According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 500 tonnes of medical supplies including surgical equipment and severe malnutrition kits due to be delivered to Afghanistan this week are stuck because of Kabul airport restrictions.

Reports: WHO says Kabul airport curbs blocking medical supplies for Afghans

Iran has resumed fuel exports to Afghanistan following a request from the Taliban. The price of gasoline in the country has turned $900 per tonne as many panicked Afghans drove out of cities, fearing reprisals from the Taliban.

Iran resumes fuel exports to Afghanistan after Taliban request

China said on Tuesday that slapping sanctions on the Taliban in Afghanistan would be harmful, and urged the international community to support the country's opportunities for good change.&nbsp;

“Afghanistan is an independent and sovereign country. The United States and its allies should learn from the lessons of history, reflect and act prudently on issues related to Afghanistan,” said Wang Wenbin, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson.&nbsp;

“Imposing sanctions and pressure at every turn cannot solve the problem and will only be counterproductive.”

When asked about the G7 leaders' proposal to put further sanctions on the Taliban, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that implementing sanctions and applying pressure will not solve problems.&nbsp;

“Afghanistan is an independent sovereign country. The US and its allies should learn from the past experience, and deeply reflect upon and act prudently on Afghanistan-related issues," Wang said.

The international community should encourage and work for the positive developments of the Afghan situation, support peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan, and assist the nation to improve people's livelihood and enhance its ability to achieve self-development, he said.

“Wantonly slapping sanctions and exerting pressure solves no problem and will only be counterproductive," he said.

On Monday, Wang hinted that China would increase financial aid to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, saying that China would play a "positive role" in assisting the war-torn country despite international pressure to halt funding to Kabul until the Afghan militant group changed its hardline religious policies.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

China said on Tuesday that slapping sanctions on the Taliban in Afghanistan would be harmful, and urged the international community to support the country's opportunities for good change.

China said on Tuesday that slapping sanctions on the Taliban in Afghanistan would be harmful, and urged the international community to support the country's opportunities for good change. “Afghanistan is an independent and sovereign country. The United States and its allies should learn from the lessons of history, reflect and act prudently on issues related to Afghanistan,” said Wang Wenbin, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson. “Imposing sanctions and pressure at every turn cannot solve the problem and will only be counterproductive.” When asked about the G7 leaders' proposal to put further sanctions on the Taliban, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that implementing sanctions and applying pressure will not solve problems. “Afghanistan is an independent sovereign country. The US and its allies should learn from the past experience, and deeply reflect upon and act prudently on Afghanistan-related issues," Wang said. The international community should encourage and work for the positive developments of the Afghan situation, support peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan, and assist the nation to improve people's livelihood and enhance its ability to achieve self-development, he said. “Wantonly slapping sanctions and exerting pressure solves no problem and will only be counterproductive," he said. On Monday, Wang hinted that China would increase financial aid to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, saying that China would play a "positive role" in assisting the war-torn country despite international pressure to halt funding to Kabul until the Afghan militant group changed its hardline religious policies. (With inputs from agencies)

Imposing sanctions on Taliban will be counterproductive: China

Briefing the media for the second time after its capture of Afghanistan, the Taliban spokesperson said that they are talking to every stakeholder for govt formation. He also said that they are training Talibs on how to speak to women and advised women to stay at home.

Talking to every stakeholder for govt formation: Taliban

As the Taliban takes charge of Afghanistan, women fear losing everything that they have worked for in the last 20 years. WION brings you a report.

Fear and frustration run high among Afghan women as Taliban take charge

The Biden administration's plan of withdrawing all American personnel out of Afghanistan by August 31 has not changed, according to US Defence Department Press Secretary John Kirby.&nbsp;

“Every day, we are making progress in bringing Americans out, as well as Special Immigrant Visa applications and vulnerable Afghans,” he continued.

Kirby stated, “We are committed to getting any and all Americans who wish to go out.”&nbsp;

“We still believe – certainly now that we have been able to increase the capacity and the flow -- we believe that we have the ability to get that done by the end of the month.”&nbsp;

Earlier, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Tuesday that his group will accept "no extensions" to the August 31 deadline set by the Biden administration for the removal of all American forces from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

According to the Pentagon, new bases may be required to house Afghans evacuated from the war-torn country.

According to CNN, the US has evacuated some 12,700 individuals from Kabul airport in the last 24 hours, citing a White House official.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Biden administration's plan of withdrawing all American personnel out of Afghanistan by August 31 has not changed, according to US Defence Department Press Secretary John Kirby.

The Biden administration's plan of withdrawing all American personnel out of Afghanistan by August 31 has not changed, according to US Defence Department Press Secretary John Kirby. “Every day, we are making progress in bringing Americans out, as well as Special Immigrant Visa applications and vulnerable Afghans,” he continued. Kirby stated, “We are committed to getting any and all Americans who wish to go out.” “We still believe – certainly now that we have been able to increase the capacity and the flow -- we believe that we have the ability to get that done by the end of the month.” Earlier, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Tuesday that his group will accept "no extensions" to the August 31 deadline set by the Biden administration for the removal of all American forces from Afghanistan. According to the Pentagon, new bases may be required to house Afghans evacuated from the war-torn country. According to CNN, the US has evacuated some 12,700 individuals from Kabul airport in the last 24 hours, citing a White House official. (With inputs from agencies)

'No change' to August 31 withdrawal deadline: Pentagon’s John Kirby

In the last couple of days, the world has witnessed the fear of the Taliban militants on the innocent people of Afghanistan. There is mayhem everywhere and people are fleeing the country in a bid to escape the atrocities of the militant group which has taken over Afghanistan by force. However, amid all this turmoil, a small place in Afghanistan draws our attention because unlike the rest of the country here there is no chaos, no one is fleeing, no one is forced to hide or be afraid of knocking at the door. This place is called the Panjshir Valley, the bastion of the Northern Alliance. Here's everything you need to know about this beautiful Valley of Afghanistan.

Panjshir: Here's everything you need to know about the Valley of Resistance

US President Joe Biden will face pressure to extend an August 31 deadline to evacuate thousands seeking to flee the Taliban in Afghanistan when he meets G7 leaders at a virtual meeting on Tuesday (August 24).

G7 Meet on Afghan: Other leaders to press Biden to extend Kabul evacuation deadline

Emergency G7 summit is being held on the Afghanistan crisis. G7 leaders are seeking unity on Taliban sanctions.

WION Live Broadcast: G7 meet on Afghan pullout deadline

The Taliban said they would not agree to an extension of a looming deadline to evacuate Afghans from Kabul airport, even as Western countries said they were running out of time.

In answer to WION's Anas Mallick's query concerning a covert meeting between the chief of the American intelligence agency CIA, William J Burns, and Taliban leader Abdul Ghani Baradar, the spokesperson declined to confirm or deny it.

"All diplomats and embassies, including the United States, have been meeting with the Islamic Emirates Political Office," a Taliban spokeswoman asserted.

He said he can not confirm Taliban leader Abdul Ghani Baradar's meeting with CIA Director.&nbsp;

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WIONews</a> at the Taliban press conference in Kabul. In response to <a href="https://twitter.com/AnasMallick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnasMallick</a>’s question on a secret meeting between Taliban leader Mullah Baradar &amp; the CIA chief, the spokesperson refuses to confirm/deny. Says the political office has been meeting all embassies in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afganistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afganistan</a>. <a href="https://t.co/Ppamy2WJVv">pic.twitter.com/Ppamy2WJVv</a>
— Palki Sharma (@palkisu) <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu/status/1430167767823573003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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According to the Washington Post, who cited anonymous US officials, CIA Director William J Burns conducted a secret meeting with Taliban leader Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul on Monday.&nbsp;

According to the Washington Post, this was the highest-level face-to-face meeting between the two sides and came more than a week after the militant organisation seized power in Afghanistan. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/shocking-images-of-children-trapped-at-kabul-airport-amid-evacuation-407731">Pictures | Shocking images of children trapped at Kabul airport amid evacuation</a>

About 50,000 foreigners and Afghans have fled the country from Kabul's airport since the Taliban swept into power nine days ago, according to the US government.

Many Afghans fear a repeat of the brutal interpretation of sharia law the Taliban implemented when they were first in power from 1996-2001, and retribution for working with the US-backed government over the past two decades. 
 
Watch | Kabul airport witnesses rush after people flee Afghanistan owing to Taliban's siege

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kabul-airport-witnesses-rush-after-people-flee-afghanistan-owing-to-talibans-siege-408035/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Taliban, who ended two decades of war with an astonishingly swift rout of government forces, have been publicly tolerant of the evacuation effort.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Taliban said they would not agree to an extension of a looming deadline to evacuate Afghans from Kabul airport, even as Western countries said they were running out of time.

The Taliban said they would not agree to an extension of a looming deadline to evacuate Afghans from Kabul airport, even as Western countries said they were running out of time. In answer to WION's Anas Mallick's query concerning a covert meeting between the chief of the American intelligence agency CIA, William J Burns, and Taliban leader Abdul Ghani Baradar, the spokesperson declined to confirm or deny it. "All diplomats and embassies, including the United States, have been meeting with the Islamic Emirates Political Office," a Taliban spokeswoman asserted. He said he can not confirm Taliban leader Abdul Ghani Baradar's meeting with CIA Director. .@WIONews at the Taliban press conference in Kabul. In response to @AnasMallick’s question on a secret meeting between Taliban leader Mullah Baradar & the CIA chief, the spokesperson refuses to confirm/deny. Says the political office has been meeting all embassies in #Afganistan. pic.twitter.com/Ppamy2WJVv — Palki Sharma (@palkisu) August 24, 2021 × According to the Washington Post, who cited anonymous US officials, CIA Director William J Burns conducted a secret meeting with Taliban leader Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul on Monday. According to the Washington Post, this was the highest-level face-to-face meeting between the two sides and came more than a week after the militant organisation seized power in Afghanistan. Pictures | Shocking images of children trapped at Kabul airport amid evacuation About 50,000 foreigners and Afghans have fled the country from Kabul's airport since the Taliban swept into power nine days ago, according to the US government. Many Afghans fear a repeat of the brutal interpretation of sharia law the Taliban implemented when they were first in power from 1996-2001, and retribution for working with the US-backed government over the past two decades. Watch | Kabul airport witnesses rush after people flee Afghanistan owing to Taliban's siege The Taliban, who ended two decades of war with an astonishingly swift rout of government forces, have been publicly tolerant of the evacuation effort. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Taliban evade WION’s question on secret meeting between Mullah Baradar and CIA chief

A mother gives birth mid-air, another runs out of food as she tries to flee Afghanistan. 14.2 Million Afghan women are trapped in the Taliban tyranny. Palki Sharma says the world must come together to #SaveAfghanWomen.

#SaveAfghanWomen: A Gravitas Campaign

The Taliban has released videos showing men equipped with US tactical gear guarding Kabul. The propaganda video claims the men are part of the Taliban's "Special Forces". Palki Sharma tells you more about Badri 313

Gravitas: Taliban "Special Forces" deployed in Kabul

In an important development, India and Russia have agreed to form a "permanent bilateral channel" for consultations on Afghanistan. The announcement of bilateral channel has been the most visible practical cooperation between India &amp; any of its allies on Afghanistan in the aftermath of fall of Kabul to Taliban since 15th August.

The development was announced hours after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi &amp; Russian President Vladimir Putin held 45-minute telephonic conversation on Tuesday.&nbsp;

In a tweet, PM said, "Had a detailed and useful exchange of views with my friend President Putin on recent developments in Afghanistan..."&nbsp;

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Had a detailed and useful exchange of views with my friend President Putin on recent developments in Afghanistan. We also discussed issues on the bilateral agenda, including India-Russia cooperation against COVID-19. We agreed to continue close consultations on important issues.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1430098467100119047?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Both sides have had regular exchanges on Afghanistan, including during External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar's Russia visit &amp; Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov's India visit earlier this year.

During Modi-Putin talks, both sides agreed to cooperate on counter-terror &amp; drug threat "emanating from the territory of Afghanistan", Russian readout of talks said.

They also "noted the importance of coordinated efforts" which would "contribute to the establishment of peace and stability in this country, ensuring security in the region as a whole".&nbsp;

The situation in Afghanistan is seen as security challenge to both India &amp; Russia. For India, Afghanistan could become a safe haven for Pakistan-based terror groups, and for Russia, a spillover of the crisis can impact friendly central Asian countries like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/evacuations-must-be-completed-by-august-31-afghans-not-allowed-to-go-to-airport-taliban-408053">Evacuations must be completed by August 31, Afghans not allowed to go to airport: Taliban</a>

Important to remember, India's Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA) Pankaj Saran met Russian NSA Nikolai Patrushev last week in Moscow &amp; discussed Afghanistan. Last week was the first week since the fall of Kabul, and Taliban emerging as dominant force in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

During the talks both sides also had conversation on trade, Covid crisis, manufacture of Russian Vaccines in India. Next few months will see increased India, Russia engagement, given India will host BRICS summit in September as the chair of the grouping, Russian President Vladimir Putin's much-awaited India visit for annual India Russia bilateral summit &amp; deliveries of the first units of S400 air defence systems.

In an important development, India and Russia have agreed to form a "permanent bilateral channel" for consultations on Afghanistan. The announcement of bilateral channel has been the most visible practical cooperation between India & any of its allies on Afghanistan in the aftermath of fall of Kabul to Taliban since 15th August.

In an important development, India and Russia have agreed to form a "permanent bilateral channel" for consultations on Afghanistan. The announcement of bilateral channel has been the most visible practical cooperation between India & any of its allies on Afghanistan in the aftermath of fall of Kabul to Taliban since 15th August. The development was announced hours after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi & Russian President Vladimir Putin held 45-minute telephonic conversation on Tuesday. In a tweet, PM said, "Had a detailed and useful exchange of views with my friend President Putin on recent developments in Afghanistan..." Had a detailed and useful exchange of views with my friend President Putin on recent developments in Afghanistan. We also discussed issues on the bilateral agenda, including India-Russia cooperation against COVID-19. We agreed to continue close consultations on important issues. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 24, 2021 × Both sides have had regular exchanges on Afghanistan, including during External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar's Russia visit & Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov's India visit earlier this year. During Modi-Putin talks, both sides agreed to cooperate on counter-terror & drug threat "emanating from the territory of Afghanistan", Russian readout of talks said. They also "noted the importance of coordinated efforts" which would "contribute to the establishment of peace and stability in this country, ensuring security in the region as a whole". The situation in Afghanistan is seen as security challenge to both India & Russia. For India, Afghanistan could become a safe haven for Pakistan-based terror groups, and for Russia, a spillover of the crisis can impact friendly central Asian countries like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan. Also Read: Evacuations must be completed by August 31, Afghans not allowed to go to airport: Taliban Important to remember, India's Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA) Pankaj Saran met Russian NSA Nikolai Patrushev last week in Moscow & discussed Afghanistan. Last week was the first week since the fall of Kabul, and Taliban emerging as dominant force in Afghanistan. During the talks both sides also had conversation on trade, Covid crisis, manufacture of Russian Vaccines in India. Next few months will see increased India, Russia engagement, given India will host BRICS summit in September as the chair of the grouping, Russian President Vladimir Putin's much-awaited India visit for annual India Russia bilateral summit & deliveries of the first units of S400 air defence systems.

India, Russia form 'permanent bilateral channel' for consultations on Afghanistan

According to the American defence official, President Joe Biden is expected to make the decision on extending the August 31 deadline for the US troops withdrawal today (August 24).

US Prez Biden expected to decide whether to extend August 31 deadline

Leaders of the G-7 countries will hold a virtual meet on Tuesday to discuss the prevailing security situation in Afghanistan in the wake of the Taliban taking control of all the major towns and cities, including Kabul. The emergency meeting will be convened by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. It will focus on the long-term future of Afghanistan.

WION Live Broadcast: Key G7 meeting On Afghanistan today

Afghan Sikh MP Narendra Singh Khalsa has called the situation in his country "serious" and added that everyone is scared. Speaking to our&nbsp;Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Khalsa said, "&nbsp;situation is bad, and people are scared.". He was evacuated to India over the weekend in an IAF flight, days after Kabul was run over by the Taliban.&nbsp;

Narendra Singh Khalsa is the son of Awtar Singh Khalsa, who was a Sikh representative to the Loya Jirga from Paktia province of Afghanistan. He died in the 2018 Jalalabad suicide attack.&nbsp;More than 15 died in that terror attack and drew widespread condemnation.

WION: What is the conditions in Kabul right now?

Narendra Singh Khalsa:&nbsp;The situation is serious, there is no government. Taliban has come&nbsp;and the situation remains fragile. Everyone is scared&nbsp;and everyone is in trouble.

WION: Who do think is to blame for the current situation in your country?

Narendra Singh Khalsa: Afghanistan is a key country in Asia and in the world. Enemies are working in Afghanistan,&nbsp;Ghani left the country&nbsp;but we are happy and content that he is safe and&nbsp;secure in the UAE.

WION: Are minorities scared in the country?

Narendra Singh Khalsa:&nbsp;We can't say anything. In the last few days,&nbsp;we went outside just once.

We stayed in the houses of our friends but&nbsp;can't say anything&nbsp;since the situation is bad&nbsp;and the people are scared. At the gates of the airport,&nbsp;people want to leave the country&nbsp;and many people are standing outside the airport.

Taliban has come in the past too, they were fine for the first few days, few months and then they indulged in activities that no one liked. Everyone is saying there is nothing to worry&nbsp;but we can't say anything.

Afghan Sikh MP Narendra Singh Khalsa has called the situation in his country "serious" and added that everyone is scared. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Khalsa said, " situation is bad, and people are scared.

Afghan Sikh MP Narendra Singh Khalsa has called the situation in his country "serious" and added that everyone is scared. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Khalsa said, " situation is bad, and people are scared.". He was evacuated to India over the weekend in an IAF flight, days after Kabul was run over by the Taliban. Narendra Singh Khalsa is the son of Awtar Singh Khalsa, who was a Sikh representative to the Loya Jirga from Paktia province of Afghanistan. He died in the 2018 Jalalabad suicide attack. More than 15 died in that terror attack and drew widespread condemnation. WION: What is the conditions in Kabul right now? Narendra Singh Khalsa: The situation is serious, there is no government. Taliban has come and the situation remains fragile. Everyone is scared and everyone is in trouble. WION: Who do think is to blame for the current situation in your country? Narendra Singh Khalsa: Afghanistan is a key country in Asia and in the world. Enemies are working in Afghanistan, Ghani left the country but we are happy and content that he is safe and secure in the UAE. WION: Are minorities scared in the country? Narendra Singh Khalsa: We can't say anything. In the last few days, we went outside just once. We stayed in the houses of our friends but can't say anything since the situation is bad and the people are scared. At the gates of the airport, people want to leave the country and many people are standing outside the airport. Taliban has come in the past too, they were fine for the first few days, few months and then they indulged in activities that no one liked. Everyone is saying there is nothing to worry but we can't say anything.

Situation is serious, says Afghan Sikh MP Narendra Khalsa

Taliban are not allowing food and fuel to reach Andarab Valley in the northern Baghlan province, Afghanistan’s acting president Amrullah Saleh said, following reports that the militia group is engaged in a deadly battle with the resistance force in the neighbouring Panjshir Valley.

In a tweet, Saleh said the Taliban are abducting children and the elderly and using them as human shields while conducting&nbsp;house raids.

“Talibs aren’t allowing food and fuel to get into Andarab Valley. The humanitarian situation is dire. Thousands of women and children have fled to the mountains. Since the last two days Talibs abduct children and elderly and use them as shields to move around or do house search,” Saleh tweeted late on Monday.

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Talibs aren't allowing food &amp; fuel to get into Andarab valley. The humanitarian situation is dire. Thousands of women &amp; children have fled to mountains. Since the last two days Talibs abduct children &amp; elderly and use them as shields to move around or do house search.
— Amrullah Saleh (@AmrullahSaleh2) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmrullahSaleh2/status/1429895548287557638?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Saleh, along with Ahmed Massoud, is leading the National Resistance Front from the Panjshir Valley, known as an anti-Taliban bastion.

Massoud is the son of anti-Taliban commander Ahmad Shah Massoud.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hundreds-of-taliban-fighters-head-towards-panjshir-valley-407664">'Hundreds' of Taliban fighters head towards Panjshir Valley</a>

Meanwhile, a Taliban spokesperson claimed that they are in a position near the Panjshir Valley and retaken three districts in northern Afghanistan

The districts of Bano, Deh Saleh, Pul e-Hesar in the northern province of Baghlan were taken by the Islamist militia group last week in one of the first signs of armed resistance to the Taliban since their seizure of the capital Kabul on August 15.

By Monday, Taliban forces had cleared the districts and were established in Badakhshan, Takhar and Andarab near the Panjshir valley, according to the Twitter account of spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

Forces loyal to Ahmad Massoud, son of the late mujahideen commander Ahmad Shah Massoud, have established themselves in his Panjshir stronghold, which resisted both the Soviets and the Taliban before 2001.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban are not allowing food and fuel to reach Andarab Valley in the northern Baghlan province, Afghanistan’s acting president Amrullah Saleh said, following reports that the militia group is engaged in a deadly battle with the resistance force in the neighbouring Panjshir Valley.

Taliban are not allowing food and fuel to reach Andarab Valley in the northern Baghlan province, Afghanistan’s acting president Amrullah Saleh said, following reports that the militia group is engaged in a deadly battle with the resistance force in the neighbouring Panjshir Valley. In a tweet, Saleh said the Taliban are abducting children and the elderly and using them as human shields while conducting house raids. “Talibs aren’t allowing food and fuel to get into Andarab Valley. The humanitarian situation is dire. Thousands of women and children have fled to the mountains. Since the last two days Talibs abduct children and elderly and use them as shields to move around or do house search,” Saleh tweeted late on Monday. Talibs aren't allowing food & fuel to get into Andarab valley. The humanitarian situation is dire. Thousands of women & children have fled to mountains. Since the last two days Talibs abduct children & elderly and use them as shields to move around or do house search. — Amrullah Saleh (@AmrullahSaleh2) August 23, 2021 × Saleh, along with Ahmed Massoud, is leading the National Resistance Front from the Panjshir Valley, known as an anti-Taliban bastion. Massoud is the son of anti-Taliban commander Ahmad Shah Massoud. Also read | 'Hundreds' of Taliban fighters head towards Panjshir Valley Meanwhile, a Taliban spokesperson claimed that they are in a position near the Panjshir Valley and retaken three districts in northern Afghanistan The districts of Bano, Deh Saleh, Pul e-Hesar in the northern province of Baghlan were taken by the Islamist militia group last week in one of the first signs of armed resistance to the Taliban since their seizure of the capital Kabul on August 15. By Monday, Taliban forces had cleared the districts and were established in Badakhshan, Takhar and Andarab near the Panjshir valley, according to the Twitter account of spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. Forces loyal to Ahmad Massoud, son of the late mujahideen commander Ahmad Shah Massoud, have established themselves in his Panjshir stronghold, which resisted both the Soviets and the Taliban before 2001. (With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban aren’t allowing food, abducting kids and elderly, says Afghan’s acting president Amrullah Saleh

India highlighted its concerns over Pakistan-based international terrorist groups at United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) meet. India raised flag over terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)

India's envoy to UN, Indra Mani Pandey said,""Stability in Afghanistan is linked to the peace and security of the region. &nbsp;We hope that the situation in Afghanistan does not pose a challenge to its neighbours and its territory is not used by terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), to threaten any other country."

Afghanistan has become unstable and thousands of people have been leaving the country ever since the Taliban took over Afghan national capital Kabul on August 15. Many of the Afghans who are leaving are worried over future under the Taliban rule.

Pandey hoped that "there is an inclusive and broad-based dispensation which represents all sections of Afghan society" &amp; said that "voices of Afghan women, aspirations of Afghan children and the rights of minorities must be respected".&nbsp;

He explained, "A broad-based representation would help the arrangement gain more acceptability and legitimacy."

International community has largely called for the same -- inclusive set up, one that is not dominated by one ethnicity but has representation from everyone given Afghanistan is an ethnically diverse country.

Calling, the security situation "precarious" he said, a "grave humanitarian crisis is unfolding"

"Everyone is concerned about the increasing violations of fundamental rights of Afghan citizens" &amp; "Afghans are worried about whether their right to live with dignity would be respected," he added.

Heartbreaking visuals have emerged over last few days from Afghanistan especially around the Kabul Airport. The airport has been thronged by people who want to flee the country.&nbsp;

India on its part has been evacuating hundreds of its nationals and many Afghan vulnerable groups like the minority Hindus and Sikhs. Over last few days India has brought more than 40 Afghan Sikhs to Delhi. In addition 3 copies of Sikh Holy Book 'Guru Granth Sahib' have also been brought. Union ministers, Hardeep Singh Puri &amp; V Muraleedharan were at the airport to receive the Holy Books.

Indra Mani called on the international community to "ensure full support to the people of Afghanistan in their desire for peace, stability and security in the country and to enable all Afghans, including women, children and minorities, to live in peace and dignity."

He also pointed out to India's contribution to the country in the last 20 years in terms of humanitarian assistance, capacity building, connectivity. During the Covid crisis, India sent 75,000 MTs of wheat to Afghanistan to ensure food security during the pandemic.

India highlighted its concerns over Pakistan-based international terrorist groups at United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) meet. India raised flag over terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) India's envoy to UN, Indra Mani Pandey said,""Stability in Afghanistan is linked to the peace and security of the region.

India highlighted its concerns over Pakistan-based international terrorist groups at United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) meet. India raised flag over terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) India's envoy to UN, Indra Mani Pandey said,""Stability in Afghanistan is linked to the peace and security of the region. We hope that the situation in Afghanistan does not pose a challenge to its neighbours and its territory is not used by terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), to threaten any other country." Afghanistan has become unstable and thousands of people have been leaving the country ever since the Taliban took over Afghan national capital Kabul on August 15. Many of the Afghans who are leaving are worried over future under the Taliban rule. Pandey hoped that "there is an inclusive and broad-based dispensation which represents all sections of Afghan society" & said that "voices of Afghan women, aspirations of Afghan children and the rights of minorities must be respected". He explained, "A broad-based representation would help the arrangement gain more acceptability and legitimacy." International community has largely called for the same -- inclusive set up, one that is not dominated by one ethnicity but has representation from everyone given Afghanistan is an ethnically diverse country. Calling, the security situation "precarious" he said, a "grave humanitarian crisis is unfolding" "Everyone is concerned about the increasing violations of fundamental rights of Afghan citizens" & "Afghans are worried about whether their right to live with dignity would be respected," he added. Heartbreaking visuals have emerged over last few days from Afghanistan especially around the Kabul Airport. The airport has been thronged by people who want to flee the country. India on its part has been evacuating hundreds of its nationals and many Afghan vulnerable groups like the minority Hindus and Sikhs. Over last few days India has brought more than 40 Afghan Sikhs to Delhi. In addition 3 copies of Sikh Holy Book 'Guru Granth Sahib' have also been brought. Union ministers, Hardeep Singh Puri & V Muraleedharan were at the airport to receive the Holy Books. Indra Mani called on the international community to "ensure full support to the people of Afghanistan in their desire for peace, stability and security in the country and to enable all Afghans, including women, children and minorities, to live in peace and dignity." He also pointed out to India's contribution to the country in the last 20 years in terms of humanitarian assistance, capacity building, connectivity. During the Covid crisis, India sent 75,000 MTs of wheat to Afghanistan to ensure food security during the pandemic.

UNHRC meet on Afghanistan: India raises concern over Pakistan-based terror groups

During an on-air television show, a leader of the current Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government openly admitted Pakistan military's intimate ties with the Taliban and its anti-India objective.&nbsp;

Neelam Irshad Sheikh, a senior leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), the PM Imran Khan's political party, predicted that the Taliban will win Kashmir and hand it over to Pakistan.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-are-normal-civilians-pakistan-cant-hunt-them-down-pm-imran-khan-401633">Also read | Taliban are 'normal civilians': PM Imran Khan</a>

"The Taliban are saying that they are with us and they will help us in Kashmir," Sheikh said during the show.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PTI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PTI</a> leader Neelam Irshad Sheikh: Taliban have announced that they will join hands with Pakistan to liberate Kashmir. <a href="https://t.co/MfC7mQ6lLh">pic.twitter.com/MfC7mQ6lLh</a>
— SAMRI (@SAMRIReports) <a href="https://twitter.com/SAMRIReports/status/1429883964701958144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The news host, alarmed by the PTI leader's statement, said, "Do you realise what you've said, Madam? You are completely unaware of what you have said. For God's sake ma'am, this show will be broadcast all over the world. In India, this will be seen."&nbsp;

However, an unaffected and unconcerned Irshad Sheikh continued saying that "Taliban will help us because they have been mistreated."

The Afghan government had previously accused Pakistan and its intelligence arm of aiding and abetting the Taliban.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | 'Chains of slavery broken' after Taliban takeover says Pakistan PM Imran Khan

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chains-of-slavery-broken-after-taliban-takeover-says-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-406119/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Pakistan has deep ties with the Taliban and has been accused of supporting the Islamist group as it battled the U.S.-backed government in Kabul – charges denied by Islamabad. When the Taliban captured Kabul last week, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said Afghans had broken the “shackles of slavery”.

Pakistan, along with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was one of only three countries to recognise the Taliban when they were in control in Afghanistan (from 1996 until 2001).

(With inputs from agencies)

During an on-air television show, a leader of the current Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government openly admitted Pakistan military's intimate ties with the Taliban and its anti-India objective.

During an on-air television show, a leader of the current Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government openly admitted Pakistan military's intimate ties with the Taliban and its anti-India objective. Neelam Irshad Sheikh, a senior leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), the PM Imran Khan's political party, predicted that the Taliban will win Kashmir and hand it over to Pakistan. Also read | Taliban are 'normal civilians': PM Imran Khan "The Taliban are saying that they are with us and they will help us in Kashmir," Sheikh said during the show. #PTI leader Neelam Irshad Sheikh: Taliban have announced that they will join hands with Pakistan to liberate Kashmir. pic.twitter.com/MfC7mQ6lLh — SAMRI (@SAMRIReports) August 23, 2021 × The news host, alarmed by the PTI leader's statement, said, "Do you realise what you've said, Madam? You are completely unaware of what you have said. For God's sake ma'am, this show will be broadcast all over the world. In India, this will be seen." However, an unaffected and unconcerned Irshad Sheikh continued saying that "Taliban will help us because they have been mistreated." The Afghan government had previously accused Pakistan and its intelligence arm of aiding and abetting the Taliban. Watch | 'Chains of slavery broken' after Taliban takeover says Pakistan PM Imran Khan Pakistan has deep ties with the Taliban and has been accused of supporting the Islamist group as it battled the U.S.-backed government in Kabul – charges denied by Islamabad. When the Taliban captured Kabul last week, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said Afghans had broken the “shackles of slavery”. Pakistan, along with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was one of only three countries to recognise the Taliban when they were in control in Afghanistan (from 1996 until 2001). (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Taliban will help Pakistan conquer Kashmir: Leader of Imran Khan’s party

Iran resumed fuel exports to Afghanistan a few days ago following a request from the new Afghan government.

Iran resumes fuel exports to Afghanistan

India said at the special session of the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) that it hopes the situation in Afghanistan does not pose a challenge to its neighbours.

India speaks at UNHRC, raises concern over situation in Afghanistan

UN humnitarian head, Isabelle Carlsen has commented on the Afghan crisis and said that many women and children are trapped in Afghanistan amid the crisis. 'We call for protection of civilians,' she said.

UN Humanitarian head speaks on Afghanistan Crisis

Afghanistan’s Panjshir Valley is in the news for last few days. Firstly because of the resistance movement led by Ahmed Massoud and Amrullah Saleh, ex Vice President who declared himself as president after Mr Ashraf Ghani fled from the country fearing his life from Taliban and secondly because it its strategic location.

Panjshir valley has never been captured by any invading force which is due to its topography &amp; strategic location. During ancient times and the invasion of Greek Armies under Alexender, the valley could not be won until Alexender himself made a treaty with the ethnic tribes located here and gave them place in his Army.

<img alt="Panjshir Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5a03ed9-ae83-4498-bdaf-cb49934fa17b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9LJ8KR.jpg" />

During the Khalsa rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the valley remained totally untouched. Even during various Afghan Wars, British Forces never dared to enter the valley by force. History is evident that anyone who tried to do so, perished in the mountains of Hindukush. Panjshir has a legend that during 10th Century AD, five brothers constructed a dam on the orders of the ruler of Ghazni (Probably Mehmood of Ghazni) after which they were given title of Sher (Lion) and their place of residence became “Panjshir Valley”. Currently it is home to over a lakh ethnic Tajik people who settled in this area for a long time.&nbsp;

During the Soviet Invasion, the valley gained notoriety when it was unconquered for almost ten years despite of soviet forces trying all their weapons and tactics. It became their graveyard too. Legendary Ahmed Shah Massoud popularly known as “Lion of Panjshir” repulsed every attack and controlled the valley until he was assassinated in 2001. Despite of all their efforts Taliban 1.0 (Initial Taliban which came in power during 1994-1997) was not able to even enter the valley and the land of five lions remained undefeated even till now.

<img alt="Panjshir valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a2724c55-7afc-4d25-90e8-44fb93d40d5d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9LJ8KG.jpg" />

Only whose people were able to enter the valley who maintained a healthy relationship with the Tajiks there. Enemies failed miserably. This is the prime reason why Taliban 2.0 is insisting on talks rather than their common tactics of advancing with force. Recently they retreated from some of the areas too after suffering heavy casualties which proves that Panjshir Valley is not a cakewalk for anyone. Here are five reasons which make this valley special and a graveyard for any invader.

1.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Topography -&nbsp;Panjshir is located in Hindukush Mountains and the entire valley is located along Panjshir River which flows all along its length. The mountain cliffs on both side of the river are very high and have a sheer gradient that it is not possible to cross them through land route. It is not easy to navigate these mountains for anyone. Although the mountains so have some trekking routes which are known only to locals.&nbsp;

<img alt="Panjshir Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="97c0dbeb-a54b-4e1d-9e4d-7574a3360a87" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9LJ8KM.jpg" />

2.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Limited approach routes - Approaching this valley is a big challenge. It has two prominent passes which are the only gateway to the outside world. Khawak Pass connects it with Baghlan Province of and Anjuman Pass which connects it to Badakhshan provinces of Afghanistan. Except these two passes, there is another route through Jabal Siraj which connects it with Bagram and Kabul but that is not so significant for a large force to enter the valley. Topography of the two passes mentioned above is also complicated and any advancing force can be stopped easily by a group of mercenaries.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-envoy-says-panjshir-province-can-be-anti-taliban-stronghold-406654">Afghan envoy says Panjshir province can be anti-Taliban stronghold</a>

3.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Ethnic Affiliation -&nbsp;Almost 100% of the population of this valley are Ethnic Tajiks who are very closely associated with each other. Being Tajik, they do get support from Tajikistan. Since some of the routes across Badakhshan are connected to Tajikistan, the support lines are well laid and people as well as government in Tajikistan is always ready to help their fellow Tajik people.&nbsp;

4.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Rich in resources - Among all the regions of Afghanistan, Panjshir valley is among the richest when it comes to natural resources. The valley is fed by Panjshir River which helps in irrigation and drinking water, it has rich deposits of Silver, Various types of crystals including Emeralds and rare earth minerals too. Due to its topography, mining of such resources was limited however the people staying here have been able to maintain a healthy lifestyle and the living standard of Panjshir Valley is better than the national average of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

5.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Fortress of Tajik Fighters - Tajik fighters have been fighting the invading forces for over four decades. Initially it was Soviet Union, then Taliban 1.0 and once again Taliban 2.0. Over these years, they have converted this valley into a formidable fortress. They built tunnels, underground bunkers, Bunkers and fortifications on all approaches, escape routes and routes to misguide any invader. These have helped them to survive till now.&nbsp;

<img alt="Panjshir Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64ade48f-82af-4b18-96e8-44bee297d1bd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9LJ8JP.jpg" />

It is not unusual to call Panjshir Valley as graveyard of the invaders because anyone who tried to conquer it by force, perished in these mountains right from Greeks, Central Asian invaders, Persians, British, Soviet and even Taliban. Current resistance movement is led by Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh who is known to be a spy master. So far, his forces have been successful against Taliban in the Valley and nearby areas but to liberate Afghanistan, they must come out of their fortress which is Panjshir Valley to fight. How will they succeed in this, only time can answer?

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Afghanistan’s Panjshir Valley is in the news for last few days. Firstly because of the resistance movement led by Ahmed Massoud and Amrullah Saleh, ex Vice President who declared himself as president after Mr Ashraf Ghani fled from the country fearing his life from Taliban and secondly because it its strategic location.

Afghanistan’s Panjshir Valley is in the news for last few days. Firstly because of the resistance movement led by Ahmed Massoud and Amrullah Saleh, ex Vice President who declared himself as president after Mr Ashraf Ghani fled from the country fearing his life from Taliban and secondly because it its strategic location. Panjshir valley has never been captured by any invading force which is due to its topography & strategic location. During ancient times and the invasion of Greek Armies under Alexender, the valley could not be won until Alexender himself made a treaty with the ethnic tribes located here and gave them place in his Army. During the Khalsa rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the valley remained totally untouched. Even during various Afghan Wars, British Forces never dared to enter the valley by force. History is evident that anyone who tried to do so, perished in the mountains of Hindukush. Panjshir has a legend that during 10th Century AD, five brothers constructed a dam on the orders of the ruler of Ghazni (Probably Mehmood of Ghazni) after which they were given title of Sher (Lion) and their place of residence became “Panjshir Valley”. Currently it is home to over a lakh ethnic Tajik people who settled in this area for a long time. During the Soviet Invasion, the valley gained notoriety when it was unconquered for almost ten years despite of soviet forces trying all their weapons and tactics. It became their graveyard too. Legendary Ahmed Shah Massoud popularly known as “Lion of Panjshir” repulsed every attack and controlled the valley until he was assassinated in 2001. Despite of all their efforts Taliban 1.0 (Initial Taliban which came in power during 1994-1997) was not able to even enter the valley and the land of five lions remained undefeated even till now. Only whose people were able to enter the valley who maintained a healthy relationship with the Tajiks there. Enemies failed miserably. This is the prime reason why Taliban 2.0 is insisting on talks rather than their common tactics of advancing with force. Recently they retreated from some of the areas too after suffering heavy casualties which proves that Panjshir Valley is not a cakewalk for anyone. Here are five reasons which make this valley special and a graveyard for any invader. 1. Topography - Panjshir is located in Hindukush Mountains and the entire valley is located along Panjshir River which flows all along its length. The mountain cliffs on both side of the river are very high and have a sheer gradient that it is not possible to cross them through land route. It is not easy to navigate these mountains for anyone. Although the mountains so have some trekking routes which are known only to locals. 2. Limited approach routes - Approaching this valley is a big challenge. It has two prominent passes which are the only gateway to the outside world. Khawak Pass connects it with Baghlan Province of and Anjuman Pass which connects it to Badakhshan provinces of Afghanistan. Except these two passes, there is another route through Jabal Siraj which connects it with Bagram and Kabul but that is not so significant for a large force to enter the valley. Topography of the two passes mentioned above is also complicated and any advancing force can be stopped easily by a group of mercenaries. Also Read: Afghan envoy says Panjshir province can be anti-Taliban stronghold 3. Ethnic Affiliation - Almost 100% of the population of this valley are Ethnic Tajiks who are very closely associated with each other. Being Tajik, they do get support from Tajikistan. Since some of the routes across Badakhshan are connected to Tajikistan, the support lines are well laid and people as well as government in Tajikistan is always ready to help their fellow Tajik people. 4. Rich in resources - Among all the regions of Afghanistan, Panjshir valley is among the richest when it comes to natural resources. The valley is fed by Panjshir River which helps in irrigation and drinking water, it has rich deposits of Silver, Various types of crystals including Emeralds and rare earth minerals too. Due to its topography, mining of such resources was limited however the people staying here have been able to maintain a healthy lifestyle and the living standard of Panjshir Valley is better than the national average of Afghanistan. 5. Fortress of Tajik Fighters - Tajik fighters have been fighting the invading forces for over four decades. Initially it was Soviet Union, then Taliban 1.0 and once again Taliban 2.0. Over these years, they have converted this valley into a formidable fortress. They built tunnels, underground bunkers, Bunkers and fortifications on all approaches, escape routes and routes to misguide any invader. These have helped them to survive till now. It is not unusual to call Panjshir Valley as graveyard of the invaders because anyone who tried to conquer it by force, perished in these mountains right from Greeks, Central Asian invaders, Persians, British, Soviet and even Taliban. Current resistance movement is led by Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh who is known to be a spy master. So far, his forces have been successful against Taliban in the Valley and nearby areas but to liberate Afghanistan, they must come out of their fortress which is Panjshir Valley to fight. How will they succeed in this, only time can answer? (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | Panjshir Valley: A graveyard for invaders

The United Nations Human Rights Council held a special session to deal with 'serious human rights issues and situations in Afghanistan'. The special session has been convened at the official request submitted jointly by Pakistan, the Coordinator of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and Afghanistan.

UN Human Rights Council holds a special session to deal with situations in Afghanistan

Panjshir is the only province that has remained out of the Taliban's grip, where Ahmad Massoud, the son of former anti-Taliban leader Ahmad Shah Massoud and leader of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, has challenged the Taliban rule over the country.

Who is Ahmad Massoud, the face of resistance in Panjshir Valley?

Scenes of chaos and disorder continue in and around the Kabul airport as thousands of Afghans are being evacuated from Afghanistan. Hundreds of evacuees were seen boarding a Qatar Emeri air force plane. WION's Anas Mallick gets you the ground report from inside Kabul airport.

WION Ground Report: Qatari air force helps Afghans fleeing Kabul

Afghan athlete Zakia Khudadadi has made an emotional plea and urged the global institutions for the protection of women to "help her" as she sought to escape Kabul to participate in the upcoming Paralympic Games.

Afghan athlete Zakia Khudadadi has made an emotional plea and urged the global institutions for the protection of women to "help her" as she sought to escape Kabul to participate in the upcoming Paralympic Games. Khudadadi, a 23-year-old athlete from Herat, would have been the first woman ever to represent Afghanistan at the Paralympics but she couldn't travel to Japan due to the ongoing political crisis in Afghanistan. Taekwondo athlete Zakia Khudadadi and discus thrower Hossain Rasouli were scheduled to compete in the Para Games in Tokyo, to be held between August 24 and September 5. Khudadadi was due to fly to Japan on Monday (August 17) while the team had been scheduled to arrive in Tokyo on the 17th. ALSO READ | Tokyo Paralympics will be held behind closed doors due to COVID-19 fears: Organisers Also, note that The Taliban told reporters at their first official news conference in Kabul on Tuesday (August 17) that they would respect the rights of women within the framework of Islamic law. However, Khudadadi's Paralympics fate remains unclear. In a video message from Kabul sent to Reuters by the APC's London-based Chef de Mission Arian Sadiqi, Khodadadi said that she felt "imprisoned", staying with extended family but unable to leave the house with confidence to train, shop or check on others. In the video, Khodadadi can be heard speaking in Farsi, but as per the loose translation, she said she felt an additional burden to her relations who did not have enough food to feed their children. ALSO READ | Tokyo Paralympics opens wheelchair, limb repair centre in Games village "I request from you all, that I am an Afghan woman and as a representative of Afghan women ask for you to help me. My intention is to participate in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, please hold my hand and help me," she said. "I urge you all, from the women around the globe, institutions for the protection of women, from all government organisations, to not let the rights of a female citizen of Afghanistan in the Paralympic movement to be taken away so easily," she added. "The fact that we ourselves have lifted ourselves from this situation, that we have achieved so much, it cannot be taken lightly. I have suffered a lot, I don't want my struggle to be in vain and without any results. Help me," she said. Many thanks foe your support, it really means a lot. — Arian Sadiqi (@ArianSadiqi) August 17, 2021 × Previously, Arian Sadiqi told that the team "could not leave Kabul in time". "Unfortunately due to the current upheaval going on in Afghanistan the team could not leave Kabul in time," Sadiqi said. He further added that the athletes had been trying to secure flights but the prices soared as the Taliban took over a string of cities. "They were really excited prior to the situation. They were training wherever they could, in the parks and back gardens," he said. Zakia Khudadadi was profiled on the Paralympic website last week talking about her hopes for the Games. Her profile stated, "I was thrilled after I received the news that I have got a wild card to compete at the Games. This is the first time that a female athlete will be representing Afghanistan at the Games and I'm so happy. I just want to be there with the other athletes from the world and give my best. It is an opportunity to show my ability and I will be so proud to stand with all of those athlete." The International Paralympic Committee on Monday (August 16) confirmed that both the athletes would no longer be able to travel to Japan. "Regrettably NPC (National Paralympic Committee) Afghanistan will no longer participate in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games," IPC spokesman Craig Spence said. "Due to the serious ongoing situation in the country, all airports are closed and there is no way for them to travel to Tokyo." "We hope the team and officials remain safe and well during this difficult time," Spence said.

'Please hold my hand and help me': Afghan athlete wants to participate in Tokyo Paralympics, issues plea for help

Three copies of Guru Granth Sahib along with 46 Afghan Sikhs and Hindus have been evacuated from war-ravaged Afghanistan on an IAF plane.

Three copies of Guru Granth Sahib along with 44 Sikhs and Hindus evacuated from Kabul

Afghanistan's envoy to Tajikistan Lieutenant General Muhammad Zahir Aghbar has said that Ashraf Ghani never came to Tajikistan, and raised the question of why when he was leaving the country he never informed his vice president, defence or foreign minister. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Aghbar said, "He took with him people who were involved and loyal to him and in his corruption, and eventually they landed themselves in Abu Dabhi. After 3 days wait he announced he is in Abu Dabhi."

"Ghani never came here", Afghan envoy to Tajikistan Zahir Aghbar; lauds Ahmad Massoud

In 2019, allied and government airstrikes in Afghanistan killed some 700 civilians, more than in any other year since the war’s start, according to the Costs of War Project, a group working to tally the human toll of America’s post-9/11 conflicts. U.S. and NATO airstrikes declined in 2020 after Donald Trump’s withdrawal agreement with the Taliban, but strikes by the Afghan air force increased.

“As a consequence, the A.A.F. is harming more Afghan civilians than at any time in its history,” Neta C. Crawford, chair of the political science department at Boston University and co-director of the Costs of War Project, wrote last year.

I don’t know the name or background of any of these civilians as I know the name of Zaki Anwari, the 17-year-old member of Afghanistan’s national youth soccer team who fell to his death after clinging to a US&nbsp;military plane evacuating people from Kabul.

But America is as responsible for them as it is for the Afghans who will die because of our mismanaged withdrawal. Amid the wrenching scenes of the war’s denouement, that’s easy to forget, especially when commentators pretend that the conflict Joe Biden inherited could have been maintained at little price.

There are two primary critiques of Biden’s Afghan policy. The first, which is valid, blames the administration for not clearing bureaucratic obstacles that kept Afghan allies waiting for visas, possibly stranding tens of thousands of people who deserve to be evacuated. The second, which is absurd, blames Biden for defeat in a war that was lost years ago.

Ryan Crocker, Barack Obama’s former ambassador to Afghanistan, criticized the administration’s lack of “strategic patience” in a guest essay in The New York Times. “Mr. Biden’s decision to withdraw all U.S. forces destroyed an affordable status quo that could have lasted indefinitely at a minimum cost in blood and treasure,” he wrote.

In The Washington Post, Condoleezza Rice wrote, “Twenty years was not enough to complete a journey from the seventh-century rule of the Taliban and a 30-year civil war to a stable government,” adding, “We — and they — needed more time.”

The argument for “patience” or “more time” assumes that the American presence in Afghanistan was doing more good than harm. For some Afghans, particularly in the capital, this was undoubtedly true. Keeping a contingent of US&nbsp;troops in Afghanistan might well have protected those who will be most hurt by the Taliban’s theocratic barbarism.

But for America to remain in Afghanistan, Biden would have had to renege on Trump’s deal with the Taliban. More US&nbsp;troops would be required, and fighting, including US&nbsp;airstrikes, would almost certainly ramp up. That would mean more suffering, and more death, for many Afghan civilians.

Crawford told me that the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan began releasing data on civilian casualties in 2008. Most years, she said, the Taliban, al-Qaida and the Islamic State group were responsible for the majority of civilian deaths, but not every year.

“What we’ve seen overall is an increase in the number of civilians who’ve been killed since 2008,” she said.

There were about 3,000 civilians killed in 2020, and before the Taliban takeover, she said, 2021 was on track to be as bad or worse.

Now, even though the Taliban has free rein, she thinks civilian deaths could decline. “Given the collapse, or the withdrawal, of the Afghan national forces, military and police, I actually think we’re not going to reach what we were on track for, because some of these areas, people won’t be contesting for land. There won’t be airstrikes, which kill a lot of people. There will be less shelling.”

As the journalist Azmat Khan wrote on Twitter, “Many young people in rural battlefields have never experienced life without war, without U.S. bombings, Taliban attacks, night raids by Afghan forces, kidnappings.” Hard as it is to understand, “some youth feel they have a shot at a future now.”

Maybe American violence in Afghanistan could be justified if it were improving the average Afghan’s life. But often we seem to have made people’s lives harder.

The most recent report from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction paints a damning picture of two decades of American efforts in Afghanistan: “US&nbsp;officials often empowered power brokers who preyed on the population or diverted US&nbsp;assistance away from its intended recipients to enrich and empower themselves and their allies. Lack of knowledge at the local level meant projects intended to mitigate conflict often exacerbated it, and even inadvertently funded insurgents.”

Speaking of those who think Americans could have stayed in Afghanistan long-term simply to avoid losing, Crawford said, “What most of the conversation seems to be assuming here is that the level of civilian misery is taken out of the equation, and all that matters is who controls Kabul.”

Taliban control of Kabul, of course, will also inflict civilian misery, and some youth will feel they’ve lost a shot at a future. There was never a decent way to leave the country, which is why we fought a futile war for 20 years. But there also wasn’t a decent way to stay.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

In 2019, allied and government airstrikes in Afghanistan killed some 700 civilians, more than in any other year since the war’s start, according to the Costs of War Project, a group working to tally the human toll of America’s post-9/11 conflicts.

In 2019, allied and government airstrikes in Afghanistan killed some 700 civilians, more than in any other year since the war’s start, according to the Costs of War Project, a group working to tally the human toll of America’s post-9/11 conflicts. U.S. and NATO airstrikes declined in 2020 after Donald Trump’s withdrawal agreement with the Taliban, but strikes by the Afghan air force increased. “As a consequence, the A.A.F. is harming more Afghan civilians than at any time in its history,” Neta C. Crawford, chair of the political science department at Boston University and co-director of the Costs of War Project, wrote last year. I don’t know the name or background of any of these civilians as I know the name of Zaki Anwari, the 17-year-old member of Afghanistan’s national youth soccer team who fell to his death after clinging to a US military plane evacuating people from Kabul. But America is as responsible for them as it is for the Afghans who will die because of our mismanaged withdrawal. Amid the wrenching scenes of the war’s denouement, that’s easy to forget, especially when commentators pretend that the conflict Joe Biden inherited could have been maintained at little price. There are two primary critiques of Biden’s Afghan policy. The first, which is valid, blames the administration for not clearing bureaucratic obstacles that kept Afghan allies waiting for visas, possibly stranding tens of thousands of people who deserve to be evacuated. The second, which is absurd, blames Biden for defeat in a war that was lost years ago. Ryan Crocker, Barack Obama’s former ambassador to Afghanistan, criticized the administration’s lack of “strategic patience” in a guest essay in The New York Times. “Mr. Biden’s decision to withdraw all U.S. forces destroyed an affordable status quo that could have lasted indefinitely at a minimum cost in blood and treasure,” he wrote. In The Washington Post, Condoleezza Rice wrote, “Twenty years was not enough to complete a journey from the seventh-century rule of the Taliban and a 30-year civil war to a stable government,” adding, “We — and they — needed more time.” The argument for “patience” or “more time” assumes that the American presence in Afghanistan was doing more good than harm. For some Afghans, particularly in the capital, this was undoubtedly true. Keeping a contingent of US troops in Afghanistan might well have protected those who will be most hurt by the Taliban’s theocratic barbarism. But for America to remain in Afghanistan, Biden would have had to renege on Trump’s deal with the Taliban. More US troops would be required, and fighting, including US airstrikes, would almost certainly ramp up. That would mean more suffering, and more death, for many Afghan civilians. Crawford told me that the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan began releasing data on civilian casualties in 2008. Most years, she said, the Taliban, al-Qaida and the Islamic State group were responsible for the majority of civilian deaths, but not every year. “What we’ve seen overall is an increase in the number of civilians who’ve been killed since 2008,” she said. There were about 3,000 civilians killed in 2020, and before the Taliban takeover, she said, 2021 was on track to be as bad or worse. Now, even though the Taliban has free rein, she thinks civilian deaths could decline. “Given the collapse, or the withdrawal, of the Afghan national forces, military and police, I actually think we’re not going to reach what we were on track for, because some of these areas, people won’t be contesting for land. There won’t be airstrikes, which kill a lot of people. There will be less shelling.” As the journalist Azmat Khan wrote on Twitter, “Many young people in rural battlefields have never experienced life without war, without U.S. bombings, Taliban attacks, night raids by Afghan forces, kidnappings.” Hard as it is to understand, “some youth feel they have a shot at a future now.” Maybe American violence in Afghanistan could be justified if it were improving the average Afghan’s life. But often we seem to have made people’s lives harder. The most recent report from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction paints a damning picture of two decades of American efforts in Afghanistan: “US officials often empowered power brokers who preyed on the population or diverted US assistance away from its intended recipients to enrich and empower themselves and their allies. Lack of knowledge at the local level meant projects intended to mitigate conflict often exacerbated it, and even inadvertently funded insurgents.” Speaking of those who think Americans could have stayed in Afghanistan long-term simply to avoid losing, Crawford said, “What most of the conversation seems to be assuming here is that the level of civilian misery is taken out of the equation, and all that matters is who controls Kabul.” Taliban control of Kabul, of course, will also inflict civilian misery, and some youth will feel they’ve lost a shot at a future. There was never a decent way to leave the country, which is why we fought a futile war for 20 years. But there also wasn’t a decent way to stay. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Afghanistan war was lost before Biden ended it

As Afghans continued to pour into <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-risk-afghans-us-grapples-with-august-31-evacuation-deadline-407919">Kabul's</a> Hamid Karzai international airport, satellite images showed people moving through checkpoints on the&nbsp;eastern edge of the compound.

<img alt="Hamid Karzai international airport" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="296aeeaa-bbc2-4c2f-849e-4ad9b934904c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/K1_2.jpg" />

The US is chasing the August 31 deadline set by President Biden to pull American and other personnel out of Afghanistan.

<img alt="Hamid Karzai international airport" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36f73efb-2b48-495d-8985-370c5064f9c8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/K2_2.jpg" />

The White House said thousands of people have been evacuated from Kabul airport in the last 12 hours with over 10,000 people airlifted in US military planes.

Meanwhile, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported authorities in the country evacuated more than 50 female Afghan athletes and their dependents. Australia has already evacuated nearly 1,000 people.

<img alt="Hamid Karzai international airport" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="45b0814f-e899-4d7f-95d3-467013c845f3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/K3.jpg" />

President Biden had earlier warned that evacuation was going to be "hard and painful" as images showed children facing hardships at the airport as thousands gathered outside the airport perimeter over the week in an attempt to flee from the Taliban.&nbsp;

Reports say President Biden will decide within the next 24 hours whether to extend the timeline for pullout to give the Pentagon time to prepare.

<img alt="Hamid Karzai international airport" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54e8f6c7-e6a8-48b9-ae59-818695f98640" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/K4.jpg" />

News wire Reuters quoting Department of Defense officials said it would take days to fly out 6,000 US troops deployed to keep the airport running and ensure evacuation.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fear-and-frustration-run-high-among-afghan-women-as-taliban-take-charge-407933/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Amid the confusion, Democratic US Representative Adam Schiff said on Monday that he did not think it was possible to airlift everyone "given the number of Americans who still need to be evacuated".

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the United States was in daily talks with the Taliban even though the militant group said if the US does not stick to the deadline then there would be "consequences".

The Taliban has earlier urged Afghans to go from the airport if they did not have valid travel documents, however, several thousand Afghans including their families have gathered at the airport with reports indicating at least 20 people have died in the past week at the airport.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As Afghans continued to pour into Kabul's Hamid Karzai international airport, satellite images showed people moving through checkpoints on the eastern edge of the compound.

As Afghans continued to pour into Kabul's Hamid Karzai international airport, satellite images showed people moving through checkpoints on the eastern edge of the compound. The US is chasing the August 31 deadline set by President Biden to pull American and other personnel out of Afghanistan. The White House said thousands of people have been evacuated from Kabul airport in the last 12 hours with over 10,000 people airlifted in US military planes. Meanwhile, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported authorities in the country evacuated more than 50 female Afghan athletes and their dependents. Australia has already evacuated nearly 1,000 people. President Biden had earlier warned that evacuation was going to be "hard and painful" as images showed children facing hardships at the airport as thousands gathered outside the airport perimeter over the week in an attempt to flee from the Taliban. Reports say President Biden will decide within the next 24 hours whether to extend the timeline for pullout to give the Pentagon time to prepare. News wire Reuters quoting Department of Defense officials said it would take days to fly out 6,000 US troops deployed to keep the airport running and ensure evacuation. Watch: Amid the confusion, Democratic US Representative Adam Schiff said on Monday that he did not think it was possible to airlift everyone "given the number of Americans who still need to be evacuated". White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the United States was in daily talks with the Taliban even though the militant group said if the US does not stick to the deadline then there would be "consequences". The Taliban has earlier urged Afghans to go from the airport if they did not have valid travel documents, however, several thousand Afghans including their families have gathered at the airport with reports indicating at least 20 people have died in the past week at the airport. (With inputs from Agencies)

Satellite images show desperate Afghans converging at Kabul airport

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