Under the Taliban's new interim government, Afghanistan has woken up to a new order. The leadership had promised to be for the people, inclusive, representative. But recent reports coming out from Kabul and other parts of Afghanistan are suggesting the opposite.

Taliban begins governance over Afghanistan

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In the Taliban's latest crackdown on dissent in Afghanistan, gunmen used whips and sticks against a group of women protesting in Kabul on Wednesday following the announcement of a hardline, male-only interim government, according to CNN.

"Long live the women of Afghanistan," the women chant in videos and photographs obtained by CNN.

"No government can deny the presence of women," several signs read, and "I will chant freedom over and over."

According to witnesses, the Taliban also assaulted journalists covering the demonstration.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-brutally-flog-and-torture-afghan-journalists-for-covering-womens-protests-411832">Also read | Taliban brutally flog and torture Afghan journalists for covering women's protests</a> 
 
One woman at Wednesday's protest said, "We have gathered here to protest the recent announcement of the government where there is no woman representation in this government." 
 
She claimed that a handful of the demonstrators were armed "They threatened us with whippings and urged us to return home and recognise and accept the Emirate.

Why should we accept the Emirate when we haven't been included or granted any rights?"

She was holding a banner that read, "A cabinet without women is a loser, a loser." as she talked.

According to Ariana News, the women urged the Taliban to keep their promises made in the past to protect women's rights.

Protesters also demanded that women be appointed to high-ranking government jobs.

"We are not the women of the past. We demand that our rights be respected. We were confronted with violence yesterday, but we will continue to struggle "Another activist, Diba Farahmand, agreed.&nbsp;

In the announcement of the interim "Islamic Emirate" government on Tuesday, no women, religious minorities, or members of Afghanistan's deposed leadership were named to acting cabinet positions or advisory responsibilities.

Many Taliban individuals who are regarded as hardliners are among the cabinet members.

Members of the group's old guard dominated the list released by main spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund was named Prime Minister, with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and Molavi Abdul Salam Hanafi as his deputies.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the Taliban's latest crackdown on dissent in Afghanistan, gunmen used whips and sticks against a group of women protesting in Kabul on Wednesday following the announcement of a hardline, male-only interim government, according to CNN.

In the Taliban's latest crackdown on dissent in Afghanistan, gunmen used whips and sticks against a group of women protesting in Kabul on Wednesday following the announcement of a hardline, male-only interim government, according to CNN. "Long live the women of Afghanistan," the women chant in videos and photographs obtained by CNN. "No government can deny the presence of women," several signs read, and "I will chant freedom over and over." According to witnesses, the Taliban also assaulted journalists covering the demonstration. Also read | Taliban brutally flog and torture Afghan journalists for covering women's protests One woman at Wednesday's protest said, "We have gathered here to protest the recent announcement of the government where there is no woman representation in this government." She claimed that a handful of the demonstrators were armed "They threatened us with whippings and urged us to return home and recognise and accept the Emirate. Why should we accept the Emirate when we haven't been included or granted any rights?" She was holding a banner that read, "A cabinet without women is a loser, a loser." as she talked. According to Ariana News, the women urged the Taliban to keep their promises made in the past to protect women's rights. Protesters also demanded that women be appointed to high-ranking government jobs. "We are not the women of the past. We demand that our rights be respected. We were confronted with violence yesterday, but we will continue to struggle "Another activist, Diba Farahmand, agreed. In the announcement of the interim "Islamic Emirate" government on Tuesday, no women, religious minorities, or members of Afghanistan's deposed leadership were named to acting cabinet positions or advisory responsibilities. Many Taliban individuals who are regarded as hardliners are among the cabinet members. Members of the group's old guard dominated the list released by main spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund was named Prime Minister, with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and Molavi Abdul Salam Hanafi as his deputies. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban use whips and sticks on Afghan women protesting the all-male government

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The new Taliban government in Afghanistan has formally taken office and began to work restoring and repairing the war-torn country.

Afghanistan: Interim government begins work amid protests

Taliban faces challenge to find balance between hardline & moderate rule

The Taliban are putting China in charge of rebuilding post-war Afghanistan. They want to join Beijing's Belt & Road Initiative. Will China get sucked into the Afghan churn? Will it be next in the graveyard of empires? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Taliban expresses 'desire' to join China's belt & road

As world leaders debate whether to accept Afghan refugees, Kosovo's president Vjosa Osmani says helping Afghan refugees is her moral obligation. Here's a snippet of Palki Sharma's exclusive conversation with the president - herself a former refugee.

Gravitas: Kosovo President to WION: "Proud to help Afghans"

17 out of the Taliban's 33 ministers are sanctioned by the United Nations. Their Interior Minister is one of the most dreaded terrorists in the world. Palki Sharma brings you the key players of the Taliban regime.

Gravitas: The key players in Taliban's cabinet

The Taliban's new cabinet is all-male, almost entirely Pashtun & composed of sanctioned terror suspects. What happened to their promise of inclusivity? Why was the Ministry of Women affairs removed? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Ministry of women missing in Taliban's all-male regime

Antony Blinken visited Germany to discuss a joint strategy on how to engage with the Taliban. Will the US embrace, arrest or ignore the blacklisted ministers? What is the cost of America's 'pragmatic' engagement? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: How will US deal with blacklisted Taliban ministers?

The Taliban have reinstated the virtue and vice ministry. It was the most feared and hated ministry during the Taliban's last regime. Its forces would beat women in public, stone them. Palki Sharma tells you all about it.

Gravitas: Afghanistan's virtue and vice ministry

The Australian High Commissioner Barry O'Farrell has expressed "deep disappointment" over "lack of inclusiveness" when it comes to Taliban announcement on the new government in Afghanistan.

Taliban, on Tuesday, announced a 33-member government, which is being led by Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund and two deputies — Maulavi Abdul Salam Hanafi and Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. Out of these 33, 17 names that have been announced are on the United Nation's terror list.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-should-ensure-afghan-soil-is-not-used-to-spread-terrorism-india-to-russia-411696">Pak should ensure Afghan soil is not used to spread terrorism: India to Russia</a>

"Australia is deeply disappointed by the lack of inclusion in the new govt's make up particularly there are no women, no representation from Hazara community, no ethnic minorities, no members of the former govt, it includes 2 members of Haqqani. Haqqani network which as we know is a terrorist organization,"&nbsp;Barry O'Farrell said.&nbsp;

Kabul fell to Taliban on August 15 and since then heartbreaking visuals have emerged of people as Afghans and foreigners have been trying to leave the country. A resistance is also taking shape in Panjshir, which is still not under complete Taliban control, even though the group has claimed otherwise.

Barry O'Farrell said, his country is "consulting our closest partners in ensuring a joint approach in the engagement with the Taliban". He also said the focus is that "Taliban ensures safe passage" to those who want to leave "cease violence, peruses an inclusive govt, prevents violent extremism within Afghanistan, prevents outward terrorism from Afghanistan, pursues an inclusive government, prevents growth of extremism within Afghanistan, prevents terrorism from Afghanistan and upholds human rights, particularly of women and girls", adding "we will judge the govt of Afghanistan by its action and shape engagement with Taliban."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/afghan-crisis-to-shadow-brics-summit-chaired-by-india-on-thursday-411702" hreflang="en">Afghan crisis to shadow BRICS summit chaired by India on Thursday</a>

The worry over Afghanistan becoming a safe haven for international terrorists has been raised by several countries. India has specifically warned that the territory might be used by Pakistan-based international terror groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and lashkar-e-taiba (LeT).

These comments by the Australian envoy come&nbsp;just a day before Australian foreign and defense ministers land in Delhi for the first India-Australia 2+2 ministerial dialogue on Saturday. The meet will see participation of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and EAM Jaishankar from the Indian side. The meet will naturally see discussions on many issues such as Afghanistan, an aggressive China and Indo-Pacific coordination.

Australia wants to do much more with India with both countries being ambitious about the ties. Under Malabar exercises, forces of India, US, Australia and Japan are undertaking exercises in Guam. Part two of the exercise will take place in Bay of Bengal from September 11 to 14. Both are part of the Quad and leaders of grouping are expected to meet in Washington later this month for the first in-person summit.

The Australian High Commissioner Barry O'Farrell has expressed "deep disappointment" over "lack of inclusiveness" when it comes to Taliban announcement on the new government in Afghanistan.

The Australian High Commissioner Barry O'Farrell has expressed "deep disappointment" over "lack of inclusiveness" when it comes to Taliban announcement on the new government in Afghanistan. Taliban, on Tuesday, announced a 33-member government, which is being led by Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund and two deputies — Maulavi Abdul Salam Hanafi and Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. Out of these 33, 17 names that have been announced are on the United Nation's terror list. Also read | Pak should ensure Afghan soil is not used to spread terrorism: India to Russia "Australia is deeply disappointed by the lack of inclusion in the new govt's make up particularly there are no women, no representation from Hazara community, no ethnic minorities, no members of the former govt, it includes 2 members of Haqqani. Haqqani network which as we know is a terrorist organization," Barry O'Farrell said. Kabul fell to Taliban on August 15 and since then heartbreaking visuals have emerged of people as Afghans and foreigners have been trying to leave the country. A resistance is also taking shape in Panjshir, which is still not under complete Taliban control, even though the group has claimed otherwise. Barry O'Farrell said, his country is "consulting our closest partners in ensuring a joint approach in the engagement with the Taliban". He also said the focus is that "Taliban ensures safe passage" to those who want to leave "cease violence, peruses an inclusive govt, prevents violent extremism within Afghanistan, prevents outward terrorism from Afghanistan, pursues an inclusive government, prevents growth of extremism within Afghanistan, prevents terrorism from Afghanistan and upholds human rights, particularly of women and girls", adding "we will judge the govt of Afghanistan by its action and shape engagement with Taliban." Also read | Afghan crisis to shadow BRICS summit chaired by India on Thursday The worry over Afghanistan becoming a safe haven for international terrorists has been raised by several countries. India has specifically warned that the territory might be used by Pakistan-based international terror groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and lashkar-e-taiba (LeT). These comments by the Australian envoy come just a day before Australian foreign and defense ministers land in Delhi for the first India-Australia 2+2 ministerial dialogue on Saturday. The meet will see participation of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and EAM Jaishankar from the Indian side. The meet will naturally see discussions on many issues such as Afghanistan, an aggressive China and Indo-Pacific coordination. Australia wants to do much more with India with both countries being ambitious about the ties. Under Malabar exercises, forces of India, US, Australia and Japan are undertaking exercises in Guam. Part two of the exercise will take place in Bay of Bengal from September 11 to 14. Both are part of the Quad and leaders of grouping are expected to meet in Washington later this month for the first in-person summit.

Deeply disappointed by lack of inclusion: Australian Envoy Barry O'Farrell on Taliban govt

The Taliban has announced a ban on all protests in Kabul and other provinces in Afghanistan which have not got prior permission. The interim government added that any consequences for those who protest without approval would be their own responsibility.

Taliban bans unapproved protests and slogans across Afghanistan

The first commercial flight from Qatar Airways has arrived in Kabul. Taliban authorities have agreed to allow 200 Americans and several other foreign nationals still in Afghanistan to leave the country.

First commercial flight arrives at Kabul airport

According to UN officials, a lack of clarity on the Taliban's position on women in Afghanistan has generated "incredible fear" across the country.

UN officials warn of 'incredible fear' among women across Afghanistan

According to a US official, 200 Americans and other foreigners who remain in Afghanistan will leave the war-torn country on charter planes from Kabul on Thursday after the new Taliban leadership consented to their evacuation.

The flights will be among the first international flights to exit Kabul airport since Islamist militias seized control of the capital in mid-August, sparking a chaotic US-led evacuation of 124,000 foreigners and at-risk Afghans.&nbsp;

The action comes just two days after the Taliban proclaimed an interim government made up mostly of ethnic Pashtun men, including wanted terror suspects and Islamist hardliners, crushing international hopes for a more moderate government. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-use-whips-and-sticks-on-afghan-women-protesting-the-all-male-government-411861">Also read | Taliban use whips and sticks on Afghan women protesting the all-male government</a> 
 
According to a US official who spoke to Reuters on the condition of anonymity, the Taliban were pressured to accept the travel of US Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad.

The official could not tell whether the American civilians and other foreign nationals were among those who had been stranded for days in Mazar-i-ShariI, in northern Afghanistan, since their private charters had been denied permission to exit.&nbsp;

The Taliban's introduction of a new government on Tuesday was generally interpreted as a hint that they were not aiming to widen their base and project a more tolerant image to the world, as they had promised before their military takeover. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-brutally-flog-and-torture-afghan-journalists-for-covering-womens-protests-411832">Also read | Taliban brutally flog and torture Afghan journalists for covering women's protests</a>

On Wednesday, foreign countries greeted the interim administration with caution and dismay.

Dozens of women took to the streets in Kabul to protest.

Many critics urged the leadership to uphold basic human rights and resuscitate the economy, which is on the verge of collapse due to high inflation, food shortages, and the threat of foreign aid cuts as countries strive to isolate the Taliban.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

According to a US official, 200 Americans and other foreigners who remain in Afghanistan will leave the war-torn country on charter planes from Kabul on Thursday after the new Taliban leadership consented to their evacuation.

According to a US official, 200 Americans and other foreigners who remain in Afghanistan will leave the war-torn country on charter planes from Kabul on Thursday after the new Taliban leadership consented to their evacuation. The flights will be among the first international flights to exit Kabul airport since Islamist militias seized control of the capital in mid-August, sparking a chaotic US-led evacuation of 124,000 foreigners and at-risk Afghans. The action comes just two days after the Taliban proclaimed an interim government made up mostly of ethnic Pashtun men, including wanted terror suspects and Islamist hardliners, crushing international hopes for a more moderate government. Also read | Taliban use whips and sticks on Afghan women protesting the all-male government According to a US official who spoke to Reuters on the condition of anonymity, the Taliban were pressured to accept the travel of US Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad. The official could not tell whether the American civilians and other foreign nationals were among those who had been stranded for days in Mazar-i-ShariI, in northern Afghanistan, since their private charters had been denied permission to exit. The Taliban's introduction of a new government on Tuesday was generally interpreted as a hint that they were not aiming to widen their base and project a more tolerant image to the world, as they had promised before their military takeover. Also read | Taliban brutally flog and torture Afghan journalists for covering women's protests On Wednesday, foreign countries greeted the interim administration with caution and dismay. Dozens of women took to the streets in Kabul to protest. Many critics urged the leadership to uphold basic human rights and resuscitate the economy, which is on the verge of collapse due to high inflation, food shortages, and the threat of foreign aid cuts as countries strive to isolate the Taliban. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban agree to evacuation of 200 Americans, other foreigners from Afghanistan

Taliban authorities have agreed to allow 200 Americans and several other foreign nationals still in Afghanistan to leave the country, one week after US troops and government officials completed their evacuation operation from the country. WION's Anas Mallick brings you a report.

Taliban agrees to allow 200 Americans and other foreigners to leave Afghanistan

India and Russia held consultation on Afghanistan on Wednesday. In this, New Delhi pointed out that since Pakistan has links with Taliban and has been supporting international terror groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM) and lashkar-e-taiba (LET), Islamabad has "special responsibility" to ensure that Afghan soil is not used to spread terrorism.

During the talks, India highlighted Pakistan's notorious spy agency ISI's links with LET and JEM, something that has been raised privately and publicly many times.

The talks were led by Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the visiting Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, General Nikolay Patrushev. This is the first visit of Patrushev to any foreign country after emergence of Taliban as the dominant force in Afghanistan.

Both sides saw the issue of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan as a threat to India and Central Asia. Three central Asian states, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan share border with Afghanistan, and the fear is that crisis can impact them as well. Both New Delhi and Moscow share close ties with these central Asian countries, with Russia being a major security and economic partner due to soviet connect.

During the talks, India expressed concerns over security of Afghan minorities — Hindus and Sikhs. In August, India&nbsp;evacuated over 500 people, more of 200 of which were Afghans, mainly from minority — Hindus and Sikhs.

A release by the Russian embassy on Doval-Nikolay talks said, both sides, "touched upon humanitarian and migration problems in this country, as well as prospects for the Russian-Indian joint efforts aimed at creating conditions for launching a peaceful settlement process on the basis of an intra-Afghan dialogue."

While both sides agreed that " that there is a lot of uncertainty" as situation "evolves rapidly in Afghanistan", sources explained that they had convergence of views on many issues — like the need for Taliban to adhere to promises and commitments it had made —like rights of women, minorities, flow of weapons to terror groups and smuggling across the Afghan border, Afghanistan becoming the hub of opium production and Islamic radicalization and extremism.

Both, Moscow&nbsp;and New Delhi, have decided to engage in concrete " forms of future bilateral cooperation" which includes close coordination, upgrading consultations and exchange of information.

The visiting top security official called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar. A release from the Indian PMO said, "Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the visit of the Russian delegation led by Secretary Patrushev at a time when major changes are taking place in the region" and asked him to convey "his thanks to President Putin for his constant attention towards the India-Russia Partnership."

India, Russia consultations on Afghanistan in Delhi on Wednesday was a direct outcome of the Indian PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin's talks on 24th August. In the 45 minute long conversation, both decided to form a "permanent bilateral channel" for consultations on Afghanistan.

The Russian release of Patrushev's call on of PM Modi said, "The two Sides reaffirmed their intention to strengthen coordination in the field of enhancing the regional stability, including on the Afghan direction".

India and Russia held consultation on Afghanistan on Wednesday. In this, New Delhi pointed out that since Pakistan has links with Taliban and has been supporting international terror groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM) and lashkar-e-taiba (LET), Islamabad has "special responsibility" to ensure that Afghan soil is not used to spread terrorism.

India and Russia held consultation on Afghanistan on Wednesday. In this, New Delhi pointed out that since Pakistan has links with Taliban and has been supporting international terror groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM) and lashkar-e-taiba (LET), Islamabad has "special responsibility" to ensure that Afghan soil is not used to spread terrorism. During the talks, India highlighted Pakistan's notorious spy agency ISI's links with LET and JEM, something that has been raised privately and publicly many times. The talks were led by Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the visiting Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, General Nikolay Patrushev. This is the first visit of Patrushev to any foreign country after emergence of Taliban as the dominant force in Afghanistan. Both sides saw the issue of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan as a threat to India and Central Asia. Three central Asian states, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan share border with Afghanistan, and the fear is that crisis can impact them as well. Both New Delhi and Moscow share close ties with these central Asian countries, with Russia being a major security and economic partner due to soviet connect. During the talks, India expressed concerns over security of Afghan minorities — Hindus and Sikhs. In August, India evacuated over 500 people, more of 200 of which were Afghans, mainly from minority — Hindus and Sikhs. A release by the Russian embassy on Doval-Nikolay talks said, both sides, "touched upon humanitarian and migration problems in this country, as well as prospects for the Russian-Indian joint efforts aimed at creating conditions for launching a peaceful settlement process on the basis of an intra-Afghan dialogue." While both sides agreed that " that there is a lot of uncertainty" as situation "evolves rapidly in Afghanistan", sources explained that they had convergence of views on many issues — like the need for Taliban to adhere to promises and commitments it had made —like rights of women, minorities, flow of weapons to terror groups and smuggling across the Afghan border, Afghanistan becoming the hub of opium production and Islamic radicalization and extremism. Both, Moscow and New Delhi, have decided to engage in concrete " forms of future bilateral cooperation" which includes close coordination, upgrading consultations and exchange of information. The visiting top security official called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar. A release from the Indian PMO said, "Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the visit of the Russian delegation led by Secretary Patrushev at a time when major changes are taking place in the region" and asked him to convey "his thanks to President Putin for his constant attention towards the India-Russia Partnership." India, Russia consultations on Afghanistan in Delhi on Wednesday was a direct outcome of the Indian PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin's talks on 24th August. In the 45 minute long conversation, both decided to form a "permanent bilateral channel" for consultations on Afghanistan. The Russian release of Patrushev's call on of PM Modi said, "The two Sides reaffirmed their intention to strengthen coordination in the field of enhancing the regional stability, including on the Afghan direction".

Pak should ensure Afghan soil is not used to spread terrorism: India to Russia

The newly installed Taliban regime will forbid Afghan women from playing cricket and other sports where their bodies might be seen.

Afghanistan: Taliban bans women from playing cricket, other sports

The new Taliban government in Afghanistan began work on Wednesday with the interim government drawn exclusively from the loyalist ranks.

Taliban faces a monumental task ahead of them with a crippled economy, drought and security challenges including from the local ISIS-K.

As they begin their transition to a&nbsp;"governing role", the group is already facing opposition to their rule amid protests&nbsp;from Afghans. There were demonstrations led by women in cities across the country.

In an effort to curb protests, the interior ministry has already issued its first order saying that prior permission was needed to hold any demonstration. It also warned journalists from covering such demonstrations adding that the group would not tolerate any resistance against its rule.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan's new acting prime minister Mohammad Hasan Akhund has called on former officials who fled the country to return saying that the group will guarantee their safety.

Akhund told Al Jazeera&nbsp;channel&nbsp;that the government wanted to establish positive relations with countries in the region and beyond and would guarantee the security of diplomats, embassies and NGOs.

The new prime minister struck a conciliatory tone saying that the Taliban wanted only good for the Afghan people and they seek to establish an Islamic system.

The new head of the government also reiterated the group's promise of amnesty for anyone who worked alongside the US and backed the 2001 invasion saying that no one will be subject to revenge.

“No one will be able to prove that he was subjected to revenge and in such tense circumstances, it is easy to do what you want but the movement is disciplined and controls its gunmen and we have not harmed anyone because of his previous actions,” Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund said.

The makeup of the Taliban's interim government has already met with criticism with Afghan's noting the complete lack of women and poor ethnic representation with no inclusive government.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

The new Taliban government in Afghanistan began work on Wednesday with the interim government drawn exclusively from the loyalist ranks. Taliban faces a monumental task ahead of them with a crippled economy, drought and security challenges including from the local ISIS-K.

The new Taliban government in Afghanistan began work on Wednesday with the interim government drawn exclusively from the loyalist ranks. Taliban faces a monumental task ahead of them with a crippled economy, drought and security challenges including from the local ISIS-K. As they begin their transition to a "governing role", the group is already facing opposition to their rule amid protests from Afghans. There were demonstrations led by women in cities across the country. In an effort to curb protests, the interior ministry has already issued its first order saying that prior permission was needed to hold any demonstration. It also warned journalists from covering such demonstrations adding that the group would not tolerate any resistance against its rule. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's new acting prime minister Mohammad Hasan Akhund has called on former officials who fled the country to return saying that the group will guarantee their safety. Akhund told Al Jazeera channel that the government wanted to establish positive relations with countries in the region and beyond and would guarantee the security of diplomats, embassies and NGOs. The new prime minister struck a conciliatory tone saying that the Taliban wanted only good for the Afghan people and they seek to establish an Islamic system. The new head of the government also reiterated the group's promise of amnesty for anyone who worked alongside the US and backed the 2001 invasion saying that no one will be subject to revenge. “No one will be able to prove that he was subjected to revenge and in such tense circumstances, it is easy to do what you want but the movement is disciplined and controls its gunmen and we have not harmed anyone because of his previous actions,” Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund said. The makeup of the Taliban's interim government has already met with criticism with Afghan's noting the complete lack of women and poor ethnic representation with no inclusive government. (With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban government's new orders: Ex-officials should return home, approval needed before protests

Afghanistan is in total&nbsp;mayhem ever since the Taliban group took over from the government. Since then, a series of bomb blasts near the Kabul airport led to the killing of several, many have managed to leave the troubled country whereas some are facing oppression.&nbsp;

While the Taliban invasion meant uncertainty for all in terms of their future in the country, as they remain perplexed on how to adapt and live in their homeland, the terror outfit gave green signal for the cricketing activities to continue for the men's national team. At the same time, they snatched away the freedom of the women's team, not allowing them to continue with the sport.

Amid all this, news came that Afghanistan's scheduled one-off Test versus Australia, in Hobart, in November will go ahead as planned. However, the Cricket Australia (CA) have now released a statement, revealing their stance on the one-off Test. It says that they will have to cancel the historic Test if Taliban bans women's cricket in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"Driving the growth of women’s cricket globally is incredibly important to Cricket Australia," the statement from CA read.

"Our vision for cricket is that it is a sport for all and we support the game unequivocally for women at every level. If recent media reports that women’s cricket will not be supported in Afghanistan are substantiated, Cricket Australia would have no alternative but to not host Afghanistan for the proposed Test Match due to be played in Hobart. We thank the Australian and Tasmanian Governments for their support on this important issue."

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An update on the proposed Test match against Afghanistan ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/p2q5LOJMlw">pic.twitter.com/p2q5LOJMlw</a>
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricketAus/status/1435784792679747587?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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As per the International Cricket Council's (ICC) regulations, the nations that are granted Test status&nbsp;are required to field both men's and women's teams. Thus, it is expected that even the ICC will have to step up sooner than later to take a call on Afghanistan's status as a full member if the women's team future remains in jeopardy.

Afghanistan is in total mayhem ever since the Taliban group took over from the government. Since then, a series of bomb blasts near the Kabul airport led to the killing of several, many have managed to leave the troubled country whereas some are facing oppression.

Afghanistan is in total mayhem ever since the Taliban group took over from the government. Since then, a series of bomb blasts near the Kabul airport led to the killing of several, many have managed to leave the troubled country whereas some are facing oppression. While the Taliban invasion meant uncertainty for all in terms of their future in the country, as they remain perplexed on how to adapt and live in their homeland, the terror outfit gave green signal for the cricketing activities to continue for the men's national team. At the same time, they snatched away the freedom of the women's team, not allowing them to continue with the sport. Amid all this, news came that Afghanistan's scheduled one-off Test versus Australia, in Hobart, in November will go ahead as planned. However, the Cricket Australia (CA) have now released a statement, revealing their stance on the one-off Test. It says that they will have to cancel the historic Test if Taliban bans women's cricket in Afghanistan. "Driving the growth of women’s cricket globally is incredibly important to Cricket Australia," the statement from CA read. "Our vision for cricket is that it is a sport for all and we support the game unequivocally for women at every level. If recent media reports that women’s cricket will not be supported in Afghanistan are substantiated, Cricket Australia would have no alternative but to not host Afghanistan for the proposed Test Match due to be played in Hobart. We thank the Australian and Tasmanian Governments for their support on this important issue." An update on the proposed Test match against Afghanistan ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/p2q5LOJMlw — Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) September 9, 2021 × As per the International Cricket Council's (ICC) regulations, the nations that are granted Test status are required to field both men's and women's teams. Thus, it is expected that even the ICC will have to step up sooner than later to take a call on Afghanistan's status as a full member if the women's team future remains in jeopardy.

Afghanistan-Australia Test to be cancelled? CA threatens to call off historic tie if Taliban bans women's cricket

As protests against its takeover of&nbsp;the country continue,&nbsp;the Taliban asked&nbsp;telecom companies to shut internet services until 2 pm in some areas of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-governments-new-orders-ex-officials-should-return-home-approval-needed-before-protests-411760">Afghanistan</a>.

Reports have emerged that Taliban fighters whipped protesting women in some areas.

According to reports, the internet shutdown has been set in motion in Afghanistan's Khuwaja Bugra, Taimani, Khair Khana, Dasht e Barchi and&nbsp;Qasaba areas,&nbsp;to censor the coverage of protests.

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Another epic <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KabulProtest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KabulProtest</a> with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanwomen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanwomen</a> refusing to stop marching when facing off with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Talibs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Talibs</a>. Full video of the protest which ended with extreme gunfire here - <a href="https://t.co/9s6ksw6AUL">https://t.co/9s6ksw6AUL</a> <a href="https://t.co/njoyi20UND">pic.twitter.com/njoyi20UND</a>
— Jordan Bryon (@jordan_bryon) <a href="https://twitter.com/jordan_bryon/status/1435718515445702660?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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There have been largescale protests across the nation against the Taliban even though the new government said on Wednesday that people need to take approval from authorities before conducting protests.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-banning-protests-is-first-decree-by-interior-ministry-411818/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In a statement, the Afghanistan government had said the protests had caused security breaches and harmed citizens while creating chaos.

The government urged citizens not to attempt to hold any demonstrations under "any name whatsoever". "Demonstrations must be legal, as it is necessary first of all to obtain permission from the Ministry of Justice," it added.

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A Talib violently beats women protesters with whip and they scream back: Azadi! Azadi! (Freedom! Freedom!) <a href="https://t.co/78FbTpbZ4S">pic.twitter.com/78FbTpbZ4S</a>
— Sami Mahdi (@Samiullah_mahdi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Samiullah_mahdi/status/1435514730202943490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"The concerned authorities must also be informed at least 24 hours in advance of the purpose of the demonstrations, the slogans and banners that will be used in them, their location, and the time of their start and end," the statement said.

There were also reports of Taliban beating women protests with whips as they changed "freedom".

On Wednesday, protesters&nbsp;had gathered in Kabul as Taliban security forces soon arrived. According to Afghan media, there were protests in the northeastern city of Faizabad. Women have protested in large numbers in Afghanistan. Protests also took place in Herat even as the Taliban said protesters "will face severe legal action".

Tolo News had reported that hundreds of women had protested in Kabul, Parwan and Badakhshan on Wednesday after an acting minister for women affairs was not announced among other ministers in the Taliban cabinet.

Social Media courtesy: Twitter -&nbsp;@jordan_bryon,&nbsp;@Samiullah_mahdi

(With inputs from Agecies)

As protests against its takeover of the country continue, the Taliban asked telecom companies to shut internet services until 2 pm in some areas of Afghanistan. Reports have emerged that Taliban fighters whipped protesting women in some areas.

As protests against its takeover of the country continue, the Taliban asked telecom companies to shut internet services until 2 pm in some areas of Afghanistan. Reports have emerged that Taliban fighters whipped protesting women in some areas. According to reports, the internet shutdown has been set in motion in Afghanistan's Khuwaja Bugra, Taimani, Khair Khana, Dasht e Barchi and Qasaba areas, to censor the coverage of protests. Another epic #KabulProtest with #Afghanwomen refusing to stop marching when facing off with #Talibs. Full video of the protest which ended with extreme gunfire here - https://t.co/9s6ksw6AUL pic.twitter.com/njoyi20UND — Jordan Bryon (@jordan_bryon) September 8, 2021 × There have been largescale protests across the nation against the Taliban even though the new government said on Wednesday that people need to take approval from authorities before conducting protests. Watch: In a statement, the Afghanistan government had said the protests had caused security breaches and harmed citizens while creating chaos. The government urged citizens not to attempt to hold any demonstrations under "any name whatsoever". "Demonstrations must be legal, as it is necessary first of all to obtain permission from the Ministry of Justice," it added. A Talib violently beats women protesters with whip and they scream back: Azadi! Azadi! (Freedom! Freedom!) pic.twitter.com/78FbTpbZ4S — Sami Mahdi (@Samiullah_mahdi) September 8, 2021 × "The concerned authorities must also be informed at least 24 hours in advance of the purpose of the demonstrations, the slogans and banners that will be used in them, their location, and the time of their start and end," the statement said. There were also reports of Taliban beating women protests with whips as they changed "freedom". On Wednesday, protesters had gathered in Kabul as Taliban security forces soon arrived. According to Afghan media, there were protests in the northeastern city of Faizabad. Women have protested in large numbers in Afghanistan. Protests also took place in Herat even as the Taliban said protesters "will face severe legal action". Tolo News had reported that hundreds of women had protested in Kabul, Parwan and Badakhshan on Wednesday after an acting minister for women affairs was not announced among other ministers in the Taliban cabinet. Social Media courtesy: Twitter - @jordan_bryon, @Samiullah_mahdi (With inputs from Agecies)

Taliban beat protesting women with whip, order internet shutdown in some areas

India and Russia will hold consultations in Delhi on Wednesday on the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, a direct outcome of the talks&nbsp;held between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 24.

In the 45-minute-long conversation, both the leaders had decided to form a “permanent bilateral channel” for consultations on Afghanistan.

The Wednesday talks would be led by Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the visiting Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation General Nikolai&nbsp;Patrushev.&nbsp;

A release by the Ministry of External Affairs said, “At the invitation of National Security Adviser Ajit K Doval, the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, General Nikolay Patrushev is visiting India for high-level India-Russia inter-governmental consultations on Afghanistan from 7-8 September 2021.”

The meeting comes hours after the Taliban announced the name of new leaders of its government. Mullah Hassan Akhund was named as the Prime Minister and he will have two deputies—Mullah Baradar and Mawlavi Hannafi. Sirajuddin Haqqani was named as the interior minister and Amir Khan Muttaqi was chosen as the foreign minister.

Notably, all of them are on the UN terror list, while Sirajuddin Haqqani carries a bounty of $5 million announced by the FBI.&nbsp;

Both India and Russia view Afghanistan as a security challenge. India believes that a turmoil in Afghanistan may pave way for Pakistan-based terror groups to emerge, and for&nbsp;Russia, a spillover of the crisis may have an impact on the former Soviet countries like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan.

Moreover, Modi and Putin are also expected to meet during the BRICS virtual summit on Thursday, hosted by New Delhi.

Apart from that, Putin is expected to visit India later this month for the much-awaited annual India-Russia bilateral summit and deliver the first units of the S-400 Air Defence system.

India and Russia will hold consultations in Delhi on Wednesday on the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, a direct outcome of the talks held between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 24.

India and Russia will hold consultations in Delhi on Wednesday on the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, a direct outcome of the talks held between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 24. In the 45-minute-long conversation, both the leaders had decided to form a “permanent bilateral channel” for consultations on Afghanistan. The Wednesday talks would be led by Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the visiting Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation General Nikolai Patrushev. A release by the Ministry of External Affairs said, “At the invitation of National Security Adviser Ajit K Doval, the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, General Nikolay Patrushev is visiting India for high-level India-Russia inter-governmental consultations on Afghanistan from 7-8 September 2021.” The meeting comes hours after the Taliban announced the name of new leaders of its government. Mullah Hassan Akhund was named as the Prime Minister and he will have two deputies—Mullah Baradar and Mawlavi Hannafi. Sirajuddin Haqqani was named as the interior minister and Amir Khan Muttaqi was chosen as the foreign minister. Notably, all of them are on the UN terror list, while Sirajuddin Haqqani carries a bounty of $5 million announced by the FBI. Both India and Russia view Afghanistan as a security challenge. India believes that a turmoil in Afghanistan may pave way for Pakistan-based terror groups to emerge, and for Russia, a spillover of the crisis may have an impact on the former Soviet countries like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan. Moreover, Modi and Putin are also expected to meet during the BRICS virtual summit on Thursday, hosted by New Delhi. Apart from that, Putin is expected to visit India later this month for the much-awaited annual India-Russia bilateral summit and deliver the first units of the S-400 Air Defence system.

India, Russia to hold consultations on Afghanistan on Sept 8 in Delhi

Afghanistan crisis will be one of the key focus at the 13th BRICS summit to be hosted by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.

BRICS'&nbsp;leaders will be meeting virtually for the summit, and it is for the second time in a row the meet is happening virtually due to the ongoing Covid crisis.&nbsp;

It is learnt that the leaders are expected to underscore the priority of fighting terrorism, including preventing attempts by terror organisations to use Afghanistan as a sanctuary to carry out attacks against other countries. Worry over Afghanistan becoming a safe haven for terror groups, especially Pakistan based international terror groups such as LeT, JeM has been the message from New Delhi to many of its partners including Russia, which is a BRICS member country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-should-ensure-afghan-soil-is-not-used-to-spread-terrorism-india-to-russia-411696" hreflang="en">'Pak should ensure Afghan Soil is not used to spread terrorism': India to Russia</a>

The BRICS grouping, as a whole, will also focus on the need to address the humanitarian situation and uphold human rights, including those of women, children and minorities. After the fall of Kabul to Taliban on August 15, humanitarian situation has worsened.&nbsp;The International Committee of Red Cross chief warned of collapse of health system. &nbsp;

This summit comes days after Taliban announced its government, which had no representations from women, and almost negligible representation from minority groups such as Tajiks and Hazaras.

India's chairmanship of BRICS coincides with the 15th anniversary of the grouping, with key priorities being reform of the multilateral system; counter terrorism cooperation; digital and technological tools for achieving sustainable development goals and enhancing People to people exchanges.

Under India's presidency, till August, India has conducted close to 100 events and meetings. India is expected to organise around 150 meetings and events, including 23 ministerial level and 46 senior official and working level meetings.

Earlier this year, the BRICS foreign ministers meeting saw adoption of the joint statement on 'Strengthening and Reforming of the Multilateral System', calling for reforms of the current multilateral system, including the UNSC.

The BRICS NSA meet saw adoption of Action Plan to implement the BRICS Counter Terror Strategy. As part of this strategy, BRICS has committed to combating terrorism, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, and terrorism financing networks and safe havens.

Afghanistan crisis will be one of the key focus at the 13th BRICS summit to be hosted by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. BRICS' leaders will be meeting virtually for the summit, and it is for the second time in a row the meet is happening virtually due to the ongoing Covid crisis.

Afghanistan crisis will be one of the key focus at the 13th BRICS summit to be hosted by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. BRICS' leaders will be meeting virtually for the summit, and it is for the second time in a row the meet is happening virtually due to the ongoing Covid crisis. It is learnt that the leaders are expected to underscore the priority of fighting terrorism, including preventing attempts by terror organisations to use Afghanistan as a sanctuary to carry out attacks against other countries. Worry over Afghanistan becoming a safe haven for terror groups, especially Pakistan based international terror groups such as LeT, JeM has been the message from New Delhi to many of its partners including Russia, which is a BRICS member country. Also read | 'Pak should ensure Afghan Soil is not used to spread terrorism': India to Russia The BRICS grouping, as a whole, will also focus on the need to address the humanitarian situation and uphold human rights, including those of women, children and minorities. After the fall of Kabul to Taliban on August 15, humanitarian situation has worsened. The International Committee of Red Cross chief warned of collapse of health system. This summit comes days after Taliban announced its government, which had no representations from women, and almost negligible representation from minority groups such as Tajiks and Hazaras. India's chairmanship of BRICS coincides with the 15th anniversary of the grouping, with key priorities being reform of the multilateral system; counter terrorism cooperation; digital and technological tools for achieving sustainable development goals and enhancing People to people exchanges. Under India's presidency, till August, India has conducted close to 100 events and meetings. India is expected to organise around 150 meetings and events, including 23 ministerial level and 46 senior official and working level meetings. Earlier this year, the BRICS foreign ministers meeting saw adoption of the joint statement on 'Strengthening and Reforming of the Multilateral System', calling for reforms of the current multilateral system, including the UNSC. The BRICS NSA meet saw adoption of Action Plan to implement the BRICS Counter Terror Strategy. As part of this strategy, BRICS has committed to combating terrorism, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, and terrorism financing networks and safe havens.

Afghan crisis to shadow BRICS summit chaired by India on Thursday

Taliban on Tuesday announced its government which included several listed individuals in the terrorist list.

Those&nbsp;listed in the terrorist list&nbsp;included Afghanistan's interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani and Khalil Haqqani who was named minister of refugees. The Haqqani Network was categorised as a terrorist group by the United States.

Sirajuddin Haqqani is one of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-judge-taliban-by-its-actions-says-us-on-new-government-411468">FBI's</a> most wanted men due to his links in suicide attacks and Al Qaeda ties. Abdul Ghani Baradar was named the Taliban government's new deputy of state.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-to-uphold-sharia-law-says-talibans-supreme-leader-hibatullah-akhundzada-411509/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Baradar was earlier arrested and imprisoned in Pakistan in 2010 and had become the head of the Taliban's political office in Doha after his release in 2018 as he spearheaded the talks with the US government with the former Trump administration.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/paying-homage-to-old-guard-taliban-name-caretaker-afghanistan-cabinet-411402">Also Read:&nbsp;Paying homage to old guard, Taliban name caretaker Afghanistan cabinet</a>

Muhammad Hassan Akhund was named the head of state, he was earlier blacklisted by the UN.&nbsp;At least five of the newly appointed members are on the UN-designated list of terrorists. Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund is on the &nbsp;UN-sanctioned list.

Abdul Salam Hanafi was&nbsp;also named the deputy head of state. He&nbsp;is the second deputy prime minister after Abdul Ghani Baradar.

Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, is the son of Taliban's founder Mullah Omar, was named the defence minister.&nbsp;

Haibatullah Akhundzada is a hardline cleric whose son was a suicide bomber. Akhundzada was an early member. He had served as the chief of the Taliban's justice system. In 2001, in the wake of the US invasion of Afghanistan and the ouster of the Taliban after the September 11 attacks, Akhundzada had reportedly fled to Pakistan where he taught and preached at a mosque for 15 years.

Sirajuddin Haqqani was wanted by the US in connection with a deadly 2008 attack on a Kabul hotel. Mullah Hasan Akhund, an ethnic Pashtun from the southern Afghan province of Kandahar has been named as prime minister.

Akhund like many in the Taliban leadership derives much of his prestige from his close link to the movement's late founder Mullah Omar. Akhund is long time chief of the Taliban's powerful decision-making body Rehbari Shura. He was the foreign minister and then deputy prime minister when the Taliban were last in power and like many of the incoming cabinet&nbsp;is under UN sanctions.

Akhund is believed to be at least in his mid-60s and possibly older. &nbsp;Khairallah Khairkhawa was named the minister for information and culture and Amir Muttaqi will be the new foreign affairs minister.

Din Muhammad Hanif was named the minister for economic affairs. Noor Muhammad Saqib has been named the minister of Hajj affairs and Mullah Fazil Mazloom, the deputy defence minister. Noorullah Nuri was named the minister for borders and tribal affairs

Abdul Haq Wasiq is the new intelligence chief and Abdul Latif Mansoor was named the minister for water and power.

Sher Muhammad Abbas Stanekzai was named the deputy foreign minister. Essa Akhund who was earlier the minister for water and power holds the same portfolio in the government. Najibullah Haqqani was named the minister for communications 
and Rehmatullah Najeeb was named as the deputy intelligence chief.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban on Tuesday announced its government which included several listed individuals in the terrorist list. Those listed in the terrorist list included Afghanistan's interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani and Khalil Haqqani who was named minister of refugees.

Taliban on Tuesday announced its government which included several listed individuals in the terrorist list. Those listed in the terrorist list included Afghanistan's interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani and Khalil Haqqani who was named minister of refugees. The Haqqani Network was categorised as a terrorist group by the United States. Sirajuddin Haqqani is one of the FBI's most wanted men due to his links in suicide attacks and Al Qaeda ties. Abdul Ghani Baradar was named the Taliban government's new deputy of state. Watch: Baradar was earlier arrested and imprisoned in Pakistan in 2010 and had become the head of the Taliban's political office in Doha after his release in 2018 as he spearheaded the talks with the US government with the former Trump administration. Also Read: Paying homage to old guard, Taliban name caretaker Afghanistan cabinet Muhammad Hassan Akhund was named the head of state, he was earlier blacklisted by the UN. At least five of the newly appointed members are on the UN-designated list of terrorists. Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund is on the UN-sanctioned list. Abdul Salam Hanafi was also named the deputy head of state. He is the second deputy prime minister after Abdul Ghani Baradar. Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, is the son of Taliban's founder Mullah Omar, was named the defence minister. Haibatullah Akhundzada is a hardline cleric whose son was a suicide bomber. Akhundzada was an early member. He had served as the chief of the Taliban's justice system. In 2001, in the wake of the US invasion of Afghanistan and the ouster of the Taliban after the September 11 attacks, Akhundzada had reportedly fled to Pakistan where he taught and preached at a mosque for 15 years. Sirajuddin Haqqani was wanted by the US in connection with a deadly 2008 attack on a Kabul hotel. Mullah Hasan Akhund, an ethnic Pashtun from the southern Afghan province of Kandahar has been named as prime minister. Akhund like many in the Taliban leadership derives much of his prestige from his close link to the movement's late founder Mullah Omar. Akhund is long time chief of the Taliban's powerful decision-making body Rehbari Shura. He was the foreign minister and then deputy prime minister when the Taliban were last in power and like many of the incoming cabinet is under UN sanctions. Akhund is believed to be at least in his mid-60s and possibly older. Khairallah Khairkhawa was named the minister for information and culture and Amir Muttaqi will be the new foreign affairs minister. Din Muhammad Hanif was named the minister for economic affairs. Noor Muhammad Saqib has been named the minister of Hajj affairs and Mullah Fazil Mazloom, the deputy defence minister. Noorullah Nuri was named the minister for borders and tribal affairs Abdul Haq Wasiq is the new intelligence chief and Abdul Latif Mansoor was named the minister for water and power. Sher Muhammad Abbas Stanekzai was named the deputy foreign minister. Essa Akhund who was earlier the minister for water and power holds the same portfolio in the government. Najibullah Haqqani was named the minister for communications and Rehmatullah Najeeb was named as the deputy intelligence chief. (With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban government: Sirajuddin Haqqani on FBI wanted list, other key members on UN blacklist

After consultations with partners on how to show a united front to the hardline new administration in Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cautioned that the Taliban would have to earn legitimacy from the rest of the world.&nbsp;

"The Taliban seek international legitimacy. Any legitimacy — any support — will have to be earned, " Blinken told reporters at the US air base in Ramstein, Germany, after leading a 20-nation ministerial meeting on the Afghan crisis.

Standing beside him, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the international community expected the Taliban to respect human rights, especially women's rights, to allow humanitarian supplies into the country, and to let individuals who wanted to leave to do so.

Maas stated that the talks on Wednesday were "the beginning point for international coordination" in dealing with the Taliban.

The virtual summit was attended by European allies as well as Pakistan, a long-time Taliban supporter.

Initial reactions showed that the new administration could have trouble gaining the international support that the new authorities so sorely need to prevent a financial crisis.

The interior minister is Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is wanted by the FBI for questioning.

The declaration came just hours after the Taliban shot their weapons into the air to disperse protestors in Kabul's capital and arrested several journalists, marking the second time in less than a week that harsh measures were employed to disperse a demonstration.&nbsp;

The US State Department expressed concern that the Cabinet consisted solely of Taliban, no women, and individuals with a questionable track record, but stated that the new administration's actions would be judged.

Maas stated that Germany is prepared to provide humanitarian aid through the United Nations and that it will continue to communicate with the Taliban in order to guarantee the departure of former employees and others from Afghanistan.

He went on to say that any commitment beyond that would be contingent on the Taliban's actions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

After consultations with partners on how to show a united front to the hardline new administration in Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cautioned that the Taliban would have to earn legitimacy from the rest of the world.

After consultations with partners on how to show a united front to the hardline new administration in Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cautioned that the Taliban would have to earn legitimacy from the rest of the world. "The Taliban seek international legitimacy. Any legitimacy — any support — will have to be earned, " Blinken told reporters at the US air base in Ramstein, Germany, after leading a 20-nation ministerial meeting on the Afghan crisis. Standing beside him, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the international community expected the Taliban to respect human rights, especially women's rights, to allow humanitarian supplies into the country, and to let individuals who wanted to leave to do so. Maas stated that the talks on Wednesday were "the beginning point for international coordination" in dealing with the Taliban. The virtual summit was attended by European allies as well as Pakistan, a long-time Taliban supporter. Initial reactions showed that the new administration could have trouble gaining the international support that the new authorities so sorely need to prevent a financial crisis. The interior minister is Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is wanted by the FBI for questioning. The declaration came just hours after the Taliban shot their weapons into the air to disperse protestors in Kabul's capital and arrested several journalists, marking the second time in less than a week that harsh measures were employed to disperse a demonstration. The US State Department expressed concern that the Cabinet consisted solely of Taliban, no women, and individuals with a questionable track record, but stated that the new administration's actions would be judged. Maas stated that Germany is prepared to provide humanitarian aid through the United Nations and that it will continue to communicate with the Taliban in order to guarantee the departure of former employees and others from Afghanistan. He went on to say that any commitment beyond that would be contingent on the Taliban's actions. (With inputs from agencies)

Any legitimacy, any support 'will have to be earned': Blinken to Taliban

This week marks the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks. It was the first time when many even heard of Al-Qaeda. The group is now congratulating the Taliban over Afghanistan takeover. Take a look at the Taliban's relationship with its long-time ally, Al-Qaeda.

20 years after 9/11, will Al-Qaeda rise again?

Even as US and NATO forces and almost the entire Western diplomatic corps packed up and fled the Afghan capital last month as the Taliban seized control, a handful of international aid directors made a decision: They were staying put.

They are now the most visible representatives of the decadeslong Western development mission in Afghanistan, and along with United Nations humanitarian agencies, are the people on the ground negotiating with the Taliban on working conditions for thousands of Afghan employees.

Seven out of eight of the directors who stayed to lead their organisations’ aid efforts in Afghanistan are women.

“There aren’t a lot of us here,” said one of them. “There’s a lot of uncertainty.” She, like others, asked not to be named while relations with the Taliban remain so tentative.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-ex-president-ghani-apologises-for-leaving-abruptly-denies-taking-millions-of-cash-with-him-411686">Ghani apologises for leaving 'abruptly', denies taking 'millions of cash'</a>

For the past 20 years, military and diplomatic forces from all over the world took over central Kabul, filling a green zone beside the presidential palace with embassies, military bases and residences. But long before they came, nongovernmental development organisations were working to alleviate poverty and help develop essential health and educational services in Afghanistan.

Most of them were careful to distance themselves from the US-led military operations after they began in 2001. They already had experience working with the Taliban, when it ruled the country in the late 1990s and as it gained control of rural districts in recent months and years.

Now, at a time when Afghanistan’s aid needs are more desperate than ever, the aid organisations’ diplomatic skills are being put to the test as perhaps never before.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-sports-for-afghan-women-as-it-exposes-their-body-taliban-411629">No sports for Afghan women, as it exposes their body: Taliban</a>

One of the world’s poorest countries, Afghanistan was already in serious need before the Taliban takeover, with 3.5 million people internally displaced and 18 million people dependent on humanitarian assistance in a country of about 38 million. But aid groups worry about being too quick to embrace an organisation like the Taliban with a history of brutality.

“We need to engage, because this is a very important time to engage and try to influence,” said Filippo Grandi, the head of the UN refugee agency. “But I think we need to reserve a bit our judgment.”

With some aid groups having as many as 1,500 local staff members employed around the country in critical fields such as health, education and agriculture, the larger organisations say they never contemplated packing up or closing down. Instead, they were left to watch as thousands who had worked in the government or with foreign organisations rushed to the Kabul airport to catch evacuation flights.

Also&nbsp;watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-education-minister-says-phd-and-masters-degrees-worthless-mullahs-greatest-without-them-411612">PhD, Master's degrees worthless; mullahs greatest without them —Taliban</a>

“It’s like going through the stages of grief,” one country director said of the takeover by the Taliban on Aug. 15. “When they entered Kabul, I didn’t sleep or eat anything for three days. I was numb. I was on the line with everybody, with staff around the clock.”

After some militants occupied her office, she recalled, she had to manage a tense confrontation as another group dispatched by the Taliban commissioner for foreign assistance wrested it back. Then came the ordeal of evacuating her international staff members through the chaos at the airport.

Some of the organisation’s Afghan staff members chose to leave, too, but the vast majority have stayed, in large part because there is no longer a way out.

“I think the point that I accepted I wasn’t going to get out, was the point where I could sleep again,” the country director said. “My staff need me. I think I’ll be fine.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-dialogues-pakistans-role-in-the-afghanistan-crisis-411701">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-dialogues-pakistans-role-in-the-afghanistan-crisis-411701/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The most immediate concerns have been to prevent looting of their offices and storehouses and to protect local staff members. The Taliban have asked humanitarian organisations to keep working and assured them that they would provide security, even handing out a phone number to call if armed men pay a visit.

Yet Taliban members have taken over the compound of at least one nonprofit organisation and looted equipment and vehicles from others, several aid directors said. And fighters from the powerful Haqqani network have taken over the large campus of the American University of Afghanistan, a proud flagship of US&nbsp;investment in higher education for Afghans.

Besides the danger of so many armed groups, and the threat of the Islamic State group's Afghanistan affiliate, which claimed responsibility for a devastating suicide bombing at the airport, there is the growing problem of hunger. Last week, a top UN&nbsp;humanitarian official in Afghanistan warned that the organisation’s supply of food aid was dwindling and would run out by the end of the month.

And buying food has become difficult for many, impossible for some.

Salaries across the government, including in the health and education sectors, have been halted, a result of a decision by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to freeze funding after the government of President Ashraf Ghani collapsed and the Taliban took over. The Central Bank’s assets were also frozen, leading banks to close and limit access to cash. For day laborers, there is no work to be had.

Outside the capital, the attitudes of Afghanistan’s new rulers vary. That has left aid organisations able to resume their usual activities in only four of the country’s 34 provinces.

In some places, everything has been suspended, from schools and health clinics to public offices and businesses. In at least six provinces, women have not been allowed to resume work, according to one of the country directors tracking the situation countrywide.

In some areas, the Taliban have visited nonprofit organisations demanding lists of staff members and assets, information on the organisation’s budget and procurement contracts. They also announced that they were imposing restrictions on recruitment. Those actions are at odds with the reassurances offered by the Taliban leadership, and raise concerns about tougher controls ahead.

“They desperately need somebody to do something for the Afghan people,” Grandi, the UN&nbsp;refugee chief, said from his headquarters in Geneva, adding, “We can help a lot the people, and we must at this point.”

Even as US and NATO forces and almost the entire Western diplomatic corps packed up and fled the Afghan capital last month as the Taliban seized control, a handful of international aid directors made a decision: They were staying put.

Even as US and NATO forces and almost the entire Western diplomatic corps packed up and fled the Afghan capital last month as the Taliban seized control, a handful of international aid directors made a decision: They were staying put. They are now the most visible representatives of the decadeslong Western development mission in Afghanistan, and along with United Nations humanitarian agencies, are the people on the ground negotiating with the Taliban on working conditions for thousands of Afghan employees. Seven out of eight of the directors who stayed to lead their organisations’ aid efforts in Afghanistan are women. “There aren’t a lot of us here,” said one of them. “There’s a lot of uncertainty.” She, like others, asked not to be named while relations with the Taliban remain so tentative. Also read | Ghani apologises for leaving 'abruptly', denies taking 'millions of cash' For the past 20 years, military and diplomatic forces from all over the world took over central Kabul, filling a green zone beside the presidential palace with embassies, military bases and residences. But long before they came, nongovernmental development organisations were working to alleviate poverty and help develop essential health and educational services in Afghanistan. Most of them were careful to distance themselves from the US-led military operations after they began in 2001. They already had experience working with the Taliban, when it ruled the country in the late 1990s and as it gained control of rural districts in recent months and years. Now, at a time when Afghanistan’s aid needs are more desperate than ever, the aid organisations’ diplomatic skills are being put to the test as perhaps never before. Also read | No sports for Afghan women, as it exposes their body: Taliban One of the world’s poorest countries, Afghanistan was already in serious need before the Taliban takeover, with 3.5 million people internally displaced and 18 million people dependent on humanitarian assistance in a country of about 38 million. But aid groups worry about being too quick to embrace an organisation like the Taliban with a history of brutality. “We need to engage, because this is a very important time to engage and try to influence,” said Filippo Grandi, the head of the UN refugee agency. “But I think we need to reserve a bit our judgment.” With some aid groups having as many as 1,500 local staff members employed around the country in critical fields such as health, education and agriculture, the larger organisations say they never contemplated packing up or closing down. Instead, they were left to watch as thousands who had worked in the government or with foreign organisations rushed to the Kabul airport to catch evacuation flights. Also watch | PhD, Master's degrees worthless; mullahs greatest without them —Taliban “It’s like going through the stages of grief,” one country director said of the takeover by the Taliban on Aug. 15. “When they entered Kabul, I didn’t sleep or eat anything for three days. I was numb. I was on the line with everybody, with staff around the clock.” After some militants occupied her office, she recalled, she had to manage a tense confrontation as another group dispatched by the Taliban commissioner for foreign assistance wrested it back. Then came the ordeal of evacuating her international staff members through the chaos at the airport. Some of the organisation’s Afghan staff members chose to leave, too, but the vast majority have stayed, in large part because there is no longer a way out. “I think the point that I accepted I wasn’t going to get out, was the point where I could sleep again,” the country director said. “My staff need me. I think I’ll be fine.” WATCH | The most immediate concerns have been to prevent looting of their offices and storehouses and to protect local staff members. The Taliban have asked humanitarian organisations to keep working and assured them that they would provide security, even handing out a phone number to call if armed men pay a visit. Yet Taliban members have taken over the compound of at least one nonprofit organisation and looted equipment and vehicles from others, several aid directors said. And fighters from the powerful Haqqani network have taken over the large campus of the American University of Afghanistan, a proud flagship of US investment in higher education for Afghans. Besides the danger of so many armed groups, and the threat of the Islamic State group's Afghanistan affiliate, which claimed responsibility for a devastating suicide bombing at the airport, there is the growing problem of hunger. Last week, a top UN humanitarian official in Afghanistan warned that the organisation’s supply of food aid was dwindling and would run out by the end of the month. And buying food has become difficult for many, impossible for some. Salaries across the government, including in the health and education sectors, have been halted, a result of a decision by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to freeze funding after the government of President Ashraf Ghani collapsed and the Taliban took over. The Central Bank’s assets were also frozen, leading banks to close and limit access to cash. For day laborers, there is no work to be had. Outside the capital, the attitudes of Afghanistan’s new rulers vary. That has left aid organisations able to resume their usual activities in only four of the country’s 34 provinces. In some places, everything has been suspended, from schools and health clinics to public offices and businesses. In at least six provinces, women have not been allowed to resume work, according to one of the country directors tracking the situation countrywide. In some areas, the Taliban have visited nonprofit organisations demanding lists of staff members and assets, information on the organisation’s budget and procurement contracts. They also announced that they were imposing restrictions on recruitment. Those actions are at odds with the reassurances offered by the Taliban leadership, and raise concerns about tougher controls ahead. “They desperately need somebody to do something for the Afghan people,” Grandi, the UN refugee chief, said from his headquarters in Geneva, adding, “We can help a lot the people, and we must at this point.”

Aid workers staying in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan tread a tricky path

According to a tweet from Afghanistan network Tolo News on Wednesday, the Taliban have arrested five Afghan journalists from Etilaatroz, a Kabul daily.

Five journalists from Etilaatroz, a daily newspaper in Kabul, have been arrested by the Taliban, Zaki Daryabi, the editor in chief of the newspaper, said today, tweets Tolo News.

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Five journalists from Etilaatroz, a daily newspaper in Kabul, have been arrested by Taliban, Zaki Daryabi, the editor in chief of the newspaper, said today.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TOLOnews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TOLOnews</a> <a href="https://t.co/TdyxCPyWhO">pic.twitter.com/TdyxCPyWhO</a>
— TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/TOLOnews/status/1435528508533530626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Despite the Taliban's assurances to international organisations that it will protect journalists' rights and change its stance on women, many Afghans are said to be sceptical.&nbsp;

The arrest of five journalists comes just one day after the Taliban declared the formation of a new caretaker administration in Afghanistan, led by Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund.&nbsp; 
 
In a another incident, Waheed Ahmadi, a Tolo News journalist, was detained for three hours on Tuesday while covering anti-Pakistan protests in Kabul.

Ahmadi and a dozen other journalists were detained by the Taliban.&nbsp;

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Our colleague Waheed Ahmady, who has covered many frontlines over the years, is arrested by the Taliban in Kabul for filming Afghan women's protest. I call on the Taliban to release our colleague asap. <a href="https://t.co/Ab0oETTWfX">https://t.co/Ab0oETTWfX</a>
— Lotfullah Najafizada (@LNajafizada) <a href="https://twitter.com/LNajafizada/status/1435172191394467840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the Taliban appointed several hardliners in its new government who oversaw the 20-year fight against the US-led military coalition.

The list announced by chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid was dominated by members of the group's old guard.

Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund has been appointed prime minister with two deputies, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and Molavi Abdul Salam Hanafi.

(With inputs from agencies)

According to a tweet from Afghanistan network Tolo News on Wednesday, the Taliban have arrested five Afghan journalists from Etilaatroz, a Kabul daily. Five journalists from Etilaatroz, a daily newspaper in Kabul, have been arrested by the Taliban, Zaki Daryabi, the editor in chief of the newspaper, said today, tweets Tolo News.

According to a tweet from Afghanistan network Tolo News on Wednesday, the Taliban have arrested five Afghan journalists from Etilaatroz, a Kabul daily. Five journalists from Etilaatroz, a daily newspaper in Kabul, have been arrested by the Taliban, Zaki Daryabi, the editor in chief of the newspaper, said today, tweets Tolo News. Five journalists from Etilaatroz, a daily newspaper in Kabul, have been arrested by Taliban, Zaki Daryabi, the editor in chief of the newspaper, said today.#TOLOnews pic.twitter.com/TdyxCPyWhO — TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) September 8, 2021 × Despite the Taliban's assurances to international organisations that it will protect journalists' rights and change its stance on women, many Afghans are said to be sceptical. The arrest of five journalists comes just one day after the Taliban declared the formation of a new caretaker administration in Afghanistan, led by Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund. In a another incident, Waheed Ahmadi, a Tolo News journalist, was detained for three hours on Tuesday while covering anti-Pakistan protests in Kabul. Ahmadi and a dozen other journalists were detained by the Taliban. Our colleague Waheed Ahmady, who has covered many frontlines over the years, is arrested by the Taliban in Kabul for filming Afghan women's protest. I call on the Taliban to release our colleague asap. https://t.co/Ab0oETTWfX — Lotfullah Najafizada (@LNajafizada) September 7, 2021 × Meanwhile, the Taliban appointed several hardliners in its new government who oversaw the 20-year fight against the US-led military coalition. The list announced by chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid was dominated by members of the group's old guard. Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund has been appointed prime minister with two deputies, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and Molavi Abdul Salam Hanafi. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban arrest five journalists of a Kabul newspaper day after forming caretaker govt

WION's Palki Sharma Upadhyay discusses Pakistan's role in the Afghanistan crisis and the ISI-Taliban alliance with Inkstick Media editor Sahar Khan, South Asia expert Francesca Marino, Senior Political Scientist at RAND Corporation Dr. Jonah Blank, and former Indian diplomat Amb Ashok Sajjanhar on Afghanistan Dialogues.

Afghanistan Dialogues: Pakistan's role in the Afghanistan crisis

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