It has been a year since the Taliban seized back power in Afghanistan, since then, the country has witnessed a lot of changes. Despite making humanitarian promises, the Taliban is sticking to its own ways.

One year since Taliban seized power in Afghanistan

Russia’s Soyuz rocket launched an Iranian satellite called Khayyam from Baikonur launch site in Kazakhstan. In other news, leading candidates for Britain’s prime minister, Foreign Minister Liz Truss, and former finance minister Rishi Sunak have said they would both be willing to serve on the other’s cabinet in the case of a loss. In another news, China recorded 1,094 Covid cases on August 9, amongst which 444 were symptomatic and 650 are asymptomatic. Finally, a year after the US withdrew from Afghanistan, allowing the Taliban to seize power and causing a destabilising refugee crisis, a bipartisan bill has been introduced in both houses of the US Congress for.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/russias-soyuz-rocket-blasts-off-with-iranian-satellite-from-kazakhstan-505381">Russia's Soyuz rocket blasts off with Iranian satellite from Kazakhstan</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/10/286195-untitled-design-1.png" />

Hailing the satellite launch as ''an important milestone in Russian-Iranian bilateral cooperation'', Russian space chief Yury Borisov said ''it will open the way to the implementation of new and even larger projects.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/both-truss-sunak-willing-to-serve-on-the-others-cabinet-in-case-of-loss-505375">Both Truss, Sunak willing to serve on the other’s cabinet in case of loss</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/10/286192-untitled-design.png" />

Both Truss and Sunak highlighted they would put aside their differences and work under each other's leadership.

Truss and Sunak are the leading candidates to replace Boris Johnson as Britain's prime minister and the decision regarding the final choice will be made on September 5.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-1094-new-covid-cases-on-august-9-increase-from-939-cases-day-earlier-505379">China reports 1,094 new Covid cases on August 9, increase from 939 cases day earlier</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/10/286194-2022-08-10t012005z2lynxmpei7901drtroptp4health-coronavirus-china-hainan.JPG" />

According to the National Health Commission's announcement on Wednesday, China reported 1,094 new cases of coronavirus for August 9, of which 444 were symptomatic and 650 were asymptomatic. The country's death toll remained at 5,226 due to no additional deaths. There were 232,109 confirmed cases with symptoms in mainland China as of August 9.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-year-after-it-abandoned-afghanistan-us-introduces-bill-to-give-thousands-of-afghans-path-to-citizenship-505365">A year after it abandoned Afghanistan, US introduces bill to give thousands of Afghans path to citizenship</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/10/286184-new-wion-18.png" />

&nbsp;bipartisan bill has been submitted in both houses of the US Congress, a year after the US withdrew from Afghanistan, allowing the Taliban to seize power and sparking a catastrophic refugee crisis. With the passage of this Act, thousands of Afghan evacuees who were previously granted temporary immigration status will now have a clear road to citizenship.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;India mulls possibility of a single charger for all devices

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-mulls-possibility-of-a-single-charger-for-all-devices-505393/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Russia’s Soyuz rocket launched an Iranian satellite called Khayyam from Baikonur launch site in Kazakhstan. In other news, leading candidates for Britain’s prime minister, Foreign Minister Liz Truss, and former finance minister Rishi Sunak have said they would both be willing to serve on the other’s cabinet in the case of a loss.

Russia’s Soyuz rocket launched an Iranian satellite called Khayyam from Baikonur launch site in Kazakhstan. In other news, leading candidates for Britain’s prime minister, Foreign Minister Liz Truss, and former finance minister Rishi Sunak have said they would both be willing to serve on the other’s cabinet in the case of a loss. In another news, China recorded 1,094 Covid cases on August 9, amongst which 444 were symptomatic and 650 are asymptomatic. Finally, a year after the US withdrew from Afghanistan, allowing the Taliban to seize power and causing a destabilising refugee crisis, a bipartisan bill has been introduced in both houses of the US Congress for. Click on the headlines to read more: Russia's Soyuz rocket blasts off with Iranian satellite from Kazakhstan Hailing the satellite launch as ''an important milestone in Russian-Iranian bilateral cooperation'', Russian space chief Yury Borisov said ''it will open the way to the implementation of new and even larger projects.'' Both Truss, Sunak willing to serve on the other’s cabinet in case of loss Both Truss and Sunak highlighted they would put aside their differences and work under each other's leadership. Truss and Sunak are the leading candidates to replace Boris Johnson as Britain's prime minister and the decision regarding the final choice will be made on September 5. China reports 1,094 new Covid cases on August 9, increase from 939 cases day earlier According to the National Health Commission's announcement on Wednesday, China reported 1,094 new cases of coronavirus for August 9, of which 444 were symptomatic and 650 were asymptomatic. The country's death toll remained at 5,226 due to no additional deaths. There were 232,109 confirmed cases with symptoms in mainland China as of August 9. A year after it abandoned Afghanistan, US introduces bill to give thousands of Afghans path to citizenship bipartisan bill has been submitted in both houses of the US Congress, a year after the US withdrew from Afghanistan, allowing the Taliban to seize power and sparking a catastrophic refugee crisis. With the passage of this Act, thousands of Afghan evacuees who were previously granted temporary immigration status will now have a clear road to citizenship. Watch | India mulls possibility of a single charger for all devices

Morning news brief: Russia’s rocket launches Iranian satellite, Covid in China & more

It has been a year since the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan. Since then the country has witnessed a lot of changes despite making humanitarian promises, the Taliban is sticking to its ways. Many sections of the people in Afghanistan, especially women are facing a range of restrictions some of them very oppressive.

Schools to remain shut for girls in Afghanistan till new rules are drawn up

Hekmatullah, an extremist Afghan soldier who killed three innocent Australian miners in Afghanistan at least ten years ago, is now living a a life of luxury&nbsp;in Kabul as a "hero" under the Taliban's reign after the group retook control of the nation in August 2021.

The rogue soldier allegedly said to a representative of the former Afghan government, that he would continue killing foreigners.&nbsp;

When the Taliban intended to free 5,000 prisoners as part of peace talks with the United States in 2020, Hekmatullah's release was negotiated by the terrorist group. After twenty years, the US forces left Afghanistan, allowing the Taliban to retake the nation and precipitate the fall of the civilian government.

He was one of the six terrorists that the Western nations were vehemently battling, it should be noted. According to the article, the West was attempting to prevent the release of terrorists who had killed foreigners who were not armed, did not feel bad about their actions, or had vowed to carry out more violent terrorism.

Hekmatullah has reportedly been living in Wazir Akbar Khan, a former diplomatic district, ever since returning to Afghanistan under the control of the Taliban. According to the source, the jihadist currently resides in a highly guarded home in a neighbourhood close to the covert former residence of Ayman al-Zawahiri, the former al-Qaeda commander who was assassinated on July 31 as he stood on the balcony of his villa by a US drone strike.

Returning to Afghanistan as a war hero&nbsp;

Even the Australian government, which had earlier admitted it had no idea where Hekmatullah was, blocked his release in 2020.

Hekmatullah's return to the country's insurgency-torn territory was also confirmed by a former top official in Afghanistan's former civilian government, according to the media site. "He [Hekmatullah] was welcomed back to Kabul as a hero,&nbsp;with a home, a car, guards, a pardon for his crimes, and financial support for his bills."

(With inputs from the Guardian)

Hekmatullah, an extremist Afghan soldier who killed three innocent Australian miners in Afghanistan at least ten years ago, is now living a a life of luxury in Kabul as a "hero" under the Taliban's reign after the group retook control of the nation in August 2021.

Hekmatullah, an extremist Afghan soldier who killed three innocent Australian miners in Afghanistan at least ten years ago, is now living a a life of luxury in Kabul as a "hero" under the Taliban's reign after the group retook control of the nation in August 2021. The rogue soldier allegedly said to a representative of the former Afghan government, that he would continue killing foreigners. When the Taliban intended to free 5,000 prisoners as part of peace talks with the United States in 2020, Hekmatullah's release was negotiated by the terrorist group. After twenty years, the US forces left Afghanistan, allowing the Taliban to retake the nation and precipitate the fall of the civilian government. He was one of the six terrorists that the Western nations were vehemently battling, it should be noted. According to the article, the West was attempting to prevent the release of terrorists who had killed foreigners who were not armed, did not feel bad about their actions, or had vowed to carry out more violent terrorism. Hekmatullah has reportedly been living in Wazir Akbar Khan, a former diplomatic district, ever since returning to Afghanistan under the control of the Taliban. According to the source, the jihadist currently resides in a highly guarded home in a neighbourhood close to the covert former residence of Ayman al-Zawahiri, the former al-Qaeda commander who was assassinated on July 31 as he stood on the balcony of his villa by a US drone strike. Returning to Afghanistan as a war hero Even the Australian government, which had earlier admitted it had no idea where Hekmatullah was, blocked his release in 2020. Hekmatullah's return to the country's insurgency-torn territory was also confirmed by a former top official in Afghanistan's former civilian government, according to the media site. "He [Hekmatullah] was welcomed back to Kabul as a hero, with a home, a car, guards, a pardon for his crimes, and financial support for his bills." (With inputs from the Guardian)

Taliban honouring 'Hero' Afghan soldier in Kabul who killed unarmed Australian diggers

Targeted attacks on minorities, no education rights for girls nor freedom of speech for journalists, that is Afghanistan under Taliban. Each and every day the question arises, is Taliban 2.0 a repeat of its previous regime?

Afghanistan under Taliban: No education for girls, no freedom for media

IN PICS | What life in Afghanistan looks like after one year of Taliban rule?

Its been more than a year since the Taliban took over Afghanistan and since day one the group has claimed that it is reformed. Many expected the Taliban, who had previously ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, would change its traditional ways. The phrase "Taliban 2.0" was coined, but, is there any change? The recent ordeal borne by WION's reporter and Pakistan bureau chief Anas Mallick and the couple of weeks old tribulation faced by Australian journalist Lynne O’Donnell are glaring examples of the Taliban's radical and regressive ways.

For those who are unaware of two incidents let us give you a lowdown. On Thursday, August 4 2022, WION correspondent Anas Mallick was detained by the Taliban and subjected to 21 hours of physical assault. This after he was duly accredited, and had all the press credentials.&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wion-correspondent-anas-mallick-returns-home-safe-504110/embed" width="560"></iframe>

In a similar incident, another journalist, this time an Australian woman, was detained by the Taliban.

After arriving in Kabul for her reporting on the suffering of women under the Taliban administration and how young girls are used as sex slaves, Lynne O'Donnell was apprehended.&nbsp;

O'Donnell, who is a reporter with Foreign Policy magazine was imprisoned for three days and she was made to tweet an apology for having written about the atrocities committed by the militant group.

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/wion-correspondent-anas-mallick-shows-torn-clothes-and-injuries-as-he-reveals-his-trauma-504109">WION correspondent Anas Mallick shows torn clothes and injuries as he reveals his trauma</a>&nbsp;

Pressure from relevant government authorities in New&nbsp;Delhi, Islamabad and Kabul helped secure Anas' safe release, and he returned to his home in Islamabad, Pakistan within 24 hours.&nbsp;However, the local producer and driver that accompanied him are still being imprisoned by the Taliban.

Even as he's trying to cope with the mental, and physical trauma, he believes he only suffered 25 per cent of the assault while his companions who are still in the Taliban's hands were subjected to 75 per cent of it. What will become of them? Only time will tell.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/wions-anas-mallick-abduction-by-taliban-local-producer-and-driver-still-being-held-504117">WION's Anas Mallick abducted by Taliban: Local producer and driver still in captivity</a>

In the past too the organisation has caused unnecessary hardships for journalists who work relentlessly for the good of society.

What has the group not done? It compelled female journalists to cover their faces on TV, to quit their jobs, girls can't get an education, women can't go out alone,&nbsp;minorities are being subjected to atrocities and much more. People, especially women are suffering.&nbsp;It took them the 20 years of the US-led invasion of Afghanistan to acquire rights to things like education and employment, and now those rights have vanished. Is this the "modern" Taliban, they were promised?

(With inputs from agencies)

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Its been more than a year since the Taliban took over Afghanistan and since day one the group has claimed that it is reformed. Many expected the Taliban, who had previously ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, would change its traditional ways.

Its been more than a year since the Taliban took over Afghanistan and since day one the group has claimed that it is reformed. Many expected the Taliban, who had previously ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, would change its traditional ways. The phrase "Taliban 2.0" was coined, but, is there any change? The recent ordeal borne by WION's reporter and Pakistan bureau chief Anas Mallick and the couple of weeks old tribulation faced by Australian journalist Lynne O’Donnell are glaring examples of the Taliban's radical and regressive ways. For those who are unaware of two incidents let us give you a lowdown. On Thursday, August 4 2022, WION correspondent Anas Mallick was detained by the Taliban and subjected to 21 hours of physical assault. This after he was duly accredited, and had all the press credentials. In a similar incident, another journalist, this time an Australian woman, was detained by the Taliban. After arriving in Kabul for her reporting on the suffering of women under the Taliban administration and how young girls are used as sex slaves, Lynne O'Donnell was apprehended. O'Donnell, who is a reporter with Foreign Policy magazine was imprisoned for three days and she was made to tweet an apology for having written about the atrocities committed by the militant group. Also read | WION correspondent Anas Mallick shows torn clothes and injuries as he reveals his trauma Pressure from relevant government authorities in New Delhi, Islamabad and Kabul helped secure Anas' safe release, and he returned to his home in Islamabad, Pakistan within 24 hours. However, the local producer and driver that accompanied him are still being imprisoned by the Taliban. Even as he's trying to cope with the mental, and physical trauma, he believes he only suffered 25 per cent of the assault while his companions who are still in the Taliban's hands were subjected to 75 per cent of it. What will become of them? Only time will tell. Also read | WION's Anas Mallick abducted by Taliban: Local producer and driver still in captivity In the past too the organisation has caused unnecessary hardships for journalists who work relentlessly for the good of society. What has the group not done? It compelled female journalists to cover their faces on TV, to quit their jobs, girls can't get an education, women can't go out alone, minorities are being subjected to atrocities and much more. People, especially women are suffering. It took them the 20 years of the US-led invasion of Afghanistan to acquire rights to things like education and employment, and now those rights have vanished. Is this the "modern" Taliban, they were promised? (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Same old radical, regressive beliefs, is this the Taliban 2.0 the world was promised?

WION's Anas Mallick was held captive by the Taliban for 21 hours after he went to Kabul on a reporting assignment. Anas Mallick tells Molly Gambhir about what he went through.

WION Fineprint: WION's Anas Mallick assaulted in Afghanistan

WION correspondent Anas Mallick was abducted by the Taliban while on a reporting assignment in Kabul. He was held for 21 hours and physically assaulted by Taliban fighters. Palki Sharma speaks to Anas about his time in Taliban custody.

WION correspondent abducted by the Taliban

Chinese drills near Taiwan entered the third day on Saturday.&nbsp;China began military exercises two days ago after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan and slammed China's tactics against the island nation and vowed that the US would stand with its long-time ally. In another,&nbsp;“NDA candidate Jagdeep Dhankar won by 346 votes as he bagged 528 of the total 725 votes that were cast. While 15 votes were termed invalid, the Opposition candidate Margret Alva received 182 votes in the election," said Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh, who was also the returning officer for the polls.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-military-drill-taiwan-says-china-simulating-attack-504204">Amid military drills, Taiwan says China 'simulating attack'</a>
<img alt="1" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e331ea53-abdf-449f-8333-126613338696" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/285096-chi1.jpg" />
As the Chinese drills near Taiwan entered the third day on Saturday, Taiwan's defence ministry claimed the communist regime has been "simulating attack" on its main island.

Reports claimed earlier that Chinese missiles had flown past Taiwan as Chinese warplanes and ships conducted&nbsp;military drills around the Taiwan Strait and reportedly crossed the median line.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jagdeep-dhankhar-elected-new-vice-president-of-india-wins-poll-by-346-votes-504358">Jagdeep Dhankhar elected next Vice President of India, wins poll by 346 votes</a>
<img alt="2" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cbeee38d-6d2c-4ea6-a66b-0a957593618c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/279804-untitled-design-64.png.jpeg" />
Jagdeep Dhankhar was elected the new vice president of India after winning the election by a landslide margin against the opposition candidate Margaret Alva on Saturday. The NDA-backed candidate won the poll by 346 votes.

Dhankhar&nbsp;received&nbsp;support from MPs from both houses of the parliament, including those belonging to NDA and a number of regional parties, namely YSRCP, BJD, TDP, BSP, AIADMK and the Shiv Sena.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-defers-visit-of-chinas-satellite-tracking-ship-to-hambantota-port-504215">Sri Lanka defers visit of China's satellite tracking ship to Hambantota port</a>
<img alt="3" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a4b02dff-78db-4324-b5a3-3f9cdccce022" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/42354-hambantota_port-20180227115022.jpg" />
According to reports, the Sri Lankan government has asked China to defer the arrival of&nbsp;Yuan Wang 5 ship at Hambantota port.

The Chinese space-satellite tracker ship was set to refuel at the Lankan port. The ship built in 2007 can also be used in intercontinental ballistic missile launch&nbsp;with wide aerial scope to track regions with a parameter of 750 kms. Reports claimed Sri Lanka has deferred the ship's arrival until further consultations with Chinese authorities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/parts-of-ukraines-nuclear-plant-seriously-damaged-in-military-strikes-one-reactor-forced-to-shut-down-504349">Parts of Ukraine's nuclear plant 'seriously damaged' in military strikes, one reactor forced to shut down</a>
<img alt="4" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dd78a46a-abef-42b9-b78f-ce4900e75fd3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/285215-2ezk3madvnn5xaayyzxptsff7a.jpg" />
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station in Ukraine sustained "serious damage" as a result of military operations that resulted in the forced shutdown of one of its reactors. Energoatom said on the messaging app Telegram that the strikes on Friday at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in south Ukraine—the largest of Europe's atomic power complex—"seriously damaged" a station housing nitrogen and oxygen as well as an "auxiliary building". Moscow and Kyiv laid blame on each&nbsp;other for the assault.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/anas-mallick-abduction-taliban-assault-wion-reporters-crew-before-releasing-them-504249">Anas Mallick abduction: Taliban assault WION reporter's crew before releasing them</a>
<img alt="5" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d08e3d07-0e00-46b9-b319-db9101a53e1c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/285135-taliban.png.jpeg" />
Almost 24 hours after WION correspondent Anas Mallick was released by the Taliban in Afghanistan, the rest of his crew, hired locally and abducted along with him, were released by the militant organisation on Saturday. They were kept in detention for nearly two days and bear wounds and bruises that show both were assaulted.

The crew members—Zakariya, who is the local producer and&nbsp;Mayel Kharoti, the driver—were released by the Taliban after a 42-hour ordeal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-beach-holiday-city-imposes-lockdown-as-covid-cases-spike-504308">Chinese beach holiday city imposes lockdown as Covid cases spike</a>
<img alt="6" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="24e112b2-dd6d-4d70-b038-62f469733e6c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/285181-covid.jpg" />
The Chinese authorities imposed a lockdown in Hainan province’s southern beach holiday city of Sanya on Saturday and shut its public transport system as a preventive measure against COVID-19 outbreak during its peak tourist season.

The lockdown comes into force at 6 am after authorities said the Covid situation was "very severe" and people's movements were being restricted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spanish-court-allows-euthanasia-for-paraplegic-gunman-awaiting-trail-504289">Spanish court allows euthanasia for paraplegic gunman awaiting trail</a>
<img alt="7" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="04af2aeb-a83e-420d-8d17-0de97e462715" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/285169-spain.jpg" />
In a landmark ruling for euthanasia, a Spanish court has allowed a paraplegic man facing trial for a shooting spree the right to apply for assisted suicide before facing justice.

Observing that euthanasia was a “fundamental right, the national court in Tarragona said that the right to euthanasia law passed last year doesn’t allow the court to intervene in a such case whether the person is incarcerated, awaiting trial or not.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indiana-becomes-the-first-us-state-to-pass-abortion-ban-law-504283">Indiana becomes the first US state to pass abortion ban law</a>
<img alt="8" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca9c58f6-961f-4cfd-831a-6174b2f7897a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/285166-indiana.jpg" />
The Indiana legislature has passed an abortion bill that bans the procedure with very few exceptions, becoming the first US state to pass a restrictive law since Roe v. Wade was overturned&nbsp;by the Supreme Court in June.

Known as&nbsp;SB1, the bill was passed in the state Senate on Friday with 28 in favour while 19 against the bill. Earlier that day, it was passed by the Republican-controlled state House 62-38.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/priayanka-goswami-scripts-history-becomes-1st-indian-to-clinch-silver-in-10000m-race-walk-at-cwg-504318">Priyanka Goswami scripts history, becomes 1st Indian to clinch silver in 10,000m race walk at CWG</a>
<img alt="9" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="35091e6c-a845-4ba5-9fbb-d8a91e085179" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/285188-priyanka-goswami-tw.png.jpeg" />
Priyanka Goswami on Saturday scripted history as she became the first Indian woman to win a medal in race walk with a silver in 10,000m event at the Commonwealth Games here.

Goswami clocked a personal best time of 43:38.83s to finished second behind Jemima Montag (42:34.30) of Australia. Emily Wamusyi Ngii (43:50.86) of Kenya took the bronze.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firefighter-in-pennsylvania-finds-10-dead-family-members-after-house-blaze-504286">Firefighter in Pennsylvania finds 10 family members dead after house blaze</a>
<img alt="10" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f9c4b028-7696-4ed8-8f01-2162fc7a0e28" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/47535-police%25252520line-20171225063414-20180126042056%25252520%2525281%252529-20180203074610_0_0.jpg" />
A firefighter who was called to the scene of a house fire found the victims were his own family after at least ten people were killed as the fire engulfed a house in the US state of Pennsylvania.&nbsp;

The house in Pennsylvania's Nescopeck town caught&nbsp;fire in the early morning hours on Friday as authorities identified the victims. Firefighter Harold Baker said the dead were his family, including&nbsp;his daughter, son, father-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law and three kids and&nbsp;two relatives. At least three people escaped the fire, reports said.

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Chinese drills near Taiwan entered the third day on Saturday. China began military exercises two days ago after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan and slammed China's tactics against the island nation and vowed that the US would stand with its long-time ally.

Chinese drills near Taiwan entered the third day on Saturday. China began military exercises two days ago after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan and slammed China's tactics against the island nation and vowed that the US would stand with its long-time ally. In another, “NDA candidate Jagdeep Dhankar won by 346 votes as he bagged 528 of the total 725 votes that were cast. While 15 votes were termed invalid, the Opposition candidate Margret Alva received 182 votes in the election," said Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh, who was also the returning officer for the polls. Click on the headlines to read more: Amid military drills, Taiwan says China 'simulating attack' As the Chinese drills near Taiwan entered the third day on Saturday, Taiwan's defence ministry claimed the communist regime has been "simulating attack" on its main island. Reports claimed earlier that Chinese missiles had flown past Taiwan as Chinese warplanes and ships conducted military drills around the Taiwan Strait and reportedly crossed the median line. Jagdeep Dhankhar elected next Vice President of India, wins poll by 346 votes Jagdeep Dhankhar was elected the new vice president of India after winning the election by a landslide margin against the opposition candidate Margaret Alva on Saturday. The NDA-backed candidate won the poll by 346 votes. Dhankhar received support from MPs from both houses of the parliament, including those belonging to NDA and a number of regional parties, namely YSRCP, BJD, TDP, BSP, AIADMK and the Shiv Sena. Sri Lanka defers visit of China's satellite tracking ship to Hambantota port According to reports, the Sri Lankan government has asked China to defer the arrival of Yuan Wang 5 ship at Hambantota port. The Chinese space-satellite tracker ship was set to refuel at the Lankan port. The ship built in 2007 can also be used in intercontinental ballistic missile launch with wide aerial scope to track regions with a parameter of 750 kms. Reports claimed Sri Lanka has deferred the ship's arrival until further consultations with Chinese authorities. Parts of Ukraine's nuclear plant 'seriously damaged' in military strikes, one reactor forced to shut down The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station in Ukraine sustained "serious damage" as a result of military operations that resulted in the forced shutdown of one of its reactors. Energoatom said on the messaging app Telegram that the strikes on Friday at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in south Ukraine—the largest of Europe's atomic power complex—"seriously damaged" a station housing nitrogen and oxygen as well as an "auxiliary building". Moscow and Kyiv laid blame on each other for the assault. Anas Mallick abduction: Taliban assault WION reporter's crew before releasing them Almost 24 hours after WION correspondent Anas Mallick was released by the Taliban in Afghanistan, the rest of his crew, hired locally and abducted along with him, were released by the militant organisation on Saturday. They were kept in detention for nearly two days and bear wounds and bruises that show both were assaulted. The crew members—Zakariya, who is the local producer and Mayel Kharoti, the driver—were released by the Taliban after a 42-hour ordeal. Chinese beach holiday city imposes lockdown as Covid cases spike The Chinese authorities imposed a lockdown in Hainan province’s southern beach holiday city of Sanya on Saturday and shut its public transport system as a preventive measure against COVID-19 outbreak during its peak tourist season. The lockdown comes into force at 6 am after authorities said the Covid situation was "very severe" and people's movements were being restricted. Spanish court allows euthanasia for paraplegic gunman awaiting trail In a landmark ruling for euthanasia, a Spanish court has allowed a paraplegic man facing trial for a shooting spree the right to apply for assisted suicide before facing justice. Observing that euthanasia was a “fundamental right, the national court in Tarragona said that the right to euthanasia law passed last year doesn’t allow the court to intervene in a such case whether the person is incarcerated, awaiting trial or not. Indiana becomes the first US state to pass abortion ban law The Indiana legislature has passed an abortion bill that bans the procedure with very few exceptions, becoming the first US state to pass a restrictive law since Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court in June. Known as SB1, the bill was passed in the state Senate on Friday with 28 in favour while 19 against the bill. Earlier that day, it was passed by the Republican-controlled state House 62-38. Priyanka Goswami scripts history, becomes 1st Indian to clinch silver in 10,000m race walk at CWG Priyanka Goswami on Saturday scripted history as she became the first Indian woman to win a medal in race walk with a silver in 10,000m event at the Commonwealth Games here. Goswami clocked a personal best time of 43:38.83s to finished second behind Jemima Montag (42:34.30) of Australia. Emily Wamusyi Ngii (43:50.86) of Kenya took the bronze. Firefighter in Pennsylvania finds 10 family members dead after house blaze A firefighter who was called to the scene of a house fire found the victims were his own family after at least ten people were killed as the fire engulfed a house in the US state of Pennsylvania. The house in Pennsylvania's Nescopeck town caught fire in the early morning hours on Friday as authorities identified the victims. Firefighter Harold Baker said the dead were his family, including his daughter, son, father-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law and three kids and two relatives. At least three people escaped the fire, reports said.

Top 10 world news: Taiwan claims China 'simulating attack', Dhankhar elected VP of India, and more

Killing eight civilians in an area largely inhabited by Afghanistan's minority Shiite Muslim community, a bomb attached to a handcart exploded in Kabul on Friday.

Injuring 18 people, the blast took place when Shiites in Afghanistan are commemorating the first 10 days of the Muslim holy month of Muharram.

According to police spokesman Khalid Zadran, "Security teams are trying to find the perpetrators."

Saying the bombing was the "work of those who are enemies of Islam and the country", government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the toll.

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Taking responsibility for the attack, the Sunni jihadist Islamic State said IS fighters placed explosives in a vegetable cart.

Zadran said Afghan police believes that members of the ethnic Hazara community, who are Shiite Muslims, were the target of the blast.

They were going to gather at mosques and take part in processions marking the death of the revered Shiite Imam Hussein Ibn Ali after a few days.

IS has continued to target Shiites even though number of violent public attacks across the country has fallen since the Taliban returned to power in August last year.

The minority group, which makes up between 10 to 20 percent of Afghanistan's population of 38 million, is called heretic by Islamic State.

Analysts say the jihadist group remains a key security challenge although Taliban officials insist their forces have defeated IS. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Killing eight civilians in an area largely inhabited by Afghanistan's minority Shiite Muslim community, a bomb attached to a handcart exploded in Kabul on Friday.

Killing eight civilians in an area largely inhabited by Afghanistan's minority Shiite Muslim community, a bomb attached to a handcart exploded in Kabul on Friday. Injuring 18 people, the blast took place when Shiites in Afghanistan are commemorating the first 10 days of the Muslim holy month of Muharram. According to police spokesman Khalid Zadran, "Security teams are trying to find the perpetrators." Saying the bombing was the "work of those who are enemies of Islam and the country", government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the toll. × Taking responsibility for the attack, the Sunni jihadist Islamic State said IS fighters placed explosives in a vegetable cart. Zadran said Afghan police believes that members of the ethnic Hazara community, who are Shiite Muslims, were the target of the blast. They were going to gather at mosques and take part in processions marking the death of the revered Shiite Imam Hussein Ibn Ali after a few days. IS has continued to target Shiites even though number of violent public attacks across the country has fallen since the Taliban returned to power in August last year. The minority group, which makes up between 10 to 20 percent of Afghanistan's population of 38 million, is called heretic by Islamic State. Analysts say the jihadist group remains a key security challenge although Taliban officials insist their forces have defeated IS. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Islamic State claims responsibility for blast that killed 8 in Shiite area of Afghan capital

WION’s correspondent Anas Mallick was abducted by the Taliban, he faced physical assault and mental trauma. A day later, he was released but his team, a local producer and car driver, is still being held with the Taliban fighters.&nbsp;

On Friday (August 5) evening, Anas was safely returned to his home in Islamabad, Pakistan. Later he opened up about his distressing experience of being held for 21 hours.&nbsp;

He said, "The experience is yet to sink in to be very honest because I am still going through that mental trauma or the ordeal. Because it's still not over."&nbsp;

Recalling the exact moment he was forcibly taken away, he said, "A moment back I was on the phone, I got a location to be at another place, to be with a colleague to have lunch...just in seconds, in a snap, everything changed. You are intercepted, the driver is out of the car, and your phones are taken away."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/wion-correspondent-safe-leaves-afghanistan-after-reporting-from-the-ground-on-zawahiri-killing-504065">WION correspondent, who went missing in Afghanistan, is safe. Recalls his ordeal</a>&nbsp;

"It felt like a bad, bad dream to be very honest," Anas said as he told the world, what he went through in those 21 hours. Anas was allowed to walk free but the local producer and our driver are still being held by the Taliban.

He said that he is still yet to fully get over the fact that this actually happened, the assault was this extreme. "I still have bruises on the back of my ear, on my back, on my hip, literally all over the body," he said.&nbsp;

Anas is WION's reporter based out in Pakistan's capital. Anas has been reporting on Afghanistan developments for nearly five years for WION. he has done some exclusive, on-the-ground coverage when the Taliban took over Kabul last year.&nbsp;

He had arrived in Kabul on Wednesday evening and the next morning, approached Afghanistan’s ministry of foreign affairs to get the due permission. He also had completed the necessary formalities.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/handcuffed-blindfolded-and-physically-assaulted-what-happened-to-wions-anas-mallick-in-kabul-504095">'Handcuffed, blindfolded and physically assaulted': What happened to WION's Anas Mallick in Kabul?</a>&nbsp;

Expressing his anger, Anas said that it's something you would never expect for an accredited journalist, for an international journalist for somebody who has been known to the Taliban as well.&nbsp;

He said, "We were the only Indian network in Kabul at the time of the fall of Kabul. And we were there three months post-takeover. I was literally at all the press conferences, at all the press briefings and despite all of this, it happened so it was a very bad dream."&nbsp;

In the past week, Anas also did extensive reporting on the United States' claims that Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed in a drone strike in Kabul.&nbsp;

But what did exactly anger the Taliban? Why our correspondent was detained and beaten up?&nbsp;

Shedding some light on that, Anas said that "this is more to do with the security fear for the Taliban of being shown or rather shown the side that they do not want to be projected."&nbsp;

"When you go for accreditation, you are given a long lecture on don'ts and media ethics. In fact, I was given one such lecture yesterday as well during my interrogation I would say what are the ethics of media," he said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-abducted-anas-mallick-a-21-hour-long-trauma-for-the-wion-family-504154">Taliban abducted Anas Mallick: A 21-hour long trauma for the WION family</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

After touching down in Islamabad on Friday, Anas revealed that he and his team were handcuffed, blindfolded and physically assaulted after being picked up by the Taliban.&nbsp;

While speaking about his ordeal, he said, "I don't know the reason I was picked up, if was to do with any footage then that matter was actually cleared within seconds. But, this must to do with fear that they think that they will be exposed if there is truly a free press if there is truly free reportage."&nbsp;

Anas reminded the world that as journalists, we have the responsibility, to tell the truth. We have always advocated at WION that we have to tell the story. He said, "In my seven years, this, unfortunately, this is the first time that it is me who is the story, and that is something that is truly tragic at least on a personal note."&nbsp;

Anas recounted when he was leaving Kabul. he said he was "very emotional". "There was an Afghan family right next to me and they said we saw you on TV and we were reading about your reports that you were missing. I couldn't hold back my tears at that point in time," said Anas.&nbsp;

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WION’s correspondent Anas Mallick was abducted by the Taliban, he faced physical assault and mental trauma. A day later, he was released but his team, a local producer and car driver, is still being held with the Taliban fighters.

WION’s correspondent Anas Mallick was abducted by the Taliban, he faced physical assault and mental trauma. A day later, he was released but his team, a local producer and car driver, is still being held with the Taliban fighters. On Friday (August 5) evening, Anas was safely returned to his home in Islamabad, Pakistan. Later he opened up about his distressing experience of being held for 21 hours. He said, "The experience is yet to sink in to be very honest because I am still going through that mental trauma or the ordeal. Because it's still not over." Recalling the exact moment he was forcibly taken away, he said, "A moment back I was on the phone, I got a location to be at another place, to be with a colleague to have lunch...just in seconds, in a snap, everything changed. You are intercepted, the driver is out of the car, and your phones are taken away." ALSO READ | WION correspondent, who went missing in Afghanistan, is safe. Recalls his ordeal "It felt like a bad, bad dream to be very honest," Anas said as he told the world, what he went through in those 21 hours. Anas was allowed to walk free but the local producer and our driver are still being held by the Taliban. He said that he is still yet to fully get over the fact that this actually happened, the assault was this extreme. "I still have bruises on the back of my ear, on my back, on my hip, literally all over the body," he said. Anas is WION's reporter based out in Pakistan's capital. Anas has been reporting on Afghanistan developments for nearly five years for WION. he has done some exclusive, on-the-ground coverage when the Taliban took over Kabul last year. He had arrived in Kabul on Wednesday evening and the next morning, approached Afghanistan’s ministry of foreign affairs to get the due permission. He also had completed the necessary formalities. ALSO READ | 'Handcuffed, blindfolded and physically assaulted': What happened to WION's Anas Mallick in Kabul? Expressing his anger, Anas said that it's something you would never expect for an accredited journalist, for an international journalist for somebody who has been known to the Taliban as well. He said, "We were the only Indian network in Kabul at the time of the fall of Kabul. And we were there three months post-takeover. I was literally at all the press conferences, at all the press briefings and despite all of this, it happened so it was a very bad dream." In the past week, Anas also did extensive reporting on the United States' claims that Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed in a drone strike in Kabul. But what did exactly anger the Taliban? Why our correspondent was detained and beaten up? Shedding some light on that, Anas said that "this is more to do with the security fear for the Taliban of being shown or rather shown the side that they do not want to be projected." "When you go for accreditation, you are given a long lecture on don'ts and media ethics. In fact, I was given one such lecture yesterday as well during my interrogation I would say what are the ethics of media," he said. ALSO READ | Taliban abducted Anas Mallick: A 21-hour long trauma for the WION family After touching down in Islamabad on Friday, Anas revealed that he and his team were handcuffed, blindfolded and physically assaulted after being picked up by the Taliban. While speaking about his ordeal, he said, "I don't know the reason I was picked up, if was to do with any footage then that matter was actually cleared within seconds. But, this must to do with fear that they think that they will be exposed if there is truly a free press if there is truly free reportage." Anas reminded the world that as journalists, we have the responsibility, to tell the truth. We have always advocated at WION that we have to tell the story. He said, "In my seven years, this, unfortunately, this is the first time that it is me who is the story, and that is something that is truly tragic at least on a personal note." Anas recounted when he was leaving Kabul. he said he was "very emotional". "There was an Afghan family right next to me and they said we saw you on TV and we were reading about your reports that you were missing. I couldn't hold back my tears at that point in time," said Anas. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Still going through trauma, have bruises all over my body': WION's Anas Mallick tells his distressing tale

From their first takeover of Kabul in 1996 to their second invasion of Kabul in 2021, the Taliban has changed a lot. The group which was formed in the aftermath when soviet backed Afghanistan government fell in 1992 has not only grown manifolds in the past three decades but also somehow been able to establish itself on the international podium.

Exactly one year ago in August 2021, the Taliban swept entire Afghanistan in no time and ousted the US-backed government of Ashraf Ghani. They initially faced some turbulences in Panjshir Valley but most of the opposition is either wiped out of Afghanistan or has been neutralised paving way for a clear rule for the mercenaries who have grown in the Islamic Seminaries established along the Pakistan-Afghan border.

Taliban suffered the worst during America’s war against terror which went on for nearly two decades starting in 2001. Their top leaders were killed and&nbsp;their territories were taken away since their leadership decided to support Al-Qaeda.

They learnt that the only way to get legitimacy is through diplomacy and hence they trained their leaders in negotiation, brought a few&nbsp;educated people into their leadership and that’s how the “Doha Diplomacy” started resulting in their present takeover of Afghanistan. Taliban had one sole aim of legitimacy which it failed to achieve in Taliban 1.0 and in Taliban 2.0 is found to be struggling to get the same.

Let us analyse the one-year rule of Taliban 2.0 in Afghanistan.

1. Ouster of warlords – Taliban were quick to understand that the primary reason for turbulence in the past governments of Afghanistan were the warlords. For several thousands of years, they were the ones which caused major challenges for any king/government and thus the first thing they did was to oust the warlords from the Afghan territories. Today, nearly all of the warlords have taken asylum in neighbouring countries and thus, their core fighters have either joined Taliban/ISKP or have disappeared. This has paved the way for a majorly uninterrupted rule of the Taliban.

2. Diplomatic relations with other countries - Taliban knew that if it has to rule over Afghanistan for a long time, it needs to have legitimacy and good relations with other countries are a must in this quest. like earlier time, now Taliban is sending its leaders and spokespersons like Amir Khan Muttaqi to various countries who have been successful to some extent. Countries like Russia, Pakistan, China, Iran &amp; Kazakhstan have given unofficial recognition to the Taliban government however proper legitimacy is still far away.

Many other countries like India and a few European countries have also started talking to the Taliban and&nbsp;deputed their representatives to deal with their leaders. Despite lacking proper recognition, Taliban 2.0 has been able to achieve a big milestone as compared to the previous Taliban 1.0.

3. Humanitarian and financial crisis - Afghanistan's economy has been destroyed in the last five decades of continuous war and it is now dependent upon the grants or money received from other countries for its survival. Today Afghanistan is facing a severe food crisis and there are inputs of large-scale deaths due to famine which remain unreported due to media censorship.

Although countries like India have supported wholeheartedly by supplying food grains, medicines and other essential items, the situation remains grim as a large portion of these supplies are utilised in feeding large Taliban forces.

As per the world food program, only 2 per cent&nbsp;of the Afghan population has enough food to survive and 50 per cent&nbsp;of its children below 8 years are malnourished. Taliban has been asking for money kept in foreign countries by its erstwhile government but there is no assurance that this money will not be used in terror activities and thus things remain grim.

4. Label of being a terrorist organisation- Taliban 1.0 was particularly known as a terrorist organisation and was active in support of Al Qaeda. In the last one year, they avoided speaking on the Al Qaeda issue. However, their cover was blown recently when Al Qaeda chief Ayman- al-Zawahiri was killed in a US drone strike in the heart of capital Kabul where he was staying in the house of a senior Taliban leader. It&nbsp;shows that although visibly Taliban is reluctant to divulge its proximity with terrorist groups, actually it is harbouring them. Taliban’s proximity with various Pakistan-based anti-India terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad etc also proves this fact.

5. Women’s rights, education, and their status in Taliban government- The most important reason why Taliban 2.0 failed to get the attention of the world is their policy toward women. Even their ethnic Pashtunwali code restricts beating or ill-treating women but the Taliban has even defied it when it comes to giving rights to women.

In today’s Afghanistan, women or girls do not have any right to study, take employment, gather peacefully at a place or even walk outside their house without a male escort. Most educated women have left Afghanistan while others are restricted to their houses. The Taliban even abolished the ministry of women’s affairs.

6. Unlawful killings &amp; disappearances- Ever since Taliban 2.0 has taken over, there is no control on killings and forced disappearances of people, especially the ones who were related to erstwhile Afghan Armed forces or its intelligence or were working for US-led coalition.

A large number of people from other tribes like Hazara, Shia, Tajik and&nbsp;Uzbek are also targeted and they are killed at the smallest&nbsp;suspicion. Most of the houses of people from Panjshir valley in Kabul are looted, destroyed and the residents are either killed or imprisoned. As per a UN report, over 40 per cent of all civilian casualties in the last six months of 2021 (after the Taliban take over) were due to Taliban action only.

In today’s Afghanistan, people and their families are arrested and killed without any prosecution or proper hearing. People close to the Taliban are also using this as a tool to settle their personal scores. Since the media under Taliban 2.0 rule is oppressed, this news never makes its way to the outside world.

7. Pashtun dominance and&nbsp;anarchy – Most of the Taliban cadres are Pashtuns and have originated from Islamic Seminaries called Madrasas &amp; are affiliated more with their teacher than the overall leadership of the Taliban. Their affiliation with the so-called “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” is also not strong and they are just a mercenary. Now when they are put in power, it is difficult for them to be disciplined like the Army of a country and thus there is widespread anarchy in the country. These mercenaries&nbsp;can do anything and yet they can not be prosecuted which has created an atmosphere of great fear in Afghanistan.

8. Proxy of Pakistan - No matter how best the Taliban tried to remove the tag of a Proxy of Pakistan, circumstances suggest that the Taliban especially its strongest Haqqani faction is still dancing to the tunes of Pakistan and its Army.

Although the Taliban is trying to fool the world by creating turbulences on Durand Line and singing the song of Pashtun unity but the reality is far different. Frequent visits of Pakistani ISI officials to Kabul &amp; proximity of its top leaders with Pakistani leadership reveals all. Taliban’s Haqqani faction is the closest to Pakistan. If at all Taliban has to shed this tag, it has to curtail the position of the Haqqani network significantly.

9. Freedom of media- In the last one year in Afghanistan, nearly 70 per cent&nbsp;of the media outlets have been&nbsp;closed permanently and the balance are operating under grave threat and extreme levels of censorship.

Journalists are killed, detained or arrested which is considered&nbsp;common in Afghanistan now. It includes a recent incident on 4th August 2022 when&nbsp;globally renowned journalist of WION, Mr Anas Mallick, was arrested along with his crew and driver and was kept in custody for over 21 hours. Not only this, but there have also been several cases where rogue Taliban mercenaries have indiscriminately fired at peaceful possessions killing and injuring many.

10. Resurgence of other terrorist groups like Islamic State- The anarchy in Afghanistan is giving rise to the fact that although warlords have been subdued in the country but other rival terror groups have risen significantly.

The most important of them is Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP). Due to the oppression and atrocities of the Taliban, more and more people are joining ISKP. Soldiers of the former Afghan Army, tribal fighters &amp; other armed groups are left with no option. If they do not want to be killed by the Taliban in cold blood, the only option left is to join&nbsp;their enemy. ISKP has grown manifolds in Afghanistan since Taliban 2.0 took over the country and has&nbsp;launched&nbsp;more than half a dozen attacks every month.

In a nutshell, the one year of Taliban rule in Afghanistan did not progress well except a little on diplomatic fronts. Globally the Taliban leaders have failed to&nbsp;convince the world that they are not a proxy of terrorist groups as well as terror-supporting countries like Pakistan.

On the other hand, they have faltered in many aspects which has&nbsp;stopped&nbsp;the world from granting any legitimacy to them. It is this legitimacy for which Taliban 2.0 has been struggling for the past&nbsp;one year and it is going away with each passing day. The Taliban need&nbsp;to do a lot in this direction.

(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.)

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From their first takeover of Kabul in 1996 to their second invasion of Kabul in 2021, the Taliban has changed a lot. The group which was formed in the aftermath when soviet backed Afghanistan government fell in 1992 has not only grown manifolds in the past three decades but also somehow been able to establish itself on the international podium.

From their first takeover of Kabul in 1996 to their second invasion of Kabul in 2021, the Taliban has changed a lot. The group which was formed in the aftermath when soviet backed Afghanistan government fell in 1992 has not only grown manifolds in the past three decades but also somehow been able to establish itself on the international podium. Exactly one year ago in August 2021, the Taliban swept entire Afghanistan in no time and ousted the US-backed government of Ashraf Ghani. They initially faced some turbulences in Panjshir Valley but most of the opposition is either wiped out of Afghanistan or has been neutralised paving way for a clear rule for the mercenaries who have grown in the Islamic Seminaries established along the Pakistan-Afghan border. Taliban suffered the worst during America’s war against terror which went on for nearly two decades starting in 2001. Their top leaders were killed and their territories were taken away since their leadership decided to support Al-Qaeda. They learnt that the only way to get legitimacy is through diplomacy and hence they trained their leaders in negotiation, brought a few educated people into their leadership and that’s how the “Doha Diplomacy” started resulting in their present takeover of Afghanistan. Taliban had one sole aim of legitimacy which it failed to achieve in Taliban 1.0 and in Taliban 2.0 is found to be struggling to get the same. Let us analyse the one-year rule of Taliban 2.0 in Afghanistan. 1. Ouster of warlords – Taliban were quick to understand that the primary reason for turbulence in the past governments of Afghanistan were the warlords. For several thousands of years, they were the ones which caused major challenges for any king/government and thus the first thing they did was to oust the warlords from the Afghan territories. Today, nearly all of the warlords have taken asylum in neighbouring countries and thus, their core fighters have either joined Taliban/ISKP or have disappeared. This has paved the way for a majorly uninterrupted rule of the Taliban. 2. Diplomatic relations with other countries - Taliban knew that if it has to rule over Afghanistan for a long time, it needs to have legitimacy and good relations with other countries are a must in this quest. like earlier time, now Taliban is sending its leaders and spokespersons like Amir Khan Muttaqi to various countries who have been successful to some extent. Countries like Russia, Pakistan, China, Iran & Kazakhstan have given unofficial recognition to the Taliban government however proper legitimacy is still far away. Many other countries like India and a few European countries have also started talking to the Taliban and deputed their representatives to deal with their leaders. Despite lacking proper recognition, Taliban 2.0 has been able to achieve a big milestone as compared to the previous Taliban 1.0. 3. Humanitarian and financial crisis - Afghanistan's economy has been destroyed in the last five decades of continuous war and it is now dependent upon the grants or money received from other countries for its survival. Today Afghanistan is facing a severe food crisis and there are inputs of large-scale deaths due to famine which remain unreported due to media censorship. Although countries like India have supported wholeheartedly by supplying food grains, medicines and other essential items, the situation remains grim as a large portion of these supplies are utilised in feeding large Taliban forces. As per the world food program, only 2 per cent of the Afghan population has enough food to survive and 50 per cent of its children below 8 years are malnourished. Taliban has been asking for money kept in foreign countries by its erstwhile government but there is no assurance that this money will not be used in terror activities and thus things remain grim. 4. Label of being a terrorist organisation- Taliban 1.0 was particularly known as a terrorist organisation and was active in support of Al Qaeda. In the last one year, they avoided speaking on the Al Qaeda issue. However, their cover was blown recently when Al Qaeda chief Ayman- al-Zawahiri was killed in a US drone strike in the heart of capital Kabul where he was staying in the house of a senior Taliban leader. It shows that although visibly Taliban is reluctant to divulge its proximity with terrorist groups, actually it is harbouring them. Taliban’s proximity with various Pakistan-based anti-India terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad etc also proves this fact. 5. Women’s rights, education, and their status in Taliban government- The most important reason why Taliban 2.0 failed to get the attention of the world is their policy toward women. Even their ethnic Pashtunwali code restricts beating or ill-treating women but the Taliban has even defied it when it comes to giving rights to women. In today’s Afghanistan, women or girls do not have any right to study, take employment, gather peacefully at a place or even walk outside their house without a male escort. Most educated women have left Afghanistan while others are restricted to their houses. The Taliban even abolished the ministry of women’s affairs. 6. Unlawful killings & disappearances- Ever since Taliban 2.0 has taken over, there is no control on killings and forced disappearances of people, especially the ones who were related to erstwhile Afghan Armed forces or its intelligence or were working for US-led coalition. A large number of people from other tribes like Hazara, Shia, Tajik and Uzbek are also targeted and they are killed at the smallest suspicion. Most of the houses of people from Panjshir valley in Kabul are looted, destroyed and the residents are either killed or imprisoned. As per a UN report, over 40 per cent of all civilian casualties in the last six months of 2021 (after the Taliban take over) were due to Taliban action only. In today’s Afghanistan, people and their families are arrested and killed without any prosecution or proper hearing. People close to the Taliban are also using this as a tool to settle their personal scores. Since the media under Taliban 2.0 rule is oppressed, this news never makes its way to the outside world. 7. Pashtun dominance and anarchy – Most of the Taliban cadres are Pashtuns and have originated from Islamic Seminaries called Madrasas & are affiliated more with their teacher than the overall leadership of the Taliban. Their affiliation with the so-called “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” is also not strong and they are just a mercenary. Now when they are put in power, it is difficult for them to be disciplined like the Army of a country and thus there is widespread anarchy in the country. These mercenaries can do anything and yet they can not be prosecuted which has created an atmosphere of great fear in Afghanistan. 8. Proxy of Pakistan - No matter how best the Taliban tried to remove the tag of a Proxy of Pakistan, circumstances suggest that the Taliban especially its strongest Haqqani faction is still dancing to the tunes of Pakistan and its Army. Although the Taliban is trying to fool the world by creating turbulences on Durand Line and singing the song of Pashtun unity but the reality is far different. Frequent visits of Pakistani ISI officials to Kabul & proximity of its top leaders with Pakistani leadership reveals all. Taliban’s Haqqani faction is the closest to Pakistan. If at all Taliban has to shed this tag, it has to curtail the position of the Haqqani network significantly. 9. Freedom of media- In the last one year in Afghanistan, nearly 70 per cent of the media outlets have been closed permanently and the balance are operating under grave threat and extreme levels of censorship. Journalists are killed, detained or arrested which is considered common in Afghanistan now. It includes a recent incident on 4th August 2022 when globally renowned journalist of WION, Mr Anas Mallick, was arrested along with his crew and driver and was kept in custody for over 21 hours. Not only this, but there have also been several cases where rogue Taliban mercenaries have indiscriminately fired at peaceful possessions killing and injuring many. 10. Resurgence of other terrorist groups like Islamic State- The anarchy in Afghanistan is giving rise to the fact that although warlords have been subdued in the country but other rival terror groups have risen significantly. The most important of them is Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP). Due to the oppression and atrocities of the Taliban, more and more people are joining ISKP. Soldiers of the former Afghan Army, tribal fighters & other armed groups are left with no option. If they do not want to be killed by the Taliban in cold blood, the only option left is to join their enemy. ISKP has grown manifolds in Afghanistan since Taliban 2.0 took over the country and has launched more than half a dozen attacks every month. In a nutshell, the one year of Taliban rule in Afghanistan did not progress well except a little on diplomatic fronts. Globally the Taliban leaders have failed to convince the world that they are not a proxy of terrorist groups as well as terror-supporting countries like Pakistan. On the other hand, they have faltered in many aspects which has stopped the world from granting any legitimacy to them. It is this legitimacy for which Taliban 2.0 has been struggling for the past one year and it is going away with each passing day. The Taliban need to do a lot in this direction. (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.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Road to Kabul - Analysing one-year rule of Taliban 2.0

Almost 24 hours after WION correspondent Anas Mallick was released by the Taliban in Afghanistan, the rest of his crew, hired locally and abducted along with him, were released by the militant organisation on Saturday. They were kept in detention for nearly two days and bear wounds and bruises that show both were assaulted.

The crew members—Zakariya, who is the local producer and&nbsp;Mayel Kharoti, the driver—were released by the Taliban after a 42-hour ordeal.

The pictures that have come to the fore illustrate the cruelty which they were subjected to, a clear sign that Taliban 2.0&nbsp;is no different from the previous regime of the militant group.&nbsp;

The group was detained on Thursday while taking generic visuals of Kabul. Their assignment was to cover the Taliban takeover anniversary but it also came around the time of the killing of Ayman al Zawahiri, the al Qaeda terror group chief, in a US missile strike. Anas has also reported from near the house where he was killed.

The crew have been instructed by the Taliban authorities to be present when summoned in future.

These two Afghans were hired to help Anas with the coverage.

Since their abduction, WION had made all-out efforts seeking their release, which eventually succeeded.

But it appears that the Taliban are threatened by our ground reporting in Kabul as WION's reporter was abducted while he was reporting, with all the necessary permissions.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-abducted-anas-mallick-a-21-hour-long-trauma-for-the-wion-family-504154" hreflang="en">Taliban abducted Anas Mallick: A 21-hour long trauma for the WION family</a>

On Friday, only Anas was allowed to walk free, whereas the local producer and the driver were kept in captivity by the Taliban. They had said that they will be releasing them soon. &nbsp;

Here's what exactly happened to him:&nbsp;

Anas says... 
&nbsp; 
"We were duly accredited, we had all the press credentials and were filming general visuals when we were intercepted, taken out of the car... dragged off the car to be very precise. Our phones were taken away.

And then we were physically assaulted. My crew was assaulted and I was assaulted as well.&nbsp;

After some while, we were shifted from the place where were intercepted to what we know is the intelligence unit of the Afghan-Taliban. We were handcuffed, blindfolded, and faced the wildest accusations and after that were questioned thoroughly on our journalistic credentials as well. Personal questions were also hurled at us."&nbsp;

Anas is WION's reporter based out in Pakistan's capital. Anas has been reporting on Afghanistan developments for nearly five years for WION. He has done some exclusive, on-the-ground coverage when the Taliban took over Kabul last year.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/capture-of-wion-reporter-anas-mallick-by-taliban-how-world-media-covered-it-504129" hreflang="en">Capture of WION reporter Anas Mallick by Taliban: How world media covered it</a>

Expressing his anger, Anas said that it's something you would never expect for an accredited journalist, for an international journalist for somebody who has been known to the Taliban as well.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/same-old-radical-regressive-beliefs-is-this-the-taliban-20-the-world-was-promised-504147" hreflang="en">Same old radical beliefs, is this the Taliban 2.0 the world was promised?</a>

He said, "We were the only Indian network in Kabul at the time of the fall of Kabul. And we were there three months post-takeover. I was literally at all the press conferences, at all the press briefings and despite all of this, it happened so it was a very bad dream."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;WION correspondent Anas Mallick's associates released by the Taliban after 42 hours

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Almost 24 hours after WION correspondent Anas Mallick was released by the Taliban in Afghanistan, the rest of his crew, hired locally and abducted along with him, were released by the militant organisation on Saturday.

Almost 24 hours after WION correspondent Anas Mallick was released by the Taliban in Afghanistan, the rest of his crew, hired locally and abducted along with him, were released by the militant organisation on Saturday. They were kept in detention for nearly two days and bear wounds and bruises that show both were assaulted. The crew members—Zakariya, who is the local producer and Mayel Kharoti, the driver—were released by the Taliban after a 42-hour ordeal. The pictures that have come to the fore illustrate the cruelty which they were subjected to, a clear sign that Taliban 2.0 is no different from the previous regime of the militant group. The group was detained on Thursday while taking generic visuals of Kabul. Their assignment was to cover the Taliban takeover anniversary but it also came around the time of the killing of Ayman al Zawahiri, the al Qaeda terror group chief, in a US missile strike. Anas has also reported from near the house where he was killed. The crew have been instructed by the Taliban authorities to be present when summoned in future. These two Afghans were hired to help Anas with the coverage. Since their abduction, WION had made all-out efforts seeking their release, which eventually succeeded. But it appears that the Taliban are threatened by our ground reporting in Kabul as WION's reporter was abducted while he was reporting, with all the necessary permissions. Also read | Taliban abducted Anas Mallick: A 21-hour long trauma for the WION family On Friday, only Anas was allowed to walk free, whereas the local producer and the driver were kept in captivity by the Taliban. They had said that they will be releasing them soon. Here's what exactly happened to him: Anas says... "We were duly accredited, we had all the press credentials and were filming general visuals when we were intercepted, taken out of the car... dragged off the car to be very precise. Our phones were taken away. And then we were physically assaulted. My crew was assaulted and I was assaulted as well. After some while, we were shifted from the place where were intercepted to what we know is the intelligence unit of the Afghan-Taliban. We were handcuffed, blindfolded, and faced the wildest accusations and after that were questioned thoroughly on our journalistic credentials as well. Personal questions were also hurled at us." Anas is WION's reporter based out in Pakistan's capital. Anas has been reporting on Afghanistan developments for nearly five years for WION. He has done some exclusive, on-the-ground coverage when the Taliban took over Kabul last year. Also read | Capture of WION reporter Anas Mallick by Taliban: How world media covered it Expressing his anger, Anas said that it's something you would never expect for an accredited journalist, for an international journalist for somebody who has been known to the Taliban as well. Also read | Same old radical beliefs, is this the Taliban 2.0 the world was promised? He said, "We were the only Indian network in Kabul at the time of the fall of Kabul. And we were there three months post-takeover. I was literally at all the press conferences, at all the press briefings and despite all of this, it happened so it was a very bad dream." Watch | WION correspondent Anas Mallick's associates released by the Taliban after 42 hours

Anas Mallick abduction: Taliban assault WION reporter's crew before releasing them

WION's Anas Mallick was held captive by the Taliban for 21 hours after he went to Kabul on a reporting assignment. While he was released, his associated remained held captive until they were released by the Taliban after 42 hours.

WION correspondent Anas Mallick's associates released by the Taliban after 42 hours

WION's correspondent Anas Mallick was abducted by the Taliban on Thursday (August 4) when he was reporting in Kabul, Afghanistan. A day later, he returned home safely but not to forget the physical and mental trauma he suffered and will continue to suffer for a very long time.&nbsp;

Anas was missing for about 21 hours, it came as a nightmare for the WION family, whose first thoughts were and still are with Mallick's family. WION remained in contact with the relevant authorities in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan to secure his safe return to his home in Islamabad.&nbsp;

When he went missing, we tried to contact him on his mobile phone. We texted him, and called him, but got no response. Anas told us later that his phone was taken away by the Taliban.&nbsp;

We also reached out to the hotel where he was staying. But no luck! From Thursday night to Friday morning, nobody had any clue where exactly Anas was.&nbsp;

Turns out, Anas was never returned to his hotel. Despite multiple tries, we got no information about his whereabouts, it was the moment we knew something was wrong.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/wion-correspondent-safe-leaves-afghanistan-after-reporting-from-the-ground-on-zawahiri-killing-504065">WION correspondent who went missing in Afghanistan is safe, recalls his ordeal</a>&nbsp;

Officials from WION headquarters in India reached out to the Pakistani embassy in New Delhi. We also contacted the Taliban's foreign office.&nbsp;

Everyone in the newsroom was tense because his disappearance was not in a very friendly nation. We all know this was Afghanistan, where the safety of common people is&nbsp;a massive concern ever since the Taliban returned last year in August.&nbsp;

Afghanistan is not exactly friendly territory for any journalist, let alone a foreign reporter. And we were right! Anas was abducted by the Taliban when was reporting in Kabul. It was terrifying for the WION family and the viewers who were constantly tweeting and asking about Anas.&nbsp;

Mallick was reporting for special coverage on the anniversary of the Taliban takeover of the war-torn country when he was forcefully dragged away from his car, and taken away to some other place - what Anas assumed was the intelligence unit of the Afghan-Taliban.&nbsp;

The world knows that last Sunday the United States carried out a drone strike on the city and killed Al-Qaeda chief Ayman Al-Zawahiri. Anas actually visited that building - the safehouse - where Zawahiri was said to be killed. He took the world through WION's lenses as he drove through the locality and sent pictures.&nbsp;

But the free press in the Taliban regime appears to be a distant dream.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/handcuffed-blindfolded-and-physically-assaulted-what-happened-to-wions-anas-mallick-in-kabul-504095">'Handcuffed, blindfolded and physically assaulted': What happened to WION's Anas Mallick in Kabul?</a>&nbsp;

Anas told us they were handcuffed, blindfolded and questioned on journalistic credentials. Personal questions were also asked. While speaking from Islamabad on Friday evening, he told us that he got bruises all over his body.&nbsp;

On Friday&nbsp;morning around 10:10am (local time), Anas was allowed to walk free but his press credentials were not returned. The accreditation and the permit letter were also taken away.&nbsp;

Anas told us that a local producer and our driver are still being held by the Taliban and there is no update about their release.&nbsp;

Until their release, it's not over.&nbsp;

Watch the report here:&nbsp;

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WION's correspondent Anas Mallick was abducted by the Taliban on Thursday (August 4) when he was reporting in Kabul, Afghanistan. A day later, he returned home safely but not to forget the physical and mental trauma he suffered and will continue to suffer for a very long time.

WION's correspondent Anas Mallick was abducted by the Taliban on Thursday (August 4) when he was reporting in Kabul, Afghanistan. A day later, he returned home safely but not to forget the physical and mental trauma he suffered and will continue to suffer for a very long time. Anas was missing for about 21 hours, it came as a nightmare for the WION family, whose first thoughts were and still are with Mallick's family. WION remained in contact with the relevant authorities in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan to secure his safe return to his home in Islamabad. When he went missing, we tried to contact him on his mobile phone. We texted him, and called him, but got no response. Anas told us later that his phone was taken away by the Taliban. We also reached out to the hotel where he was staying. But no luck! From Thursday night to Friday morning, nobody had any clue where exactly Anas was. Turns out, Anas was never returned to his hotel. Despite multiple tries, we got no information about his whereabouts, it was the moment we knew something was wrong. ALSO READ | WION correspondent who went missing in Afghanistan is safe, recalls his ordeal Officials from WION headquarters in India reached out to the Pakistani embassy in New Delhi. We also contacted the Taliban's foreign office. Everyone in the newsroom was tense because his disappearance was not in a very friendly nation. We all know this was Afghanistan, where the safety of common people is a massive concern ever since the Taliban returned last year in August. Afghanistan is not exactly friendly territory for any journalist, let alone a foreign reporter. And we were right! Anas was abducted by the Taliban when was reporting in Kabul. It was terrifying for the WION family and the viewers who were constantly tweeting and asking about Anas. Mallick was reporting for special coverage on the anniversary of the Taliban takeover of the war-torn country when he was forcefully dragged away from his car, and taken away to some other place - what Anas assumed was the intelligence unit of the Afghan-Taliban. The world knows that last Sunday the United States carried out a drone strike on the city and killed Al-Qaeda chief Ayman Al-Zawahiri. Anas actually visited that building - the safehouse - where Zawahiri was said to be killed. He took the world through WION's lenses as he drove through the locality and sent pictures. But the free press in the Taliban regime appears to be a distant dream. ALSO READ | 'Handcuffed, blindfolded and physically assaulted': What happened to WION's Anas Mallick in Kabul? Anas told us they were handcuffed, blindfolded and questioned on journalistic credentials. Personal questions were also asked. While speaking from Islamabad on Friday evening, he told us that he got bruises all over his body. On Friday morning around 10:10am (local time), Anas was allowed to walk free but his press credentials were not returned. The accreditation and the permit letter were also taken away. Anas told us that a local producer and our driver are still being held by the Taliban and there is no update about their release. Until their release, it's not over. Watch the report here: × WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taliban abducted Anas Mallick: A 21-hour long trauma for the WION family

Anas Mallick, the WION correspondent who has reported extensively from Pakistan, Afghanistan and beyond, had gone missing in Afghanistan. He was picked up by the ruling Taliban in Kabul and beaten up mercilessly. WION worked with relevant authorities to secure his release. The ordeal for him lasted for nearly 24 hours.

Video | WION correspondent abducted by the Taliban

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News outlets in India as well as abroad took note of Mallick's disappearance. Here's a snapshot of the coverage.

"Fellow journalist Mona Khan was one of the first persons to share the news of Mallick’s disappearance Thursday night, in a tweet. She mentioned that his phones were not reachable and no information about him was available with the Pakistan embassy in Kabul, which had begun conducting preliminary inquiries with the Taliban government," reported the Print, an Indian news outlet.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/handcuffed-blindfolded-and-physically-assaulted-what-happened-to-wions-anas-mallick-in-kabul-504095">'Handcuffed, blindfolded and physically assaulted': What happened to WION's Anas Mallick in Kabul?</a>

"The Foreign Office on Friday said that it was "so glad" that Pakistani journalist Anas Mallick was "safely back in Kabul" after he reportedly went missing in the Afghan capital a day earlier," reported The Dawn, a Pakistani news outlet.

"Following Mallick's disappearance, journalists and activists expressed concern&nbsp;and asked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and other officials to ensure his safe release," reported Pakistan's Geo TV.

After being released, Anas Mallick recalled his ordeal, what he went through when he was in the custody of Taliban.

"I arrived in Kabul the day before, on the 3rd of August, to cover the one year anniversary (the Taliban takeover of Kabul) and how Afghanistan is now. Coincidentally, the killing of Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri also happened," he said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/wion-correspondent-safe-leaves-afghanistan-after-reporting-from-the-ground-on-zawahiri-killing-504065">WION correspondent who went missing in Afghanistan is safe, recalls his ordeal</a>

Mallick had all the accreditation&nbsp;and credentials required to report from Kabul. Even then, he was dragged out of car by the Taliban and his phone was taken away. Things took a serious turn as he and his crew were beaten up mercilessly.

Things became serious as he was handcuffed, blindfolded and interrogated by the Taliban.

WION alerted concerned authorities and was in touch with Pakistan government officials also. Mallick was released in the morning of August 5.

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&nbsp;

Anas Mallick, the WION correspondent who has reported extensively from Pakistan, Afghanistan and beyond, had gone missing in Afghanistan. He was picked up by the ruling Taliban in Kabul and beaten up mercilessly.

Anas Mallick, the WION correspondent who has reported extensively from Pakistan, Afghanistan and beyond, had gone missing in Afghanistan. He was picked up by the ruling Taliban in Kabul and beaten up mercilessly. WION worked with relevant authorities to secure his release. The ordeal for him lasted for nearly 24 hours. Video | WION correspondent abducted by the Taliban × News outlets in India as well as abroad took note of Mallick's disappearance. Here's a snapshot of the coverage. "Fellow journalist Mona Khan was one of the first persons to share the news of Mallick’s disappearance Thursday night, in a tweet. She mentioned that his phones were not reachable and no information about him was available with the Pakistan embassy in Kabul, which had begun conducting preliminary inquiries with the Taliban government," reported the Print, an Indian news outlet. Also Read | 'Handcuffed, blindfolded and physically assaulted': What happened to WION's Anas Mallick in Kabul? "The Foreign Office on Friday said that it was "so glad" that Pakistani journalist Anas Mallick was "safely back in Kabul" after he reportedly went missing in the Afghan capital a day earlier," reported The Dawn, a Pakistani news outlet. "Following Mallick's disappearance, journalists and activists expressed concern and asked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and other officials to ensure his safe release," reported Pakistan's Geo TV. After being released, Anas Mallick recalled his ordeal, what he went through when he was in the custody of Taliban. "I arrived in Kabul the day before, on the 3rd of August, to cover the one year anniversary (the Taliban takeover of Kabul) and how Afghanistan is now. Coincidentally, the killing of Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri also happened," he said. Also Read | WION correspondent who went missing in Afghanistan is safe, recalls his ordeal Mallick had all the accreditation and credentials required to report from Kabul. Even then, he was dragged out of car by the Taliban and his phone was taken away. Things took a serious turn as he and his crew were beaten up mercilessly. Things became serious as he was handcuffed, blindfolded and interrogated by the Taliban. WION alerted concerned authorities and was in touch with Pakistan government officials also. Mallick was released in the morning of August 5. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Abduction of WION reporter Anas Mallick by Taliban: How world media covered it

WION’s correspondent Anas Mallick, who went missing for nearly 24 hours in Afghanistan, has safely returned to his native Pakistan after being abducted and assaulted by the ruling Taliban.&nbsp;

Mallick, who was reporting on the anniversary of the Taliban takeover of the war-torn country, reached&nbsp;his home in Islamabad on Friday (August 5) from Afghanistan’s capital Kabul. Anas has been reporting on Afghanistan developments for nearly five years for WION, including exclusive, on-the-ground coverage of the regime change last year. He has travelled the length and breadth of the country in the run-up to the Taliban takeover and the tense situation at Kabul airport and elsewhere in the country last August.

He had arrived in Kabul on Wednesday evening and the next morning, approached Afghanistan’s ministry of foreign affairs to get the due permissions and completed the necessary formalities for the same.&nbsp;

Anas also did extensive reporting on the United States’ claims that Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed in a drone strike in Kabul.

But he was picked up by the Taliban and was physically assaulted. When Anas went missing, WION worked with relevant authorities to secure his release.&nbsp;

After he landed in Islamabad, Anas revealed what exactly he went through.&nbsp;

<blockquote>
"Twenty-one hours of the ordeal have come to an end. I was picked up by what we know are the Taliban, in Kabul while we were filming general visuals. My crew was also with me when we were picked up," he said.&nbsp;

"I arrived in Kabul the day before, on the 3rd of August, to cover the one year anniversary (the Taliban takeover of Kabul) and how Afghanistan is now. Coincidentally, the killing of Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri also happened.&nbsp;

"We were duly accredited, we had all the press credentials and were filming general visuals when we were intercepted, taken out of the car... dragged off the car to be very precise. Our phones were taken away," he added.

"And then we were physically assaulted. My crew was assaulted and I was assaulted as well. After some while, we were shifted from the place where were intercepted to what we know is the intelligence unit of the Afghan-Taliban. We were handcuffed, blindfolded, and faced the wildest accusations and after that were questioned thoroughly on our journalistic credentials as well. Personal questions were also hurled at us. 
 
"Late in the evening yesterday, at around 9:30 (local time), I was moved into a room where I was told I will be allowed to walk free once the translator shows&nbsp;up.

"Then around 10:10 this morning (local time) in Kabul I was allowed to walk free. Dropped off to be precise with my press credentials still not with me. The accreditation and the permit letter are still not with me.

What is to be noted is the fact that the local producer and our driver are still being held by the Taliban. They said they will be releasing them soon, how soon, we still have no update on that."&nbsp; 
 
Earlier, Anas had reported exclusively from near the house in which Zawahiri was staying when he was killed in a US missile attack.
</blockquote>

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WION correspondent <a href="https://twitter.com/AnasMallick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnasMallick</a>, who went missing on Thursday evening in Kabul while on a reporting assignment in Afghanistan, recounts the 21-hour-long ordeal, and shares how he was physically assaulted while in the Taliban custody. <a href="https://twitter.com/NickHarperFSN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickHarperFSN</a> brings you this report <a href="https://t.co/Y75RFta2gr">pic.twitter.com/Y75RFta2gr</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1555569778848571394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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WION’s correspondent Anas Mallick, who went missing for nearly 24 hours in Afghanistan, has safely returned to his native Pakistan after being abducted and assaulted by the ruling Taliban.

WION’s correspondent Anas Mallick, who went missing for nearly 24 hours in Afghanistan, has safely returned to his native Pakistan after being abducted and assaulted by the ruling Taliban. Mallick, who was reporting on the anniversary of the Taliban takeover of the war-torn country, reached his home in Islamabad on Friday (August 5) from Afghanistan’s capital Kabul. Anas has been reporting on Afghanistan developments for nearly five years for WION, including exclusive, on-the-ground coverage of the regime change last year. He has travelled the length and breadth of the country in the run-up to the Taliban takeover and the tense situation at Kabul airport and elsewhere in the country last August. He had arrived in Kabul on Wednesday evening and the next morning, approached Afghanistan’s ministry of foreign affairs to get the due permissions and completed the necessary formalities for the same. Anas also did extensive reporting on the United States’ claims that Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed in a drone strike in Kabul. But he was picked up by the Taliban and was physically assaulted. When Anas went missing, WION worked with relevant authorities to secure his release. After he landed in Islamabad, Anas revealed what exactly he went through. "Twenty-one hours of the ordeal have come to an end. I was picked up by what we know are the Taliban, in Kabul while we were filming general visuals. My crew was also with me when we were picked up," he said. "I arrived in Kabul the day before, on the 3rd of August, to cover the one year anniversary (the Taliban takeover of Kabul) and how Afghanistan is now. Coincidentally, the killing of Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri also happened. "We were duly accredited, we had all the press credentials and were filming general visuals when we were intercepted, taken out of the car... dragged off the car to be very precise. Our phones were taken away," he added. "And then we were physically assaulted. My crew was assaulted and I was assaulted as well. After some while, we were shifted from the place where were intercepted to what we know is the intelligence unit of the Afghan-Taliban. We were handcuffed, blindfolded, and faced the wildest accusations and after that were questioned thoroughly on our journalistic credentials as well. Personal questions were also hurled at us. "Late in the evening yesterday, at around 9:30 (local time), I was moved into a room where I was told I will be allowed to walk free once the translator shows up. "Then around 10:10 this morning (local time) in Kabul I was allowed to walk free. Dropped off to be precise with my press credentials still not with me. The accreditation and the permit letter are still not with me. What is to be noted is the fact that the local producer and our driver are still being held by the Taliban. They said they will be releasing them soon, how soon, we still have no update on that." Earlier, Anas had reported exclusively from near the house in which Zawahiri was staying when he was killed in a US missile attack. WION correspondent @AnasMallick, who went missing on Thursday evening in Kabul while on a reporting assignment in Afghanistan, recounts the 21-hour-long ordeal, and shares how he was physically assaulted while in the Taliban custody. @NickHarperFSN brings you this report pic.twitter.com/Y75RFta2gr — WION (@WIONews) August 5, 2022 × WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WION correspondent who went missing in Afghanistan is safe, recalls his ordeal

WION's correspondent Anas Mallick and his team were abducted from the heart of Afghanistan's capital Kabul by the Taliban on Thursday. WION was in touch with relevant government authorities in News Delhi, Islamabad and Kabul to secure his safe release.&nbsp;

After facing physical and mental trauma, Anas was allowed to walk free and reached his home in Islamabad, Pakistan, safely on Friday. After landing in Pakistan, Anas told what he went through.&nbsp;

Besides sharing his traumatic experience of being detained and beaten up, Anas revealed that the local producer and driver are still being held by the Taliban. They said that they will be releasing them soon, but so far there are no updates, he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/wion-correspondent-anas-mallick-shows-torn-clothes-and-injuries-as-he-reveals-his-trauma-504109">WION correspondent Anas Mallick shows torn clothes and injuries as he reveals his trauma</a>&nbsp;

Watch this report&nbsp;

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Anas said: "Late in the evening yesterday, at around 9:30 (local time), I was moved into a room where I was told I will be allowed to walk free once the translator shows&nbsp;up."

"Then at around 10:10 this morning (local time) in Kabul I was set free. Dropped off, to be precise, with my press credentials still not with me. The accreditation and the permit letter are still not with me."

"What is to be noted is the fact that the local producer and our driver are still being held by the Taliban. They said they will be releasing them soon, how soon, we still have no update on that."&nbsp;

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WION's correspondent Anas Mallick and his team were abducted from the heart of Afghanistan's capital Kabul by the Taliban on Thursday. WION was in touch with relevant government authorities in News Delhi, Islamabad and Kabul to secure his safe release.

WION's correspondent Anas Mallick and his team were abducted from the heart of Afghanistan's capital Kabul by the Taliban on Thursday. WION was in touch with relevant government authorities in News Delhi, Islamabad and Kabul to secure his safe release. After facing physical and mental trauma, Anas was allowed to walk free and reached his home in Islamabad, Pakistan, safely on Friday. After landing in Pakistan, Anas told what he went through. Besides sharing his traumatic experience of being detained and beaten up, Anas revealed that the local producer and driver are still being held by the Taliban. They said that they will be releasing them soon, but so far there are no updates, he added. ALSO READ | WION correspondent Anas Mallick shows torn clothes and injuries as he reveals his trauma Watch this report × Anas said: "Late in the evening yesterday, at around 9:30 (local time), I was moved into a room where I was told I will be allowed to walk free once the translator shows up." "Then at around 10:10 this morning (local time) in Kabul I was set free. Dropped off, to be precise, with my press credentials still not with me. The accreditation and the permit letter are still not with me." "What is to be noted is the fact that the local producer and our driver are still being held by the Taliban. They said they will be releasing them soon, how soon, we still have no update on that." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WION's Anas Mallick abducted by Taliban: Local producer and driver still in captivity

WION correspondent Anas Mallick has safely returned back to his home in Islamabad. Anas went missing on Thursday evening in Kabul, a day after he had reached Afghanistan to cover the first anniversary of the Taliban’s takeover of the country.

WION's correspondent Anas Mallick returns home

Al-Qaeda chief and a key 9/11 mastermind Ayman Al-Zawahiri was killed in a US drone strike on the 30th of July, a drone flown by CIA found Zawahiri in the balcony of his Kabul safe house, the agency operatives fired the missile ending an over 20-year long hunt.

US, Taliban yet to release material evidence of Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri's death

More than two decades after destroying the&nbsp;Bamiyan Buddha statues in Afghanistan, the Taliban has now started construction work nearby the cliff, where the two giant statues once stood, to develop a tourism complex.&nbsp;

The terror outfit masquerading as the government of Afghanistan is looking to 'rebuild' a historic bazaar that was destroyed in 1990 when the civil war&nbsp;was at its peak in the country. Reportedly, the tourist complex will house guesthouses, restaurants, public toilets, parking as well as grocery and handicraft shops.&nbsp;

While the Taliban attempts to embrace modernity by building a new complex, some experts believe that the ruined bazaar itself is a historic site. Moreover, the bazaar could be sitting atop other ancient relics buried underneath it. Thus, by&nbsp;building new infrastructure, the Taliban may be doing a lot more damage to the site.&nbsp;

It is being reported that United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization or UNESCO, which has been working extensively at the Bamiyan site for decades hasn't been consulted for the project. The UN agency said in a statement:&nbsp;

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<h5>“Unesco has neither requested nor been associated with this project, which is located in the heart of the archaeological zone and could be problematic for the proper conservation of the world heritage site.”</h5>
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When the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan last year, it charged as much as $5 from the tourists trying to reach the place where the statues once stood and look at the holes.&nbsp;

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-demolished-ancient-buddha-statues-and-now-charge-tourists-5-to-watch-empty-holes-432664">Taliban demolished ancient Buddha statues and now charge tourists $5 to watch empty holes</a>

It is pertinent to note that the Bamiyan Buddhas were carved out of a stony cliffside in central Afghanistan's Bamyan Valley in the sixth century AD and stood around 180 feet tall for 1,400 years, until the Taliban blew them up with heavy explosives in 2001, just before the US invasion ended their brief reign over Afghanistan.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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More than two decades after destroying the Bamiyan Buddha statues in Afghanistan, the Taliban has now started construction work nearby the cliff, where the two giant statues once stood, to develop a tourism complex.

More than two decades after destroying the Bamiyan Buddha statues in Afghanistan, the Taliban has now started construction work nearby the cliff, where the two giant statues once stood, to develop a tourism complex. The terror outfit masquerading as the government of Afghanistan is looking to 'rebuild' a historic bazaar that was destroyed in 1990 when the civil war was at its peak in the country. Reportedly, the tourist complex will house guesthouses, restaurants, public toilets, parking as well as grocery and handicraft shops. While the Taliban attempts to embrace modernity by building a new complex, some experts believe that the ruined bazaar itself is a historic site. Moreover, the bazaar could be sitting atop other ancient relics buried underneath it. Thus, by building new infrastructure, the Taliban may be doing a lot more damage to the site. It is being reported that United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization or UNESCO, which has been working extensively at the Bamiyan site for decades hasn't been consulted for the project. The UN agency said in a statement: “Unesco has neither requested nor been associated with this project, which is located in the heart of the archaeological zone and could be problematic for the proper conservation of the world heritage site.” × When the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan last year, it charged as much as $5 from the tourists trying to reach the place where the statues once stood and look at the holes. Read More: Taliban demolished ancient Buddha statues and now charge tourists $5 to watch empty holes It is pertinent to note that the Bamiyan Buddhas were carved out of a stony cliffside in central Afghanistan's Bamyan Valley in the sixth century AD and stood around 180 feet tall for 1,400 years, until the Taliban blew them up with heavy explosives in 2001, just before the US invasion ended their brief reign over Afghanistan. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

After destroying the Bamiyan Buddha statues, Taliban attempts to destroy the historic bazaar nearby

Ever since the killing of Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri in Kabul by the United States, questions have been raised about Pakistan’s involvement in giving the country information about the terrorist’s whereabouts. Last week, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, the head of the Pakistani Army, asked the US for assistance to obtain an early loan from the IMF. Additionally, according to sources, he engaged in a telephone conversation with the US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, about his efforts to pull Pakistan out of the economic mess. The US feels that the Taliban has violated the deal signed between the two by giving shelter to the Al-Qaeda chief, ANI reported.

According to a report in the Times of Israel, experts believe that the White House may have used pressure methods and sought a trade-off with the country, the US supporting Pakistan during its financial crisis in exchange for Pakistan disclosing the information about the Al-Qaeda chief. Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) Michael Rubin observes that it is unclear from where the drone that fired the two missiles into the terrorist home flew. He further stated that it would be much clearer that Bajwa was involved in the killing if the drones that came from Pakistan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-condemn-zawahiri-killing-while-saudi-welcomes-the-move-502760">Here's how world is reacting to the killing of Al-Qaeda chief Zawahiri</a>

Michael argued that it’s time to make Pakistan deliver all of Al Qaeda’s assets immediately and abide by all FATF counterterrorism recommendations. He further stated that it is time that the Biden administration should use caution while allowing the South Asian country to profit from its continued support for terrorism.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-conducts-drone-strike-in-afghanistan-kills-al-qaeda-chief-ayman-al-zawahiri-report-502737">US kills Al-Qaeda terror group chief Ayman al-Zawahiri in Afghanistan drone strike</a>

Since June 2018, Pakistan has been included in the ‘grey list' of countries with weak anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing policies by the Paris-based global watchdog.

Pakistan’s imports, exports, remittances, and restricted access to foreign credit have all suffered due to being added to the grey list. The country was added to the list as it was unsuccessful in implementing the worldwide standards and has made little effort in the investigation and prosecution of leaders of terrorist groups designated by the UN.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ever since the killing of Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri in Kabul by the United States, questions have been raised about Pakistan’s involvement in giving the country information about the terrorist’s whereabouts.

Ever since the killing of Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri in Kabul by the United States, questions have been raised about Pakistan’s involvement in giving the country information about the terrorist’s whereabouts. Last week, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, the head of the Pakistani Army, asked the US for assistance to obtain an early loan from the IMF. Additionally, according to sources, he engaged in a telephone conversation with the US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, about his efforts to pull Pakistan out of the economic mess. The US feels that the Taliban has violated the deal signed between the two by giving shelter to the Al-Qaeda chief, ANI reported. According to a report in the Times of Israel, experts believe that the White House may have used pressure methods and sought a trade-off with the country, the US supporting Pakistan during its financial crisis in exchange for Pakistan disclosing the information about the Al-Qaeda chief. Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) Michael Rubin observes that it is unclear from where the drone that fired the two missiles into the terrorist home flew. He further stated that it would be much clearer that Bajwa was involved in the killing if the drones that came from Pakistan. Also read | Here's how world is reacting to the killing of Al-Qaeda chief Zawahiri Michael argued that it’s time to make Pakistan deliver all of Al Qaeda’s assets immediately and abide by all FATF counterterrorism recommendations. He further stated that it is time that the Biden administration should use caution while allowing the South Asian country to profit from its continued support for terrorism. Also read | US kills Al-Qaeda terror group chief Ayman al-Zawahiri in Afghanistan drone strike Since June 2018, Pakistan has been included in the ‘grey list' of countries with weak anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing policies by the Paris-based global watchdog. Pakistan’s imports, exports, remittances, and restricted access to foreign credit have all suffered due to being added to the grey list. The country was added to the list as it was unsuccessful in implementing the worldwide standards and has made little effort in the investigation and prosecution of leaders of terrorist groups designated by the UN. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan might have given info about Zawahiri to get money from US: Report

The Taliban have condemned the US drone strike in Kabul city over the weekend that killed al Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri.

Without naming Zawahiri, the militant organisation said that the attack goes against “international principles" and the 2020 agreement on a US troop withdrawal.

“An air strike was carried out on a residential house in Sherpur area of Kabul city. The nature of the incident was not revealed at first,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement published on Twitter.

“The security and intelligence agencies of the Islamic Emirate investigated the incident and found that the attack was carried out by American drones. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan strongly condemns this attack on any pretext and calls it a clear violation of international principles and the Doha Agreement,” he said.

“Such actions are a repetition of the failed experiences of the past 20 years and are against the interests of the United States of America, Afghanistan and the region. Repeating such actions will damage the available opportunities,” the spokesman added.

Saudi's reaction

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia welcomed the announcement of Zawahiri killing.

"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomed the announcement by US President Joe Biden of the targeting and killing of the terrorist leader of Al-Qaeda Ayman Al-Zawahiri," the foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

US President on Monday evening announced that the CIA had carried out the drone strike over the weekend and killed Zawahiri.

What did Obama say?

Former US president Barack Obama on Monday welcomed the killing of al-Zawahiri.

Taking to Twitter Obama said, "More than 20 years after 9/11, one of the masterminds of that terrorist attack and Osama bin Laden's successor as the leader of al-Qaeda – Ayman al-Zawahiri – has finally been brought to justice."

"It's a tribute to President Biden's leadership, to the members of the intelligence community who have been working for decades for this moment, and to the counterterrorism professionals who were able to take al-Zawahiri out without a single civilian casualty.

"Tonight's news is also proof that it's possible to root out terrorism without being at war in Afghanistan. And I hope it provides a small measure of peace to the 9/11 families and everyone else who has suffered at the hands of al-Qaeda," the former US President added.

Australia

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Tuesday that the thoughts of Australians were with the families of all the victims of Ayman al-Zawahri's "acts of terror".

"May they find some small solace in the knowledge that he cannot cause more grief through his acts of terror, and let terrorists see that Afghanistan will never, ever be a safe haven for their hatred, their terrorism and their attacks on our humanity," Albanese told parliament on Tuesday.

According to CNN, the US undertook "a precision counterterrorism operation" targeting Zawahiri, who was sheltering in a safehouse in Kabul, a senior administration told reporters Monday.

According to the official, "a precise tailored airstrike" using two hellfire missiles was conducted at 9:48 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 30 at 6:18 am (Kabul time), through an unmanned air strike.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-conducts-drone-strike-in-afghanistan-kills-al-qaeda-chief-ayman-al-zawahiri-report-502737" hreflang="en">Al Qaeda leader Zawahiri killed in U.S. strike in Afghanistan, says Biden</a>

It was authorised by Biden following weeks of meetings with his cabinet and key advisers. No American personnel were on the ground in Kabul at the time of the strike.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-ayman-al-zawahiri-the-al-qaeda-chief-killed-by-us-strike-502755" hreflang="en">Who is Ayman al-Zawahiri, the al Qaeda chief killed by US strike?</a>

Though clear details are yet to emerge, photos of the alleged safehouse in Kabul where Zawahiri was said to have resided emerged on social media.

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Am told this was one of the homes hit. Photo of a drone shared with me, hard to confirm. <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKermani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKermani</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SYSSFZ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SYSSFZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/OgLqYGQhTC">https://t.co/OgLqYGQhTC</a> <a href="https://t.co/739piS5Gs4">pic.twitter.com/739piS5Gs4</a>
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WION could not independently verify the authenticity of these photos.

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The Taliban have condemned the US drone strike in Kabul city over the weekend that killed al Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri. Without naming Zawahiri, the militant organisation said that the attack goes against “international principles" and the 2020 agreement on a US troop withdrawal.

The Taliban have condemned the US drone strike in Kabul city over the weekend that killed al Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri. Without naming Zawahiri, the militant organisation said that the attack goes against “international principles" and the 2020 agreement on a US troop withdrawal. “An air strike was carried out on a residential house in Sherpur area of Kabul city. The nature of the incident was not revealed at first,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement published on Twitter. “The security and intelligence agencies of the Islamic Emirate investigated the incident and found that the attack was carried out by American drones. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan strongly condemns this attack on any pretext and calls it a clear violation of international principles and the Doha Agreement,” he said. “Such actions are a repetition of the failed experiences of the past 20 years and are against the interests of the United States of America, Afghanistan and the region. Repeating such actions will damage the available opportunities,” the spokesman added. Saudi's reaction Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia welcomed the announcement of Zawahiri killing. "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomed the announcement by US President Joe Biden of the targeting and killing of the terrorist leader of Al-Qaeda Ayman Al-Zawahiri," the foreign ministry said on Tuesday. US President on Monday evening announced that the CIA had carried out the drone strike over the weekend and killed Zawahiri. What did Obama say? Former US president Barack Obama on Monday welcomed the killing of al-Zawahiri. Taking to Twitter Obama said, "More than 20 years after 9/11, one of the masterminds of that terrorist attack and Osama bin Laden's successor as the leader of al-Qaeda – Ayman al-Zawahiri – has finally been brought to justice." "It's a tribute to President Biden's leadership, to the members of the intelligence community who have been working for decades for this moment, and to the counterterrorism professionals who were able to take al-Zawahiri out without a single civilian casualty. "Tonight's news is also proof that it's possible to root out terrorism without being at war in Afghanistan. And I hope it provides a small measure of peace to the 9/11 families and everyone else who has suffered at the hands of al-Qaeda," the former US President added. Australia Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Tuesday that the thoughts of Australians were with the families of all the victims of Ayman al-Zawahri's "acts of terror". "May they find some small solace in the knowledge that he cannot cause more grief through his acts of terror, and let terrorists see that Afghanistan will never, ever be a safe haven for their hatred, their terrorism and their attacks on our humanity," Albanese told parliament on Tuesday. According to CNN, the US undertook "a precision counterterrorism operation" targeting Zawahiri, who was sheltering in a safehouse in Kabul, a senior administration told reporters Monday. According to the official, "a precise tailored airstrike" using two hellfire missiles was conducted at 9:48 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 30 at 6:18 am (Kabul time), through an unmanned air strike. Also read | Al Qaeda leader Zawahiri killed in U.S. strike in Afghanistan, says Biden It was authorised by Biden following weeks of meetings with his cabinet and key advisers. No American personnel were on the ground in Kabul at the time of the strike. Also read | Who is Ayman al-Zawahiri, the al Qaeda chief killed by US strike? Though clear details are yet to emerge, photos of the alleged safehouse in Kabul where Zawahiri was said to have resided emerged on social media. Am told this was one of the homes hit. Photo of a drone shared with me, hard to confirm. @SecKermani @SYSSFZ https://t.co/OgLqYGQhTC pic.twitter.com/739piS5Gs4 — BILAL SARWARY (@bsarwary) July 31, 2022 × WION could not independently verify the authenticity of these photos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Here's how world is reacting to the killing of Al-Qaeda chief Zawahiri

In the biggest blow to the Al-Qaeda group since its founder Osama bin Laden was killed in 2011, United States has now confirmed that they have killed Al-Qaeda leader and Bin Laden's successor Ayman Al-Zawahiri. The Al-Qaeda supremo was killed in a US airstrike in Afghanistan on Sunday. While delivering his speech at the White House, US President Joe Biden stated that Justice has now delivered.

Ayman Al-Zawahiri killed in Afghanistan | Blinken says Taliban 'grossly' violated Doha agreement

Iranian border guards clashed Sunday with the Afghan Taliban, Iranian media reported, the latest cross-border exchange since the former insurgents seized power in neighbouring Afghanistan a year ago.

The official IRNA news agency quoted Meisam Barazandeh, governor of the border country of Hirmand in eastern Iran, as saying that the incident is under investigation. He did not provide details about the clash or report any casualties.

There was no immediate comment from the Taliban.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-landslides-floods-triggered-by-heavy-rains-kill-at-least-53-people-501911">Iran: Landslides, floods triggered by heavy rains kill at least 53 people</a>

Iran's semiofficial Tasnim news agency, which is close to Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard, said the Taliban opened fire on houses on the eastern edge of the county, in the area of Shoqalak, across the border from Afghanistan's Nimruz province.

The report also said that Taliban forces tried to raise the Taliban flag in an area that is not part of the territory of Afghanistan and that after the exchange, calm returned.

Tasnim later quoted Majid Mirahmadi, the country's deputy interior minister, as saying the Taliban first opened fire on Iranian guards, forcing them to return fire until the exchange subsided when the Iranian guards brought the situation under control.

The exchange lasted for an hour and a half and ended early on Sunday afternoon.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-executes-three-women-including-former-child-bride-amnesty-slams-authorities-501701">Iran executes three women, including former child bride; Amnesty slams authorities</a>

Mirahmadi said a similar clash took place on Saturday because the Taliban do not respect the "geographical and official border" between the two countries.

Clashes have repeatedly erupted between Iranian security forces and Afghan Taliban forces at&nbsp;various spots along the border since the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan last August. The exchanges of fire are often over local issues such as disputes over farmland, water or smuggling, and usually end quickly.

In some of the worst clashes, last December, the Afghan Taliban seized several checkpoints on the Iranian side but soon withdrew, and both sides called the incident a 'misunderstanding.'

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Iranian border guards clashed Sunday with the Afghan Taliban, Iranian media reported, the latest cross-border exchange since the former insurgents seized power in neighbouring Afghanistan a year ago.

Iranian border guards clashed Sunday with the Afghan Taliban, Iranian media reported, the latest cross-border exchange since the former insurgents seized power in neighbouring Afghanistan a year ago. The official IRNA news agency quoted Meisam Barazandeh, governor of the border country of Hirmand in eastern Iran, as saying that the incident is under investigation. He did not provide details about the clash or report any casualties. There was no immediate comment from the Taliban. Also read | Iran: Landslides, floods triggered by heavy rains kill at least 53 people Iran's semiofficial Tasnim news agency, which is close to Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard, said the Taliban opened fire on houses on the eastern edge of the county, in the area of Shoqalak, across the border from Afghanistan's Nimruz province. The report also said that Taliban forces tried to raise the Taliban flag in an area that is not part of the territory of Afghanistan and that after the exchange, calm returned. Tasnim later quoted Majid Mirahmadi, the country's deputy interior minister, as saying the Taliban first opened fire on Iranian guards, forcing them to return fire until the exchange subsided when the Iranian guards brought the situation under control. The exchange lasted for an hour and a half and ended early on Sunday afternoon. Also read | Iran executes three women, including former child bride; Amnesty slams authorities Mirahmadi said a similar clash took place on Saturday because the Taliban do not respect the "geographical and official border" between the two countries. Clashes have repeatedly erupted between Iranian security forces and Afghan Taliban forces at various spots along the border since the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan last August. The exchanges of fire are often over local issues such as disputes over farmland, water or smuggling, and usually end quickly. In some of the worst clashes, last December, the Afghan Taliban seized several checkpoints on the Iranian side but soon withdrew, and both sides called the incident a 'misunderstanding.' WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran says border guards have clashed with Afghan Taliban

Although women never enjoyed their basic rights fully in the recent decades of Afghanistan’s history, the Taliban have extended this inequality and suppression to the maximum extent. It has been more than 300 days that secondary school girls have been prohibited to attend school in Afghanistan. In the same way, the Taliban have shackled many women, who were even the sole breadwinners of families, from going to work and earning money.

Many other restrictions, like the travel ban, forcing hijab-wearing, and prevention of protests are imposed on women all over Afghanistan. All these limitations are instituted in a country where massive poverty, drought, committing suicide, and infectious diseases agonise it overwhelmingly. Nevertheless, observing the Taliban’s susceptibilities, we perceive that their inhumane obstacles and human rights violations not only do not come to an end but rather are expanded day by day.&nbsp;

Considering the above preamble, we ask ourselves why the Taliban and other religious fundamentalist groups have such a position toward women? Where are the roots of this idea? Why does the instrumental view of women not end?&nbsp;

In order to answer the above questions, there is no way but to examine their doctrinal roots. And since a long discussion is beyond the scope of this text, we will recall and explain some brief premises.&nbsp;

Imam Mohammad Ghazali, one of the greatest Muslim scholars, and philosophers determined his stance regarding women and says: The most convincing and solid statement about marriage is that marriage is a form of slavery. A woman is a man's slave, and therefore a woman's duty and responsibility is to obey her husband and respond to his every wish. As the Prophet of Islam himself said, a woman who has satisfied her husband until the time of her death, will go to heaven. &nbsp;(Imam Mohammad Ghazali, Ihya-ul-Alum-uddin, Volume 2, p. 64) … Likewise, Ghazali in Kimiai Saadat says: It is better for women to spin yarn at home, not to call their husband anything but good, and to wear hijab from their husband's acquaintances.&nbsp;

Relying on a kind of religious thought, the Taliban tries to manage all aspects of life, including the education of women, from a certain viewpoint. In this way of thinking, any diversity, including sexual diversity, cannot flourish and realize. They want to build a society based on male authority. Therefore, a kind of patriarchal tendency and insistence on the adaptation of religion-oriented values ​​has been observed in their actions and reactions.&nbsp;

Most philosophers of religion believe that all religions were invented and continued to exist as male-centric. The centrality of men can be examined in the sequence of prophets and religious elites. If we accept this view, we will have a clearer understanding of the Taliban's mentality as a religious-based group in their approach to women.&nbsp;

If we consider religion as a phenomenon, men benefit from the potential pleasure and central position. The Taliban as a religious group are an accurate example to clarify this speculation. The Taliban have appointed an acting government that does not even include a woman. If we assume the inclusion of a woman in this cabinet, at least the consequence of it, according to the Taliban, is moral corruption, the spread of prostitution, and the disrespect of men.&nbsp;

Hannah Arendt, the German philosopher, says: "I am a philosopher, but others don't consider me a philosopher." Indeed, she is considered one of the serious political philosophers of the 20th century; but it was men who thought Arendt’s dignity was lower than being a philosopher because of her being a woman. Not only religious knowledge and philosophy, but basically the production and reproduction of all knowledge and techniques have been monopolized by men since the beginning, and its interpretation has been done in a misogynistic way.&nbsp;

Is there hope?&nbsp;

The author thinks the Taliban still haven't gotten rid of the male-oriented and monopolistic view about freedom, science, education, and society management. According to him, the prevailing view of women is superficial, instrumental, gendered, and dualistic. A duality that considers men to be superior, and women to be inferior. This attitude is a kind of commodity vision of human beings. Like more valuable and less valuable goods. And in this thinking attitude, the woman takes second place. The consequences resulting from this perspective lead to moral degeneration, and the collapse of social norms. As minimum aftermath, it won't be long before a society devoid of moral ideals will emerge, it will overflow and the rapid current will drown it all.&nbsp;

(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.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Although women never enjoyed their basic rights fully in the recent decades of Afghanistan’s history, the Taliban have extended this inequality and suppression to the maximum extent.

Although women never enjoyed their basic rights fully in the recent decades of Afghanistan’s history, the Taliban have extended this inequality and suppression to the maximum extent. It has been more than 300 days that secondary school girls have been prohibited to attend school in Afghanistan. In the same way, the Taliban have shackled many women, who were even the sole breadwinners of families, from going to work and earning money. Many other restrictions, like the travel ban, forcing hijab-wearing, and prevention of protests are imposed on women all over Afghanistan. All these limitations are instituted in a country where massive poverty, drought, committing suicide, and infectious diseases agonise it overwhelmingly. Nevertheless, observing the Taliban’s susceptibilities, we perceive that their inhumane obstacles and human rights violations not only do not come to an end but rather are expanded day by day. Considering the above preamble, we ask ourselves why the Taliban and other religious fundamentalist groups have such a position toward women? Where are the roots of this idea? Why does the instrumental view of women not end? In order to answer the above questions, there is no way but to examine their doctrinal roots. And since a long discussion is beyond the scope of this text, we will recall and explain some brief premises. Imam Mohammad Ghazali, one of the greatest Muslim scholars, and philosophers determined his stance regarding women and says: The most convincing and solid statement about marriage is that marriage is a form of slavery. A woman is a man's slave, and therefore a woman's duty and responsibility is to obey her husband and respond to his every wish. As the Prophet of Islam himself said, a woman who has satisfied her husband until the time of her death, will go to heaven. (Imam Mohammad Ghazali, Ihya-ul-Alum-uddin, Volume 2, p. 64) … Likewise, Ghazali in Kimiai Saadat says: It is better for women to spin yarn at home, not to call their husband anything but good, and to wear hijab from their husband's acquaintances. Relying on a kind of religious thought, the Taliban tries to manage all aspects of life, including the education of women, from a certain viewpoint. In this way of thinking, any diversity, including sexual diversity, cannot flourish and realize. They want to build a society based on male authority. Therefore, a kind of patriarchal tendency and insistence on the adaptation of religion-oriented values has been observed in their actions and reactions. Most philosophers of religion believe that all religions were invented and continued to exist as male-centric. The centrality of men can be examined in the sequence of prophets and religious elites. If we accept this view, we will have a clearer understanding of the Taliban's mentality as a religious-based group in their approach to women. If we consider religion as a phenomenon, men benefit from the potential pleasure and central position. The Taliban as a religious group are an accurate example to clarify this speculation. The Taliban have appointed an acting government that does not even include a woman. If we assume the inclusion of a woman in this cabinet, at least the consequence of it, according to the Taliban, is moral corruption, the spread of prostitution, and the disrespect of men. Hannah Arendt, the German philosopher, says: "I am a philosopher, but others don't consider me a philosopher." Indeed, she is considered one of the serious political philosophers of the 20th century; but it was men who thought Arendt’s dignity was lower than being a philosopher because of her being a woman. Not only religious knowledge and philosophy, but basically the production and reproduction of all knowledge and techniques have been monopolized by men since the beginning, and its interpretation has been done in a misogynistic way. Is there hope? The author thinks the Taliban still haven't gotten rid of the male-oriented and monopolistic view about freedom, science, education, and society management. According to him, the prevailing view of women is superficial, instrumental, gendered, and dualistic. A duality that considers men to be superior, and women to be inferior. This attitude is a kind of commodity vision of human beings. Like more valuable and less valuable goods. And in this thinking attitude, the woman takes second place. The consequences resulting from this perspective lead to moral degeneration, and the collapse of social norms. As minimum aftermath, it won't be long before a society devoid of moral ideals will emerge, it will overflow and the rapid current will drown it all. (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.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Opinion: The fate of women in the scope of Taliban ideology

The Taliban exhorted the country's minorities—Hindus and Sikhs—to return, claiming that the security situation in Afghanistan had been resolved. The claim was made during a July 24 meeting between Dr Mullah Abdul Wasi, Director General of the Taliban's Office of the Minister of State, and numerous members of the Afghan Hindu and Sikh Council, and a tweet from the Afghan Army Chief of Staff Office. Wasi informed all Indian and Sikh compatriots who left the nation owing to security issues that they can now return to Afghanistan as security has been created in the country during a meeting with a group of Hindu and Sikh leaders in Kabul.

According to a Taliban statement, Sikh officials congratulated the Taliban for stopping an attack on a Gurdwara in Kabul by the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). On June 18, the Karte Parwan Gurdwara in Kabul was assaulted by the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). Two persons died in the terrible attack, one of whom was a Sikh. Approximately 25 to 30 individuals were inside the gurdwara compound for their morning prayers when the attackers arrived, according to sources. Approximately 10 to 15 individuals were able to flee, but Ahmad, the gurdwara's guard, was killed by the attackers.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/economic-revival-hope-after-russia-ukraine-grain-deal-crashes-as-russia-cuts-gas-supply-to-europe-500669">Economic revival hope fails after Russia-Ukraine grain deal crashes as Russia cuts gas supply to Europe</a>

Violence has been directed at Afghanistan's religious minorities, notably the Sikh community. 15 to 20 militants broke into a Gurdwara in Kabul's Kart-e-Parwan District in October of last year and bound the guards. A horrific attack at the Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Gurudwara in Kabul's Short Bazaar neighbourhood in March 2020 resulted in the deaths of 27 Sikhs and the injuries of several others. Terrorists from the Islamic State took credit for the assault.

(with inputs from agencies)

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The Taliban exhorted the country's minorities—Hindus and Sikhs—to return, claiming that the security situation in Afghanistan had been resolved. The claim was made during a July 24 meeting between Dr Mullah Abdul Wasi, Director General of the Taliban's Office of the Minister of State, and numerous members of the Afghan Hindu and Sikh Council, and a tweet from the Afghan Army Chief of Staff Office.

The Taliban exhorted the country's minorities—Hindus and Sikhs—to return, claiming that the security situation in Afghanistan had been resolved. The claim was made during a July 24 meeting between Dr Mullah Abdul Wasi, Director General of the Taliban's Office of the Minister of State, and numerous members of the Afghan Hindu and Sikh Council, and a tweet from the Afghan Army Chief of Staff Office. Wasi informed all Indian and Sikh compatriots who left the nation owing to security issues that they can now return to Afghanistan as security has been created in the country during a meeting with a group of Hindu and Sikh leaders in Kabul. According to a Taliban statement, Sikh officials congratulated the Taliban for stopping an attack on a Gurdwara in Kabul by the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). On June 18, the Karte Parwan Gurdwara in Kabul was assaulted by the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). Two persons died in the terrible attack, one of whom was a Sikh. Approximately 25 to 30 individuals were inside the gurdwara compound for their morning prayers when the attackers arrived, according to sources. Approximately 10 to 15 individuals were able to flee, but Ahmad, the gurdwara's guard, was killed by the attackers. Also Read: Economic revival hope fails after Russia-Ukraine grain deal crashes as Russia cuts gas supply to Europe Violence has been directed at Afghanistan's religious minorities, notably the Sikh community. 15 to 20 militants broke into a Gurdwara in Kabul's Kart-e-Parwan District in October of last year and bound the guards. A horrific attack at the Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Gurudwara in Kabul's Short Bazaar neighbourhood in March 2020 resulted in the deaths of 27 Sikhs and the injuries of several others. Terrorists from the Islamic State took credit for the assault. (with inputs from agencies)

Taliban urge Hindus, Sikhs to return, claim Afghanistan security situation is fine now

After the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, it’s been more than 300 days since the time schools for girls were shut. However, on Saturday (June 23), a foreign ministry spokesman, Qahar Balkhi during an interview with CGTN said, “this suspension is a temporary suspension, and it is not a permanent ban, it has never been called a ban.” As per Tolo News, in defense of the Taliban, the speaker claimed that the closure of schools for girls was due to the conservative attitudes of the majority of Afghans towards women and education. The leader further continued that they are working to find a mutual solution, ANI reported.<o:p></o:p>

As per Balki, the main reason behind the decision was extremely rigid views on women and their capabilities that the majority of the society holds and that the government is attempting to adopt a gradual approach.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-issue-new-diktat-vow-to-punish-those-who-criticise-islamic-emirate-499988">Taliban issue&nbsp;new diktat, vow&nbsp;to punish those who criticise ‘Islamic Emirate’</a>

<o:p></o:p>

Fariah, a student questioned, “When women are not allowed to see a namhram, then who should treat a woman when she gets sick?”<o:p></o:p>

Another student said, “It is very disappointing and we ask the Islamic Emirate to reopen our schools," said a student.”

<o:p>Watch | Taliban releases Australian Journalist O'Donnell after apology; O'Donnell was detained for her reporting&nbsp;</o:p>

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There is no other option for the government to create a progressive society other than education and community engagement, said Waheeda, a university lecturer. <o:p></o:p>

Girls who have been unable to attend school for more than eleven months are pleading to reopen the schools for them. The Taliban government in Afghanistan received harsh criticism from all over the world for issuing a decision to prohibit girls from attending education past sixth grade.

<o:p>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghan-youtuber-assaulted-for-fun-by-taliban-terrorists-499980">Afghan YouTuber assaulted for fun by Taliban terrorists&nbsp;&nbsp;</a></o:p>

As per United Nations Assistance Mission Afghanistan (UNAMA), women before the Taliban takeover participated in all facets of public and daily life such as education and the workforce. After the Taliban’s decision, girls weren’t allowed to return to secondary schools, abstaining women from completing 12 years of basic education.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from agecnies)

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<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

After the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, it’s been more than 300 days since the time schools for girls were shut. However, on Saturday (June 23), a foreign ministry spokesman, Qahar Balkhi during an interview with CGTN said, “this suspension is a temporary suspension, and it is not a permanent ban, it has never been called a ban.

After the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, it’s been more than 300 days since the time schools for girls were shut. However, on Saturday (June 23), a foreign ministry spokesman, Qahar Balkhi during an interview with CGTN said, “this suspension is a temporary suspension, and it is not a permanent ban, it has never been called a ban.” As per Tolo News, in defense of the Taliban, the speaker claimed that the closure of schools for girls was due to the conservative attitudes of the majority of Afghans towards women and education. The leader further continued that they are working to find a mutual solution, ANI reported. As per Balki, the main reason behind the decision was extremely rigid views on women and their capabilities that the majority of the society holds and that the government is attempting to adopt a gradual approach. Also read | Taliban issue new diktat, vow to punish those who criticise ‘Islamic Emirate’ Fariah, a student questioned, “When women are not allowed to see a namhram, then who should treat a woman when she gets sick?” Another student said, “It is very disappointing and we ask the Islamic Emirate to reopen our schools," said a student.” Watch | Taliban releases Australian Journalist O'Donnell after apology; O'Donnell was detained for her reporting There is no other option for the government to create a progressive society other than education and community engagement, said Waheeda, a university lecturer. Girls who have been unable to attend school for more than eleven months are pleading to reopen the schools for them. The Taliban government in Afghanistan received harsh criticism from all over the world for issuing a decision to prohibit girls from attending education past sixth grade. Also read | Afghan YouTuber assaulted for fun by Taliban terrorists As per United Nations Assistance Mission Afghanistan (UNAMA), women before the Taliban takeover participated in all facets of public and daily life such as education and the workforce. After the Taliban’s decision, girls weren’t allowed to return to secondary schools, abstaining women from completing 12 years of basic education. (With inputs from agecnies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Closure of girl’s school in Afghanistan temporary, not permanent, says Taliban

Taliban in Afghanistan has finally released Australian Journalist O'Donnell after an apology. She was detained for her reporting.

Taliban releases Australian Journalist O'Donnell after apology; O'Donnell was detained for her reporting

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