Results for: Afghanistan

Former National Security Advisor John Bolton has expressed concern about the potential for terrorist groups like ISIS-K and Al Qaeda to launch attacks from Afghanistan, citing the absence of a U.S. presence in the country. His statement comes as the Taliban celebrates the third anniversary of their return to power with a military parade featuring captured U.S. military equipment. Bolton’s warning underscores the ongoing debate about the implications of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, which has been criticized by some for emboldening adversaries.

Lt. Col. Scott Mann, a veteran of the Afghanistan War and author of ‘Operation Pineapple Express,’ shares his deeply personal account of the moral injury inflicted on veterans by the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. He emphasizes the profound impact on veterans’ mental health and calls for accountability to help them heal and restore America’s standing in the world.

The Taliban marked the third anniversary of their takeover of Afghanistan with celebrations at the former US Bagram air base, showcasing their consolidated grip on the country. However, the anniversary coincided with a worsening humanitarian crisis and ongoing international pressure to lift restrictions on women.

Three Afghan civilians, including a woman and two children, were killed in a border clash between Pakistani and Afghan forces near the Torkham crossing. The incident, which involved heavy weapons, highlights escalating tensions between the two nations over the Durand Line and the presence of militant groups.

The Buddhas of Bamiyan, two monumental statues carved into sandstone cliffs in Afghanistan, stood for over 1,500 years before being destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. These massive figures, once a symbol of Buddhist culture and a pilgrimage destination, now only exist as empty cavities in the rock wall, serving as a poignant reminder of a lost heritage.

New Zealand has announced a robust squad, including five spin bowling options, for their upcoming Test series against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. The team features experienced players like Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, and Devon Conway, as well as promising newcomers Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears. The squad is prepared for challenging conditions in India and Sri Lanka, with a focus on adapting to the sub-continent’s pitches and climate.

Mohammad Samim Faizad, an Afghan judoka, has been disqualified from the Paris Olympics after testing positive for stanozolol, the same anabolic steroid that sprinter Ben Johnson used at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. This marks the third failed drug test at the Games.

Pakistan has implemented new border security measures, requiring truck drivers from Afghanistan to carry passports for entry. This decision, made due to security concerns, has led to the suspension of bilateral trade and stranded cargo trucks on both sides of the border. The move comes amidst heightened tensions between the two countries and ongoing concerns about terrorist activity emanating from Afghanistan.

The Taliban has announced it will not recognize passports, visas, and other documents issued by Afghan diplomatic missions in several Western countries, further tightening its grip on international affairs. This move comes amidst ongoing concerns over the Taliban’s human rights record, particularly regarding restrictions on women and girls. A recent UN report highlights instances of forced closures of women-led NGOs and restrictions on women’s travel.

Pakistan, long accused of fostering terrorism and exporting it to India, now faces a similar situation with Afghanistan. After a recent terrorist attack on its own soil, Pakistan has demanded action against terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan, mirroring India’s repeated calls for Pakistan to address the threat emanating from its territory. This situation highlights Pakistan’s hypocrisy and its unwillingness to genuinely address terrorism, even when it directly impacts its own security.