains limited technical contact with the Taliban through Qatar, focusing on humanitarian aid and security. Experts are divided on the implications of negotiating with the Taliban, with concerns about legitimizing their regime. The political landscape in Germany is shifting rightward, influencing the debate on deportation policies.

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Taliban Deportation German Politics

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Will Tizard is a travel and business journalist and documentarian based in Prague, Czech Republic. He covers the film sector in Central and Eastern Europe for Variety and writes about the arts and culture for Time Out, National Geographic guides and Louis Vuitton.
With more than 20 years' ...

Afghan Women Activists Seek Taliban ICC Trial Over Rights Abuses

27 Nov 2023  |  www.rferl.org  |  English  |  Taliban Rule

Afghan women's rights activists are urging the International Criminal Court to prosecute the Taliban for systemic human rights violations, including gender apartheid. The Taliban's oppressive policies have led to widespread persecution of women and activists, with hundreds imprisoned for protesting. Amnesty International and other rights groups have condemned the Taliban's actions. The Taliban's return to power has also emboldened militant groups in Pakistan, leading to increased violence. Meanwhile, China is advancing its mining projects in Afghanistan, despite security concerns. The push to recognize 'gender apartheid' under international law is gaining momentum, driven by the severe oppression of women in Afghanistan and Iran.

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Taliban Rule Human Rights Gender Apartheid

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Award-winning journalist covering politics, business and economics in the Gulf and Southeast Asia including OPEC and the impact of the global financial crisis. Former correspondent Philippines for the FT, Former co-presenter 'Business Breakfast' and 'Business Tonight', Dubai-Eye 103.8FM, Former ...

Revealed: the truth behind the Taliban’s brutal Kabul ‘regeneration’ programme

05 Aug 2024  |  ca.news.yahoo.com  |  English  |  Taliban

The Taliban's redevelopment program in Kabul has led to significant human rights concerns, with thousands left homeless and vulnerable communities severely impacted. An investigation using satellite imagery and testimonies reveals that the destruction is partly ethnically targeted, affecting Hazara and Tajik communities. The demolitions, often brutal, have resulted in injuries and deaths, with residents unable to protest due to fear. The Taliban justify these actions as reclaiming land for infrastructure projects, but human rights groups warn of increased gender-based violence and economic collapse in Afghanistan.

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Taliban Kabul redevelopment Human rights

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Anchal Vohra is a Beirut-based TV and Print journalist. She is a freelance Correspondent for AJ English and a writer on the Middle east for Foreign Policy. She also contributes to the Times, the Atlantic, the Telegraph, the New Statesman, and Berlin Policy Journal. Ms Vohra has been Deutsche Welle ...

The Taliban’s Misogyny Finally Needs a U.S. Response

18 Sept 2024  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  Taliban policies

The Taliban's recent ban on women speaking in public marks a new low in its gender apartheid policies. Despite promises, Afghan women face severe restrictions, with little response from the U.S. or Islamic nations. The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan left women vulnerable, and current policies focus on security rather than human rights. The Taliban remains open to economic engagement but dismisses women's rights as internal matters. Activists criticize both the Trump and Biden administrations for their roles in the current situation. Suggestions include cutting aid to weaken the Taliban or increasing developmental aid to empower Afghans. The U.S. has threatened a global boycott, but many countries continue to engage with the Taliban. A cohesive regional policy led by the U.S. could challenge the Taliban's interpretation of Shariah. The article warns that ignoring Afghanistan could have broader implications for U.S. foreign policy.

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Taliban policies Women's rights U.S. foreign policy

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EJ Ward is a Broadcast Journalist based in London, United Kingdom. With experience working across a range of media EJ is skilled at broadcast journalism and live reporting. Experienced in managing a newsroom he currently works as a News Editor and Producer for Sino Radio UK, part of the GBTIMES ...

Afghan women banned from ‘hearing each other’ as Taliban’s latest rule 'surpasses misogyny' and silences women’s voices

29 Oct 2024  |  LBC  |  English  |  Taliban

The Taliban has intensified its repressive measures against Afghan women, banning them from hearing each other's voices in both public and private settings. This new rule, announced by Khalid Hanafi, adds to a series of restrictions aimed at controlling women's lives, including bans on education, work, and public speaking. The Taliban's policies have led to increased isolation and despair among women, with reports of rising suicides. The regime has also prohibited images of living beings in media, further clamping down on cultural expression. These measures have sparked internal divisions within the Taliban, with some officials concerned about potential public backlash.

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Taliban Women's Rights Censorship

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I cover political parties, labour, education policy, science and research, minorities, and human rights for The News International.

The Madyan Tragedy And The People Of Swat

23 Jun 2024  |  The Friday Times  |  English  |  Taliban Movement

The article discusses the historical and ongoing socio-political challenges in Swat, focusing on the influence of religious movements like the Taliban and Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan. It highlights the tragic incident in Madyan, where a mob killed a tourist accused of sacrilege, reflecting on the misuse of religion for political gains and the failure of law enforcement. The narrative critiques the local and national responses, urging introspection and accountability to prevent such events.

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Taliban Movement Religious Extremism Madyan Tragedy

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