A suicide bomber blew himself up at the entrance to a military training centre in the Afghan capital on Thursday, killing at least six people and wounding six, police and security officials said.

One official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attacker detonated his explosives after being prevented from entering the Marshal Fahim National Defense University to the west of Kabul.

The explosion occurred as cadets were leaving the college, which is one of Afghanistan's main officer training academies.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, which came as Taliban representatives met senior Afghan politicians in Moscow as part of efforts to reach a settlement to end the 18-year-long conflict.&nbsp;

A suicide bomber blew himself up at the entrance to a military training centre in the Afghan capital on Thursday, killing at least six people and wounding six, police and security officials said.

A suicide bomber blew himself up at the entrance to a military training centre in the Afghan capital on Thursday, killing at least six people and wounding six, police and security officials said. One official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attacker detonated his explosives after being prevented from entering the Marshal Fahim National Defense University to the west of Kabul. The explosion occurred as cadets were leaving the college, which is one of Afghanistan's main officer training academies. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, which came as Taliban representatives met senior Afghan politicians in Moscow as part of efforts to reach a settlement to end the 18-year-long conflict.

Blast near Afghan military training centre kills at least six

Former Afghan govt senior adviser says members of administration offer posts in exchange of sexual favors. Former govt consultant Mariam Wardak comes under attack for backing the claims. Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you the report.

Gravitas: Major Controversy In Afghanistan; Sex Scandal Hits Government

Attacks on schools in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-opens-probe-into-sexual-favour-allegations-222376">Afghanistan </a>tripled in 2018, surging from 68 in 2017 to 192, the United Nations agency for children said in a report, as the Taliban and other extremist groups in the war-torn country continue to wage a campaign of violence against softer targets.

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Tuesday said in a report that it was the first time since 2015 that a rise in attacks had been recorded.

"Education is under fire in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-constructed-with-pakistans-assistance-hospital-with-200-bed-inaugurated-in-kabul-212122">Afghanistan</a>," said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore.

"The senseless attacks on schools; the killing, injury and abduction of teachers; and the threats against education are destroying the hopes and dreams of an entire generation of children."&nbsp;

More than 1,000 schools across the country remain closed because of security threats from groups such as the Taliban and Islamic State, which have sought soft targets for attacks aimed at extending and consolidating their influence through intimidation. Half a million children were denied their right to education as result.

Although the Taliban have shifted from their previous opposition to all forms of girls' education, they have faced regular accusations of shutting down schools run in a way they do not approve.

The UNICEF said the use of schools as voter registration and polling centers for the parliamentary elections in 2018 may have been a reason for the increase in the attacks.

An estimated 3.7 million children between the ages of 7 and 17&nbsp;nearly half of all school-aged children in the country are&nbsp;out of school in Afghanistan.

Worsening insecurity, high rates of poverty and persistent discrimination against girls caused the rate of out-of-school children to increase last year for the first time since 2002. Girls account for 60 per cent of children not in education.&nbsp;

The UNICEF is working with the government and other partners to provide informal and accelerated community-based education. This includes running classes in community buildings and homes, helping to reduce the risk of insecurity on the way to school.

On Monday, the third International Conference on Safe Schools opened in Spain for decision-makers to discuss the implementation of the Safe School Declaration endorsed by 87 nations&nbsp;its challenges and lessons learned, at the national, regional, and international levels. The conference is an occasion to encourage cooperation and stronger gender-responsive practices.

As the International Conference opened, UNICEF calls for an end to all attacks on schools and urges all warring parties to protect education during armed conflict.

Attacks on schools in Afghanistan tripled in 2018, surging from 68 in 2017 to 192, the United Nations agency for children said in a report, as the Taliban and other extremist groups in the war-torn country continue to wage a campaign of violence against softer targets.

Attacks on schools in Afghanistan tripled in 2018, surging from 68 in 2017 to 192, the United Nations agency for children said in a report, as the Taliban and other extremist groups in the war-torn country continue to wage a campaign of violence against softer targets. The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Tuesday said in a report that it was the first time since 2015 that a rise in attacks had been recorded. "Education is under fire in Afghanistan," said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. "The senseless attacks on schools; the killing, injury and abduction of teachers; and the threats against education are destroying the hopes and dreams of an entire generation of children." More than 1,000 schools across the country remain closed because of security threats from groups such as the Taliban and Islamic State, which have sought soft targets for attacks aimed at extending and consolidating their influence through intimidation. Half a million children were denied their right to education as result. Although the Taliban have shifted from their previous opposition to all forms of girls' education, they have faced regular accusations of shutting down schools run in a way they do not approve. The UNICEF said the use of schools as voter registration and polling centers for the parliamentary elections in 2018 may have been a reason for the increase in the attacks. An estimated 3.7 million children between the ages of 7 and 17 nearly half of all school-aged children in the country are out of school in Afghanistan. Worsening insecurity, high rates of poverty and persistent discrimination against girls caused the rate of out-of-school children to increase last year for the first time since 2002. Girls account for 60 per cent of children not in education. The UNICEF is working with the government and other partners to provide informal and accelerated community-based education. This includes running classes in community buildings and homes, helping to reduce the risk of insecurity on the way to school. On Monday, the third International Conference on Safe Schools opened in Spain for decision-makers to discuss the implementation of the Safe School Declaration endorsed by 87 nations its challenges and lessons learned, at the national, regional, and international levels. The conference is an occasion to encourage cooperation and stronger gender-responsive practices. As the International Conference opened, UNICEF calls for an end to all attacks on schools and urges all warring parties to protect education during armed conflict.

Attacks by extremists on Afghan schools triple: UNICEF

Former Afghan govt senior adviser says members of administration offer posts in exchange of sexual favors. Former govt consultant Mariam Wardak comes under attack for backing the claims. Watch this video to know more.

Afghan sex scandal: General exposes sex scandal in Govt

Afghanistan's attorney general opened an investigation Tuesday into allegations that some members of President Ashraf Ghani's administration are trading government positions for sexual favours.

The accusations made last week by General Habibullah Ahmadzai, a former security advisor to Ghani, have sparked an outcry in Kabul. Many have taken to social media to demand a probe.&nbsp;

In a statement, the attorney general's office vowed to investigate allegations "in a serious, fair, neutral and independent way".

Investigators have already asked Ahmadzai to deliver by Thursday any evidence he may have to support his claims, which he first made in a televised interview last week.

Watch: Major Controversy In Afghanistan; Sex Scandal Hits Government

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Without providing any evidence, he levelled several corruption claims and said "circles" inside the Afghan presidential palace were asking women for sexual favours -- offering coveted government seats in return.

"People were working systematically to promote adultery in the palace," he claimed.

The allegations from Ahmadzai, who unsuccessfully ran for parliament in October elections, were initially backed by Mariam Wardak, a former advisor to Afghanistan's national security council.

She told an Indian news channel that "the issues he brought up and highlighted reflect reality."

However, critics said Wardak's comments could have serious repercussions for thousands of women working in government offices. She later said her words had been "distorted".

On Sunday, Ghani's spokesman rejected Ahmadzai's claims as "completely false and baseless."

"This issue will be seriously investigated and the results will be shared with the people of Afghanistan," he said.

Afghan women today often enjoy far greater freedom than they did under the brutally repressive Taliban regime, including the right to an education and the ability to work for the government.

However, Afghanistan remains a deeply conservative country and varying levels of abuse against women can still seem like the norm.

Last year, the head of the Afghanistan Football Federation along with five other officials were suspended by FIFA and put on a travel ban after graphic details emerged of alleged sexual and physical abuse against members of the women's national team.

Ghani has ordered an investigation into those claims.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's attorney general opened an investigation Tuesday into allegations that some members of President Ashraf Ghani's administration are trading government positions for sexual favours.

Afghanistan's attorney general opened an investigation Tuesday into allegations that some members of President Ashraf Ghani's administration are trading government positions for sexual favours. The accusations made last week by General Habibullah Ahmadzai, a former security advisor to Ghani, have sparked an outcry in Kabul. Many have taken to social media to demand a probe. In a statement, the attorney general's office vowed to investigate allegations "in a serious, fair, neutral and independent way". Investigators have already asked Ahmadzai to deliver by Thursday any evidence he may have to support his claims, which he first made in a televised interview last week. Watch: Major Controversy In Afghanistan; Sex Scandal Hits Government × Without providing any evidence, he levelled several corruption claims and said "circles" inside the Afghan presidential palace were asking women for sexual favours -- offering coveted government seats in return. "People were working systematically to promote adultery in the palace," he claimed. The allegations from Ahmadzai, who unsuccessfully ran for parliament in October elections, were initially backed by Mariam Wardak, a former advisor to Afghanistan's national security council. She told an Indian news channel that "the issues he brought up and highlighted reflect reality." However, critics said Wardak's comments could have serious repercussions for thousands of women working in government offices. She later said her words had been "distorted". On Sunday, Ghani's spokesman rejected Ahmadzai's claims as "completely false and baseless." "This issue will be seriously investigated and the results will be shared with the people of Afghanistan," he said. Afghan women today often enjoy far greater freedom than they did under the brutally repressive Taliban regime, including the right to an education and the ability to work for the government. However, Afghanistan remains a deeply conservative country and varying levels of abuse against women can still seem like the norm. Last year, the head of the Afghanistan Football Federation along with five other officials were suspended by FIFA and put on a travel ban after graphic details emerged of alleged sexual and physical abuse against members of the women's national team. Ghani has ordered an investigation into those claims.

Afghanistan opens probe into sexual favour allegations

Taliban fighters have stormed several security posts providing protection to Afghanistan's historic minaret of Jam, cutting access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and killing 18 security forces, officials said Wednesday.

The attack comes less than a week after the revered 12th-century minaret, located in a remote part of the western province of Ghor, was threatened by surging floodwaters.

"The Taliban have captured some checkpoints around the minaret. We had to retreat because more fighting would cause damage to the minaret," Sayed Zia Hussaini, the deputy police chief of Ghor, said.

Abdul Hai Khatebi, the provincial governor spokesman, said 15 pro-government militias and three policemen had been killed in the attacks, which started Monday.&nbsp;

"The Taliban have shut off telecommunication towers and have cut any access to the area," Fakhruddin Ariapur, the Ghor province director of information and culture, said.

"The cleaning-up work (from the flood) has stopped and we don't know what is happening there."

Dramatic video footage from late last week showed brown torrents crashing up against the base of the brick minaret, which was built in about 1190.

On Monday, the government said it had hired about 300 local workers to channel floodwaters away from the tower. The work appeared to have saved the minaret from imminent danger.

Located in an area largely under Taliban control, the Jam minaret is the world's second tallest made of bricks, reaching a height of 65 metres (213 feet).

It is situated on the frontier of Ghor and Herat provinces, at the heart of the former Ghorid empire which dominated Afghanistan and parts of India in the 12th-13th centuries.

Taliban fighters have stormed several security posts providing protection to Afghanistan's historic minaret of Jam, cutting access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and killing 18 security forces, officials said Wednesday.

Taliban fighters have stormed several security posts providing protection to Afghanistan's historic minaret of Jam, cutting access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and killing 18 security forces, officials said Wednesday. The attack comes less than a week after the revered 12th-century minaret, located in a remote part of the western province of Ghor, was threatened by surging floodwaters. "The Taliban have captured some checkpoints around the minaret. We had to retreat because more fighting would cause damage to the minaret," Sayed Zia Hussaini, the deputy police chief of Ghor, said. Abdul Hai Khatebi, the provincial governor spokesman, said 15 pro-government militias and three policemen had been killed in the attacks, which started Monday. "The Taliban have shut off telecommunication towers and have cut any access to the area," Fakhruddin Ariapur, the Ghor province director of information and culture, said. "The cleaning-up work (from the flood) has stopped and we don't know what is happening there." Dramatic video footage from late last week showed brown torrents crashing up against the base of the brick minaret, which was built in about 1190. On Monday, the government said it had hired about 300 local workers to channel floodwaters away from the tower. The work appeared to have saved the minaret from imminent danger. Located in an area largely under Taliban control, the Jam minaret is the world's second tallest made of bricks, reaching a height of 65 metres (213 feet). It is situated on the frontier of Ghor and Herat provinces, at the heart of the former Ghorid empire which dominated Afghanistan and parts of India in the 12th-13th centuries.

Taliban strike near historic Afghan minaret, 18 security forces killed

Attacks on schools in Afghanistan increased almost threefold last year, making it increasingly difficult to ensure an education for children in many parts of the country, the United Nations children`s fund UNICEF said on Tuesday.

The agency, which promotes education and children's rights, said the number of attacks against Afghan schools jumped from 68 in 2017 to 192 last year. It was the first time since 2015 that a rise in attacks had been recorded.

"Education is under fire in Afghanistan," said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. "The senseless attacks on schools; the killing, injury and abduction of teachers; and the threats against education are destroying the hopes and dreams of an entire generation of children."

More than 1,000 schools across the country remain closed because of security threats from groups such as the Taliban and Islamic State, which have sought soft targets for attacks aimed at extending and consolidating their influence through intimidation.

Although the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-taliban-claims-responsibility-for-quetta-blast-218492"> Taliban</a> have shifted from their previous opposition to all forms of girls` education, they have faced regular accusations of shutting down schools run in a way they do not approve.

UNICEF said the use of school buildings as voter centres during last year's parliamentary election may have been a factor behind the rise in attacks.

Afghanistan has a young and fast-growing population but about 3.7 million children, or nearly half of all school-age children, are not in formal education, UNICEF said.

Attacks on schools in Afghanistan increased almost threefold last year, making it increasingly difficult to ensure an education for children in many parts of the country, the United Nations children`s fund UNICEF said on Tuesday.

Attacks on schools in Afghanistan increased almost threefold last year, making it increasingly difficult to ensure an education for children in many parts of the country, the United Nations children`s fund UNICEF said on Tuesday. The agency, which promotes education and children's rights, said the number of attacks against Afghan schools jumped from 68 in 2017 to 192 last year. It was the first time since 2015 that a rise in attacks had been recorded. "Education is under fire in Afghanistan," said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. "The senseless attacks on schools; the killing, injury and abduction of teachers; and the threats against education are destroying the hopes and dreams of an entire generation of children." More than 1,000 schools across the country remain closed because of security threats from groups such as the Taliban and Islamic State, which have sought soft targets for attacks aimed at extending and consolidating their influence through intimidation. Although the Taliban have shifted from their previous opposition to all forms of girls` education, they have faced regular accusations of shutting down schools run in a way they do not approve. UNICEF said the use of school buildings as voter centres during last year's parliamentary election may have been a factor behind the rise in attacks. Afghanistan has a young and fast-growing population but about 3.7 million children, or nearly half of all school-age children, are not in formal education, UNICEF said.

Education under fire' as attacks on Afghan schools jump: UNICEF

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-afghan-officials-to-meet-in-moscow-for-peace-talks-222143">A&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;delegation met a group of senior Afghan politicians </a>in Moscow on Tuesday, insisting that international forces must leave Afghanistan for peace to be agreed, amid gathering diplomatic efforts to end the 18-year war.

The delegation, led by chief&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;negotiator Mullah Baradar Akhund, met politicians, including senior regional leaders and candidates challenging President Ashraf Ghani in this year's presidential election.

"The Islamic Emirate wants peace but the first step is to remove obstacles to peace and end the occupation of Afghanistan," Baradar said, appearing openly on television in what appeared to be a calculated move to establish his legitimacy as one of the main public faces of the&nbsp;Taliban.

The&nbsp;Taliban, ousted by US-backed forces weeks after September&nbsp;11, 2001, attacks on the United States, refer to themselves as the Islamic Emirate.

Mohammad Karim Khalili, head of the High Peace Council, the main body charged with pursuing peace efforts, said dozens of people were being killed in fighting every day and it was time for a "dignified and just mechanism" to end the bloodshed.

Taliban&nbsp;officials have been talking to US&nbsp;diplomats for months about the terms of withdrawal of more than 23,000 US and NATO coalition troops from Afghanistan and have reached a draft agreement on some issues but no new date for the next round of talks has been set and many obstacles remain.

Chief among these is the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;refusal to deal directly with President Ashraf Ghani's Western-backed government in Kabul, which they dismiss as a "puppet" regime.

Meetings between the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;delegation and political figures not formally associated with the government have been seen as a way of preparing the way for full negotiations later. But those contacts are regarded with deep suspicion by many Afghan officials who see them as undermining the legitimacy of the government while reinforcing the position of the&nbsp;Taliban.

The group of politicians attending the ceremony to mark the centenary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and Russia included many of Ghani's most powerful political adversaries.

Atta Mohammad Noor, the former governor of the northern province of Balkh and a leader of the mainly ethnic Tajik Jamiat-e Islami party, said it was in the interests of all sides to establish a good understanding.

"We want to have good relations with the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;and we expect peace from them," he said.

However, the presidential election in September is expected to put Afghanistan's political system under heavy strain following bitterly disputed parliamentary elections last year that drew widespread accusations of cheating.

A Taliban delegation met a group of senior Afghan politicians in Moscow on Tuesday, insisting that international forces must leave Afghanistan for peace to be agreed, amid gathering diplomatic efforts to end the 18-year war.

A Taliban delegation met a group of senior Afghan politicians in Moscow on Tuesday, insisting that international forces must leave Afghanistan for peace to be agreed, amid gathering diplomatic efforts to end the 18-year war. The delegation, led by chief Taliban negotiator Mullah Baradar Akhund, met politicians, including senior regional leaders and candidates challenging President Ashraf Ghani in this year's presidential election. "The Islamic Emirate wants peace but the first step is to remove obstacles to peace and end the occupation of Afghanistan," Baradar said, appearing openly on television in what appeared to be a calculated move to establish his legitimacy as one of the main public faces of the Taliban. The Taliban, ousted by US-backed forces weeks after September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, refer to themselves as the Islamic Emirate. Mohammad Karim Khalili, head of the High Peace Council, the main body charged with pursuing peace efforts, said dozens of people were being killed in fighting every day and it was time for a "dignified and just mechanism" to end the bloodshed. Taliban officials have been talking to US diplomats for months about the terms of withdrawal of more than 23,000 US and NATO coalition troops from Afghanistan and have reached a draft agreement on some issues but no new date for the next round of talks has been set and many obstacles remain. Chief among these is the Taliban refusal to deal directly with President Ashraf Ghani's Western-backed government in Kabul, which they dismiss as a "puppet" regime. Meetings between the Taliban delegation and political figures not formally associated with the government have been seen as a way of preparing the way for full negotiations later. But those contacts are regarded with deep suspicion by many Afghan officials who see them as undermining the legitimacy of the government while reinforcing the position of the Taliban. The group of politicians attending the ceremony to mark the centenary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and Russia included many of Ghani's most powerful political adversaries. Atta Mohammad Noor, the former governor of the northern province of Balkh and a leader of the mainly ethnic Tajik Jamiat-e Islami party, said it was in the interests of all sides to establish a good understanding. "We want to have good relations with the Taliban and we expect peace from them," he said. However, the presidential election in September is expected to put Afghanistan's political system under heavy strain following bitterly disputed parliamentary elections last year that drew widespread accusations of cheating.

Taliban say 'occupation' must end for Afghan peace as delegates meet in Moscow

A magnetic improvised explosive device (IED) blast targeted a bus of the employees of the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs early on Monday morning in Kabul city's PD2 in Afghanistan, news agency ANI reported quoting Afghan media.&nbsp;

Afghan Ministry of Interior Affairs confirmed the incident in which at least 10 people have been wounded. More details are awaited.&nbsp;

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TOLOnews: At least 10 people were wounded in a magnetic IED blast that targeted a bus of the employees of the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs early Monday morning in Kabul city's PD2, MoI officials confirmed. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>
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The blast comes just a couple of days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explosion-rocks-afghanistans-spin-boldak-1-civilian-killed-221629">an explosion rocked the Spin Boldak district</a> of Afghanistan on Saturday.

At least one civilian was killed while two others were wounded in the blast.

"An explosion in Spin Boldak district in southern Kandahar province at around 7 pm (local time) on Saturday evening left one civilian dead and two others wounded," news agency ANI reported quoting TOLOnews.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A magnetic improvised explosive device (IED) blast targeted a bus of the employees of the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs early on Monday morning in Kabul city's PD2 in Afghanistan, news agency ANI reported quoting Afghan media.

A magnetic improvised explosive device (IED) blast targeted a bus of the employees of the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs early on Monday morning in Kabul city's PD2 in Afghanistan, news agency ANI reported quoting Afghan media. Afghan Ministry of Interior Affairs confirmed the incident in which at least 10 people have been wounded. More details are awaited. TOLOnews: At least 10 people were wounded in a magnetic IED blast that targeted a bus of the employees of the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs early Monday morning in Kabul city's PD2, MoI officials confirmed. #Afghanistan — ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2019 × The blast comes just a couple of days after an explosion rocked the Spin Boldak district of Afghanistan on Saturday. At least one civilian was killed while two others were wounded in the blast. "An explosion in Spin Boldak district in southern Kandahar province at around 7 pm (local time) on Saturday evening left one civilian dead and two others wounded," news agency ANI reported quoting TOLOnews.

Afghanistan: IED blast targets bus in Kabul, at least 10 wounded

A Pakistan Army soldier was killed when some militants attacked a security outpost in Pakistan's restive northwestern tribal region on Monday.

An exchange of fire broke out between the security forces and the terrorists when they raided the Makki Garh post in Shawal Valley of North Waziristan, the army's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

Troops effectively repulsed the attempt by the militants and in the exchange of fire, a soldier was killed, it said.

The army retrieved five unidentified bodies during patrolling in Boya area where an army post was attacked on Sunday by a group.

The bodies with bullet wounds were found from a dry stream nearly 1.5 km away from the Khar Kamar post which was attacked by the group.

Once a hotbed of militants, North Waziristan was cleared after an operation in 2014.

However, lately, it has witnessed sporadic incidents of violence by militants entering Afghanistan, according to the security forces.

A Pakistan Army soldier was killed when some militants attacked a security outpost in Pakistan's restive northwestern tribal region on Monday. An exchange of fire broke out between the security forces and the terrorists when they raided the Makki Garh post in Shawal Valley of North Waziristan, the army's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

A Pakistan Army soldier was killed when some militants attacked a security outpost in Pakistan's restive northwestern tribal region on Monday. An exchange of fire broke out between the security forces and the terrorists when they raided the Makki Garh post in Shawal Valley of North Waziristan, the army's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. Troops effectively repulsed the attempt by the militants and in the exchange of fire, a soldier was killed, it said. The army retrieved five unidentified bodies during patrolling in Boya area where an army post was attacked on Sunday by a group. The bodies with bullet wounds were found from a dry stream nearly 1.5 km away from the Khar Kamar post which was attacked by the group. Once a hotbed of militants, North Waziristan was cleared after an operation in 2014. However, lately, it has witnessed sporadic incidents of violence by militants entering Afghanistan, according to the security forces.

Pakistan soldier killed as militants attack security outpost

Days ahead of an annual holiday when Americans remember those who died while serving in the armed forces, the US Army's Twitter account asked people how their time in the military affected them and received an outpouring of grief.

The question drew some 10,000 replies since it was posted late last week -- many of which were anonymous or included details that could not be independently confirmed, but which paint a harrowing picture of the toll America's wars have taken on those who fought them.

"OEF, OIF PTSD with chronic pain," one Twitter user wrote, using the US military's acronyms for the wars in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-ied-blast-targets-bus-in-kabul-at-least-10-wounded-221867">Afghanistan </a>and Iraq, and the abbreviation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The US launched the war in Afghanistan in 2001 and the Iraq war in 2003. The conflicts left thousands of American service members dead and many more wounded. US troops are still deployed in both countries to this day.

"My dad came back from fighting in Iraq and was abusive, constantly angry, paranoid, and following that went through a lot of therapy but his mental and physical health is still off and he was definitely changed through all he had been through," another user wrote.

"My son served and did one tour of OEF, he made it back, re-enlisted, and shot himself in the head," said another.

"The 'Combat Cocktail',&nbsp;PTSD, severe depression, anxiety. Isolation. Suicide attempts. Never ending rage. It cost me my relationship with my eldest son and my grandson. It cost some of my men so much more," another Twitter user wrote.

"How did serving impact me? Ask my family." Not all the replies were about the toll taken by combat.

"I was forced to resign my commission while serving in Kuwait during the first Gulf War because I am gay. I received another than honourable discharge despite excellent performance reviews," one man wrote.

Another than honourable discharge is the most severe military administrative dismissal. It can follow a former soldier well into civilian life, leaving them ineligible for benefits and making it difficult to find work.

The Army thanked those who replied to its official account, saying,&nbsp;"Your stories are real, they matter, and they may help others in similar situations."

"As we honour those who paid the ultimate sacrifice this weekend by remembering their service, we are also mindful of the fact that we have to take care of those who came back home with scars we can't see."

Days ahead of an annual holiday when Americans remember those who died while serving in the armed forces, the US Army's Twitter account asked people how their time in the military affected them and received an outpouring of grief.

Days ahead of an annual holiday when Americans remember those who died while serving in the armed forces, the US Army's Twitter account asked people how their time in the military affected them and received an outpouring of grief. The question drew some 10,000 replies since it was posted late last week -- many of which were anonymous or included details that could not be independently confirmed, but which paint a harrowing picture of the toll America's wars have taken on those who fought them. "OEF, OIF PTSD with chronic pain," one Twitter user wrote, using the US military's acronyms for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the abbreviation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The US launched the war in Afghanistan in 2001 and the Iraq war in 2003. The conflicts left thousands of American service members dead and many more wounded. US troops are still deployed in both countries to this day. "My dad came back from fighting in Iraq and was abusive, constantly angry, paranoid, and following that went through a lot of therapy but his mental and physical health is still off and he was definitely changed through all he had been through," another user wrote. "My son served and did one tour of OEF, he made it back, re-enlisted, and shot himself in the head," said another. "The 'Combat Cocktail', PTSD, severe depression, anxiety. Isolation. Suicide attempts. Never ending rage. It cost me my relationship with my eldest son and my grandson. It cost some of my men so much more," another Twitter user wrote. "How did serving impact me? Ask my family." Not all the replies were about the toll taken by combat. "I was forced to resign my commission while serving in Kuwait during the first Gulf War because I am gay. I received another than honourable discharge despite excellent performance reviews," one man wrote. Another than honourable discharge is the most severe military administrative dismissal. It can follow a former soldier well into civilian life, leaving them ineligible for benefits and making it difficult to find work. The Army thanked those who replied to its official account, saying, "Your stories are real, they matter, and they may help others in similar situations." "As we honour those who paid the ultimate sacrifice this weekend by remembering their service, we are also mindful of the fact that we have to take care of those who came back home with scars we can't see."

US Army Twitter question highlights toll of America's wars

India will be building a football ground and a sports facility in Afghanistan's western province of Ghor. The foundation stone was laid by Indian envoy Vinay Kumar along with Afghan minister for economy&nbsp;

Mustafa Mastoor on Saturday for 3 projected including a bridge and an educational institute.&nbsp;

It is not the first time India helping Afghanistan in sports. It is providing 2 "home grounds" in Greater Noida and Dehradun, build the Kandahar stadium, &nbsp;currently constructing a stadium in Mazar-e-Sharif and provides technical and logistical support for players and the Afghanistan cricket board.

The projects are funded under India's high impact community development (HICDP) scheme implemented in the landlocked south Asian country by Indian govt.&nbsp;

<img alt="Afghanistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7125ec10-bf33-488c-bbc1-2c6b69bd7f1b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_2.jpg" />

A release by the Indian mission in Kabul said, "The govt of India reiterates its commitment to take India Afghanistan development partnership forward in accordance with the national priorities of the govt and the people of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan"

The Indian envoy also addressed a public gathering of University Students, teaching faculty in the Province in which he reiterated India's commitment for capacity building through its scholarship programmes for Afghan students.

India through its community development scheme since 2005 has supported over 550 projects throughout Afghanistan. Of these, around 345 projects have been completed while the remaining are in various stages of completion.&nbsp;

The projects are aimed at building basic infrastructure such as schools, public health centres, bridges, roads for local communities. India is the largest donor to Afghanistan in the region and since 2001 after the fall of Taliban undertaken projects and programmes over $2 billion.&nbsp;

Under its "new development partnership assistance" launched in 2016, New Delhi allocated an additional $1 billion for the next 5 years for development in Afghanistan.

India will be building a football ground and a sports facility in Afghanistan's western province of Ghor. The foundation stone was laid by Indian envoy Vinay Kumar along with Afghan minister for economy Mustafa Mastoor on Saturday for 3 projected including a bridge and an educational institute.

India will be building a football ground and a sports facility in Afghanistan's western province of Ghor. The foundation stone was laid by Indian envoy Vinay Kumar along with Afghan minister for economy Mustafa Mastoor on Saturday for 3 projected including a bridge and an educational institute. It is not the first time India helping Afghanistan in sports. It is providing 2 "home grounds" in Greater Noida and Dehradun, build the Kandahar stadium, currently constructing a stadium in Mazar-e-Sharif and provides technical and logistical support for players and the Afghanistan cricket board. The projects are funded under India's high impact community development (HICDP) scheme implemented in the landlocked south Asian country by Indian govt. A release by the Indian mission in Kabul said, "The govt of India reiterates its commitment to take India Afghanistan development partnership forward in accordance with the national priorities of the govt and the people of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan" The Indian envoy also addressed a public gathering of University Students, teaching faculty in the Province in which he reiterated India's commitment for capacity building through its scholarship programmes for Afghan students. India through its community development scheme since 2005 has supported over 550 projects throughout Afghanistan. Of these, around 345 projects have been completed while the remaining are in various stages of completion. The projects are aimed at building basic infrastructure such as schools, public health centres, bridges, roads for local communities. India is the largest donor to Afghanistan in the region and since 2001 after the fall of Taliban undertaken projects and programmes over $2 billion. Under its "new development partnership assistance" launched in 2016, New Delhi allocated an additional $1 billion for the next 5 years for development in Afghanistan.

After cricket stadiums in Kandahar, Mazar-E-Sharif, India to build football ground in Afghanistan's Ghor province

Afghanistan announced their intentions of being more than mere pushovers as they stunned Pakistan by three wickets in a World Cup warm-up game that went to the wire.&nbsp;

Young middle-order batsman Hashmatullah Shahidi played the role of sheet anchor to perfection with an unbeaten 74 as Afghanistan chased down a below-par target of 263 set by Pakistan with a couple of balls to spare.

If the IPL stars Mohammed Nabi (3/46) and Rashid Khan (2/27) set it up by restricting Pakistan to well below 300, it was Shahidi's composure that saw Afghanistan cross the finishing line despite some late hiccups.

Veteran Nabi after a good bowling performance also did his bit with the bat, scoring 34 off 41 balls, including three boundaries.

Shahidi's patient knock had seven fours and he played 102 balls. A lot of credit should also go to opener Hazrtullah Zazai for his 49 off 28 balls that had eight fours and two sixes. It was after Mohammed Shahzad retired hurt for 23.

Zazai set the pace in the Powerplay overs which enabled Shahidi to deal in singles and the occasional boundary as the Pakistan bowling looked pedestrian.

Mohammed Aamir (0/27 in 6 overs) didn't get the ball to swing as most of his deliveries were seen angling across the right-handers while Wahab Riaz did bowl well at the death getting the ball to reverse.

Earlier, when Pakistan batted, their no 1 batsman Babar Azam (112 off 108 balls) was the lone bright spot in an otherwise disappointing batting show as Nabi and Rashid choked the run-flow in the middle overs.

Brief Scores: Pakistan 262 in 47.5 overs (Babar Azam 112 off 108 balls, Shoaib Malik 44 off 59 balls, Mohammed Nabi 3/46 in 10 overs, Rashid Khan 2/27 in 9 overs)

Afghanistan 263 in 49.4 overs (Hazratullah Zazai 48 off 29 balls, Hashmatullah Shahidi 74 no off 102 balls, Mohammed Nabi 34 off 41 balls, Wahab Riaz 3/46).&nbsp;

Afghanistan announced their intentions of being more than mere pushovers as they stunned Pakistan by three wickets in a World Cup warm-up game that went to the wire.

Afghanistan announced their intentions of being more than mere pushovers as they stunned Pakistan by three wickets in a World Cup warm-up game that went to the wire. Young middle-order batsman Hashmatullah Shahidi played the role of sheet anchor to perfection with an unbeaten 74 as Afghanistan chased down a below-par target of 263 set by Pakistan with a couple of balls to spare. If the IPL stars Mohammed Nabi (3/46) and Rashid Khan (2/27) set it up by restricting Pakistan to well below 300, it was Shahidi's composure that saw Afghanistan cross the finishing line despite some late hiccups. Veteran Nabi after a good bowling performance also did his bit with the bat, scoring 34 off 41 balls, including three boundaries. Shahidi's patient knock had seven fours and he played 102 balls. A lot of credit should also go to opener Hazrtullah Zazai for his 49 off 28 balls that had eight fours and two sixes. It was after Mohammed Shahzad retired hurt for 23. Zazai set the pace in the Powerplay overs which enabled Shahidi to deal in singles and the occasional boundary as the Pakistan bowling looked pedestrian. Mohammed Aamir (0/27 in 6 overs) didn't get the ball to swing as most of his deliveries were seen angling across the right-handers while Wahab Riaz did bowl well at the death getting the ball to reverse. Earlier, when Pakistan batted, their no 1 batsman Babar Azam (112 off 108 balls) was the lone bright spot in an otherwise disappointing batting show as Nabi and Rashid choked the run-flow in the middle overs. Brief Scores: Pakistan 262 in 47.5 overs (Babar Azam 112 off 108 balls, Shoaib Malik 44 off 59 balls, Mohammed Nabi 3/46 in 10 overs, Rashid Khan 2/27 in 9 overs) Afghanistan 263 in 49.4 overs (Hazratullah Zazai 48 off 29 balls, Hashmatullah Shahidi 74 no off 102 balls, Mohammed Nabi 34 off 41 balls, Wahab Riaz 3/46).

World Cup Warm-Up: Young Hashmatullah Shahidi shines as Afghanistan stun Pakistan

At least one civilian was killed while two others were wounded when an explosion rocked the Spin Boldak district here on Saturday, as per the head of Kandahar Police Headquarters` media office."

An explosion in Spin Boldak district in southern Kandahar province at around 7 pm this evening left one civilian dead and two others wounded," TOLOnews quoted the official, Jamal Nasir Barikzai, as saying.

The reason behind the explosion is not known yet.&nbsp;

At least one civilian was killed while two others were wounded when an explosion rocked the Spin Boldak district here on Saturday, as per the head of Kandahar Police Headquarters` media office.

At least one civilian was killed while two others were wounded when an explosion rocked the Spin Boldak district here on Saturday, as per the head of Kandahar Police Headquarters` media office." An explosion in Spin Boldak district in southern Kandahar province at around 7 pm this evening left one civilian dead and two others wounded," TOLOnews quoted the official, Jamal Nasir Barikzai, as saying. The reason behind the explosion is not known yet.

Explosion rocks Afghanistan's Spin Boldak, 1 civilian killed

Mariam Wardak speaks exclusively to WION on Ghani's ex-security advisor's big claim that presidential palace asks women for 'sexual favours'

'Sexual favours' charge hits Afghan government

A bomb killed a senior Islamic preacher and wounded at least 16 devotees inside a mosque in the Afghan capital during Friday prayers, interior ministry officials said.

The preacher, Mawlawi Rayhan, was a supporter of the Western-backed Afghan government which Taliban militants are trying to bring down.

No militant group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

The explosion hit the Al-Taqwa mosque at a time when dozens of men had gathered for prayers. At least 16 men, all civilians, were injured.

The death toll could rise, said a second official.

"We have rushed ambulances to the blast site," said a senior official in Kabul.

A bomb killed a senior Islamic preacher and wounded at least 16 devotees inside a mosque in the Afghan capital during Friday prayers, interior ministry officials said.

A bomb killed a senior Islamic preacher and wounded at least 16 devotees inside a mosque in the Afghan capital during Friday prayers, interior ministry officials said. The preacher, Mawlawi Rayhan, was a supporter of the Western-backed Afghan government which Taliban militants are trying to bring down. No militant group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. The explosion hit the Al-Taqwa mosque at a time when dozens of men had gathered for prayers. At least 16 men, all civilians, were injured. The death toll could rise, said a second official. "We have rushed ambulances to the blast site," said a senior official in Kabul.

Bomb kills senior cleric during Friday prayers at Afghan mosque

At least 300 fighters from Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), designated a global terror organisation by the US and the UN, are active in war-torn Afghanistan, a Pentagon report has said.

The report also identified LeT among the three terrorist groups posing the greatest threat to the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-considering-duties-on-countries-that-undervalue-currency-221192"> US </a>and its allied forces in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/afghan-foreign-ministry-lauds-indias-role-in-afghan-peace-process-220479"> Afghanistan.</a>

The LeT was responsible for the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008 that killed 166 people.&nbsp;

Among the 20 prominent terrorist organisations active in Afghanistan, LeT ranks fifth in terms of fighters along with al Qaeda and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, stated the Pentagon report, 'Lead Inspector General for Operation Freedom's Sentinel', for the quarter ending March 31.

The report said the Department of Defence "identified the Haqqani Network, the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba as groups that present the greatest threat to the US and allied forces in Afghanistan".&nbsp;

The report also stated that an estimated 300 LeT and 1,000 Islamic Emirate High Council operatives are active in the war-torn country.&nbsp;

The ISIS-K, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and Haqqani network with an estimated 3,000-5,000 fighters each top the list of terrorist groups active in Afghanistan, it said.&nbsp;

At least 300 fighters from Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), designated a global terror organisation by the US and the UN, are active in war-torn Afghanistan, a Pentagon report has said.

At least 300 fighters from Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), designated a global terror organisation by the US and the UN, are active in war-torn Afghanistan, a Pentagon report has said. The report also identified LeT among the three terrorist groups posing the greatest threat to the US and its allied forces in Afghanistan. The LeT was responsible for the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008 that killed 166 people. Among the 20 prominent terrorist organisations active in Afghanistan, LeT ranks fifth in terms of fighters along with al Qaeda and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, stated the Pentagon report, 'Lead Inspector General for Operation Freedom's Sentinel', for the quarter ending March 31. The report said the Department of Defence "identified the Haqqani Network, the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba as groups that present the greatest threat to the US and allied forces in Afghanistan". The report also stated that an estimated 300 LeT and 1,000 Islamic Emirate High Council operatives are active in the war-torn country. The ISIS-K, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and Haqqani network with an estimated 3,000-5,000 fighters each top the list of terrorist groups active in Afghanistan, it said.

Around 300 LeT terrorists active in Afghanistan: Pentagon

Special US Representative on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-representative-zalmay-khalizad-briefs-sushma-swaraj-on-afghan-peace-initiatives-216496">Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad h</a>as done an amazing job by bringing the parties to the peace table, the Trump Administration said as the envoy briefed lawmakers in the US capitol on the progress in the peace process.

"I think that the ambassador has done an amazing job at bringing the parties to the table that many in the US government probably thought would never be able to get to the table," State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus told reporters here Wednesday.

"He's making slow and steady progress in these talks," Ortagus said soon after Khalilzad briefed Congressmen.

"I know he completed another round recently. While he has an incredibly tough job, I think that he is doing something that is important to the president, the secretary and the American people: to try to get a peaceful solution in Afghanistan," she said in response to a question.

The Congressional hearing titled "The Reconciliation Process in Afghanistan" by Khalilzad was classified.&nbsp;

During the briefing, Senator Bob Menendez said the peace process must incorporate the views of the different ethnicities and political factions across the country.The US must insist on an intra-Afghan dialogue and actively participate in helping to shape the terms of those negotiations, he said.

"After being such an enormous factor in the course of Afghanistan over the past 18 years, it is neither fair nor realistic to expect Afghan political leaders to settle these differences without us at the intra-Afghan table and without the leverage afforded by US troops," he said.

Referring to the recent remarks by Khalilzad about securing counter-terrorism guarantees, Menendez said this was perhaps the most critical component of a very complex peace deal.

Special US Representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad has done an amazing job by bringing the parties to the peace table, the Trump Administration said as the envoy briefed lawmakers in the US capitol on the progress in the peace process.

Special US Representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad has done an amazing job by bringing the parties to the peace table, the Trump Administration said as the envoy briefed lawmakers in the US capitol on the progress in the peace process. "I think that the ambassador has done an amazing job at bringing the parties to the table that many in the US government probably thought would never be able to get to the table," State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus told reporters here Wednesday. "He's making slow and steady progress in these talks," Ortagus said soon after Khalilzad briefed Congressmen. "I know he completed another round recently. While he has an incredibly tough job, I think that he is doing something that is important to the president, the secretary and the American people: to try to get a peaceful solution in Afghanistan," she said in response to a question. The Congressional hearing titled "The Reconciliation Process in Afghanistan" by Khalilzad was classified. During the briefing, Senator Bob Menendez said the peace process must incorporate the views of the different ethnicities and political factions across the country.The US must insist on an intra-Afghan dialogue and actively participate in helping to shape the terms of those negotiations, he said. "After being such an enormous factor in the course of Afghanistan over the past 18 years, it is neither fair nor realistic to expect Afghan political leaders to settle these differences without us at the intra-Afghan table and without the leverage afforded by US troops," he said. Referring to the recent remarks by Khalilzad about securing counter-terrorism guarantees, Menendez said this was perhaps the most critical component of a very complex peace deal.

Khalilzad did amazing job in Afghanistan by bringing parties to peace table: US

"The war in Vietnam was not lost in the field, nor was it lost on the front pages of the New York Times or the college campuses. It was lost in Washington, D.C.”

H R McMaster wrote that statement in his 1997 scathing critique of the Vietnam War, "Dereliction of Duty: Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Lies That Led to Vietnam." He was a major in the Army at that time. Now, he is a retired lieutenant general and former national security advisor to President Donald Trump.

It is indeed ironic that McMaster eventually contributed to what many people thought to be impossible by repeating the mistakes of Vietnam and losing the Afghanistan war—both in the field and in Washington, DC.

The real tragedy is that America’s leaders, in particular, its military leaders, long knew that the war in Afghanistan could not be won having chosen to fight it in a manner that was alien to its nature, thus wasting both treasure and precious lives.

For over seventeen years we have wrongly applied counterinsurgency doctrine to a proxy war waged by Pakistan against the United States and Afghanistan. At the same time, we supplied Pakistan with generous aid packages to bribe them from pursuing a course of action opposed to our own, which they considered in their national interest.

Counterinsurgency was never a winning strategy as long as Pakistan controlled the supply of our troops in landlocked Afghanistan and regulated the operational tempo through its proxy army, the Taliban, which has maintained an extensive recruiting, training and financial support infrastructure inside Pakistan, where it has been immune to attack.

In essence, our leaders, through a combination of incompetence and indifference, allowed the United States to be defeated by Pakistan and paid them to do it.

Pakistan’s objectives for Afghanistan have always been different than those of the United States. Not only has Pakistan not helped the United States in Afghanistan, but from the very beginning through its support of the Taliban, Pakistan has actively worked against our interests and is responsible for the prolongation of the war and the deaths and maiming of thousands of Americans and Afghans.

For example, Jalaluddin Haqqani, then the leader of the Haqqani Network, controlled the Khost region of eastern Afghanistan, which is where most of Osama bin Laden’s training camps and supporters were, was a CIA asset in the 1980s and met with US officials soon after 9/11.

Journalist Steve Coll wrote, “There was always a question about whether Haqqani was really Taliban, because he hadn’t come out of Kandahar; he wasn’t part of the core group. And it was quite reasonable to believe after 9/11 that maybe he could be flipped.”

In early October 2001, Haqqani made a secret trip to Pakistan, where Lt Gen Mahmood Ahmed, a religious hardliner and then director of Pakistan’s notorious intelligence agency, the ISI, advised him to hold out and not defect, promising that he would receive help.

Subsequently, Haqqani decided to stay with the Taliban and the Haqqani Network continues to be a threat and a source of instability in Afghanistan.

The United States was aware of Pakistan’s duplicity early on. Gary Berntsen, one of the first CIA operatives to arrive in Afghanistan, said, “I assumed from the beginning of the conflict that ISI advisers were supporting the Taliban with expertise and material and, no doubt, sending a steady stream of intelligence back to [Pakistan].”

The same pattern of duplicitous behaviour by Pakistan has continued over the last seventeen years.

Late last year, during a Taliban attack on the Afghan provincial capital of Ghazni, large numbers of Pakistani nationals were found among the dead, presumably fighting with the Taliban. The bodies were subsequently returned to Pakistan.

In a recently released video, Al Qaeda emphasises its unity with Taliban and its role within the Taliban insurgency, as the jihadists, including Pakistanis, fight together to resurrect the Taliban’s Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

And yet American political leaders and senior military officers have done nothing, preferring to remain puzzled or indifferent as to why we have not won in Afghanistan.

Pakistanis openly brag that they have defeated the United States.

Shortly before his death in 2015, Lt. Gen. Hamid Gul, the former head of Pakistan’s ISI, a committed Islamist and known as the “godfather of the Taliban,” said in an Urdu language television interview:

“One day, history will say that the ISI drove the Soviet Union out of Afghanistan with the help of USA and another sentence will be recorded that says the ISI drove the USA out of Afghanistan with the help of the USA.”

The Pakistani audience roared with laughter and applauded in approval.

The problem of Pakistan as the actual instigator of the Afghan conflict was never adequately addressed and Taliban safe havens in Pakistan remained largely untouched.

The pressure was never applied to Pakistan’s pain points, its moribund economy and financial insolvency and the existential threat of ethnic separatism, in particular among Pakistan’s Baloch and Pashtun populations.

On the ground in Afghanistan, the war effort has been a programme on automatic pilot, where everyone has been constantly reassured that everything was going according to plan and “progress was being made,” a phrase I heard endlessly during my own 2010 tenure at International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Headquarters in Kabul. If the effectiveness of the strategy was ever questioned within the military chain of command, then it had no obvious effect.

Lacking any new ideas or even a recognition of reality, we chose to continue pursuing a proven inappropriate counterinsurgency approach in Afghanistan, which has now forced the United States into direct negotiations with the Taliban, a concession we had previously refused to consider.

Yet, an American withdrawal will only become a humiliating defeat, if the United States is forced into strategic retreat from South Asia because we do not have a plan in place to address the changing regional conditions in a post–US Afghanistan.

The only bargaining chip the United States has in peace negotiations is our presence in Afghanistan, which has been the primary target of the Taliban negotiators, insisting that the United States announce a six-month withdrawal plan.

The American “presence” argument is tenuous at best. The United States should be identifying new forms of leverage to bolster our negotiating position in the short term and, longer term, provide a basis for a new South Asian strategy.

The recently-announced effort to strengthen military ties with India is a step in the right direction.

The United States should also include measures to thwart plans by the China-Pakistan Axis for regional hegemony. Beijing intends to extend its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) throughout South Asia, including Afghanistan, and follow it with the establishment of military facilities, such as Chinese naval bases on the Arabian Sea.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the flagship of BRI. Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan is CPEC’s centre of gravity and the location of a festering independence insurgency. Just recently, the Balochistan Liberation Army made a daring and high-profile attack on the Pearl Continental Hotel in the heart of the Chinese-run port of Gwadar, CPEC’s centrepiece project.

An independent Balochistan could fulfill a number of US strategic interests in the region, for example: providing Afghanistan a friendly neighbor and access to the sea; eliminating a major area of Pakistan’s terrorist infrastructure; placing additional pressure on Iran, which has its own restive Baloch population; and blocking Chinese ambitions for economic and military dominance of South Asia.

The foundations of a new US strategy in South Asia should include burden shifting and, when necessary, strategic disruption of our adversaries. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

"The war in Vietnam was not lost in the field, nor was it lost on the front pages of the New York Times or the college campuses. It was lost in Washington, D.C.” H R McMaster wrote that statement in his 1997 scathing critique of the Vietnam War, "Dereliction of Duty: Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Lies That Led to Vietnam.

"The war in Vietnam was not lost in the field, nor was it lost on the front pages of the New York Times or the college campuses. It was lost in Washington, D.C.” H R McMaster wrote that statement in his 1997 scathing critique of the Vietnam War, "Dereliction of Duty: Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Lies That Led to Vietnam." He was a major in the Army at that time. Now, he is a retired lieutenant general and former national security advisor to President Donald Trump. It is indeed ironic that McMaster eventually contributed to what many people thought to be impossible by repeating the mistakes of Vietnam and losing the Afghanistan war—both in the field and in Washington, DC. The real tragedy is that America’s leaders, in particular, its military leaders, long knew that the war in Afghanistan could not be won having chosen to fight it in a manner that was alien to its nature, thus wasting both treasure and precious lives. For over seventeen years we have wrongly applied counterinsurgency doctrine to a proxy war waged by Pakistan against the United States and Afghanistan. At the same time, we supplied Pakistan with generous aid packages to bribe them from pursuing a course of action opposed to our own, which they considered in their national interest. Counterinsurgency was never a winning strategy as long as Pakistan controlled the supply of our troops in landlocked Afghanistan and regulated the operational tempo through its proxy army, the Taliban, which has maintained an extensive recruiting, training and financial support infrastructure inside Pakistan, where it has been immune to attack. In essence, our leaders, through a combination of incompetence and indifference, allowed the United States to be defeated by Pakistan and paid them to do it. Pakistan’s objectives for Afghanistan have always been different than those of the United States. Not only has Pakistan not helped the United States in Afghanistan, but from the very beginning through its support of the Taliban, Pakistan has actively worked against our interests and is responsible for the prolongation of the war and the deaths and maiming of thousands of Americans and Afghans. For example, Jalaluddin Haqqani, then the leader of the Haqqani Network, controlled the Khost region of eastern Afghanistan, which is where most of Osama bin Laden’s training camps and supporters were, was a CIA asset in the 1980s and met with US officials soon after 9/11. Journalist Steve Coll wrote, “There was always a question about whether Haqqani was really Taliban, because he hadn’t come out of Kandahar; he wasn’t part of the core group. And it was quite reasonable to believe after 9/11 that maybe he could be flipped.” In early October 2001, Haqqani made a secret trip to Pakistan, where Lt Gen Mahmood Ahmed, a religious hardliner and then director of Pakistan’s notorious intelligence agency, the ISI, advised him to hold out and not defect, promising that he would receive help. Subsequently, Haqqani decided to stay with the Taliban and the Haqqani Network continues to be a threat and a source of instability in Afghanistan. The United States was aware of Pakistan’s duplicity early on. Gary Berntsen, one of the first CIA operatives to arrive in Afghanistan, said, “I assumed from the beginning of the conflict that ISI advisers were supporting the Taliban with expertise and material and, no doubt, sending a steady stream of intelligence back to [Pakistan].” The same pattern of duplicitous behaviour by Pakistan has continued over the last seventeen years. Late last year, during a Taliban attack on the Afghan provincial capital of Ghazni, large numbers of Pakistani nationals were found among the dead, presumably fighting with the Taliban. The bodies were subsequently returned to Pakistan. In a recently released video, Al Qaeda emphasises its unity with Taliban and its role within the Taliban insurgency, as the jihadists, including Pakistanis, fight together to resurrect the Taliban’s Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. And yet American political leaders and senior military officers have done nothing, preferring to remain puzzled or indifferent as to why we have not won in Afghanistan. Pakistanis openly brag that they have defeated the United States. Shortly before his death in 2015, Lt. Gen. Hamid Gul, the former head of Pakistan’s ISI, a committed Islamist and known as the “godfather of the Taliban,” said in an Urdu language television interview: “One day, history will say that the ISI drove the Soviet Union out of Afghanistan with the help of USA and another sentence will be recorded that says the ISI drove the USA out of Afghanistan with the help of the USA.” The Pakistani audience roared with laughter and applauded in approval. The problem of Pakistan as the actual instigator of the Afghan conflict was never adequately addressed and Taliban safe havens in Pakistan remained largely untouched. The pressure was never applied to Pakistan’s pain points, its moribund economy and financial insolvency and the existential threat of ethnic separatism, in particular among Pakistan’s Baloch and Pashtun populations. On the ground in Afghanistan, the war effort has been a programme on automatic pilot, where everyone has been constantly reassured that everything was going according to plan and “progress was being made,” a phrase I heard endlessly during my own 2010 tenure at International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Headquarters in Kabul. If the effectiveness of the strategy was ever questioned within the military chain of command, then it had no obvious effect. Lacking any new ideas or even a recognition of reality, we chose to continue pursuing a proven inappropriate counterinsurgency approach in Afghanistan, which has now forced the United States into direct negotiations with the Taliban, a concession we had previously refused to consider. Yet, an American withdrawal will only become a humiliating defeat, if the United States is forced into strategic retreat from South Asia because we do not have a plan in place to address the changing regional conditions in a post–US Afghanistan. The only bargaining chip the United States has in peace negotiations is our presence in Afghanistan, which has been the primary target of the Taliban negotiators, insisting that the United States announce a six-month withdrawal plan. The American “presence” argument is tenuous at best. The United States should be identifying new forms of leverage to bolster our negotiating position in the short term and, longer term, provide a basis for a new South Asian strategy. The recently-announced effort to strengthen military ties with India is a step in the right direction. The United States should also include measures to thwart plans by the China-Pakistan Axis for regional hegemony. Beijing intends to extend its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) throughout South Asia, including Afghanistan, and follow it with the establishment of military facilities, such as Chinese naval bases on the Arabian Sea. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the flagship of BRI. Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan is CPEC’s centre of gravity and the location of a festering independence insurgency. Just recently, the Balochistan Liberation Army made a daring and high-profile attack on the Pearl Continental Hotel in the heart of the Chinese-run port of Gwadar, CPEC’s centrepiece project. An independent Balochistan could fulfill a number of US strategic interests in the region, for example: providing Afghanistan a friendly neighbor and access to the sea; eliminating a major area of Pakistan’s terrorist infrastructure; placing additional pressure on Iran, which has its own restive Baloch population; and blocking Chinese ambitions for economic and military dominance of South Asia. The foundations of a new US strategy in South Asia should include burden shifting and, when necessary, strategic disruption of our adversaries. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Pakistan's duplicity caused the United States to lose in Afghanistan

Five-year-old Sayed Ahmad Rahman, who shot to fame after a video went viral on the internet showing him dancing with joy in a hospital room with his new artificial leg, wants to go school and become a doctor to serve his fellow countrymen.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-boy-who-lost-a-leg-to-landmine-blast-dances-with-joy-after-getting-a-prosthetic-leg-216755">His short video, posted on social media</a> this month by an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) staff member, has now been viewed by millions of people and has earned him nationwide fame among Afghans, who praised him as a symbol of resilience in the face of the tragedy of the four-decade war.

The little boy lost his right leg four years ago when he was only eight months old in crossfire between government forces and Taliban fighters in their native village in eastern Afghanistan's Logar province. The incident happened when Ahmad was taken by his elder sister to play outside their house.

Ahmad’s sister was lucky and recovered from her wounds but doctors were unable to save Ahmad’s leg and amputated it below the knee.

''I am very, very happy now I have my leg. I can walk, I can dance and I can go school after this, thanks to God that now I have my leg," Ahmad told EFE.&nbsp;

It is the fourth artificial limb he has had in the past four years provided for him by the ICRC orthopaedic centre in Kabul.

''With the help of this leg, my son now can walk and play. Nothing is more pleasant than to see your amputee son stand again on his own feet," Raeesa, Ahmad’s mother, told EFE.

She is the only earner in the family, working in the fields to feed her family of 12, after her husband got sick years ago. She hopes Ahmad will become the breadwinner of her family in the future.&nbsp;

''I want to go school and become a doctor to help people, give them medicines and make (artificial) limbs for them to dance," Ahmad said about his dream.

According to ICRC data, children make up 10 per cent of Afghans who have lost a leg or arm in the ongoing conflict, particularly because of land mines.

Allah Muhammad, 14, is another child who lost his right leg below the knee five years ago to a land mine explosion while playing with other children on a hilltop near their houses in western Paghman district in Kabul province.

''There were lots of problems in my life when I lost my leg ... now I am comfortable with my artificial leg, now I can perform everything normally," Muhammad told EFE. “I hope the ICRC continues its assistance to us for years to come."

Najmuddin Helal, the head of ICRC’s Kabul Orthopedic Center, said, “80 per cent of the war amputees who lost a leg or arm are caused by land mines in Afghanistan.”

Anti-personnel mines and other explosive devices killed at least 256 children in 2018, a UN report said early this year.

''Children who survive such blasts live with lasting detrimental impact on their quality of life due to loss of limbs or eyesight and psychological trauma," the report said.

The ICRC, which started its orthopaedic services 30 years ago, said that out of the 180,000 disabled people registered with them, up to 55 per cent had been disabled directly by war and the remainder by diseases and accidents as an indirect consequence of conflict.&nbsp;

''We can say the 80% disabilities are either directly caused by war or as indirect consequences of the war" as four decades of war have deprived people of even basic health services, said Dr Shukrullah Zerak, who has worked for past 25 years as physiotherapist with the ICRC.

Zerak believes that the current physical rehabilitation services for disabled persons by ICRC and a few other NGOs are not sufficient and the government needs to take action.&nbsp;

''We still have lots of disabled persons who don’t have access to such services, either due to lack of facilities to arrive in orthopaedic centres or due to lack of awareness of such services in remote parts of the country,''&nbsp;he said.

The Afghan government does not grant the rights of disabled persons guaranteed in international conventions for them in areas like health and education.&nbsp;

''Even governments don’t deliver on their own regulation, based on which 3-6 per cent of employees of each organ must be disabled persons," he said.

According to the most cited estimated data by government and humanitarian organizations, over 1 million Afghans suffer from some form of physical disability, mainly caused by conflict, congenital diseases and accidents. But only 130,000 of them are lucky to receive a monthly pension of less than $20 from the Afghan government which spends a big part of its foreign-donated budget on the war, whose main victims are civilians such as little Ahmad.

''I fear of nothing in the village, but when there is fighting I fear rockets and bullets,''&nbsp;Ahmad said.

Five-year-old Sayed Ahmad Rahman, who shot to fame after a video went viral on the internet showing him dancing with joy in a hospital room with his new artificial leg, wants to go school and become a doctor to serve his fellow countrymen.

Five-year-old Sayed Ahmad Rahman, who shot to fame after a video went viral on the internet showing him dancing with joy in a hospital room with his new artificial leg, wants to go school and become a doctor to serve his fellow countrymen. His short video, posted on social media this month by an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) staff member, has now been viewed by millions of people and has earned him nationwide fame among Afghans, who praised him as a symbol of resilience in the face of the tragedy of the four-decade war. The little boy lost his right leg four years ago when he was only eight months old in crossfire between government forces and Taliban fighters in their native village in eastern Afghanistan's Logar province. The incident happened when Ahmad was taken by his elder sister to play outside their house. Ahmad’s sister was lucky and recovered from her wounds but doctors were unable to save Ahmad’s leg and amputated it below the knee. ''I am very, very happy now I have my leg. I can walk, I can dance and I can go school after this, thanks to God that now I have my leg," Ahmad told EFE. It is the fourth artificial limb he has had in the past four years provided for him by the ICRC orthopaedic centre in Kabul. ''With the help of this leg, my son now can walk and play. Nothing is more pleasant than to see your amputee son stand again on his own feet," Raeesa, Ahmad’s mother, told EFE. She is the only earner in the family, working in the fields to feed her family of 12, after her husband got sick years ago. She hopes Ahmad will become the breadwinner of her family in the future. ''I want to go school and become a doctor to help people, give them medicines and make (artificial) limbs for them to dance," Ahmad said about his dream. According to ICRC data, children make up 10 per cent of Afghans who have lost a leg or arm in the ongoing conflict, particularly because of land mines. Allah Muhammad, 14, is another child who lost his right leg below the knee five years ago to a land mine explosion while playing with other children on a hilltop near their houses in western Paghman district in Kabul province. ''There were lots of problems in my life when I lost my leg ... now I am comfortable with my artificial leg, now I can perform everything normally," Muhammad told EFE. “I hope the ICRC continues its assistance to us for years to come." Najmuddin Helal, the head of ICRC’s Kabul Orthopedic Center, said, “80 per cent of the war amputees who lost a leg or arm are caused by land mines in Afghanistan.” Anti-personnel mines and other explosive devices killed at least 256 children in 2018, a UN report said early this year. ''Children who survive such blasts live with lasting detrimental impact on their quality of life due to loss of limbs or eyesight and psychological trauma," the report said. The ICRC, which started its orthopaedic services 30 years ago, said that out of the 180,000 disabled people registered with them, up to 55 per cent had been disabled directly by war and the remainder by diseases and accidents as an indirect consequence of conflict. ''We can say the 80% disabilities are either directly caused by war or as indirect consequences of the war" as four decades of war have deprived people of even basic health services, said Dr Shukrullah Zerak, who has worked for past 25 years as physiotherapist with the ICRC. Zerak believes that the current physical rehabilitation services for disabled persons by ICRC and a few other NGOs are not sufficient and the government needs to take action. ''We still have lots of disabled persons who don’t have access to such services, either due to lack of facilities to arrive in orthopaedic centres or due to lack of awareness of such services in remote parts of the country,'' he said. The Afghan government does not grant the rights of disabled persons guaranteed in international conventions for them in areas like health and education. ''Even governments don’t deliver on their own regulation, based on which 3-6 per cent of employees of each organ must be disabled persons," he said. According to the most cited estimated data by government and humanitarian organizations, over 1 million Afghans suffer from some form of physical disability, mainly caused by conflict, congenital diseases and accidents. But only 130,000 of them are lucky to receive a monthly pension of less than $20 from the Afghan government which spends a big part of its foreign-donated budget on the war, whose main victims are civilians such as little Ahmad. ''I fear of nothing in the village, but when there is fighting I fear rockets and bullets,'' Ahmad said.

Afghan amputee boy dreams a better future by becoming a doctor

At least four people were killed and more than a dozen injured when Afghan security forces fired a rocket on a Humvee stolen by the Taliban and packed with explosives, officials said Wednesday.

The US-made armoured vehicle was being chased by security forces as it raced for the gates to the eastern city of Ghazni, an interior ministry spokesman said.

"After it failed to stop at the signal of security forces, they opened fire, first hitting its tyres, then hitting it with a rocket," the spokesman, Nasrat Rahimi, said.

Local officials in Ghazni confirmed the account, saying that two civilians and two members of the Afghan security forces were killed in the explosion.

"Ten civilians and five security forces were injured," Ahmad Khan Sirat, a spokesman for provincial police in Ghazni, told AFP.

Several previous deadly attacks in Afghanistan have begun with militants blowing up a Humvee or another vehicle outside a target to devastate security forces protecting it, before gunmen rush to assault those insides.

Security forces can take hours to clear buildings after such attacks.

The Taliban claimed Wednesday's attempted attack in a WhatsApp message but said the Humvee blew up after its militants detonated their explosives, contradicting the official claim.

The interior ministry said as many as four militants were inside the Humvee, and were also killed in the blast.

The militant group, who have been waging a bloody insurgency to overthrow the Western-backed Afghan government, have continued their attacks even during the holy month of Ramadan, and despite government calls for a ceasefire.

The violence also comes as the group has met with the US for several rounds of talks in Doha, as Washington seeks a way out of its longest war.

Both sides have previously cited progress, though the talks appear to have stalled in recent weeks and it is not clear when the next round will begin.

On Wednesday, Afghanistan's interior ministry also said Afghan forces had killed at least seven "key members" of the so-called Islamic State group, in an operation in the eastern province of Kunar.

IS, which first emerged in Afghanistan in 2015, holds some ground in parts of Afghanistan's Nangarhar and Kunar provinces, close to the border with Pakistan.

The UN estimates that the extremist group has between 2,500 and 4,000 members in Afghanistan -- about the same number the Pentagon was citing two years ago, even though officials say thousands of jihadists have been killed.

At least four people were killed and more than a dozen injured when Afghan security forces fired a rocket on a Humvee stolen by the Taliban and packed with explosives, officials said Wednesday.

At least four people were killed and more than a dozen injured when Afghan security forces fired a rocket on a Humvee stolen by the Taliban and packed with explosives, officials said Wednesday. The US-made armoured vehicle was being chased by security forces as it raced for the gates to the eastern city of Ghazni, an interior ministry spokesman said. "After it failed to stop at the signal of security forces, they opened fire, first hitting its tyres, then hitting it with a rocket," the spokesman, Nasrat Rahimi, said. Local officials in Ghazni confirmed the account, saying that two civilians and two members of the Afghan security forces were killed in the explosion. "Ten civilians and five security forces were injured," Ahmad Khan Sirat, a spokesman for provincial police in Ghazni, told AFP. Several previous deadly attacks in Afghanistan have begun with militants blowing up a Humvee or another vehicle outside a target to devastate security forces protecting it, before gunmen rush to assault those insides. Security forces can take hours to clear buildings after such attacks. The Taliban claimed Wednesday's attempted attack in a WhatsApp message but said the Humvee blew up after its militants detonated their explosives, contradicting the official claim. The interior ministry said as many as four militants were inside the Humvee, and were also killed in the blast. The militant group, who have been waging a bloody insurgency to overthrow the Western-backed Afghan government, have continued their attacks even during the holy month of Ramadan, and despite government calls for a ceasefire. The violence also comes as the group has met with the US for several rounds of talks in Doha, as Washington seeks a way out of its longest war. Both sides have previously cited progress, though the talks appear to have stalled in recent weeks and it is not clear when the next round will begin. On Wednesday, Afghanistan's interior ministry also said Afghan forces had killed at least seven "key members" of the so-called Islamic State group, in an operation in the eastern province of Kunar. IS, which first emerged in Afghanistan in 2015, holds some ground in parts of Afghanistan's Nangarhar and Kunar provinces, close to the border with Pakistan. The UN estimates that the extremist group has between 2,500 and 4,000 members in Afghanistan -- about the same number the Pentagon was citing two years ago, even though officials say thousands of jihadists have been killed.

Four killed as Afghan forces fire rocket on explosives-packed Humvee

In central Kabul last month, two men stabbed a teenager and left him for dead before escaping on a motorcycle &nbsp;-- a brazen attack amid a rising tide of killings and kidnappings as war-scarred residents complain of increasing lawlessness.

The brutal mugging happened near the green zone, home to many of the Afghan capital's foreign diplomats, but numerous armed guards posted along the street did not try to help the victim, thanks to arcane local liability laws and restrictions.

The attackers fled after snatching the boy's mobile phone and camera. He survived, but it took about an hour for authorities to arrive and take him to hospital.

Officials and stressed-out residents say crime is surging in Kabul, where police are already pushed to their limits attempting to prevent insurgent attacks by the Taliban and other groups including Islamic State.

Jan Aqa Naweed, spokesman for Afghanistan's chamber of commerce, said crime has grown so bad that business people and entrepreneurs were fleeing the country for fear they could be targeted.

"The increase in the crime rate, the killing and kidnapping of businessmen -- this has forced many traders to leave the country," he told AFP.

"Some of them take their families and money to countries such as Turkey and Uzbekistan. The crime in the city has negatively affected investment."

Authorities have started to take note. On Saturday, the interior ministry sacked Mohammad Salim Almas, the head of Kabul's criminal investigation department, because of what officials called a "dramatic increase" in crime.

The rise is hard to quantify. The interior ministry this month said it had recorded 100,000 crimes over a five-year period, but did not provide a breakdown.

Abdul Khaliq Zazai Watandost, a member of Kabul's provincial council who helps monitor crime rates, told AFP that criminals have killed 70 people in the capital and its surrounding areas in the past two months, with dozens more locals kidnapped.&nbsp;

"Crime has become a bigger problem than terrorism for Kabul residents," Watandost said.

"Terrorism is a big phenomenon -- but at least we should be able to control the crime."

Aside from murder and kidnappings, car thefts are common, the narcotics trade is booming and criminal gangs sometimes target foes by slapping "sticky bombs" under their cars.

Shamsuddin, a shopkeeper who only wanted to give his first name, said when he goes into central Kabul to buy groceries, he splits his cash in two.

"I give some to my son and keep some with myself," he told AFP.&nbsp;

"This is because if criminals find out you have a good amount of money on you, they will kill you and take your money."

Residents are changing their routes to work, while carrying guns and keeping weapons at home are also common.

'Nobody cares'

Taxi drivers are wary of driving after dark for fear of being attacked by a passenger or having their car stolen.

"I don't care about myself, but I am scared of losing the car because I am working for someone else and it is not my car," taxi driver Mohammad Omar told AFP.

"Nowadays every Afghan is so worried."

Deputy interior minister General Khoshal Sadat acknowledged the psychological toll crime is taking.

"It is threatening the physical and mental security of people in the city," Sadat said,

Kabul's crime came to the fore again this month when former journalist Mena Mangal was murdered in broad daylight on a busy street.&nbsp;

Her killing appears tied to a domestic dispute, but many observers viewed the brutal and public slaying as a bellwether demonstrating just how cheap life has become -- even in a war-torn city which has already seen so much bloodshed.

Kabul resident Nasir Ahmad said someone is killed daily in the capital "for no reason".

"Nobody cares about these lives. I am even scared to go to university," Ahmad said.

Fellow resident Mohammad Elham wrote on Facebook that the security in the capital "is so bad that criminals kill people in the daylight, in front of a police checkpoint -- and nobody cares".

According to interior minister Massoud Andarabi, authorities have created a "roadmap" to identify offenders.

"The police will act differently, more forcefully against the criminals," he said.

"We know where they are hiding, we are chasing them to their hideouts and will bring them to justice."

But Hazargul, a taxi driver who only wanted to give his first name, said police often appear "incapable of doing anything".

"We never saw a police officer arresting a thief on the spot and bring him to justice. Even if police see thieves, they don't dare chase them because the thieves are also armed," he told AFP.

In central Kabul last month, two men stabbed a teenager and left him for dead before escaping on a motorcycle -- a brazen attack amid a rising tide of killings and kidnappings as war-scarred residents complain of increasing lawlessness.

In central Kabul last month, two men stabbed a teenager and left him for dead before escaping on a motorcycle -- a brazen attack amid a rising tide of killings and kidnappings as war-scarred residents complain of increasing lawlessness. The brutal mugging happened near the green zone, home to many of the Afghan capital's foreign diplomats, but numerous armed guards posted along the street did not try to help the victim, thanks to arcane local liability laws and restrictions. The attackers fled after snatching the boy's mobile phone and camera. He survived, but it took about an hour for authorities to arrive and take him to hospital. Officials and stressed-out residents say crime is surging in Kabul, where police are already pushed to their limits attempting to prevent insurgent attacks by the Taliban and other groups including Islamic State. Jan Aqa Naweed, spokesman for Afghanistan's chamber of commerce, said crime has grown so bad that business people and entrepreneurs were fleeing the country for fear they could be targeted. "The increase in the crime rate, the killing and kidnapping of businessmen -- this has forced many traders to leave the country," he told AFP. "Some of them take their families and money to countries such as Turkey and Uzbekistan. The crime in the city has negatively affected investment." Authorities have started to take note. On Saturday, the interior ministry sacked Mohammad Salim Almas, the head of Kabul's criminal investigation department, because of what officials called a "dramatic increase" in crime. The rise is hard to quantify. The interior ministry this month said it had recorded 100,000 crimes over a five-year period, but did not provide a breakdown. Abdul Khaliq Zazai Watandost, a member of Kabul's provincial council who helps monitor crime rates, told AFP that criminals have killed 70 people in the capital and its surrounding areas in the past two months, with dozens more locals kidnapped. "Crime has become a bigger problem than terrorism for Kabul residents," Watandost said. "Terrorism is a big phenomenon -- but at least we should be able to control the crime." Aside from murder and kidnappings, car thefts are common, the narcotics trade is booming and criminal gangs sometimes target foes by slapping "sticky bombs" under their cars. Shamsuddin, a shopkeeper who only wanted to give his first name, said when he goes into central Kabul to buy groceries, he splits his cash in two. "I give some to my son and keep some with myself," he told AFP. "This is because if criminals find out you have a good amount of money on you, they will kill you and take your money." Residents are changing their routes to work, while carrying guns and keeping weapons at home are also common. 'Nobody cares' Taxi drivers are wary of driving after dark for fear of being attacked by a passenger or having their car stolen. "I don't care about myself, but I am scared of losing the car because I am working for someone else and it is not my car," taxi driver Mohammad Omar told AFP. "Nowadays every Afghan is so worried." Deputy interior minister General Khoshal Sadat acknowledged the psychological toll crime is taking. "It is threatening the physical and mental security of people in the city," Sadat said, Kabul's crime came to the fore again this month when former journalist Mena Mangal was murdered in broad daylight on a busy street. Her killing appears tied to a domestic dispute, but many observers viewed the brutal and public slaying as a bellwether demonstrating just how cheap life has become -- even in a war-torn city which has already seen so much bloodshed. Kabul resident Nasir Ahmad said someone is killed daily in the capital "for no reason". "Nobody cares about these lives. I am even scared to go to university," Ahmad said. Fellow resident Mohammad Elham wrote on Facebook that the security in the capital "is so bad that criminals kill people in the daylight, in front of a police checkpoint -- and nobody cares". According to interior minister Massoud Andarabi, authorities have created a "roadmap" to identify offenders. "The police will act differently, more forcefully against the criminals," he said. "We know where they are hiding, we are chasing them to their hideouts and will bring them to justice." But Hazargul, a taxi driver who only wanted to give his first name, said police often appear "incapable of doing anything". "We never saw a police officer arresting a thief on the spot and bring him to justice. Even if police see thieves, they don't dare chase them because the thieves are also armed," he told AFP.

Never mind the war: Kabul residents in Afghanistan fear surge in violent crime

They travelled the road less taken, chose to endure all hardships to break the stigma and re-write the norms. Some of them left their families at a young age, some of them lost their colleagues to violence, yet they persist and pursue their calling. The latest hurdle that they want to cross is that of the language barrier and that’s what had brought them to India.

24 Afghani women journalists are in Chennai to attend an eight-week training program that aims to impart English communication skills. The initiative comes under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme and aims to take forward the existing diplomatic and strategic relationship and improve people-to-people contact.&nbsp;

The women journalists, aged between 26 and 33, have a wide-ranging experience under various roles in the print and broadcast media as presenters, writers, editors, technical directors. They are being trained by the faculty at the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTR).&nbsp;

As Afghanistan had stints of democracy interspersed with Taliban rule, women journalists face challenges not only in their society at large but also from their very own families.

Speaking to WION, Wida Saghary, an Afghan journalist with over 12 years of experience said, “In the initial years, when we wanted to interview people in the bazaar, they hurled things at us and would gossip about women journalists. It was difficult for families to send daughters to join the media.”

She added that while there were quite a lot of journalist training centres in the capital city Kabul and the nearby provinces, few journalism aspirants even travelled to India, Turkey, Russia, America and Europe for their academic pursuits.

Diba Selgai, a social media officer said that many women aspire to appear on the screen, but they face&nbsp;the risk of being spoken ill about and being perceived in a negative manner. She added that when women journalists defy the status quo, it has a serious democratic effect on society. Rather than having democracy imposed from outside, working women can show the way and bring in democracy from within the society, she said.

The women also spoke about their employer which had over 50 per cent women workers in main positions as compared to the industry average of about 20 per cent women. A journalist recollected her roots in Laghman province, a Taliban stronghold, and how her uncle warned her father about God not accepting his prayer due to his daughter’s education and career choice.&nbsp;

There were also instances of women being attacked by their kith and kin for the path they chose, the most recent being the case of a Pashtun journalist who was killed by her husband, recalled the media professionals.

However, the journalists expressed optimism about how their country is evolving. They said nowadays, it is comfortable to work outside and that they have the support of their families who are supporting the girls and not hesitating to send them abroad for studies.

Accepting the responsibility of the media in transforming the image of the country, they said that it is important to break free from the stereotypes of Burkha, war and Taliban.&nbsp;

Speaking of their time in Chennai, the women said that it was refreshing and empowering to see women working late in the night, going shopping, working as vendors. They wished for a similar transformation in their society, where it is generally considered unsafe for women to venture out in the nights.&nbsp;

Outlining the initiative of the Indian government to support developing nations and their citizens, Dr Sudhindra Nath Panda, Director of NITTTR said, “The ITEC programme was started in 1964 and cover over 150 countries. Our missions abroad have been taking care of the VISA formalities of the students/professionals and the travel, course, accommodation expenses are funded by the Indian government.” He added that so far 95 Afghan citizens have attended the programme, of which over 40 were women.&nbsp;

They travelled the road less taken, chose to endure all hardships to break the stigma and re-write the norms. Some of them left their families at a young age, some of them lost their colleagues to violence, yet they persist and pursue their calling.

They travelled the road less taken, chose to endure all hardships to break the stigma and re-write the norms. Some of them left their families at a young age, some of them lost their colleagues to violence, yet they persist and pursue their calling. The latest hurdle that they want to cross is that of the language barrier and that’s what had brought them to India. 24 Afghani women journalists are in Chennai to attend an eight-week training program that aims to impart English communication skills. The initiative comes under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme and aims to take forward the existing diplomatic and strategic relationship and improve people-to-people contact. The women journalists, aged between 26 and 33, have a wide-ranging experience under various roles in the print and broadcast media as presenters, writers, editors, technical directors. They are being trained by the faculty at the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTR). As Afghanistan had stints of democracy interspersed with Taliban rule, women journalists face challenges not only in their society at large but also from their very own families. Speaking to WION, Wida Saghary, an Afghan journalist with over 12 years of experience said, “In the initial years, when we wanted to interview people in the bazaar, they hurled things at us and would gossip about women journalists. It was difficult for families to send daughters to join the media.” She added that while there were quite a lot of journalist training centres in the capital city Kabul and the nearby provinces, few journalism aspirants even travelled to India, Turkey, Russia, America and Europe for their academic pursuits. Diba Selgai, a social media officer said that many women aspire to appear on the screen, but they face the risk of being spoken ill about and being perceived in a negative manner. She added that when women journalists defy the status quo, it has a serious democratic effect on society. Rather than having democracy imposed from outside, working women can show the way and bring in democracy from within the society, she said. The women also spoke about their employer which had over 50 per cent women workers in main positions as compared to the industry average of about 20 per cent women. A journalist recollected her roots in Laghman province, a Taliban stronghold, and how her uncle warned her father about God not accepting his prayer due to his daughter’s education and career choice. There were also instances of women being attacked by their kith and kin for the path they chose, the most recent being the case of a Pashtun journalist who was killed by her husband, recalled the media professionals. However, the journalists expressed optimism about how their country is evolving. They said nowadays, it is comfortable to work outside and that they have the support of their families who are supporting the girls and not hesitating to send them abroad for studies. Accepting the responsibility of the media in transforming the image of the country, they said that it is important to break free from the stereotypes of Burkha, war and Taliban. Speaking of their time in Chennai, the women said that it was refreshing and empowering to see women working late in the night, going shopping, working as vendors. They wished for a similar transformation in their society, where it is generally considered unsafe for women to venture out in the nights. Outlining the initiative of the Indian government to support developing nations and their citizens, Dr Sudhindra Nath Panda, Director of NITTTR said, “The ITEC programme was started in 1964 and cover over 150 countries. Our missions abroad have been taking care of the VISA formalities of the students/professionals and the travel, course, accommodation expenses are funded by the Indian government.” He added that so far 95 Afghan citizens have attended the programme, of which over 40 were women.

Quest for English communication skills leads Afghan women journalists to India 

Beneath the gaze of the TV cameras a woman begins speaking, at first softly but with growing passion as she faces the "Butcher of Kabul" across a crowded auditorium and asks if he wants to apologise for alleged war crimes.

Without missing a beat, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, the ruthless former warlord blamed for rocket attacks which reduced much of the Afghan capital to rubble in the 1990s, declined to do so.&nbsp;

The dramatic moment during a recent televised news debate highlights how far media freedom has come in Afghanistan, where -- for now -- traumatised civilians can stand and at least try to hold powerful men to account, live on camera.

"Years ago, this kind of questions could get you killed, but now people can challenge the most dangerous people in mainstream and social media," Mustafa Rahimi, a university student, said after watching the debate.

But today, even as hundreds of media outlets proliferate across Afghanistan, consumers and journalists alike worry a potential peace deal between the Taliban and the US could sound the death knell for a golden age of press freedom.

"We are concerned about a total or a partial ban on media," Sediqullah Khaliq, the director of Hewad TV and radio in Kandahar -- the birthplace of Taliban -- told AFP.

"There is fear that we may go back to a media blackout or having a state-controlled press."

While in power, the Taliban raged against traditional forms of mass communication and entertainment, banning television, movies and allowing only Islamist programming or propaganda to be broadcast on the only radio station, Voice of Sharia.

Anyone caught watching TV faced punishment and risked having their television set smashed and then displayed from a lamppost.&nbsp;

Almost all electronic products were outlawed as un-Islamic. For a while, trees in Kabul fluttered with the magnetic ribbon tape from destroyed cassettes.

Photographs of living things were illegal, and ownership of a video player could lead to a public lashing.

A deadly trade

Afghanistan is the world's deadliest place for journalists, who face many risks covering the conflict and who have sometimes been targeted for doing their job.&nbsp;

Nine journalists, including AFP Kabul's chief photographer Shah Marai, were killed in an Islamic State attack in April 2018.&nbsp;

Media watchdog group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reported that 2018 was the deadliest year on record for journalists in Afghanistan, with at least 15 media workers killed while working.

Despite the risks, hundreds of media organisations have blossomed since 2001, and today there are more than 100 television channels, 284 radio stations and just over 400 newspapers and magazines, according to a government report.&nbsp;

With one of the world's lowest literacy rates, television and radio play a huge role in Afghan culture, and Afghans have grown accustomed to outlets holding their politicians to account.

Warlords, politicians, Taliban sympathisers and government officials are openly challenged in televised debates, radio programmes and on social media.

"We now play live music, women call in and share their problems on the radio. But even if the Taliban allow radios, I don't think they would like our programmes," said Mera Hamdam, a presenter at Zama private radio in Kandahar.

"There is huge concern that we will lose all our achievements," he said.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said if they return to power, the insurgents would follow an Islamic interpretation of freedom of expression.

"We won't allow propaganda, insults and humiliation to people in society and religious values. We will allow those who work for the betterment of the society," he told AFP.

The sixth round of talks between the US and the Taliban wrapped up last week in Doha, with apparently little progress being made on several key issues.

The two foes have for months been trying to hammer out a deal that could see foreign forces leave Afghanistan in return for a ceasefire, talks between Kabul and the Taliban, and a guarantee the country will not be used as a safe haven for terror groups.

But observers worry that in a rush to quit Afghanistan after nearly 18 gruelling years of war, America might not push for safeguards of protections many Afghans now take for granted, including media freedoms and improved rights for women and other marginalised people.

"Freedom of expression as a protective value should be incorporated into any document resulting from peace talks," NAI, a leading media support agency, said in a statement.

Rahimi, the university student, said he worried about Afghanistan going back to "the dark era".

Beneath the gaze of the TV cameras a woman begins speaking, at first softly but with growing passion as she faces the "Butcher of Kabul" across a crowded auditorium and asks if he wants to apologise for alleged war crimes.

Beneath the gaze of the TV cameras a woman begins speaking, at first softly but with growing passion as she faces the "Butcher of Kabul" across a crowded auditorium and asks if he wants to apologise for alleged war crimes. Without missing a beat, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, the ruthless former warlord blamed for rocket attacks which reduced much of the Afghan capital to rubble in the 1990s, declined to do so. The dramatic moment during a recent televised news debate highlights how far media freedom has come in Afghanistan, where -- for now -- traumatised civilians can stand and at least try to hold powerful men to account, live on camera. "Years ago, this kind of questions could get you killed, but now people can challenge the most dangerous people in mainstream and social media," Mustafa Rahimi, a university student, said after watching the debate. But today, even as hundreds of media outlets proliferate across Afghanistan, consumers and journalists alike worry a potential peace deal between the Taliban and the US could sound the death knell for a golden age of press freedom. "We are concerned about a total or a partial ban on media," Sediqullah Khaliq, the director of Hewad TV and radio in Kandahar -- the birthplace of Taliban -- told AFP. "There is fear that we may go back to a media blackout or having a state-controlled press." While in power, the Taliban raged against traditional forms of mass communication and entertainment, banning television, movies and allowing only Islamist programming or propaganda to be broadcast on the only radio station, Voice of Sharia. Anyone caught watching TV faced punishment and risked having their television set smashed and then displayed from a lamppost. Almost all electronic products were outlawed as un-Islamic. For a while, trees in Kabul fluttered with the magnetic ribbon tape from destroyed cassettes. Photographs of living things were illegal, and ownership of a video player could lead to a public lashing. A deadly trade Afghanistan is the world's deadliest place for journalists, who face many risks covering the conflict and who have sometimes been targeted for doing their job. Nine journalists, including AFP Kabul's chief photographer Shah Marai, were killed in an Islamic State attack in April 2018. Media watchdog group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reported that 2018 was the deadliest year on record for journalists in Afghanistan, with at least 15 media workers killed while working. Despite the risks, hundreds of media organisations have blossomed since 2001, and today there are more than 100 television channels, 284 radio stations and just over 400 newspapers and magazines, according to a government report. With one of the world's lowest literacy rates, television and radio play a huge role in Afghan culture, and Afghans have grown accustomed to outlets holding their politicians to account. Warlords, politicians, Taliban sympathisers and government officials are openly challenged in televised debates, radio programmes and on social media. "We now play live music, women call in and share their problems on the radio. But even if the Taliban allow radios, I don't think they would like our programmes," said Mera Hamdam, a presenter at Zama private radio in Kandahar. "There is huge concern that we will lose all our achievements," he said. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said if they return to power, the insurgents would follow an Islamic interpretation of freedom of expression. "We won't allow propaganda, insults and humiliation to people in society and religious values. We will allow those who work for the betterment of the society," he told AFP. The sixth round of talks between the US and the Taliban wrapped up last week in Doha, with apparently little progress being made on several key issues. The two foes have for months been trying to hammer out a deal that could see foreign forces leave Afghanistan in return for a ceasefire, talks between Kabul and the Taliban, and a guarantee the country will not be used as a safe haven for terror groups. But observers worry that in a rush to quit Afghanistan after nearly 18 gruelling years of war, America might not push for safeguards of protections many Afghans now take for granted, including media freedoms and improved rights for women and other marginalised people. "Freedom of expression as a protective value should be incorporated into any document resulting from peace talks," NAI, a leading media support agency, said in a statement. Rahimi, the university student, said he worried about Afghanistan going back to "the dark era".

Afghans fear end of golden age of press freedom

Afghanistan's government has lauded the support it has received from India, especially on the Afghan peace process. Afghan foreign ministry's spokesperson Sibghatullah Ahmadi spoke to WION from Kabul and said, "India supports a peaceful Afghanistan" with its backing of the Afghan government.

Ahmadi has welcomed the regional and international efforts for facilitating direct talks between the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and Taliban representatives "in particular Germany and India’s recent engagements in this regard".

He further called for "tangible actions to be taken by Pakistan aimed at peace in Afghanistan".

The development comes even as last weeks saw hectic engagements in New Delhi regarding the Afghan peace process. US permanent representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, Chinese special envoy on Afghanistan Deng Xijun and chief executive of the Afghan High Peace Council <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-has-helped-build-strong-state-in-afghanistan-pak-must-shun-terror-afghan-presidents-special-envoy-to-wion-219460">Mohammad Omar Daudzai visited Delhi</a> this month and met External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to discuss the developments in the landlocked South Asian country.

India had also discussed the Afghan peace process with the visiting Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif. Deepak Mittal, joint secretary in the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran (PAI) division of the Ministry of External Affairs met Russian special envoy on Afganistan Zamir Kabulov in Moscow regarding the same.

India supports Afghan-led, owned and controlled peace process and is one of the major development partners of Kabul.

Afghanistan's government has lauded the support it has received from India, especially on the Afghan peace process. Afghan foreign ministry's spokesperson Sibghatullah Ahmadi spoke to WION from Kabul and said, "India supports a peaceful Afghanistan" with its backing of the Afghan government.

Afghanistan's government has lauded the support it has received from India, especially on the Afghan peace process. Afghan foreign ministry's spokesperson Sibghatullah Ahmadi spoke to WION from Kabul and said, "India supports a peaceful Afghanistan" with its backing of the Afghan government. Ahmadi has welcomed the regional and international efforts for facilitating direct talks between the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and Taliban representatives "in particular Germany and India’s recent engagements in this regard". He further called for "tangible actions to be taken by Pakistan aimed at peace in Afghanistan". The development comes even as last weeks saw hectic engagements in New Delhi regarding the Afghan peace process. US permanent representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, Chinese special envoy on Afghanistan Deng Xijun and chief executive of the Afghan High Peace Council Mohammad Omar Daudzai visited Delhi this month and met External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to discuss the developments in the landlocked South Asian country. India had also discussed the Afghan peace process with the visiting Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif. Deepak Mittal, joint secretary in the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran (PAI) division of the Ministry of External Affairs met Russian special envoy on Afganistan Zamir Kabulov in Moscow regarding the same. India supports Afghan-led, owned and controlled peace process and is one of the major development partners of Kabul.

Afghan foreign ministry lauds India's role in Afghan peace process

Minutes before Mena Mangal, a prominent Afghan journalist and parliamentary adviser, was shot dead by two men in Kabul, she had slammed the door of her parent's home after reminding them to pay the neighbourhood shopkeeper 15 Afghanis (20 cents).

"Mena never forgot her duty towards our home and work. After years of struggle she had achieved success and happiness," said Anisa Mangal, Mena's mother, told Reuters, as she sat surrounded by her husband, four daughters, a son, grandchildren at her two-story home in eastern Kabul.. "She did the right things ... worked very hard to become a professional woman."

No-one has been arrested over the broad daylight killing, but police officials said Mangal's family had filed a case against four men, including her ex-husband. "These four people are on the run but the police are trying to arrest them," said Kabul police spokesman Firdaws Faramarz.

Mangal's mother believes it was her dedication to home and career that got her killed. She accuses her daughter's ex-husband of involvement in the murder because Mangal would not give up her job and continued to appear on television.

Reuters was unable to contact Mangal's former husband. Calls to family members went unanswered.

The brazen attack on Mangal has drawn widespread condemnation — including from US officials and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau — and highlighted what activists say is the continuing plight of Afghan women, who still suffer high levels of sexual and domestic violence and discrimination.

Educated Afghan women, the torchbearer's of a drive to improve women's rights since the overthrow of the Taliban in 2001, say they still face hostility, be it from conservative family members or hardline Islamist groups, for pursuing professional and financial independence.

Earlier this month, for example, the Taliban, launched a deadly attack on the head office of US-funded aid group Counterpart International in Kabul, citing the "intermixing" of women and men working at the site and its promotion of "western activities".

At least nine people were killed and 20 were wounded in a siege that lasted for more than seven hours.

"The Taliban want to kill women who work with men. If I die, there will be no one to feed my parents and siblings," said an Afghan woman who has worked at Counterpart for more than three years, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"If I sit at home will the Taliban come to pay the bills?"

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said its fighters targeted Counterpart because it was funded by US aid agencies.

Women could study and work, he said, but the intermingling of the genders ought to be kept in check in Afghanistan.

Price of freedom

Though many hardships remain, access to public life has improved for Afghan women since US-backed forces ousted the Taliban, especially in cities such as Kabul, where tens of thousands now work outside the home.

But for many, concerns about the hazards of going out to a job extend beyond their own safety.

Until April, thousands of Afghan women now working for the government were happy to bring their children to the office. The daycare centre attached to every government building provided reassurance their children were close by and safe.

The centres were originally established in 1945 to encourage women into the workforce, but closed under the Taliban, who ruled from 1996 to 2001 and did not allow women to go to school or work, nor walk on the street without being accompanied by a male relative and wearing the all-enveloping burqa.

Now reopened, the government runs more than 370 creches where around 17,000 children aged from 3 months to 5 years are provided with milk, food, cots, toys and education at subsidized rates.

"Having a daycare centre next to my office is a blessing, I feed my child after every two hours and get back to work without any stress," said Sadia Seddiqi, an HR official at a government ministry.

But this sense of security changed in April, after a suicide bomber and gunmen belonging to the Islamic State group attacked the Afghan communications ministry in central Kabul.

About a dozen people were killed during the attack. Police evacuated about 100 children along with 2,800 employees from the complex.

Harrowing TV pictures of children, teachers, and mothers screaming for hours after every gunshot inside the ministry building has forced hundreds of mothers to re-think their childcare.

Meena Ahmadi, who works at the communications ministry, said several of her colleagues do not bring their kids to daycare after the attack and some of them had chosen to resign.

"I am afraid of coming to the office," she said. "I get upset when I remember my colleagues who were killed. The attack has impacted my child too."&nbsp;

Minutes before Mena Mangal, a prominent Afghan journalist and parliamentary adviser, was shot dead by two men in Kabul, she had slammed the door of her parent's home after reminding them to pay the neighbourhood shopkeeper 15 Afghanis (20 cents).

Minutes before Mena Mangal, a prominent Afghan journalist and parliamentary adviser, was shot dead by two men in Kabul, she had slammed the door of her parent's home after reminding them to pay the neighbourhood shopkeeper 15 Afghanis (20 cents). "Mena never forgot her duty towards our home and work. After years of struggle she had achieved success and happiness," said Anisa Mangal, Mena's mother, told Reuters, as she sat surrounded by her husband, four daughters, a son, grandchildren at her two-story home in eastern Kabul.. "She did the right things ... worked very hard to become a professional woman." No-one has been arrested over the broad daylight killing, but police officials said Mangal's family had filed a case against four men, including her ex-husband. "These four people are on the run but the police are trying to arrest them," said Kabul police spokesman Firdaws Faramarz. Mangal's mother believes it was her dedication to home and career that got her killed. She accuses her daughter's ex-husband of involvement in the murder because Mangal would not give up her job and continued to appear on television. Reuters was unable to contact Mangal's former husband. Calls to family members went unanswered. The brazen attack on Mangal has drawn widespread condemnation — including from US officials and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau — and highlighted what activists say is the continuing plight of Afghan women, who still suffer high levels of sexual and domestic violence and discrimination. Educated Afghan women, the torchbearer's of a drive to improve women's rights since the overthrow of the Taliban in 2001, say they still face hostility, be it from conservative family members or hardline Islamist groups, for pursuing professional and financial independence. Earlier this month, for example, the Taliban, launched a deadly attack on the head office of US-funded aid group Counterpart International in Kabul, citing the "intermixing" of women and men working at the site and its promotion of "western activities". At least nine people were killed and 20 were wounded in a siege that lasted for more than seven hours. "The Taliban want to kill women who work with men. If I die, there will be no one to feed my parents and siblings," said an Afghan woman who has worked at Counterpart for more than three years, speaking on condition of anonymity. "If I sit at home will the Taliban come to pay the bills?" Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said its fighters targeted Counterpart because it was funded by US aid agencies. Women could study and work, he said, but the intermingling of the genders ought to be kept in check in Afghanistan. Price of freedom Though many hardships remain, access to public life has improved for Afghan women since US-backed forces ousted the Taliban, especially in cities such as Kabul, where tens of thousands now work outside the home. But for many, concerns about the hazards of going out to a job extend beyond their own safety. Until April, thousands of Afghan women now working for the government were happy to bring their children to the office. The daycare centre attached to every government building provided reassurance their children were close by and safe. The centres were originally established in 1945 to encourage women into the workforce, but closed under the Taliban, who ruled from 1996 to 2001 and did not allow women to go to school or work, nor walk on the street without being accompanied by a male relative and wearing the all-enveloping burqa. Now reopened, the government runs more than 370 creches where around 17,000 children aged from 3 months to 5 years are provided with milk, food, cots, toys and education at subsidized rates. "Having a daycare centre next to my office is a blessing, I feed my child after every two hours and get back to work without any stress," said Sadia Seddiqi, an HR official at a government ministry. But this sense of security changed in April, after a suicide bomber and gunmen belonging to the Islamic State group attacked the Afghan communications ministry in central Kabul. About a dozen people were killed during the attack. Police evacuated about 100 children along with 2,800 employees from the complex. Harrowing TV pictures of children, teachers, and mothers screaming for hours after every gunshot inside the ministry building has forced hundreds of mothers to re-think their childcare. Meena Ahmadi, who works at the communications ministry, said several of her colleagues do not bring their kids to daycare after the attack and some of them had chosen to resign. "I am afraid of coming to the office," she said. "I get upset when I remember my colleagues who were killed. The attack has impacted my child too."

Afghan working women still face perils at home and office

At least two people, including a child, were killed and 14 others sustained injuries in a roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan's Herat province on Saturday morning.

The incident occurred in the Oba district of the province, reported Tolo News.

There is no information yet about the nature of the blast.

No group, including the Taliban, has claimed the responsibility for the attack yet.

According to figures released by the United Nations, nearly 1700 civilians have been killed and over 3,430 others injured in conflict-related incidents so far this year in the war-torn country, reported Xinhua.

In a separate development, the Afghan security forces rescued five doctors from the kidnappers in the same province.

One kidnapper was killed and another was wounded during the rescue operation, provincial police chief General Aminullah Amarkhail said on Saturday.

At least two people, including a child, were killed and 14 others sustained injuries in a roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan's Herat province on Saturday morning.

At least two people, including a child, were killed and 14 others sustained injuries in a roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan's Herat province on Saturday morning. The incident occurred in the Oba district of the province, reported Tolo News. There is no information yet about the nature of the blast. No group, including the Taliban, has claimed the responsibility for the attack yet. According to figures released by the United Nations, nearly 1700 civilians have been killed and over 3,430 others injured in conflict-related incidents so far this year in the war-torn country, reported Xinhua. In a separate development, the Afghan security forces rescued five doctors from the kidnappers in the same province. One kidnapper was killed and another was wounded during the rescue operation, provincial police chief General Aminullah Amarkhail said on Saturday.

At least two dead after roadside blast in Afghanistan's Herat province

Afghanistan has asked the US to reveal the exact nature of the relationship between Pakistan and Taliban.

Afghanistan seeks clarity from US on Pakistan's relationship with Taliban

Mohammad Omar Daudzai, Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani's special envoy for peace and chief executive of Afghanistan's high peace council was in Delhi on Friday and met with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.&nbsp;

In an exclusive conversation with WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Daudzai lauded India's role in building a strong state in Afghanistan and said New Delhi has a legitimate interest in the Afghan peace process. On Pakistan, he said that Islamabad needs to be encouraged to shun the use of terror as a policy.

WION: What transpired in your meet with EAM and NSA?

Mohammad Omar Daudzai: Afghanistan and India are very close partners. We have signed the strategic partnership document. India, so far, has fulfilled its commitment as a strategic partner very well. We discussed some issues related to that and also peace, reconciliation and regional coordination that is necessary for reconciliation.

WION: How do you see India's role in the Afghan peace process?

Mohammad Omar Daudzai: India is a very important player now, globally and regionally. India has invested generously in Afghanistan's peace process. Democracy in Afghanistan is important for India. India has to be involved and should be aware of what is going on. We are committed to making sure that India is with us in every step we take.&nbsp;

WION: What are your expectation from New Delhi?

Mohammad Omar Daudzai: Overall, India has helped us build a strong state, but we need further help to strengthen the state. For the peace process to prevail, we need a strong state. India is playing a key role together with our western partners. We want India to continue with it.

WION: What is the current status of the Afghan peace process?

Mohammad Omar Daudzai: The Americans and the Taliban are talking about a possible US withdrawal plan. Taliban is clarifying its relationship with terrorists and terror groups and have given a commitment that they will not keep ties with them. The next stage will be a dialogue primarily between the Afghan state and the Taliban. Ultimately, it should all reach a sustainable ceasefire.&nbsp;

WION: Your thoughts on the role played by Iran and China?

Mohammad Omar Daudzai: Afghanistan has very important geography. It is located at the crossroads, whether you go from the Middle East to India or India to central Asia, you cross Afghanistan. Instability in Afghanistan is preventing a lot of regional mega projects to be implemented. So, it is important for all those countries to be involved in the arrangement. Glad to see they are coming with the regional initiative that may, hopefully, lead to peace in Afghanistan.

WION: How do you see Pakistan's role in Afghanistan and its support to terror?

Mohammad Omar Daudzai: Well, we want to see three countries to live together in peace. Like you have breakfast in Kabul, lunch in Islamabad and dinner in Delhi. That is possible if we have the link between these three countries. Terrorism and war are the main hindrances. We should all come together, get rid of this menace and live in peace together. We will have to encourage Pakistan to change on the issue of terror.&nbsp;

Mohammad Omar Daudzai, Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani's special envoy for peace and chief executive of Afghanistan's high peace council was in Delhi on Friday and met with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Mohammad Omar Daudzai, Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani's special envoy for peace and chief executive of Afghanistan's high peace council was in Delhi on Friday and met with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. In an exclusive conversation with WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Daudzai lauded India's role in building a strong state in Afghanistan and said New Delhi has a legitimate interest in the Afghan peace process. On Pakistan, he said that Islamabad needs to be encouraged to shun the use of terror as a policy. WION: What transpired in your meet with EAM and NSA? Mohammad Omar Daudzai: Afghanistan and India are very close partners. We have signed the strategic partnership document. India, so far, has fulfilled its commitment as a strategic partner very well. We discussed some issues related to that and also peace, reconciliation and regional coordination that is necessary for reconciliation. WION: How do you see India's role in the Afghan peace process? Mohammad Omar Daudzai: India is a very important player now, globally and regionally. India has invested generously in Afghanistan's peace process. Democracy in Afghanistan is important for India. India has to be involved and should be aware of what is going on. We are committed to making sure that India is with us in every step we take. WION: What are your expectation from New Delhi? Mohammad Omar Daudzai: Overall, India has helped us build a strong state, but we need further help to strengthen the state. For the peace process to prevail, we need a strong state. India is playing a key role together with our western partners. We want India to continue with it. WION: What is the current status of the Afghan peace process? Mohammad Omar Daudzai: The Americans and the Taliban are talking about a possible US withdrawal plan. Taliban is clarifying its relationship with terrorists and terror groups and have given a commitment that they will not keep ties with them. The next stage will be a dialogue primarily between the Afghan state and the Taliban. Ultimately, it should all reach a sustainable ceasefire. WION: Your thoughts on the role played by Iran and China? Mohammad Omar Daudzai: Afghanistan has very important geography. It is located at the crossroads, whether you go from the Middle East to India or India to central Asia, you cross Afghanistan. Instability in Afghanistan is preventing a lot of regional mega projects to be implemented. So, it is important for all those countries to be involved in the arrangement. Glad to see they are coming with the regional initiative that may, hopefully, lead to peace in Afghanistan. WION: How do you see Pakistan's role in Afghanistan and its support to terror? Mohammad Omar Daudzai: Well, we want to see three countries to live together in peace. Like you have breakfast in Kabul, lunch in Islamabad and dinner in Delhi. That is possible if we have the link between these three countries. Terrorism and war are the main hindrances. We should all come together, get rid of this menace and live in peace together. We will have to encourage Pakistan to change on the issue of terror.

India has helped build strong state in Afghanistan, Pak must shun terror: Afghan President's special envoy to WION

Republican and Democratic US lawmakers on Wednesday revived an effort to provide visas to move to the United States for Afghans who worked for Americans during the long war in their country and are now stranded, their lives at risk due to that work.

The bill would provide 4,000 Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) for the rest of the federal fiscal year ending on September&nbsp;30, and also try to address obstacles that have prevented Afghans from getting visas under previously passed legislation.

National Public Radio (NPR) reported on May 1 that President Donald Trump`s administration had cut by 60 per cent the number of US visas provided to Afghans who risked their lives assisting American forces. About 1,650 were approved in 2018, down from more than 4,000 in fiscal year 2017.

Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen sponsored the bill with Republicans Thom Tillis, Roger Wicker and Cory Gardner and Democrats Jack Reed, Richard Blumenthal and Tim Kaine.

Backers of the plan said Washington needs to protect Afghans who worked for US forces in order to ensure local support.

Army General Austin Miller, commander of the US&nbsp;mission in Afghanistan, sent a letter to Shaheen backing the bill, calling the SIV program critical to success in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"If the program is not fully resourced, our credibility and the sacrifices made by thousands of Afghans in support of Americans and our Coalition partners could be undermined," Miller wrote.&nbsp;

Shaheen was a lead sponsor of similar legislation passed in previous years, along with late Republican Senator John McCain, who was chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

His widow, Cindy McCain, backed the bill, saying McCain would be pleased to know that the bipartisan measure continued his legacy.

Backers said they felt the measure stood a good chance of passing, possibly as a provision of one of the larger must-pass spending bills Congress will consider later this year, despite Trump`s efforts to tighten immigration, particularly from Muslim-majority countries.

Republican and Democratic US lawmakers on Wednesday revived an effort to provide visas to move to the United States for Afghans who worked for Americans during the long war in their country and are now stranded, their lives at risk due to that work.

Republican and Democratic US lawmakers on Wednesday revived an effort to provide visas to move to the United States for Afghans who worked for Americans during the long war in their country and are now stranded, their lives at risk due to that work. The bill would provide 4,000 Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) for the rest of the federal fiscal year ending on September 30, and also try to address obstacles that have prevented Afghans from getting visas under previously passed legislation. National Public Radio (NPR) reported on May 1 that President Donald Trump`s administration had cut by 60 per cent the number of US visas provided to Afghans who risked their lives assisting American forces. About 1,650 were approved in 2018, down from more than 4,000 in fiscal year 2017. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen sponsored the bill with Republicans Thom Tillis, Roger Wicker and Cory Gardner and Democrats Jack Reed, Richard Blumenthal and Tim Kaine. Backers of the plan said Washington needs to protect Afghans who worked for US forces in order to ensure local support. Army General Austin Miller, commander of the US mission in Afghanistan, sent a letter to Shaheen backing the bill, calling the SIV program critical to success in Afghanistan. "If the program is not fully resourced, our credibility and the sacrifices made by thousands of Afghans in support of Americans and our Coalition partners could be undermined," Miller wrote. Shaheen was a lead sponsor of similar legislation passed in previous years, along with late Republican Senator John McCain, who was chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. His widow, Cindy McCain, backed the bill, saying McCain would be pleased to know that the bipartisan measure continued his legacy. Backers said they felt the measure stood a good chance of passing, possibly as a provision of one of the larger must-pass spending bills Congress will consider later this year, despite Trump`s efforts to tighten immigration, particularly from Muslim-majority countries.

Senators want visas for Afghans now stranded after helping US forces

Election officials in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gifts-two-mi-24-attack-helicopters-to-afghan-air-force-219184&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj2pK-dkaDiAhXWknAKHWnzC_EQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw31bUNjDEouRH8c1khzpZB7">Afghanistan </a>should do more to ensure delayed presidential polls can take place in September, the US embassy in Kabul said Thursday.

The election was initially slated for April 20, but as the date drew closer it grew obvious that overwhelmed poll officials were unprepared -- owing to them still tallying results from a nationwide parliamentary ballot in October.

Amid the push to finalise those results, officials first delayed the presidential election until July 20, and then again to September 28.

Final results were only announced this week.

In a statement, the US embassy urged the Independent Election Commission and Afghan authorities "do their part to take the decisions and actions necessary to give the Afghan people their voice at the ballot box this year."

Among its recommendations, the embassy said the election commission should present a clear plan and budget request, as well as hire and train sufficient staff to complete voter registration and preparations.

"The Afghan people deserve the opportunity to choose their next leadership through transparent elections in September," the statement read.

"We are prepared to continue supporting this process'', it added.

The embassy statement comes after Alice Wells, the principal deputy assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian affairs, met with Afghan leaders in Kabul this week, when she stressed the importance of holding the September election.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/ashraf-ghanis-special-envoy-reaches-delhi-as-india-increases-engagement-with-other-forces-on-afghan-peace-process-219148&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjG8qmCkaDiAhXEheYKHT83BEoQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Bq2l5xL9CKZOLaqFsG-4x">Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's</a> term technically expires May 22, and his opponents have said his administration should make way for a caretaker government until presidential elections can be held.

The supreme court, however, has said he can remain in power until the next election.

The delayed elections come as the United States tries to negotiate a peace deal with the Taliban, and some had speculated the polls were being deliberately stalled to create more space for those talks.

Negotiations, however, appear to be making slow progress, with the two sides at loggerheads over several key issues.

Election officials in Afghanistan should do more to ensure delayed presidential polls can take place in September, the US embassy in Kabul said Thursday. The election was initially slated for April 20, but as the date drew closer it grew obvious that overwhelmed poll officials were unprepared -- owing to them still tallying results from a nationwide parliamentary ballot in October.

Election officials in Afghanistan should do more to ensure delayed presidential polls can take place in September, the US embassy in Kabul said Thursday. The election was initially slated for April 20, but as the date drew closer it grew obvious that overwhelmed poll officials were unprepared -- owing to them still tallying results from a nationwide parliamentary ballot in October. Amid the push to finalise those results, officials first delayed the presidential election until July 20, and then again to September 28. Final results were only announced this week. In a statement, the US embassy urged the Independent Election Commission and Afghan authorities "do their part to take the decisions and actions necessary to give the Afghan people their voice at the ballot box this year." Among its recommendations, the embassy said the election commission should present a clear plan and budget request, as well as hire and train sufficient staff to complete voter registration and preparations. "The Afghan people deserve the opportunity to choose their next leadership through transparent elections in September," the statement read. "We are prepared to continue supporting this process'', it added. The embassy statement comes after Alice Wells, the principal deputy assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian affairs, met with Afghan leaders in Kabul this week, when she stressed the importance of holding the September election. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's term technically expires May 22, and his opponents have said his administration should make way for a caretaker government until presidential elections can be held. The supreme court, however, has said he can remain in power until the next election. The delayed elections come as the United States tries to negotiate a peace deal with the Taliban, and some had speculated the polls were being deliberately stalled to create more space for those talks. Negotiations, however, appear to be making slow progress, with the two sides at loggerheads over several key issues.

Afghan election workers must prepare for presidential polls in September: US

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