After the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan last weekend, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said Afghanistan will no longer be able to access the lender's resources. An IMF spokesperson said it was due to "lack of clarity within the international community" over recognising a government in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan will no longer be able to access the lender's resources: IMF

Former Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, who fled Kabul as the Taliban took over the country, is now settled in UAE. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said that the country has welcomed President Ashraf Ghani and his family on humanitarian grounds.

UAE foreign ministry announces Ashraf Ghani in country

Former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said on Wednesday that he hopes to return home, after fleeing to the United Arab Emirates after the Taliban's capture of Afghanistan.

After fleeing from Afghanistan, Ashraf Ghani says he hopes to return

One of the first women governors in Afghanistan, Salima Mazari, who took up arms to fight the Taliban has reportedly been capture by the Taliban. At a time when many political leaders fled Afghanistan Mazari stayed on till the surrender of Balkh province.

Taliban captures first woman governor of Afghanistan, Salima Mazari

As the world is watching horrifying visuals of Afghan locals trying to escape the country by hanging to airplanes, the US Joint Chiefs Chairman said the Taliban are allowing all US citizens to reach Kabul airport to leave the country.

"The&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;are&nbsp;facilitating&nbsp;the safe passage to the airport for American citizens. That is US passport holders," US Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Miley said on Wednesday.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-crisis-taliban-may-not-last-long-says-afghan-delegation-in-pakistan-406687" hreflang="en">LIVE Afghanistan: Taliban may not last long, says Afghan delegation in Pak</a></h2>

This statement came a little before the Pentagon announced that nearly 7,000 civilians have been taken out of Kabul till now.

Talking to local media in the US, Army Maj. Gen. Hank Taylor said that 12 C-17 aircrafts have departed with nearly 2,000 refugees in the past 24 hours.

In addition to this, the US now has aircrafts to bring at least 5,000 to 9,000 civilians out of Afghanistan in the next few days. However, the conditions such as their process and weather still remain huge factors in the evacuation process.

Take a look :&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/afghani-women-call-for-help-as-taliban-takes-over-the-country-406946" hreflang="en">Afghani women call for help as Taliban takes over the country</a>

As the US soldiers stand guard of the Kabul airport, horrifying videos have surfaced on social media in which people can be seen throwing their small children over the wired walls in hopes that the American troops will save them and take them away from Taliban’s regime.

In such a video, the US troops can be seen helping a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-woman-child-lifted-over-kabul-airport-wall-by-us-soldiers-406985">woman and a child</a> cross a tall wall as the two struggle to leave the country on any possible flight.

As the world is watching horrifying visuals of Afghan locals trying to escape the country by hanging to airplanes, the US Joint Chiefs Chairman said the Taliban are allowing all US citizens to reach Kabul airport to leave the country.

As the world is watching horrifying visuals of Afghan locals trying to escape the country by hanging to airplanes, the US Joint Chiefs Chairman said the Taliban are allowing all US citizens to reach Kabul airport to leave the country. "The Taliban are facilitating the safe passage to the airport for American citizens. That is US passport holders," US Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Miley said on Wednesday. LIVE Afghanistan: Taliban may not last long, says Afghan delegation in Pak This statement came a little before the Pentagon announced that nearly 7,000 civilians have been taken out of Kabul till now. Talking to local media in the US, Army Maj. Gen. Hank Taylor said that 12 C-17 aircrafts have departed with nearly 2,000 refugees in the past 24 hours. In addition to this, the US now has aircrafts to bring at least 5,000 to 9,000 civilians out of Afghanistan in the next few days. However, the conditions such as their process and weather still remain huge factors in the evacuation process. Take a look : Afghani women call for help as Taliban takes over the country As the US soldiers stand guard of the Kabul airport, horrifying videos have surfaced on social media in which people can be seen throwing their small children over the wired walls in hopes that the American troops will save them and take them away from Taliban’s regime. In such a video, the US troops can be seen helping a woman and a child cross a tall wall as the two struggle to leave the country on any possible flight.

Taliban allowing US passport holders to reach Kabul airport: US general

Protests have erupted in US, UK against Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan.

Global protests erupt against Taliban's takeover of provincial cities of Afghanistan

In an op-ed published Wednesday in The Washington Post, Ahmad Massoud said "America can still be a great arsenal of democracy" by supporting his fighters.&nbsp;

The son of Afghanistan’s most famed anti-Taliban fighter says he has the forces to mount an effective resistance, but called on the United States to supply arms and ammunition to his militia.&nbsp;

In an op-ed published Wednesday in The Washington Post, Ahmad Massoud said “America can still be a great arsenal of democracy" by supporting his fighters.&nbsp;

“I write from the Panjshir Valley today, ready to follow in my father’s footsteps, with mujahideen fighters who are prepared to once again take on the Taliban," he said.&nbsp;

His father Ahmad Shah Massoud, known as the Lion of Panjshir, led the strongest resistance against the Taliban from his stronghold in the valley northeast of Kabul until his assassination in 2001.&nbsp;

Famed for its natural defences, the redoubt tucked into the Hindu Kush mountains never fell to the Taliban during the civil war of the 1990s, nor was it conquered by the Soviets a decade earlier, and is now Afghanistan’s last remaining holdout.&nbsp;

Hoping to follow in his “father’s footsteps", Massoud said he has been joined by former members of the country’s special forces and soldiers from the Afghan army “disgusted by the surrender of their commanders".&nbsp;

Social media images show Afghanistan’s defiant vice president Amrullah Saleh meeting with Massoud, and the duo appear to be assembling the first pieces of a guerrilla movement to take on the Taliban.&nbsp;

“But we need more weapons, more ammunition and more supplies," Massoud said.&nbsp;

‘Ground zero’

Tens of thousands of people have tried to flee Afghanistan since the hardline Islamist militants swept into the capital on Sunday, completing a stunning rout of government forces and ending two decades of war.&nbsp;

Nearly 6,000 people — including US citizens and Afghans — have been evacuated by the US military, with the government urging the Taliban to allow safe passage for people to flee.&nbsp;

Massoud said the Taliban poses a threat beyond Afghanistan’s borders.&nbsp;

“Under Taliban control, Afghanistan will without doubt become ground zero of radical Islamist terrorism; plots against democracies will be hatched here once again."&nbsp; 
Massoud said his fighters are ready for the coming conflict, but need American assistance.&nbsp;

Since their takeover, the Taliban have been showing off the huge stash of weapons, equipment and munitions they have seized from Afghan forces — most of it supplied by the United States.&nbsp; 
Social media images showed Taliban fighters carrying M4 and M18 assault rifles, M24 sniper weapons, and driving around in the iconic US Humvees.&nbsp; 
The seizures have heightened criticism of President Joe Biden’s hasty withdrawal.&nbsp;

Massoud said that, after 20 years, the US and Afghanistan have shared “ideals and struggles" and he asked Washington to continue supporting the “cause of freedom" rather than abandon Afghans to the Taliban.&nbsp;

“You are our only remaining hope," he said.

In an op-ed published Wednesday in The Washington Post, Ahmad Massoud said "America can still be a great arsenal of democracy" by supporting his fighters. The son of Afghanistan’s most famed anti-Taliban fighter says he has the forces to mount an effective resistance, but called on the United States to supply arms and ammunition to his militia.

In an op-ed published Wednesday in The Washington Post, Ahmad Massoud said "America can still be a great arsenal of democracy" by supporting his fighters. The son of Afghanistan’s most famed anti-Taliban fighter says he has the forces to mount an effective resistance, but called on the United States to supply arms and ammunition to his militia. In an op-ed published Wednesday in The Washington Post, Ahmad Massoud said “America can still be a great arsenal of democracy" by supporting his fighters. “I write from the Panjshir Valley today, ready to follow in my father’s footsteps, with mujahideen fighters who are prepared to once again take on the Taliban," he said. His father Ahmad Shah Massoud, known as the Lion of Panjshir, led the strongest resistance against the Taliban from his stronghold in the valley northeast of Kabul until his assassination in 2001. Famed for its natural defences, the redoubt tucked into the Hindu Kush mountains never fell to the Taliban during the civil war of the 1990s, nor was it conquered by the Soviets a decade earlier, and is now Afghanistan’s last remaining holdout. Hoping to follow in his “father’s footsteps", Massoud said he has been joined by former members of the country’s special forces and soldiers from the Afghan army “disgusted by the surrender of their commanders". Social media images show Afghanistan’s defiant vice president Amrullah Saleh meeting with Massoud, and the duo appear to be assembling the first pieces of a guerrilla movement to take on the Taliban. “But we need more weapons, more ammunition and more supplies," Massoud said. ‘Ground zero’ Tens of thousands of people have tried to flee Afghanistan since the hardline Islamist militants swept into the capital on Sunday, completing a stunning rout of government forces and ending two decades of war. Nearly 6,000 people — including US citizens and Afghans — have been evacuated by the US military, with the government urging the Taliban to allow safe passage for people to flee. Massoud said the Taliban poses a threat beyond Afghanistan’s borders. “Under Taliban control, Afghanistan will without doubt become ground zero of radical Islamist terrorism; plots against democracies will be hatched here once again." Massoud said his fighters are ready for the coming conflict, but need American assistance. Since their takeover, the Taliban have been showing off the huge stash of weapons, equipment and munitions they have seized from Afghan forces — most of it supplied by the United States. Social media images showed Taliban fighters carrying M4 and M18 assault rifles, M24 sniper weapons, and driving around in the iconic US Humvees. The seizures have heightened criticism of President Joe Biden’s hasty withdrawal. Massoud said that, after 20 years, the US and Afghanistan have shared “ideals and struggles" and he asked Washington to continue supporting the “cause of freedom" rather than abandon Afghans to the Taliban. “You are our only remaining hope," he said.

'Disgusted by surrender': Killed anti-Taliban fighter's son asks US for weapons

As videos emerged of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/womens-poster-defaced-in-kabul-as-taliban-consolidates-hold-over-afghanistan-pictures-406709"> Taliban </a>fighters carrying US-made M4 and M18 assault rifles and M24 sniper weapons, the US conceded it does not have the "complete picture" while adding that "a fair amount of it has fallen into the hands of the Taliban".

"Obviously, we don't have a sense that they are going to readily hand it over to us," Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-dont-know-how-that-happens-president-biden-says-no-way-to-withdraw-from-afghanistan-without-chaos-ensuing-406698">Also Read: President Biden says no way to withdraw from Afghanistan without 'chaos ensuing'</a>

Taliban fighters were seen reportedly climbing on American Black Hawk helicopters as the Afghan troops were pushed back from major areas in Afghanistan.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taliban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taliban</a> seized Blackhawks on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kandahar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kandahar</a> airport <a href="https://t.co/Uv9iIo1HDu">pic.twitter.com/Uv9iIo1HDu</a>
— C4H10FO2P (@markito0171) <a href="https://twitter.com/markito0171/status/1426488151955152896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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There were also reports of the Taliban taking&nbsp;control of US Humvees which were used extensively by the American troops during the Afghanistan operations.

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1/ Material Implications of Kabul 
 
That my friends, is the Taliban flying a US MH-60 stealth helicopter. 
 
We supplied the ANA special aviation and spec forces units with our top of the line gear (not second hand gear we pass to most allies), then left it all behind. <a href="https://t.co/Cm30kn9rVc">pic.twitter.com/Cm30kn9rVc</a>
— T (@T_Ascendent) <a href="https://twitter.com/T_Ascendent/status/1427772361634426887?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Republican national chair Ronna McDaniel hit out against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-dont-know-how-that-happens-president-biden-says-no-way-to-withdraw-from-afghanistan-without-chaos-ensuing-406698">Biden administration</a> over Taliban seizing US equipment saying: "Thanks to Biden's botched withdrawal, the Taliban is better equipped today than they ever have been."

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2 Mi-17's captured by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taliban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taliban</a> from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Shindand?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Shindand</a> Air Base in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Herat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Herat</a> Province <a href="https://t.co/BPS3tYVTk4">pic.twitter.com/BPS3tYVTk4</a>
— Lone Wolf (@Lone_wolf110) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lone_wolf110/status/1426102986367934466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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According to official data, the US had supplied the Afghan army with over 7,000 machine guns, 4,700 Humvees and 20,000 grenades in recent years. It is still unclear how much equipment was seized by the Taliban.

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Taliban forces captured four Mi-8/17 helicopters today, two of which in operational condition while the other two were undergoing maintenance at the time of capture. <a href="https://t.co/rhn4qdeRCk">pic.twitter.com/rhn4qdeRCk</a>
— Oryx (@oryxspioenkop) <a href="https://twitter.com/oryxspioenkop/status/1426113294117609472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of the videos

Social Media -Twitter: Courtesy: @Lone Wolf,&nbsp;@markito0171, @T_Ascendent,&nbsp;@oryxspioenkop

(With inputs from Agencies)

As videos emerged of Taliban fighters carrying US-made M4 and M18 assault rifles and M24 sniper weapons, the US conceded it does not have the "complete picture" while adding that "a fair amount of it has fallen into the hands of the Taliban".

As videos emerged of Taliban fighters carrying US-made M4 and M18 assault rifles and M24 sniper weapons, the US conceded it does not have the "complete picture" while adding that "a fair amount of it has fallen into the hands of the Taliban". "Obviously, we don't have a sense that they are going to readily hand it over to us," Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor said. Also Read: President Biden says no way to withdraw from Afghanistan without 'chaos ensuing' Taliban fighters were seen reportedly climbing on American Black Hawk helicopters as the Afghan troops were pushed back from major areas in Afghanistan. #Taliban seized Blackhawks on #Kandahar airport pic.twitter.com/Uv9iIo1HDu — C4H10FO2P (@markito0171) August 14, 2021 × There were also reports of the Taliban taking control of US Humvees which were used extensively by the American troops during the Afghanistan operations. 1/ Material Implications of Kabul That my friends, is the Taliban flying a US MH-60 stealth helicopter. We supplied the ANA special aviation and spec forces units with our top of the line gear (not second hand gear we pass to most allies), then left it all behind. pic.twitter.com/Cm30kn9rVc — T (@T_Ascendent) August 17, 2021 × Republican national chair Ronna McDaniel hit out against the Biden administration over Taliban seizing US equipment saying: "Thanks to Biden's botched withdrawal, the Taliban is better equipped today than they ever have been." 2 Mi-17's captured by #Taliban from #Shindand Air Base in #Herat Province pic.twitter.com/BPS3tYVTk4 — Lone Wolf (@Lone_wolf110) August 13, 2021 × According to official data, the US had supplied the Afghan army with over 7,000 machine guns, 4,700 Humvees and 20,000 grenades in recent years. It is still unclear how much equipment was seized by the Taliban. Taliban forces captured four Mi-8/17 helicopters today, two of which in operational condition while the other two were undergoing maintenance at the time of capture. pic.twitter.com/rhn4qdeRCk — Oryx (@oryxspioenkop) August 13, 2021 × Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of the videos Social Media -Twitter: Courtesy: @Lone Wolf, @markito0171, @T_Ascendent, @oryxspioenkop (With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban seizes Blackhawk helicopter, US assault rifles - WATCH

A Pentagon official claimed that the Taliban's fast march to destabilise the Afghan government in such a short period of time could not have been predicted.&nbsp;

"There was nothing that I, or anyone else, saw that indicated a collapse of this army and this government in 11 days," United States Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley was quoted as saying by the news agency AFP.

The US military, which just departed from Afghanistan after 20 years of occupation, has been widely chastised for the withdrawal, which was authorised by the Joe Biden administration.

Critics claim that the government's hasty departure of US forces resulted in the country falling under Taliban control, leaving Afghans to fend for themselves.&nbsp;

"The Afghan security forces had the capacity, and by that I mean they had the training, the size, the capability, to defend their country. This comes down to an issue of will and leadership, " the US top general said in defence of the US army, AFP reported.

Similarly, US Vice President Joe Biden supported his administration's decision to remove troops from Afghanistan.

Biden declared on Monday, August 16th, in his first address since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, that he "squarely stood by his judgement."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A Pentagon official claimed that the Taliban's fast march to destabilise the Afghan government in such a short period of time could not have been predicted. "There was nothing that I, or anyone else, saw that indicated a collapse of this army and this government in 11 days," United States Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley was quoted as saying by the news agency AFP.

A Pentagon official claimed that the Taliban's fast march to destabilise the Afghan government in such a short period of time could not have been predicted. "There was nothing that I, or anyone else, saw that indicated a collapse of this army and this government in 11 days," United States Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley was quoted as saying by the news agency AFP. The US military, which just departed from Afghanistan after 20 years of occupation, has been widely chastised for the withdrawal, which was authorised by the Joe Biden administration. Critics claim that the government's hasty departure of US forces resulted in the country falling under Taliban control, leaving Afghans to fend for themselves. "The Afghan security forces had the capacity, and by that I mean they had the training, the size, the capability, to defend their country. This comes down to an issue of will and leadership, " the US top general said in defence of the US army, AFP reported. Similarly, US Vice President Joe Biden supported his administration's decision to remove troops from Afghanistan. Biden declared on Monday, August 16th, in his first address since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, that he "squarely stood by his judgement." (With inputs from agencies)

'Nothing Indicated collapse of Afghanistan in 11 days': Top US General

Zaki Anwari, a 19-year-old Afghan national junior team player, died in a fall from a US jet at Kabul airport on Monday, according to Afghan news agency Ariana.

Anwari died after falling from a US Air Force Boeing C-17 plane, according to Ariana, and his death was confirmed by the General Directorate for Sport.

According to previous accounts, two passengers died after falling from the plane.&nbsp;

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-afghanistan-crisis-afghans-are-paying-for-americas-mistakes-406131/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Crowds of people seeking to flee Afghanistan have thronged the airport since Taliban insurgents swept to power on Sunday, many seen trying to board a moving plane.

Thousands of Afghans went to Hamid Karzai International Airport on Monday, the day after the Taliban took control of the Afghan capital, seeking to board a flight out of the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

Zaki Anwari, a 19-year-old Afghan national junior team player, died in a fall from a US jet at Kabul airport on Monday, according to Afghan news agency Ariana. Anwari died after falling from a US Air Force Boeing C-17 plane, according to Ariana, and his death was confirmed by the General Directorate for Sport.

Zaki Anwari, a 19-year-old Afghan national junior team player, died in a fall from a US jet at Kabul airport on Monday, according to Afghan news agency Ariana. Anwari died after falling from a US Air Force Boeing C-17 plane, according to Ariana, and his death was confirmed by the General Directorate for Sport. According to previous accounts, two passengers died after falling from the plane. Watch: Crowds of people seeking to flee Afghanistan have thronged the airport since Taliban insurgents swept to power on Sunday, many seen trying to board a moving plane. Thousands of Afghans went to Hamid Karzai International Airport on Monday, the day after the Taliban took control of the Afghan capital, seeking to board a flight out of the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan national team's footballer died in fall from US plane at Kabul airport: Report

Protesters took to the streets to rally against Taliban rule for the second day Thursday, this time marching in Kabul, including near the presidential palace. At one demonstration in the city, about 200 people had gathered before the Taliban broke it up violently.

Several people were killed in the eastern city of Asadabad when Taliban fighters fired on people waving the national flag at a rally Thursday, Afghanistan’s annual Independence Day, according to a witness cited by Reuters.

It was not clear whether the casualties had come from the gunshots or from a stampede they set off, the witness, Mohammed Salim, was quoted by the news agency as saying.

It was a remarkable display of defiance, coming just one day after violence broke out at protests in two other cities, with Taliban members shooting into crowds and beating demonstrators.

It was also further evidence that while tens of thousands are now seeking escape, there were many more left behind and determined to have a voice in the kind of state where they live.

After sweeping so quickly into power, the reality of governing a changed nation is proving as difficult for the Taliban as their military blitz across the nation’s provinces was fast.

Many critical workers are hiding in their homes, fearful of retribution despite promises of amnesty. And services like electricity, sanitation and clean water could soon be affected, aid agencies say.

While the Taliban, for now, have a monopoly on the use of force, there is no functioning police service in any traditional sense. Instead, former fighters are patrolling checkpoints and — in many cases, according to witness accounts — administering the law as they see fit.

The Taliban leadership’s suggestion this week that the brutality that defined their rule two decades ago was a thing of the past has not always been matched by the actions of the foot soldiers on the street.

Taliban members are intensifying a search for people who they believe worked with U.S. and NATO forces, including among the crowds of Afghans outside Kabul’s airport, and have threatened to kill or arrest their family members if they cannot find them, according to a confidential United Nations document.

Afghans, fleeing the country, face violence from the Taliban on the dangerous road to the airport, where the U.S. military has tried to quell the continued chaos. The sound of fighter jets roaring over Kabul was nearly constant Thursday as more U.S. and international forces raced to evacuate foreign nationals, many still trapped outside the airport.

As they struggle with the immediate crisis, the Taliban is facing threats to the long-term stability of the state. The new regime is finding itself frozen out financially.

The International Monetary Fund said Wednesday that it would block Afghanistan’s access to about $460 million in emergency reserves, a decision that followed pressure from the Biden administration. An agreement reached in November among more than 60 countries to send Afghanistan $12 billion over the next four years is also in doubt.

The assistance is critical in a country where the U.N. estimates that many are going hungry.

“That’s 14 million people, including 2 million children who are malnourished,” the World Food Program said in a statement.

Some protests turned violent when demonstrators tried to tear down the new Taliban flag and replace it with the tricolors of the Afghan one.

“Salute those who carry the national flag and thus stand for dignity of the nation and the country,” a top official for the deposed Afghan government, Amrullah Saleh, wrote on Twitter.

In the 20th century, there have been at least 19 iterations of the flag.

Afghanistan — a nation with a brutal history, but also home to beautiful natural wonders and a quilt of cultures — is now the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

The Taliban reasserted its new regime in a Tweet on Thursday commemorating the anniversary of independence from British rule more than a century ago.

That anniversary was also the occasion for the street protests, with many calling for independence from Taliban rule.

Protesters took to the streets to rally against Taliban rule for the second day Thursday, this time marching in Kabul, including near the presidential palace. At one demonstration in the city, about 200 people had gathered before the Taliban broke it up violently.

Protesters took to the streets to rally against Taliban rule for the second day Thursday, this time marching in Kabul, including near the presidential palace. At one demonstration in the city, about 200 people had gathered before the Taliban broke it up violently. Several people were killed in the eastern city of Asadabad when Taliban fighters fired on people waving the national flag at a rally Thursday, Afghanistan’s annual Independence Day, according to a witness cited by Reuters. It was not clear whether the casualties had come from the gunshots or from a stampede they set off, the witness, Mohammed Salim, was quoted by the news agency as saying. It was a remarkable display of defiance, coming just one day after violence broke out at protests in two other cities, with Taliban members shooting into crowds and beating demonstrators. It was also further evidence that while tens of thousands are now seeking escape, there were many more left behind and determined to have a voice in the kind of state where they live. After sweeping so quickly into power, the reality of governing a changed nation is proving as difficult for the Taliban as their military blitz across the nation’s provinces was fast. Many critical workers are hiding in their homes, fearful of retribution despite promises of amnesty. And services like electricity, sanitation and clean water could soon be affected, aid agencies say. While the Taliban, for now, have a monopoly on the use of force, there is no functioning police service in any traditional sense. Instead, former fighters are patrolling checkpoints and — in many cases, according to witness accounts — administering the law as they see fit. The Taliban leadership’s suggestion this week that the brutality that defined their rule two decades ago was a thing of the past has not always been matched by the actions of the foot soldiers on the street. Taliban members are intensifying a search for people who they believe worked with U.S. and NATO forces, including among the crowds of Afghans outside Kabul’s airport, and have threatened to kill or arrest their family members if they cannot find them, according to a confidential United Nations document. Afghans, fleeing the country, face violence from the Taliban on the dangerous road to the airport, where the U.S. military has tried to quell the continued chaos. The sound of fighter jets roaring over Kabul was nearly constant Thursday as more U.S. and international forces raced to evacuate foreign nationals, many still trapped outside the airport. As they struggle with the immediate crisis, the Taliban is facing threats to the long-term stability of the state. The new regime is finding itself frozen out financially. The International Monetary Fund said Wednesday that it would block Afghanistan’s access to about $460 million in emergency reserves, a decision that followed pressure from the Biden administration. An agreement reached in November among more than 60 countries to send Afghanistan $12 billion over the next four years is also in doubt. The assistance is critical in a country where the U.N. estimates that many are going hungry. “That’s 14 million people, including 2 million children who are malnourished,” the World Food Program said in a statement. Some protests turned violent when demonstrators tried to tear down the new Taliban flag and replace it with the tricolors of the Afghan one. “Salute those who carry the national flag and thus stand for dignity of the nation and the country,” a top official for the deposed Afghan government, Amrullah Saleh, wrote on Twitter. In the 20th century, there have been at least 19 iterations of the flag. Afghanistan — a nation with a brutal history, but also home to beautiful natural wonders and a quilt of cultures — is now the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The Taliban reasserted its new regime in a Tweet on Thursday commemorating the anniversary of independence from British rule more than a century ago. That anniversary was also the occasion for the street protests, with many calling for independence from Taliban rule.

As demonstrations spread, Taliban face growing challenges

For the first time since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted India's terror worries on Thursday, identifying particular groups in another first.

He said that the world must never compromise with the evil of terrorism.

Dr S Jaishankar was addressing the high-level UN Security Council briefing on threats to international peace and security by terrorist acts.

"There is no justification for any act of terrorism, regardless of motivations; terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group; we must never be afraid to call out double standards; those who extend state hospitality to entities with the blood of innocent people on their hands," Jaishankar said at the UNSC.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | "...Whether it's in Afghanistan or against India, LeT &amp; JeM continue to operate with both impunity &amp; encouragement.. This Council must not take a selective view of the problems we face..." EAM S Jaishankar ta UNSC briefing <a href="https://t.co/n56EhB3lQu">pic.twitter.com/n56EhB3lQu</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1428376628657225740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Whether in Afghanistan or against India, groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed continue to operate with impunity and encouragement," he said. "What is true of COVID-19 is true of terrorism. No one is safe until all of us are safe... (But) some countries undermine our collective resolve," Jaishankar said.

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It is also important therefore to end the stalemate preventing the adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, which India has championed for so long. We reiterate our full support for counter-terrorism cooperation under the auspices of the UN: EAM
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1428371617663492096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"When we see state hospitality being extended to those with blood of innocents on their hands, we must call out the doublespeak," he added. 
 
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will return to India on Friday and not travel onwards to Mexico, Panama and Guyana in view of the developments in Afghanistan, sources said.

India on Tuesday rushed back home its ambassador, Rudrendra Tandon, and staff from the embassy in Kabul in a military transport aircraft following escalating tension, fear, and uncertainty gripping the Afghan capital after Taliban insurgents seized the Afghan capital on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies)

For the first time since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted India's terror worries on Thursday, identifying particular groups in another first.

For the first time since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted India's terror worries on Thursday, identifying particular groups in another first. He said that the world must never compromise with the evil of terrorism. Dr S Jaishankar was addressing the high-level UN Security Council briefing on threats to international peace and security by terrorist acts. "There is no justification for any act of terrorism, regardless of motivations; terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group; we must never be afraid to call out double standards; those who extend state hospitality to entities with the blood of innocent people on their hands," Jaishankar said at the UNSC. #WATCH | "...Whether it's in Afghanistan or against India, LeT & JeM continue to operate with both impunity & encouragement.. This Council must not take a selective view of the problems we face..." EAM S Jaishankar ta UNSC briefing pic.twitter.com/n56EhB3lQu — ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2021 × "Whether in Afghanistan or against India, groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed continue to operate with impunity and encouragement," he said. "What is true of COVID-19 is true of terrorism. No one is safe until all of us are safe... (But) some countries undermine our collective resolve," Jaishankar said. It is also important therefore to end the stalemate preventing the adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, which India has championed for so long. We reiterate our full support for counter-terrorism cooperation under the auspices of the UN: EAM — ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2021 × "When we see state hospitality being extended to those with blood of innocents on their hands, we must call out the doublespeak," he added. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will return to India on Friday and not travel onwards to Mexico, Panama and Guyana in view of the developments in Afghanistan, sources said. India on Tuesday rushed back home its ambassador, Rudrendra Tandon, and staff from the embassy in Kabul in a military transport aircraft following escalating tension, fear, and uncertainty gripping the Afghan capital after Taliban insurgents seized the Afghan capital on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Terrorists are terrorists, distinctions can only be made at our own peril: Dr S Jaishankar

Mass evacuations from Afghanistan are continuing at a frantic pace, chaotic scenes continue to emerge from the Kabul airport. WION brings you a ground report from outside the Kabul airport.

WION Ground Report: Chaotic scenes outside Kabul airport

Some 20,000 Afghans are to be welcomed into the UK over the coming years as part of a scheme to provide sanctuary for those most at risk of persecution by the Taliban.

UK plans to welcome Afghan refugees as part of its scheme

Former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani says he hopes to return to Afghanistan

Russian forein minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday that anti-Taliban forces led by deposed Afghan vice-president Amrullah Saleh and Ahmad Massoud were gathering in Panjshir Valley. Massoud is the son of a slain anti-Taliban fighter. Panjshir lies in the north of Kabul.

"The Taliban doesn't control the whole territory of Afghanistan," Lavrov told reporters at a press conference in Moscow following a meeting with his Libyan counterpart.&nbsp;

"There are reports of the situation in the Panjshir Valley where the resistance of Afghanistan's vice president Mr Saleh and Ahmad Massoud is concentrated," he said.

Lavrov reiterated his call for an inclusive dialogue involving all political players in Afghanistan in order to form a "representative government"

Panjshir valley, known for its natural defenses is is Afghanistan's last remaining holdout. Saleh&nbsp;and Massoud are pulling together a guerilla movement to take on Taliban.

Moscow has been cautiously optimistic about the new leadership in Kabul and is seeking contact with the militants in an effort to avoid instability spilling over to neighbouring ex-Soviet states.

While the United States and other countries rushed to evacuate their citizens from Kabul, Russia said its embassy will continue to function.&nbsp;

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters on Thursday that the Taliban are "actively restoring order" and have demonstrated their "intent to dialogue".&nbsp;

She said at her weekly press briefing that the militant group -- known for its severe treatment of women -- is "ready to take into account the interest of citizens, including... women's rights".&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Russia's ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov met with the Taliban in Kabul, hailing on state television a "positive and constructive" meeting.&nbsp;

The Kremlin has in recent years reached out to the Taliban -- which is banned as an "extremist" group in Russia -- and hosted its representatives in Moscow several times, most recently last month.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian forein minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday that anti-Taliban forces led by deposed Afghan vice-president Amrullah Saleh and Ahmad Massoud were gathering in Panjshir Valley.

Russian forein minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday that anti-Taliban forces led by deposed Afghan vice-president Amrullah Saleh and Ahmad Massoud were gathering in Panjshir Valley. Massoud is the son of a slain anti-Taliban fighter. Panjshir lies in the north of Kabul. "The Taliban doesn't control the whole territory of Afghanistan," Lavrov told reporters at a press conference in Moscow following a meeting with his Libyan counterpart. "There are reports of the situation in the Panjshir Valley where the resistance of Afghanistan's vice president Mr Saleh and Ahmad Massoud is concentrated," he said. Lavrov reiterated his call for an inclusive dialogue involving all political players in Afghanistan in order to form a "representative government" Panjshir valley, known for its natural defenses is is Afghanistan's last remaining holdout. Saleh and Massoud are pulling together a guerilla movement to take on Taliban. Moscow has been cautiously optimistic about the new leadership in Kabul and is seeking contact with the militants in an effort to avoid instability spilling over to neighbouring ex-Soviet states. While the United States and other countries rushed to evacuate their citizens from Kabul, Russia said its embassy will continue to function. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters on Thursday that the Taliban are "actively restoring order" and have demonstrated their "intent to dialogue". She said at her weekly press briefing that the militant group -- known for its severe treatment of women -- is "ready to take into account the interest of citizens, including... women's rights". Earlier this week, Russia's ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov met with the Taliban in Kabul, hailing on state television a "positive and constructive" meeting. The Kremlin has in recent years reached out to the Taliban -- which is banned as an "extremist" group in Russia -- and hosted its representatives in Moscow several times, most recently last month. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia says anti-Taliban forces are gathering north of Kabul

Afghanistan's Vice President Amrullah Saleh has stayed behind & is building an anti-Taliban resistance in Panjshir Valley. This is a region the Taliban has never managed to conquer. Who is Amrullah Saleh? Can he bring down the Taliban? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Amrullah Saleh: The face of anti-Taliban resistance

Afghani women call for help as Taliban takes over the country

USA spent trillions of dollars in Afghanistan, its soldiers spent countless hours in training what was Afghan National Army. But the situation unravelled in surprisingly short time and Taliban came back to power. Now, to add to the embarrassment, videos of Taliban fighters wearing US uniforms and driving Humvees left behind by the US soldiers and retreating Afghan armymen are putting the US in a tight spot.

Taliban has seized huge amounts of weaponry, equipment and ammunition from Afghan armed forces. All of this had been supplied by the USA in last two decades.

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More than 100 Humvees captured in Mazar sharif.Dostum and its troops were fleeing to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tajikistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tajikistan</a> but couldn't get the permission,later <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taliban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taliban</a> ask them if they could surrendered instead being killed.<a href="https://t.co/1LDHdig5iT">pic.twitter.com/1LDHdig5iT</a>
— Spoils of war (@SpoilOfWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpoilOfWar/status/1427011818325696514?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Videos of Taliban fighters parading in US-made armored vehicles, wielding US-supplied firearms and climbing on American Black Hawk helicopters after the defeat of Afghan government forces have embarrassed the White House.

The videos are doing rounds on social media. Taliban fighters can be seen carrying M4 an M18 assault rifles and M24 sniper weapons, driving around in the iconic US Humvees and, in one video, apparently wearing US-style special forces tactical uniforms.

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Taliban fighters ride on top of a U.S.-made Humvee previously used by Afghan security services in the streets of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kabul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kabul</a> (📸 via <a href="https://twitter.com/ShehabAgency?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShehabAgency</a>) <a href="https://t.co/IkBMhdDXUs">pic.twitter.com/IkBMhdDXUs</a>
— ℳℴhamed Keita (@ModKeita) <a href="https://twitter.com/ModKeita/status/1427049651245568010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The images are underpinning a political attack on President Joe Biden for alleged mishandling of the US withdrawal from the country after 20 years of war.

Afghan forces conceded Kabul last weekend without a fight. This happened despite two decades of training and tens of billions of dollars from the US. Most of the equipment has been seized from Afghan soldiers

"We don't have a complete picture, obviously, of where every article of defense materials has gone. But certainly, a fair amount of it has fallen into the hands of the Taliban," said White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Tuesday.

'Botched withdrawal'

"Obviously, we don't have a sense that they are going to readily hand it over to us," he said. 
Republicans seized on the admission to pounce on Biden.

"Thanks to Biden's botched withdrawal, the Taliban is better equipped today than they ever have been," said Republican national chair Ronna McDaniel.

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Taliban enjoying the $400,000 Humvee we left them <a href="https://t.co/OjjjEbbd4Q">pic.twitter.com/OjjjEbbd4Q</a>
— Ethan Klein (@h3h3productions) <a href="https://twitter.com/h3h3productions/status/1427716692084289542?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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According to official figures, the US military supplied the Afghan army with more than 7,000 machine guns, 4,700 Humvees and 20,000 grenades in recent years.

The Afghans have also received artillery and reconnaissance drones from Washington, as well as more than 200 aircraft, both fixed-wing and helicopters.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday that the department is looking at the issue.

Limited threat

"We obviously don't want to see our equipment in the hands of those who would act against our interests, or the interests of the Afghan people," Kirby told reporters.

"There are numerous policy choices that can be made, up to and including destruction," he said, without giving specifics.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

(Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of these visuals)

USA spent trillions of dollars in Afghanistan, its soldiers spent countless hours in training what was Afghan National Army. But the situation unravelled in surprisingly short time and Taliban came back to power.

USA spent trillions of dollars in Afghanistan, its soldiers spent countless hours in training what was Afghan National Army. But the situation unravelled in surprisingly short time and Taliban came back to power. Now, to add to the embarrassment, videos of Taliban fighters wearing US uniforms and driving Humvees left behind by the US soldiers and retreating Afghan armymen are putting the US in a tight spot. Taliban has seized huge amounts of weaponry, equipment and ammunition from Afghan armed forces. All of this had been supplied by the USA in last two decades. More than 100 Humvees captured in Mazar sharif.Dostum and its troops were fleeing to #Tajikistan but couldn't get the permission,later #Taliban ask them if they could surrendered instead being killed.pic.twitter.com/1LDHdig5iT — Spoils of war (@SpoilOfWar) August 15, 2021 × Videos of Taliban fighters parading in US-made armored vehicles, wielding US-supplied firearms and climbing on American Black Hawk helicopters after the defeat of Afghan government forces have embarrassed the White House. The videos are doing rounds on social media. Taliban fighters can be seen carrying M4 an M18 assault rifles and M24 sniper weapons, driving around in the iconic US Humvees and, in one video, apparently wearing US-style special forces tactical uniforms. Taliban fighters ride on top of a U.S.-made Humvee previously used by Afghan security services in the streets of #Kabul (📸 via @ShehabAgency) pic.twitter.com/IkBMhdDXUs — ℳℴhamed Keita (@ModKeita) August 15, 2021 × The images are underpinning a political attack on President Joe Biden for alleged mishandling of the US withdrawal from the country after 20 years of war. Afghan forces conceded Kabul last weekend without a fight. This happened despite two decades of training and tens of billions of dollars from the US. Most of the equipment has been seized from Afghan soldiers "We don't have a complete picture, obviously, of where every article of defense materials has gone. But certainly, a fair amount of it has fallen into the hands of the Taliban," said White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Tuesday. 'Botched withdrawal' "Obviously, we don't have a sense that they are going to readily hand it over to us," he said. Republicans seized on the admission to pounce on Biden. "Thanks to Biden's botched withdrawal, the Taliban is better equipped today than they ever have been," said Republican national chair Ronna McDaniel. Taliban enjoying the $400,000 Humvee we left them pic.twitter.com/OjjjEbbd4Q — Ethan Klein (@h3h3productions) August 17, 2021 × According to official figures, the US military supplied the Afghan army with more than 7,000 machine guns, 4,700 Humvees and 20,000 grenades in recent years. The Afghans have also received artillery and reconnaissance drones from Washington, as well as more than 200 aircraft, both fixed-wing and helicopters. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday that the department is looking at the issue. Limited threat "We obviously don't want to see our equipment in the hands of those who would act against our interests, or the interests of the Afghan people," Kirby told reporters. "There are numerous policy choices that can be made, up to and including destruction," he said, without giving specifics. (With inputs from agencies) (Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of these visuals)

Videos of Taliban with US equipment embarrass White House

With the Taliban set to control the new Afghan government, world leaders are struggling to define their relationship with the group. Will governments recognise the Taliban or reject their rule? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Will social media cancel the Taliban?

At least 12 people have killed at Kabul airport since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan's capital city on Sunday.

On Thursday, news agencies reported the statistics, citing both the Taliban and NATO.

The Taliban also advised individuals who did not have the legal authority to fly out of the country to depart the airport on Thursday.&nbsp; 
 
The Islamist militant movement conquered Afghanistan at lightning speed as foreign troops withdrew, surprising even its leaders and leaving them to fill a power vacuum in many places. 
 
Tens of thousands of people have tried to flee Afghanistan since the hardline Islamist militants swept into the capital on Sunday, completing a stunning rout of government forces and ending two decades of war.

Taliban leaders have in recent days repeatedly vowed not to seek revenge against their opponents, while seeking to project an image of tolerance.

They have also sought to portray growing political authority, with Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar returning from exile and other senior figures meeting ex-president Hamid Karzai.

But the United States said Wednesday the Taliban were reneging on pledges to allow Afghans who worked with the United States and its allies out of the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 12 people have killed at Kabul airport since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan's capital city on Sunday. On Thursday, news agencies reported the statistics, citing both the Taliban and NATO.

At least 12 people have killed at Kabul airport since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan's capital city on Sunday. On Thursday, news agencies reported the statistics, citing both the Taliban and NATO. The Taliban also advised individuals who did not have the legal authority to fly out of the country to depart the airport on Thursday. The Islamist militant movement conquered Afghanistan at lightning speed as foreign troops withdrew, surprising even its leaders and leaving them to fill a power vacuum in many places. Tens of thousands of people have tried to flee Afghanistan since the hardline Islamist militants swept into the capital on Sunday, completing a stunning rout of government forces and ending two decades of war. Taliban leaders have in recent days repeatedly vowed not to seek revenge against their opponents, while seeking to project an image of tolerance. They have also sought to portray growing political authority, with Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar returning from exile and other senior figures meeting ex-president Hamid Karzai. But the United States said Wednesday the Taliban were reneging on pledges to allow Afghans who worked with the United States and its allies out of the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan crisis: 12 people have been killed at Kabul airport since Sunday

Taliban's tall promises on women's rights have been busted by their actions on the ground. As Afghan women fight to protect their gains, WION launches #SaveAfghanWomen to tell their stories. Palki Sharma tells you how you can join in.

Gravitas | Taliban presser: Lies & propaganda

3 days after taking Kabul, The Taliban has unleashed its reign of terror. The Taliban today opened fire on Afghans in Jalalabad. Government officials & captured soldiers are being "executed" outside Kabul. Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: The Taliban unleashes its reign of terror

Writer Nadia Ghulam, an Afghan refugee living in Catalonia, Spain, had to&nbsp;disguise&nbsp;herself as a man to survive the 'torture' of the Taliban during its rule two decades ago. Her poignant story is re-emerging as a point of discussion as Afghanistan is back in the control of the militant group.

Her life, like many other Afghan women, has been marked by the consequences of a cruel civil war, hunger, and the Taliban regime.

Nadia, born in 1985, dressed like a man for 10 years just to go to work and support her family. She was&nbsp;able to leave Afghanistan thanks to an NGO 15 years ago for treatment for wounds caused by a bomb, but her family remains in the country.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/times-have-changed-pictures-of-afghan-women-before-taliban-rule-go-viral-406508" hreflang="en">'Times have changed': Pictures of Afghan women before Taliban rule go viral</a>

When she got settled in Catalonia as an Afghan refugee,&nbsp;Nadia wanted to explain her story, and she did so with the collaboration of the journalist Agnès Rotger in the novel&nbsp;“The secret of my turban.”

The book won the prestigious prize Prudenci Bertrana, 2010 and achieved national critical acclaim.

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Ens estan torturant. La meva família demana ajuda i se sent impotent, amb molta por i dolor pel nostre país i sobretot la nostra gent. No mireu cap a una altra banda!
— Nadia ghulam (@nadiaghulam) <a href="https://twitter.com/nadiaghulam/status/1426879252146888709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Ghulam has warned for years that the Taliban had never left Afghanistan, but rather the United States&nbsp;“sold the film" of peace&nbsp;that was a&nbsp;"lie."&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-taliban-presser-lies-propaganda-406671/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to Ghulam, the attitude of the United States, the European Union and other international forces that have been in Afghanistan for years is "more than a&nbsp;betrayal" as she says they have armed the population, spurred governments marked by corruption, and are now leaving. “It's all out of control," she says.

Ghulam leads the Bridges for Peace association from Badalona, an organisation that helps 35 girls in Afghanistan go to school and read.&nbsp;

Writer Nadia Ghulam, an Afghan refugee living in Catalonia, Spain, had to disguise herself as a man to survive the 'torture' of the Taliban during its rule two decades ago.

Writer Nadia Ghulam, an Afghan refugee living in Catalonia, Spain, had to disguise herself as a man to survive the 'torture' of the Taliban during its rule two decades ago. Her poignant story is re-emerging as a point of discussion as Afghanistan is back in the control of the militant group. Her life, like many other Afghan women, has been marked by the consequences of a cruel civil war, hunger, and the Taliban regime. Nadia, born in 1985, dressed like a man for 10 years just to go to work and support her family. She was able to leave Afghanistan thanks to an NGO 15 years ago for treatment for wounds caused by a bomb, but her family remains in the country. Also see| 'Times have changed': Pictures of Afghan women before Taliban rule go viral When she got settled in Catalonia as an Afghan refugee, Nadia wanted to explain her story, and she did so with the collaboration of the journalist Agnès Rotger in the novel “The secret of my turban.” The book won the prestigious prize Prudenci Bertrana, 2010 and achieved national critical acclaim. Ens estan torturant. La meva família demana ajuda i se sent impotent, amb molta por i dolor pel nostre país i sobretot la nostra gent. No mireu cap a una altra banda! — Nadia ghulam (@nadiaghulam) August 15, 2021 × Ghulam has warned for years that the Taliban had never left Afghanistan, but rather the United States “sold the film" of peace that was a "lie." According to Ghulam, the attitude of the United States, the European Union and other international forces that have been in Afghanistan for years is "more than a betrayal" as she says they have armed the population, spurred governments marked by corruption, and are now leaving. “It's all out of control," she says. Ghulam leads the Bridges for Peace association from Badalona, an organisation that helps 35 girls in Afghanistan go to school and read.

Nadia Ghulam: The woman who disguised herself as a man for 10 years to survive 'torture' of Taliban

As the Taliban began consolidating its hold over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-dont-know-how-that-happens-president-biden-says-no-way-to-withdraw-from-afghanistan-without-chaos-ensuing-406698">Afghanistan</a>, Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that those who feared the Taliban would impose a ban on the education of girls and other measures were proved wrong.

“There was a fear that the Taliban would impose a ban on the education of girls, but it has not been happening," Pakistan's foreign minister said.

Watch:

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"The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/womens-poster-defaced-in-kabul-as-taliban-consolidates-hold-over-afghanistan-pictures-406709">Taliban</a> announced a general amnesty and they are opening schools and businesses. They also announced that they would not take revenge and all the measures taken by them so far were peaceful which is welcoming,” Qureshi asserted.

“Entire world knows there was a corrupt setup and system in Afghanistan,” Qureshi said referring to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-i-left-in-a-vest-shoes-and-t-shirt-8-stunning-claims-by-afghanistans-former-president-ashraf-ghani-from-exile-406746">former president Ghani's</a> government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-crisis-taliban-declare-islamic-emirate-of-afghanistan-on-102nd-anniversary-of-countrys-independence-from-british-rule-406687">LIVE Afghanistan ciris: As it happens</a>

Pakistan's foreign minister stated that he had spoken to leaders from&nbsp;China, the United States and the United Kingdom on the Afghan crisis.

The foreign minister said he would be travelling to Iran, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to discuss the Afghan situation with the leaders of various countries.

“We want that there should be peace in Afghanistan, bazaars should remain open there and Afghanistan should move towards a normal life,” Qureshi said.

Pakistan's foreign minister claimed the country has three million Afghan refugees inside its territory.

Pakistan's interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad had said earlier that the country's borders were in "safe working condition"&nbsp;while saying that trucks were moving along the border with Afghanistan and that the Taliban were taking security measures.

Rashid said around 900 people including foreign diplomats have arrived in Pakistan from Afghanistan with several more were expected in the days ahead.

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;

As the Taliban began consolidating its hold over Afghanistan, Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that those who feared the Taliban would impose a ban on the education of girls and other measures were proved wrong.

As the Taliban began consolidating its hold over Afghanistan, Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that those who feared the Taliban would impose a ban on the education of girls and other measures were proved wrong. “There was a fear that the Taliban would impose a ban on the education of girls, but it has not been happening," Pakistan's foreign minister said. Watch: "The Taliban announced a general amnesty and they are opening schools and businesses. They also announced that they would not take revenge and all the measures taken by them so far were peaceful which is welcoming,” Qureshi asserted. “Entire world knows there was a corrupt setup and system in Afghanistan,” Qureshi said referring to former president Ghani's government. LIVE Afghanistan ciris: As it happens Pakistan's foreign minister stated that he had spoken to leaders from China, the United States and the United Kingdom on the Afghan crisis. The foreign minister said he would be travelling to Iran, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to discuss the Afghan situation with the leaders of various countries. “We want that there should be peace in Afghanistan, bazaars should remain open there and Afghanistan should move towards a normal life,” Qureshi said. Pakistan's foreign minister claimed the country has three million Afghan refugees inside its territory. Pakistan's interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad had said earlier that the country's borders were in "safe working condition" while saying that trucks were moving along the border with Afghanistan and that the Taliban were taking security measures. Rashid said around 900 people including foreign diplomats have arrived in Pakistan from Afghanistan with several more were expected in the days ahead. (With inputs from Agencies)

They are opening schools and businesses: Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi backs Taliban

With the Taliban taking over Afghanistan, the future of women in the country has become a concerning topic. Taliban are expected to run the state under Sharia Laws which is expected to negatively impact women's rights in the country.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/after-taliban-takeover-can-afghan-cricket-board-lose-iccs-full-membership-406916" hreflang="en">After Taliban takeover, can Afghan Cricket Board lose ICC's full membership?</a>

Now, a former Afghanistan women's football team captain has urged the players to burn their kits, delete social media, and erase public identities as the country has returned under the rule of the Taliban and they have killed, raped and stoned women in the past.&nbsp;

Khalida Popal, who is also the co-founder of the Afghan women's football league, said she had always used her voice to encourage young women "to stand strong, to be bold, to be visible" but now she had a different message.

"Today I'm calling them and telling them, take down their names, remove their identities, take down their photos for their safety. Even I'm telling them to burn down or get rid of your national team uniform," she said in an interview to Reuters.

"And that is painful for me, for someone as an activist who stood up and did everything possible to achieve and earn that identity as a women's national team player.

"To earn that badge on the chest, to have the right to play and represent our country, how much we were proud."

According to Popal, football played a crucial role in empowering the women in her country and enabled them to take a strong stand for their rights and to defy those who would have them silenced.

"They are so afraid. They are worried, they are scared, not only the players, but also the activists... they have nobody to go to, to seek protection, to ask for help if they are in danger," she said of the situation now.

"They are afraid that any time the door will be knocked.

"What we are seeing is a country collapsing," she added. "All the pride, happiness to be there to empower women and men of the country is like it was just wasted."

(Inputs from Agency)

With the Taliban taking over Afghanistan, the future of women in the country has become a concerning topic. Taliban are expected to run the state under Sharia Laws which is expected to negatively impact women's rights in the country.

With the Taliban taking over Afghanistan, the future of women in the country has become a concerning topic. Taliban are expected to run the state under Sharia Laws which is expected to negatively impact women's rights in the country. ALSO READ: After Taliban takeover, can Afghan Cricket Board lose ICC's full membership? Now, a former Afghanistan women's football team captain has urged the players to burn their kits, delete social media, and erase public identities as the country has returned under the rule of the Taliban and they have killed, raped and stoned women in the past. Khalida Popal, who is also the co-founder of the Afghan women's football league, said she had always used her voice to encourage young women "to stand strong, to be bold, to be visible" but now she had a different message. "Today I'm calling them and telling them, take down their names, remove their identities, take down their photos for their safety. Even I'm telling them to burn down or get rid of your national team uniform," she said in an interview to Reuters. "And that is painful for me, for someone as an activist who stood up and did everything possible to achieve and earn that identity as a women's national team player. "To earn that badge on the chest, to have the right to play and represent our country, how much we were proud." According to Popal, football played a crucial role in empowering the women in her country and enabled them to take a strong stand for their rights and to defy those who would have them silenced. "They are so afraid. They are worried, they are scared, not only the players, but also the activists... they have nobody to go to, to seek protection, to ask for help if they are in danger," she said of the situation now. "They are afraid that any time the door will be knocked. "What we are seeing is a country collapsing," she added. "All the pride, happiness to be there to empower women and men of the country is like it was just wasted." (Inputs from Agency)

After Taliban's takeover, former Afghan women's football captain urges players to burn kits

After Afghan&nbsp;filmmaker Sahraa Karimi's video went viral on social media, another director Hassan Fazili has and expressed concerns not just over the safety of his fellow Afghans back home, but also the overall state of art and culture under the impending Taliban regime.

"Even if we just pray or hope that the common Afghanis won’t have to face any execution or arrest, there’s simply no denying that the culture, cultural aesthetics or movement will stop. Filmmaking or performing art seems to be on the verge of destruction now,"&nbsp;Fazili told Indian newspaper The Times of India.

"Why am I fearing this? The reason is quite simple. We are well aware of the Taliban policies. They just want to destroy these cultural activities. It has been a taboo for them. For instance, the Taliban fails to accept that women too, can go outside and take part in social activities on their own." 
 
Fazili, whose films 'Mr Fazili’s Wife' and 'Life Again!' have won awards in the international film-festival circuit, fled Afghanistan after the Taliban had allegedly put out a hit on him several years ago. The trigger for Taliban's wrath was his documentary, 'Peace In Afghanistan'.&nbsp;

<h2>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/afghani-pop-star-aryana-flees-from-country-amid-fear-of-life-under-taliban-rule-406914" hreflang="en">Afghan&nbsp;pop star Aryana flees from country amid fear of life under Taliban rule</a></h2>

“Ironically, it’s the government officials who brought in some ridiculous restrictions that forced me to shut down a cafe for performing artists that I had started. So, you can understand, while things right now get worse, Afghanistan didn’t have the luxury of cultural freedom in the recent past," said&nbsp;Fazili, who currently lives in Germany.

"It’s only one example of how the artists in the country were getting bulldozed, while these two giant forces were fighting for power. Confronting both the Taliban and the Afghan government at the same time became a nightmare for us,” the filmmaker said.&nbsp; 
 
What he fears most is the living conditions of Afghans when the world will no longer be watching.

<h2>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/the-art-and-cinema-we-risk-of-losing-in-talibans-takeover-of-afghanistan-406118" hreflang="en">The art and cinema we risk of losing in Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan</a></h2>

“The moment we stop talking about Afghanistan, it will be more important to see what the Taliban actually do,” he said.

“Believe me they won’t do it initially in Kabul, rather it will start in places like Kandahar and the rural areas, and slowly — as they have done before — will move towards Kabul. So, the world needs to keep a tab on the Taliban for the greater good.”

Fazili also expressed his concerns over the members of small yet significant film community of Afghanistan and what would become of those who are now in hiding.&nbsp;

After Afghan filmmaker Sahraa Karimi's video went viral on social media, another director Hassan Fazili has and expressed concerns not just over the safety of his fellow Afghans back home, but also the overall state of art and culture under the impending Taliban regime.

After Afghan filmmaker Sahraa Karimi's video went viral on social media, another director Hassan Fazili has and expressed concerns not just over the safety of his fellow Afghans back home, but also the overall state of art and culture under the impending Taliban regime. "Even if we just pray or hope that the common Afghanis won’t have to face any execution or arrest, there’s simply no denying that the culture, cultural aesthetics or movement will stop. Filmmaking or performing art seems to be on the verge of destruction now," Fazili told Indian newspaper The Times of India. "Why am I fearing this? The reason is quite simple. We are well aware of the Taliban policies. They just want to destroy these cultural activities. It has been a taboo for them. For instance, the Taliban fails to accept that women too, can go outside and take part in social activities on their own." Fazili, whose films 'Mr Fazili’s Wife' and 'Life Again!' have won awards in the international film-festival circuit, fled Afghanistan after the Taliban had allegedly put out a hit on him several years ago. The trigger for Taliban's wrath was his documentary, 'Peace In Afghanistan'. Also read: Afghan pop star Aryana flees from country amid fear of life under Taliban rule “Ironically, it’s the government officials who brought in some ridiculous restrictions that forced me to shut down a cafe for performing artists that I had started. So, you can understand, while things right now get worse, Afghanistan didn’t have the luxury of cultural freedom in the recent past," said Fazili, who currently lives in Germany. "It’s only one example of how the artists in the country were getting bulldozed, while these two giant forces were fighting for power. Confronting both the Taliban and the Afghan government at the same time became a nightmare for us,” the filmmaker said. What he fears most is the living conditions of Afghans when the world will no longer be watching. Also read: The art and cinema we risk of losing in Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan “The moment we stop talking about Afghanistan, it will be more important to see what the Taliban actually do,” he said. “Believe me they won’t do it initially in Kabul, rather it will start in places like Kandahar and the rural areas, and slowly — as they have done before — will move towards Kabul. So, the world needs to keep a tab on the Taliban for the greater good.” Fazili also expressed his concerns over the members of small yet significant film community of Afghanistan and what would become of those who are now in hiding.

Afghan director Hassan Fazili on Taliban: Filmmaking is on the verge of destruction now

With the Taliban seizing power in Afghanistan, the fate of women in the nation has become a major concern. Taliban rule is based on Sharia Laws, which would have a negative influence on women's rights in the country.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-is-the-most-foul-mouthed-individual-tweets-former-england-cricketer-later-deletes-it-406827" hreflang="en">'Virat Kohli is the most foul mouthed individual', tweets former England cricketer; later deletes it</a>

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is also taking a close look at the situation in Afghanistan and tracking the potential changes in Afghanistan’s women’s cricket.&nbsp;

According to a report in CricBuzz, the ICC HQ in Abu Dhabi are in contact with Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) in Kabul to try and “fully understand the impact of changes” in the country.&nbsp;

“That was a massive development. We don’t know what now,” a source in ICC women’s cricket told Cricbuzz.

The Sharia law could dismantle the women's cricket team of Afghanistan and affecting the full membership status with ICC.&nbsp;

The ICC has a policy that a full member of the board should have a men's and women's team and not having a women's team could cost Afghanistan the full membership that they attained in 2017.&nbsp;

However, Afghanistan Cricket Board's Shafiqullah Stanikzai is optimistic about the growth of cricket.&nbsp;

“Cricket in Afghanistan began from refugee camps and we have come a long way. With very limited resources, we climbed our way up to full membership. I hope and pray that cricket in Afghanistan continues to grow. For us, it is beyond a sport, a game. Cricket has given us an identity making the image of Afghans around the world optimistic. Through cricket, we convinced the global community to invest in our talent and in Afghan youth. I hope this continues,” Stanikzai told Cricbuzz.

With the Taliban seizing power in Afghanistan, the fate of women in the nation has become a major concern. Taliban rule is based on Sharia Laws, which would have a negative influence on women's rights in the country.

With the Taliban seizing power in Afghanistan, the fate of women in the nation has become a major concern. Taliban rule is based on Sharia Laws, which would have a negative influence on women's rights in the country. ALSO READ: 'Virat Kohli is the most foul mouthed individual', tweets former England cricketer; later deletes it The International Cricket Council (ICC) is also taking a close look at the situation in Afghanistan and tracking the potential changes in Afghanistan’s women’s cricket. According to a report in CricBuzz, the ICC HQ in Abu Dhabi are in contact with Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) in Kabul to try and “fully understand the impact of changes” in the country. “That was a massive development. We don’t know what now,” a source in ICC women’s cricket told Cricbuzz. The Sharia law could dismantle the women's cricket team of Afghanistan and affecting the full membership status with ICC. The ICC has a policy that a full member of the board should have a men's and women's team and not having a women's team could cost Afghanistan the full membership that they attained in 2017. However, Afghanistan Cricket Board's Shafiqullah Stanikzai is optimistic about the growth of cricket. “Cricket in Afghanistan began from refugee camps and we have come a long way. With very limited resources, we climbed our way up to full membership. I hope and pray that cricket in Afghanistan continues to grow. For us, it is beyond a sport, a game. Cricket has given us an identity making the image of Afghans around the world optimistic. Through cricket, we convinced the global community to invest in our talent and in Afghan youth. I hope this continues,” Stanikzai told Cricbuzz.

After Taliban takeover, can Afghan Cricket Board lose ICC's full membership?

Abu Omar Khorasani was taken from Kabul’s Pul-i-Charkhi prison and unceremoniously shot. The first and only person to have been executed since the Taliban gained full control of Afghanistan, Mr Khorasani was the head of the Islamic State in South Asia until he was arrested by government forces last year.

The precise circumstances of his execution are not known. His killing was, however, at least in part designed to send a message to the international community, and particularly Afghanistan’s neighbours, including China and Iran, as well as Russia, Central Asia’s security overlord.

The message was that the Taliban were cracking down on foreign jihadists and militants in Afghanistan. Mr Khorasani was an easy symbol. The Taliban and the Islamic State, whose ranks of foreigners are primarily populated by Pakistanis and a sprinkling of Central Asians, Uighurs, Russians, Turks, Iranians, Indonesians, Indians, and Frenchmen, have long been adversarial. The Islamic State recently accused the Taliban of being more nationalist than pious in their negotiations with the United States.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-return-of-taliban-what-does-it-mean-for-india-and-the-world-406612">Opinion | Return of Taliban: What does it mean for India and the World?</a>

The Taliban message is a partial truth at best. What is true for the Islamic State is not true for Al-Qaeda and others such as the Uighur Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP) and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan.

The Taliban appear to believe that they can get away with the differentiation because they perceived the United States as more focused in the withdrawal negotiations on ensuring that the Islamic State, Al-Qaeda, and other militants will not be allowed to use Afghanistan as a base for international operations rather than on getting them expelled from the country.

The perceived US focus may have been rooted in a concern that if Taliban’s hands were forced, they would let militants slip out of the country and not hand them over to authorities. That would make it difficult to control their movements or ensure that they are either entered into deradicalization programs or, if warranted, brought to justice.

“It’s a Catch-22. The Taliban ensuring that Al Qaeda sticks to rule risks putting a fox in charge of the chicken coop. How much better that is than having foxes run wild remains to be seen,” said a retired counter-terrorism official.

Officials of the Trump administration that negotiated the agreement suggest that the continued presence of Al-Qaeda and other militants in Afghanistan would violate the accord with the Taliban.

Former US Vice President Mike Pence as well as Trump era State Department counterterrorism coordinator Nathan Sales argued that the deal “required the Taliban…to refuse terrorists safe harbour.”

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-too-big-for-pakistan-to-swallow-says-self-proclaimed-president-amarullah-saleh-406900">Afghanistan too big for Pakistan to swallow, says self-proclaimed president Amarullah Saleh</a>

Russia and China, while publicly more measured in their statements, are likely to share western concerns.&nbsp;Russia held military drills earlier this month with Tajik and Uzbek troops in Tajikistan, 20 kilometres from the border with Afghanistan.

Al-Qaeda may have been boosted in recent weeks by multiple prison breaks in which the Taliban freed operatives of Al-Qaeda and other militant groups. It remains unclear however to what degree the breaks will help the group strengthen its presence in Afghanistan.

General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, warned this week that Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State could quickly rebuild their networks in Afghanistan.

The United Nations recently reported that Al-Qaeda “is present in at least 15 Afghan provinces”, and that its affiliate in the Indian subcontinent, “operates under Taliban protection from Kandahar, Helmand and Nimruz provinces.”&nbsp;

“Without information on who exactly escaped, it is difficult to determine whether historically significant figures remain within AQ’s AfPak network, or if it is mainly composed of newer figures these days, whether local or regional foreign fighters,” cautioned political violence scholar Aaron Y. Zelin. Mr Zelin was referring to Al-Qaeda’s Afghanistan-Pakistan network.

Also unclear is whether Al-Qaeda operatives in Iran will be allowed to relocate to Afghanistan. 
The prison breaks further go to concerns about relying on the Taliban to police jihadists and other militants with aspirations beyond Afghanistan’s borders. Of particular concern is the fact that the balance of power has yet to be determined between Taliban leaders who in recent days have been eager to put a more moderate, accommodating foot forward with security guarantees for their opponents, minorities and women and the group’s far-flung less polished rank and file.

The concern about the Taliban’s ability and willingness to control militant activity on Afghan soil is magnified by worry regarding the continued existence of warlords with the power to organise violence, provide jobs and public services, and forge or strengthen ties with militants.

“Warlords will play an active role in the future of Afghanistan. They will remain businessmen and political leaders, connected to global economic processes and networks. They will develop the military power that they need to control territory and wage war. They will, finally, continue to fight for more autonomy and, in some cases, might even manage to partially form their old regional polities once again,” said Romain Malejacq, author of a book on Afghan warlords.

“Afghanistan’s availability as a sanctuary for terrorists is, to say the least, related to its status as a warlord-ridden wasteland,” said journalist and author Graeme Wood.

The Taliban’s refusal to expel militants not only complicates the group’s efforts to garner legitimacy in the international community and particularly its neighbours, even if Al-Qaeda has been significantly weakened since 9/11 and is less focussed on attacking the United States and more on the Muslim world.

It also strengthens those who fear that Afghanistan will again emerge as a launching pad for trans-national political violence. “We are going to go back to a pre-9/11 state—a breeding ground for terrorism,” warned Michael McCaul, the ranking Republican member of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee. “They (the Taliban) will not restrict terrorist groups, just ask them to operate low-key,” added Douglas London, a former head of CIA counterterrorism operations for South and Southwest Asia.

The Taliban proved already 20 years ago that they valued loyalty when they rejected US and Saudi pressure to hand over Osama bin Laden no matter the cost. The Taliban have since come to appreciate Al Qaeda’s fighting skills and contributions to the Afghan militants’ cause.

Taliban fighters this week, in a violation of their pledge to inclusiveness, demonstrated their ideological anti-Shiite affinity with Al-Qaeda by blowing up a statue of Abdul Ali Mazari, a Shiite Hazara militia leader killed by the Taliban when they first took power in 1996.

(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.)

Abu Omar Khorasani was taken from Kabul’s Pul-i-Charkhi prison and unceremoniously shot. The first and only person to have been executed since the Taliban gained full control of Afghanistan, Mr Khorasani was the head of the Islamic State in South Asia until he was arrested by government forces last year.

Abu Omar Khorasani was taken from Kabul’s Pul-i-Charkhi prison and unceremoniously shot. The first and only person to have been executed since the Taliban gained full control of Afghanistan, Mr Khorasani was the head of the Islamic State in South Asia until he was arrested by government forces last year. The precise circumstances of his execution are not known. His killing was, however, at least in part designed to send a message to the international community, and particularly Afghanistan’s neighbours, including China and Iran, as well as Russia, Central Asia’s security overlord. The message was that the Taliban were cracking down on foreign jihadists and militants in Afghanistan. Mr Khorasani was an easy symbol. The Taliban and the Islamic State, whose ranks of foreigners are primarily populated by Pakistanis and a sprinkling of Central Asians, Uighurs, Russians, Turks, Iranians, Indonesians, Indians, and Frenchmen, have long been adversarial. The Islamic State recently accused the Taliban of being more nationalist than pious in their negotiations with the United States. Also Read: Opinion | Return of Taliban: What does it mean for India and the World? The Taliban message is a partial truth at best. What is true for the Islamic State is not true for Al-Qaeda and others such as the Uighur Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP) and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. The Taliban appear to believe that they can get away with the differentiation because they perceived the United States as more focused in the withdrawal negotiations on ensuring that the Islamic State, Al-Qaeda, and other militants will not be allowed to use Afghanistan as a base for international operations rather than on getting them expelled from the country. The perceived US focus may have been rooted in a concern that if Taliban’s hands were forced, they would let militants slip out of the country and not hand them over to authorities. That would make it difficult to control their movements or ensure that they are either entered into deradicalization programs or, if warranted, brought to justice. “It’s a Catch-22. The Taliban ensuring that Al Qaeda sticks to rule risks putting a fox in charge of the chicken coop. How much better that is than having foxes run wild remains to be seen,” said a retired counter-terrorism official. Officials of the Trump administration that negotiated the agreement suggest that the continued presence of Al-Qaeda and other militants in Afghanistan would violate the accord with the Taliban. Former US Vice President Mike Pence as well as Trump era State Department counterterrorism coordinator Nathan Sales argued that the deal “required the Taliban…to refuse terrorists safe harbour.” Also Read | Afghanistan too big for Pakistan to swallow, says self-proclaimed president Amarullah Saleh Russia and China, while publicly more measured in their statements, are likely to share western concerns. Russia held military drills earlier this month with Tajik and Uzbek troops in Tajikistan, 20 kilometres from the border with Afghanistan. Al-Qaeda may have been boosted in recent weeks by multiple prison breaks in which the Taliban freed operatives of Al-Qaeda and other militant groups. It remains unclear however to what degree the breaks will help the group strengthen its presence in Afghanistan. General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, warned this week that Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State could quickly rebuild their networks in Afghanistan. The United Nations recently reported that Al-Qaeda “is present in at least 15 Afghan provinces”, and that its affiliate in the Indian subcontinent, “operates under Taliban protection from Kandahar, Helmand and Nimruz provinces.” “Without information on who exactly escaped, it is difficult to determine whether historically significant figures remain within AQ’s AfPak network, or if it is mainly composed of newer figures these days, whether local or regional foreign fighters,” cautioned political violence scholar Aaron Y. Zelin. Mr Zelin was referring to Al-Qaeda’s Afghanistan-Pakistan network. Also unclear is whether Al-Qaeda operatives in Iran will be allowed to relocate to Afghanistan. The prison breaks further go to concerns about relying on the Taliban to police jihadists and other militants with aspirations beyond Afghanistan’s borders. Of particular concern is the fact that the balance of power has yet to be determined between Taliban leaders who in recent days have been eager to put a more moderate, accommodating foot forward with security guarantees for their opponents, minorities and women and the group’s far-flung less polished rank and file. The concern about the Taliban’s ability and willingness to control militant activity on Afghan soil is magnified by worry regarding the continued existence of warlords with the power to organise violence, provide jobs and public services, and forge or strengthen ties with militants. “Warlords will play an active role in the future of Afghanistan. They will remain businessmen and political leaders, connected to global economic processes and networks. They will develop the military power that they need to control territory and wage war. They will, finally, continue to fight for more autonomy and, in some cases, might even manage to partially form their old regional polities once again,” said Romain Malejacq, author of a book on Afghan warlords. “Afghanistan’s availability as a sanctuary for terrorists is, to say the least, related to its status as a warlord-ridden wasteland,” said journalist and author Graeme Wood. The Taliban’s refusal to expel militants not only complicates the group’s efforts to garner legitimacy in the international community and particularly its neighbours, even if Al-Qaeda has been significantly weakened since 9/11 and is less focussed on attacking the United States and more on the Muslim world. It also strengthens those who fear that Afghanistan will again emerge as a launching pad for trans-national political violence. “We are going to go back to a pre-9/11 state—a breeding ground for terrorism,” warned Michael McCaul, the ranking Republican member of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee. “They (the Taliban) will not restrict terrorist groups, just ask them to operate low-key,” added Douglas London, a former head of CIA counterterrorism operations for South and Southwest Asia. The Taliban proved already 20 years ago that they valued loyalty when they rejected US and Saudi pressure to hand over Osama bin Laden no matter the cost. The Taliban have since come to appreciate Al Qaeda’s fighting skills and contributions to the Afghan militants’ cause. Taliban fighters this week, in a violation of their pledge to inclusiveness, demonstrated their ideological anti-Shiite affinity with Al-Qaeda by blowing up a statue of Abdul Ali Mazari, a Shiite Hazara militia leader killed by the Taliban when they first took power in 1996. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | Taliban and Al-Qaeda: Putting a fox in charge of the chicken coop?

Self-proclaimed president of Afghanistan Amrullah Saleh on Thursday trained his guns at Pakistan and Taliban. Saleh said that Afghanistan was too big for Pakistan to swallow and too big for Taliban to govern.

"Nations must respect the rule of law, not violence. Afghanistan is too big for Pakistan to swallow and too big for Talibs to govern. Don't let your histories have a chapter on humiliation and bowing to terror groups," Saleh said in a tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Nations must respect the rule of law , not violence. Afghanistan is too big for Pakistan to swallow and too big for Talibs to govern. Don't let your histories have a chapter on humiliation and bowing to terror groups. <a href="https://t.co/nNo84Z7tEf">https://t.co/nNo84Z7tEf</a>
— Amrullah Saleh (@AmrullahSaleh2) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmrullahSaleh2/status/1428222636451061765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Amrullah's tweet came in response to tweet of Michael Johns, a former White House official who stated:&nbsp; "Afghanistan's constitution, adopted in 2004, addresses the nation's governance under circumstances such as those that have just unfolded. In such a case, first vice president @AmrullahSaleh2 assumes the role of the presidency. Nations must respect the rule of law, not violence."

Saleh had declared himself "legitimate caretaker President" on August 17 after president Ashraf Ghani fled the country in the wake of Taliban takeover.

The terror group took control over Afghanistan on Sunday after entering the presidential palace in Kabul.

Saleh, a native of Panjshir Valley, was a member of the Northern Alliance, which was formed when the Taliban came to power in 1996.

Recently he vowed to "never ever and under no circumstances" bow down to the Taliban.

"I will never, ever and under no circumstances bow to d Talib terrorists. I will never betray d soul and legacy of my hero Ahmad Shah Masoud, the commander, the legend and the guide. I won't disappoint millions who listened to me. I will never be under one ceiling with the Taliban. NEVER," tweeted Saleh.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Self-proclaimed president of Afghanistan Amrullah Saleh on Thursday trained his guns at Pakistan and Taliban. Saleh said that Afghanistan was too big for Pakistan to swallow and too big for Taliban to govern.

Self-proclaimed president of Afghanistan Amrullah Saleh on Thursday trained his guns at Pakistan and Taliban. Saleh said that Afghanistan was too big for Pakistan to swallow and too big for Taliban to govern. "Nations must respect the rule of law, not violence. Afghanistan is too big for Pakistan to swallow and too big for Talibs to govern. Don't let your histories have a chapter on humiliation and bowing to terror groups," Saleh said in a tweet. Nations must respect the rule of law , not violence. Afghanistan is too big for Pakistan to swallow and too big for Talibs to govern. Don't let your histories have a chapter on humiliation and bowing to terror groups. https://t.co/nNo84Z7tEf — Amrullah Saleh (@AmrullahSaleh2) August 19, 2021 × Amrullah's tweet came in response to tweet of Michael Johns, a former White House official who stated: "Afghanistan's constitution, adopted in 2004, addresses the nation's governance under circumstances such as those that have just unfolded. In such a case, first vice president @AmrullahSaleh2 assumes the role of the presidency. Nations must respect the rule of law, not violence." Saleh had declared himself "legitimate caretaker President" on August 17 after president Ashraf Ghani fled the country in the wake of Taliban takeover. The terror group took control over Afghanistan on Sunday after entering the presidential palace in Kabul. Saleh, a native of Panjshir Valley, was a member of the Northern Alliance, which was formed when the Taliban came to power in 1996. Recently he vowed to "never ever and under no circumstances" bow down to the Taliban. "I will never, ever and under no circumstances bow to d Talib terrorists. I will never betray d soul and legacy of my hero Ahmad Shah Masoud, the commander, the legend and the guide. I won't disappoint millions who listened to me. I will never be under one ceiling with the Taliban. NEVER," tweeted Saleh. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan too big for Pakistan to swallow, says self-proclaimed president Amarullah Saleh

A nightmare has begun for the women in Afghanistan who are now struggling to find their voice in the new Taliban-ruled country. While the terrorist group claims they are going to give more freedom to women this time, the women tell a different story.<o:p></o:p>

Shabnam Dawran, an Afghan female anchor who works for a TV station RTA Pashto, was denied entry into her office citing regime change as a reason.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-crisis-several-killed-amid-firing-by-taliban-and-stampede-during-rally-in-asadabad-406687" hreflang="en">LIVE Afghanistan: Several killed amid firing by Taliban during rally</a></h2>

<o:p></o:p>

Dawran tried entering her office during her usual shift hours and was also carrying her ID badge. However, she was not allowed to enter the office premises.

"I went to RTA but they told me that the regime has changed. you are not allowed, go home,"&nbsp;she said in a video.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
This is the stark reality of women rights "within Islamic law". Meet <a href="https://twitter.com/shabnamdawran?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shabnamdawran</a>, TV presenter turned away by Taliban as she tried to work today. Despite wearing a hijab &amp; carrying correct ID, she was told: "The regime has changed. You are not allowed in here. Go home". <a href="https://t.co/y1imIAM6Yp">pic.twitter.com/y1imIAM6Yp</a>
— Ash Alexander-Cooper OBE (@ashalexcooper) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashalexcooper/status/1427956358696083457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Her video has revealed the truth behind Taliban’s lies.

The group has claimed that it will be giving more freedom to women in this new term of their rule in the country.

Taliban has claimed that it will allow women to step outside to go to the market without a male escort, study, go to work or reveal their ankles this time.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

However, the women in the country have revealed a different reality. Shabnam Dawran’s video shows that the reality is very different from what the Taliban is showing the world. This video has also reminded the world about the Taliban’s rule in the country before 2001.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-unleash-its-wicked-face-open-fire-women-and-children-beaten-at-kabul-airport-406855">WATCH&nbsp;</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-unleash-its-wicked-face-open-fire-women-and-children-beaten-at-kabul-airport-406855/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

At that time, the Taliban carried out public executions, stoned women and gave them less to no rights of freedom.

Some women have also claimed that they were sent back from their banking job by Taliban insurgents a little before the group took over the capital city.

It was also reported by local media that Taliban have asked for a list of women who are above the age of 15 and widow, so that those women can be converted into 'wives' of Taliban members.

A nightmare has begun for the women in Afghanistan who are now struggling to find their voice in the new Taliban-ruled country. While the terrorist group claims they are going to give more freedom to women this time, the women tell a different story.

A nightmare has begun for the women in Afghanistan who are now struggling to find their voice in the new Taliban-ruled country. While the terrorist group claims they are going to give more freedom to women this time, the women tell a different story. Shabnam Dawran, an Afghan female anchor who works for a TV station RTA Pashto, was denied entry into her office citing regime change as a reason. LIVE Afghanistan: Several killed amid firing by Taliban during rally Dawran tried entering her office during her usual shift hours and was also carrying her ID badge. However, she was not allowed to enter the office premises. "I went to RTA but they told me that the regime has changed. you are not allowed, go home," she said in a video. This is the stark reality of women rights "within Islamic law". Meet @shabnamdawran, TV presenter turned away by Taliban as she tried to work today. Despite wearing a hijab & carrying correct ID, she was told: "The regime has changed. You are not allowed in here. Go home". pic.twitter.com/y1imIAM6Yp — Ash Alexander-Cooper OBE (@ashalexcooper) August 18, 2021 × Her video has revealed the truth behind Taliban’s lies. The group has claimed that it will be giving more freedom to women in this new term of their rule in the country. Taliban has claimed that it will allow women to step outside to go to the market without a male escort, study, go to work or reveal their ankles this time. However, the women in the country have revealed a different reality. Shabnam Dawran’s video shows that the reality is very different from what the Taliban is showing the world. This video has also reminded the world about the Taliban’s rule in the country before 2001. WATCH At that time, the Taliban carried out public executions, stoned women and gave them less to no rights of freedom. Some women have also claimed that they were sent back from their banking job by Taliban insurgents a little before the group took over the capital city. It was also reported by local media that Taliban have asked for a list of women who are above the age of 15 and widow, so that those women can be converted into 'wives' of Taliban members.

Taliban takeover: Afghan anchor reveals she was sent back from office because of 'regime change'

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