The Taliban is now gearing up to install a government. But, Amrullah Saleh wants to challenge the Taliban. The defiant Vice President has declared that he is the "legitimate caretaker President" of Afghanistan. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: A defiant Amrullah Saleh vows to fight the Taliban

The women of Afghanistan are fearing the worst under the Taliban's rule. Girls are afraid they won't be able to go back to school. Female journalists & lawmakers are fearing for their lives. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Women of Afghanistan fear the worst under Taliban

Russia says Kabul is safer under the Taliban. Pakistan says Afghans have broken the shackles of slavery. China backs the Taliban to bring peace to Afghanistan. Why are countries rushing to legitimise the Taliban? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Why are Pakistan, China & Russia legitimising Taliban

At least three people were reported killed in Jalalabad during the city’s protests against the Taliban banner replacing Afghanistan’s national flag.

According to two witnesses and a former police official, Taliban fighters opened fire during anti-Taliban rallies in the Afghan city of Jalalabad, killing and wounding many Jalalabad protestors.

The killings, according to witnesses, occurred as local citizens attempted to raise Afghanistan's national flag in a municipal plaza some 150 kilometres (90 miles) east of Kabul.&nbsp;

As they attempted to cover the turmoil, local media reported they were assaulted by the Taliban.&nbsp;

Video footage shot by Pajhwok Afghan News, a local news agency, showed protesters in the city who were carrying the Afghan flag fleeing with the sound of gunshots in the background.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taliban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taliban</a> firing on protesters in Jalalabad city and beaten some video journalists. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanidtan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanidtan</a> <a href="https://t.co/AbM2JHg9I2">pic.twitter.com/AbM2JHg9I2</a>
— Pajhwok Afghan News (@pajhwok) <a href="https://twitter.com/pajhwok/status/1427907124743614469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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— Najeeb Nangyal (@NajeebNangyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/NajeebNangyal/status/1427875576258437121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A former police official told Reuters separately that four people had been killed and 13 injured in the protests, without elaborating further.

It was not possible to verify how the deaths occurred. A Taliban militant present in Jalalabad at the time of the incident said that, "There were some troublemakers who wanted to create issues for us. These people are exploiting our relaxed policies. "

&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of these visuals

(With inputs from agencies)

At least three people were reported killed in Jalalabad during the city’s protests against the Taliban banner replacing Afghanistan’s national flag. According to two witnesses and a former police official, Taliban fighters opened fire during anti-Taliban rallies in the Afghan city of Jalalabad, killing and wounding many Jalalabad protestors.

At least three people were reported killed in Jalalabad during the city’s protests against the Taliban banner replacing Afghanistan’s national flag. According to two witnesses and a former police official, Taliban fighters opened fire during anti-Taliban rallies in the Afghan city of Jalalabad, killing and wounding many Jalalabad protestors. The killings, according to witnesses, occurred as local citizens attempted to raise Afghanistan's national flag in a municipal plaza some 150 kilometres (90 miles) east of Kabul. As they attempted to cover the turmoil, local media reported they were assaulted by the Taliban. Video footage shot by Pajhwok Afghan News, a local news agency, showed protesters in the city who were carrying the Afghan flag fleeing with the sound of gunshots in the background. #Taliban firing on protesters in Jalalabad city and beaten some video journalists. #Afghanidtan pic.twitter.com/AbM2JHg9I2 — Pajhwok Afghan News (@pajhwok) August 18, 2021 × pic.twitter.com/QyqdOT2YUg — Najeeb Nangyal (@NajeebNangyal) August 18, 2021 × A former police official told Reuters separately that four people had been killed and 13 injured in the protests, without elaborating further. It was not possible to verify how the deaths occurred. A Taliban militant present in Jalalabad at the time of the incident said that, "There were some troublemakers who wanted to create issues for us. These people are exploiting our relaxed policies. " Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of these visuals (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: 3 killed, dozens injured after militants open fire on anti-Taliban protesters

A defiant Joe Biden defended his decision to hastily pull out American troops from Afghanistan. The US president shifted blame to the Afghan leadership, saying there is no right time to withdraw. Molly Gambhir tells you what Biden got wrong in his speech.

Gravitas: Biden defends pull-out, blames Afghan army

The Taliban is beating the drum of victory by having a gala time. They were seen swirling on spinning wheels, jumping on trampolines & working out at abandoned gyms. Molly Gambhir gets you 7 videos from the new 'Islamic Emirate'.

Gravitas: 7 Videos that show life under Taliban

Senior Taliban leader Amir Khan Muttaqi is said to be in the Afghan capital negotiating with Kabul's political leadership, including Abdullah Abdullah, who once headed the country's negotiating council and former President Hamid Karzai.

That is according to an official familiar with the talks and who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the media.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-crisis-un-says-world-will-scrutinise-taliban-actions-406158">LIVE Afghanistan crisis: UN says world will 'scrutinise' Taliban actions</a></h2>

Muttaqi was a higher education minister when the Taliban last ruled and he began making contacts with Afghan political leaders even before Afghan President Ashraf Ghani secretly slipped away from the Presidential Palace on the weekend, leaving a devastating vacuum that Taliban who were surrounding the city strode in to fill.

The official says the talks underway in the Afghan capital are aimed at bringing other non-Taliban leaders into the government that Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen has said will be an "inclusive Afghan government."

There is a little indication about the substance of the talks, but Shaheen earlier told The Associated Press that a government will be announced after negotiations with non-Taliban leaders are completed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/doomed-from-start-us-invasion-of-afghanistan-was-a-bad-idea-says-last-soviet-leader-gorbachev-406256">Doomed from start: US invasion of Afghanistan was a 'bad idea', says last Soviet leader Gorbachev</a>

Afghans familiar with the talks say some rounds have gone late into the night and have been underway since soon after Ghani's departure.&nbsp;

Senior Taliban leader Amir Khan Muttaqi is said to be in the Afghan capital negotiating with Kabul's political leadership, including Abdullah Abdullah, who once headed the country's negotiating council and former President Hamid Karzai.

Senior Taliban leader Amir Khan Muttaqi is said to be in the Afghan capital negotiating with Kabul's political leadership, including Abdullah Abdullah, who once headed the country's negotiating council and former President Hamid Karzai. That is according to an official familiar with the talks and who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the media. LIVE Afghanistan crisis: UN says world will 'scrutinise' Taliban actions Muttaqi was a higher education minister when the Taliban last ruled and he began making contacts with Afghan political leaders even before Afghan President Ashraf Ghani secretly slipped away from the Presidential Palace on the weekend, leaving a devastating vacuum that Taliban who were surrounding the city strode in to fill. The official says the talks underway in the Afghan capital are aimed at bringing other non-Taliban leaders into the government that Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen has said will be an "inclusive Afghan government." There is a little indication about the substance of the talks, but Shaheen earlier told The Associated Press that a government will be announced after negotiations with non-Taliban leaders are completed. Also read | Doomed from start: US invasion of Afghanistan was a 'bad idea', says last Soviet leader Gorbachev Afghans familiar with the talks say some rounds have gone late into the night and have been underway since soon after Ghani's departure.

Taliban leader reported to be in Kabul for talks

The Taliban declared that the war in Afghanistan was over and that all of their opponents would be pardoned during their first press conference since seizing control of Kabul from the Western-backed government.&nbsp;

“We don’t want any internal or external enemies,” the Taliban’s main spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said.

The Taliban pledged a secure Afghanistan as part of a public relations campaign aimed at persuading world powers and a fearful population that they have reformed. 
 
Mujahid promised the Taliban would honour women's rights, but within the norms of Islamic law.

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Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid says the group seeks no revenge from anyone. 
 
In its first press conference since the sweeping takeover of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>, Taliban's <a href="https://twitter.com/Zabehulah_M33?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Zabehulah_M33</a> says they have "emancipated" the nation from foreigners after 20 years of struggle. <a href="https://t.co/eXuzPbMfzM">pic.twitter.com/eXuzPbMfzM</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1427674758359965699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Taliban have attempted to present themselves as more moderate than when they established a harsh rule in the late 1990s, following a rapid advance throughout Afghanistan that saw major cities fall to the militants without a struggle.&nbsp;

The organisation had previously declared a "amnesty" across Afghanistan and asked women to join its administration, in an attempt to calm anxieties in a tense capital city where hundreds had flocked to the city's international airport in a desperate attempt to flee the day before. 
 
The capital of Kabul remained quiet for another day as the Taliban patrolled its streets and many residents stayed home, fearful after the insurgents' takeover saw prisons emptied and armories looted. Many women have expressed dread that the two-decade Western experiment to expand their rights and remake Afghanistan would not survive the resurgent Taliban.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Taliban declared that the war in Afghanistan was over and that all of their opponents would be pardoned during their first press conference since seizing control of Kabul from the Western-backed government.

The Taliban declared that the war in Afghanistan was over and that all of their opponents would be pardoned during their first press conference since seizing control of Kabul from the Western-backed government. “We don’t want any internal or external enemies,” the Taliban’s main spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said. The Taliban pledged a secure Afghanistan as part of a public relations campaign aimed at persuading world powers and a fearful population that they have reformed. Mujahid promised the Taliban would honour women's rights, but within the norms of Islamic law. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid says the group seeks no revenge from anyone. In its first press conference since the sweeping takeover of #Afghanistan, Taliban's @Zabehulah_M33 says they have "emancipated" the nation from foreigners after 20 years of struggle. pic.twitter.com/eXuzPbMfzM — WION (@WIONews) August 17, 2021 × The Taliban have attempted to present themselves as more moderate than when they established a harsh rule in the late 1990s, following a rapid advance throughout Afghanistan that saw major cities fall to the militants without a struggle. The organisation had previously declared a "amnesty" across Afghanistan and asked women to join its administration, in an attempt to calm anxieties in a tense capital city where hundreds had flocked to the city's international airport in a desperate attempt to flee the day before. The capital of Kabul remained quiet for another day as the Taliban patrolled its streets and many residents stayed home, fearful after the insurgents' takeover saw prisons emptied and armories looted. Many women have expressed dread that the two-decade Western experiment to expand their rights and remake Afghanistan would not survive the resurgent Taliban. (With inputs from agencies)

In first press conference, Taliban say they seek no ‘revenge’, will respect women’s rights

US&nbsp;national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Tuesday that the&nbsp;Taliban has vowed to&nbsp;provide safe passage for civilians to reach the airport in&nbsp;Afghanistan's capital Kabul.

Some 3,200 people have been evacuated by the US military so far, a White House official said, including 1,100 on Tuesday alone, US citizens, permanent residents, and their families on 13 flights.

Washington wants to complete the exodus before its August 31 withdrawal deadline, and thousands of US soldiers were at the airport as the Pentagon planned to ramp up flights of its huge C-17 transport jets to as many as two dozen a day.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-biden-defends-pull-out-blames-afghan-army-406401/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The Taliban have informed us that they are prepared to provide the safe passage of civilians to the airport, and we intend to hold them to that commitment," Sullivan said.

"We believe that this can go till the 31st. We are talking to them about what the exact timetable is for how this will all play out, and I don't want to negotiate in public on working out the best modality to get the most people out in the most efficient way," Sullivan added.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/inside-pictures-of-plane-at-kabul-airport-as-afghans-battle-to-flee-taliban-rule-406237" hreflang="en">Inside pictures of plane at Kabul airport as Afghans battle to flee Taliban rule</a>

Sullivan said it is premature to say whether the United States recognizes the Taliban as the legitimate governing power in&nbsp;Afghanistan.

"Right now there is a chaotic situation in Kabul where we don't even have the establishment of a governing authority," Sullivan said. "Ultimately, it's going to be up to the Taliban to show the rest of the world who they are and how they intend to proceed. The track record has not been good but it's premature to address that question at this point."

Sullivan said most people seeking to leave&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;have been able to reach the airport, but the United States is addressing with the Taliban some reports of people being turned away.

"This is an hour-by-hour issue, and it's something we're very clear-eyed about, and very focused on holding the Taliban accountable to follow through on its execution," he said.

White House spokeswoman Jan Psaki said there are about 11,000 people in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;who have identified themselves as Americans, adding that there may be others "who may not have self-identified who may come and request assistance and come to the airport."

Psaki said the United States is prioritising the evacuation of American citizens, embassy employees and their families, locally employed Afghan staff and holders of and applicants for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) available to interpreters and others who assisted the United States in&nbsp;Afghanistan.

Ask what the consequences could be if the Taliban does not stick to its commitment, she said: "The consequences are the full weight and force of the United States military, and I think we've made that clear."

"We're not trusting, we're not taking their word for it. We are watching closely, we are in close contact and we are certainly assessing whether they are going to abide by their commitments," Psaki added.

Army Major General William Taylor, with the US&nbsp;military's Joint Staff, told a news briefing earlier on Tuesday that 4,000 US&nbsp;troops would be at the airport by the end of the day,&nbsp;an increase of 1,000,&nbsp;and the aim is to have one flight taking off per hour.

(With inputs from agencies)

US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Tuesday that the Taliban has vowed to provide safe passage for civilians to reach the airport in Afghanistan's capital Kabul.

US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Tuesday that the Taliban has vowed to provide safe passage for civilians to reach the airport in Afghanistan's capital Kabul. Some 3,200 people have been evacuated by the US military so far, a White House official said, including 1,100 on Tuesday alone, US citizens, permanent residents, and their families on 13 flights. Washington wants to complete the exodus before its August 31 withdrawal deadline, and thousands of US soldiers were at the airport as the Pentagon planned to ramp up flights of its huge C-17 transport jets to as many as two dozen a day. "The Taliban have informed us that they are prepared to provide the safe passage of civilians to the airport, and we intend to hold them to that commitment," Sullivan said. "We believe that this can go till the 31st. We are talking to them about what the exact timetable is for how this will all play out, and I don't want to negotiate in public on working out the best modality to get the most people out in the most efficient way," Sullivan added. Also see| Inside pictures of plane at Kabul airport as Afghans battle to flee Taliban rule Sullivan said it is premature to say whether the United States recognizes the Taliban as the legitimate governing power in Afghanistan. "Right now there is a chaotic situation in Kabul where we don't even have the establishment of a governing authority," Sullivan said. "Ultimately, it's going to be up to the Taliban to show the rest of the world who they are and how they intend to proceed. The track record has not been good but it's premature to address that question at this point." Sullivan said most people seeking to leave Afghanistan have been able to reach the airport, but the United States is addressing with the Taliban some reports of people being turned away. "This is an hour-by-hour issue, and it's something we're very clear-eyed about, and very focused on holding the Taliban accountable to follow through on its execution," he said. White House spokeswoman Jan Psaki said there are about 11,000 people in Afghanistan who have identified themselves as Americans, adding that there may be others "who may not have self-identified who may come and request assistance and come to the airport." Psaki said the United States is prioritising the evacuation of American citizens, embassy employees and their families, locally employed Afghan staff and holders of and applicants for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) available to interpreters and others who assisted the United States in Afghanistan. Ask what the consequences could be if the Taliban does not stick to its commitment, she said: "The consequences are the full weight and force of the United States military, and I think we've made that clear." "We're not trusting, we're not taking their word for it. We are watching closely, we are in close contact and we are certainly assessing whether they are going to abide by their commitments," Psaki added. Army Major General William Taylor, with the US military's Joint Staff, told a news briefing earlier on Tuesday that 4,000 US troops would be at the airport by the end of the day, an increase of 1,000, and the aim is to have one flight taking off per hour. (With inputs from agencies)

Kabul evacuation: US says Taliban has pledged 'safe passage'

Three sniffer dogs along with 150 Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel&nbsp;deployed for security at the Indian embassy in Afghanistan, have landed at the Hindon IAF base in Ghaziabad.

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Three sniffer dogs Maya, Ruby &amp; Bobby were deployed for security at Indian Embassy in Afghanistan's Kabul, along with 150 Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel. The 3 dogs, along with a contingent of 99 commandos of ITBP, landed at the Hindon IAF base in Ghaziabad yesterday <a href="https://t.co/YPAaO3Ejrh">pic.twitter.com/YPAaO3Ejrh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1427896772987211789?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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An&nbsp;Indian Air Force plane evacuated over 170 people from Kabul on Tuesday, including&nbsp;India's ambassador to Afghanistan, a government official said, as diplomats and civilians scrambled to get out of the country after the Taliban seized the capital.

The flight landed in the western&nbsp;Indian city of Jamnagar for refuelling on the way to Delhi.

Indian embassy officials were escorted by the Taliban to Kabul&nbsp;airport, where a military aircraft was on standby to evacuate them after New Delhi decided to shut its mission.

The embassy's decision to ask the Taliban to shepherd the Indians out was made when the fighters closed access to the once heavily fortified neighbourhood after capturing Kabul the previous day.

Thousands of people desperate to flee Afghanistan thronged Kabul's airport on Monday, after the Taliban fighters streamed into the capital unopposed, prompting the United States to pause evacuations.

India, which has invested millions of dollars in development projects across Afghanistan, once operated four consulates in the country, besides the embassy in Kabul.

The last operating consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif was shut down a week ago, days before Taliban insurgents took control of the northern city, where the Afghan army quickly surrendered.

(With inputs from agencies)

Three sniffer dogs along with 150 Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel deployed for security at the Indian embassy in Afghanistan, have landed at the Hindon IAF base in Ghaziabad.

Three sniffer dogs along with 150 Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel deployed for security at the Indian embassy in Afghanistan, have landed at the Hindon IAF base in Ghaziabad. Three sniffer dogs Maya, Ruby & Bobby were deployed for security at Indian Embassy in Afghanistan's Kabul, along with 150 Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel. The 3 dogs, along with a contingent of 99 commandos of ITBP, landed at the Hindon IAF base in Ghaziabad yesterday pic.twitter.com/YPAaO3Ejrh — ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2021 × An Indian Air Force plane evacuated over 170 people from Kabul on Tuesday, including India's ambassador to Afghanistan, a government official said, as diplomats and civilians scrambled to get out of the country after the Taliban seized the capital. The flight landed in the western Indian city of Jamnagar for refuelling on the way to Delhi. Indian embassy officials were escorted by the Taliban to Kabul airport, where a military aircraft was on standby to evacuate them after New Delhi decided to shut its mission. The embassy's decision to ask the Taliban to shepherd the Indians out was made when the fighters closed access to the once heavily fortified neighbourhood after capturing Kabul the previous day. Thousands of people desperate to flee Afghanistan thronged Kabul's airport on Monday, after the Taliban fighters streamed into the capital unopposed, prompting the United States to pause evacuations. India, which has invested millions of dollars in development projects across Afghanistan, once operated four consulates in the country, besides the embassy in Kabul. The last operating consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif was shut down a week ago, days before Taliban insurgents took control of the northern city, where the Afghan army quickly surrendered. (With inputs from agencies)

India evacuates three sniffer dogs, 150 ITBP personnel from embassy in Kabul

Taliban, firmly in power now in Afghanistan, held a press conference on Tuesday that was regarded by many news outlets as 'historic'. The insurgent group, dreaded because of their brutal rule in late 90s, fielded questions from journalists on issues like women's rights, new Afghan government and more.

As much as it was surprising for many to see an insurgent group hold a press conference, it was special for another reason.

It was the first time that Zabiullah Mujahid, Taliban spokesperson, faced the cameras. Mujahid was in touch with journalists around the world for more than a decade. But nobody had seen his face. It was also rumoured that Zabiullah Mujahid were several people rather than just one.

Reactions were forthcoming from journalists around the world about Mujahid facing the cameras on Tuesday.

"The photo of Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesman, who was more responsive and active than the entire team of Ghani’s spokespeople — for over a decade. I have spoken with him &amp; texted him a lot. But this is the first time I am seeing his face," tweeted Sharif Hasan, a New York Times Reporter.

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The photo of Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesman, who was more responsive and active than the entire team of Ghani’s spokespeople — for over a decade. I have spoken with him &amp; texted him a lot. But this is the first time I am seeing his face. <a href="https://t.co/6fzRio6QIU">pic.twitter.com/6fzRio6QIU</a>
— Sharif Hassan (@MSharif1990) <a href="https://twitter.com/MSharif1990/status/1427641679188832261?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Veteran BBC journalist John Simpson even called Zabiullah a 'relatively moderate, pleasant man' in his tweet.

"I’ve know the Taliban spokesman at today’s press conference in Kabul for many years. Zabihullah Mujahid is a relatively moderate, pleasant man. &nbsp;But he’s seeking to calm the world’s fears, &amp; he only speaks for one part of the Taliban movement," he tweeted.

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I’ve know the Taliban spokesman at today’s press conference in Kabul for many years. Zabihullah Mujahid is a relatively moderate, pleasant man. But he’s seeking to calm the world’s fears, &amp; he only speaks for one part of the Taliban movement.
— John Simpson (@JohnSimpsonNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnSimpsonNews/status/1427667044879773703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Taliban, firmly in power now in Afghanistan, held a press conference on Tuesday that was regarded by many news outlets as 'historic'. The insurgent group, dreaded because of their brutal rule in late 90s, fielded questions from journalists on issues like women's rights, new Afghan government and more.

Taliban, firmly in power now in Afghanistan, held a press conference on Tuesday that was regarded by many news outlets as 'historic'. The insurgent group, dreaded because of their brutal rule in late 90s, fielded questions from journalists on issues like women's rights, new Afghan government and more. As much as it was surprising for many to see an insurgent group hold a press conference, it was special for another reason. It was the first time that Zabiullah Mujahid, Taliban spokesperson, faced the cameras. Mujahid was in touch with journalists around the world for more than a decade. But nobody had seen his face. It was also rumoured that Zabiullah Mujahid were several people rather than just one. Reactions were forthcoming from journalists around the world about Mujahid facing the cameras on Tuesday. "The photo of Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesman, who was more responsive and active than the entire team of Ghani’s spokespeople — for over a decade. I have spoken with him & texted him a lot. But this is the first time I am seeing his face," tweeted Sharif Hasan, a New York Times Reporter. The photo of Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesman, who was more responsive and active than the entire team of Ghani’s spokespeople — for over a decade. I have spoken with him & texted him a lot. But this is the first time I am seeing his face. pic.twitter.com/6fzRio6QIU — Sharif Hassan (@MSharif1990) August 17, 2021 × Veteran BBC journalist John Simpson even called Zabiullah a 'relatively moderate, pleasant man' in his tweet. "I’ve know the Taliban spokesman at today’s press conference in Kabul for many years. Zabihullah Mujahid is a relatively moderate, pleasant man. But he’s seeking to calm the world’s fears, & he only speaks for one part of the Taliban movement," he tweeted. I’ve know the Taliban spokesman at today’s press conference in Kabul for many years. Zabihullah Mujahid is a relatively moderate, pleasant man. But he’s seeking to calm the world’s fears, & he only speaks for one part of the Taliban movement. — John Simpson (@JohnSimpsonNews) August 17, 2021 ×

Out of shadows: Mysterious Taliban spokesman finally faces cameras

In the first indication of Talibani concessions with respect to women's rights, the group said on Wednesday that it was fine with women receiving primary and higher education which includes attending university.

Women "can get education from primary to higher education -- that means university. We have announced this policy at international conferences, the Moscow conference and here at the Doha conference (on Afghanistan)," said Suhail Shaheen, Taliban spokesperson for its political office in Doha

Under the militants' hardline 1996-2001 rule, girls' schools were closed, women were prevented from travelling and working, and women were forced to wear an all-covering burqa in public.

Shaheen also indicated that burqa will not be compulsory for women but a hijab would be.

"The burqa is not the only hijab (headscarf) that (can) be observed, there is different types of hijab not limited to burqa," Suhail Shaheen, spokesman for the group's political office in Doha, told Britain's Sky News.

The burqa is a one-piece overgarment that covers the entire head and body, with a mesh panel to see through.

Shaheen did not specify other types of hijab that would be deemed acceptable by the Taliban.&nbsp;

The previous Taliban government imposed the strictest interpretations of sharia, establishing religious police for the suppression of "vice".

Taliban courts handed out extreme punishments including chopping off the hands of thieves and stoning to death women accused of adultery.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In the first indication of Talibani concessions with respect to women's rights, the group said on Wednesday that it was fine with women receiving primary and higher education which includes attending university.

In the first indication of Talibani concessions with respect to women's rights, the group said on Wednesday that it was fine with women receiving primary and higher education which includes attending university. Women "can get education from primary to higher education -- that means university. We have announced this policy at international conferences, the Moscow conference and here at the Doha conference (on Afghanistan)," said Suhail Shaheen, Taliban spokesperson for its political office in Doha Under the militants' hardline 1996-2001 rule, girls' schools were closed, women were prevented from travelling and working, and women were forced to wear an all-covering burqa in public. Shaheen also indicated that burqa will not be compulsory for women but a hijab would be. "The burqa is not the only hijab (headscarf) that (can) be observed, there is different types of hijab not limited to burqa," Suhail Shaheen, spokesman for the group's political office in Doha, told Britain's Sky News. The burqa is a one-piece overgarment that covers the entire head and body, with a mesh panel to see through. Shaheen did not specify other types of hijab that would be deemed acceptable by the Taliban. The previous Taliban government imposed the strictest interpretations of sharia, establishing religious police for the suppression of "vice". Taliban courts handed out extreme punishments including chopping off the hands of thieves and stoning to death women accused of adultery. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban fine with women attending universities

Residents of Afghanistan's Jalalabad city came to the streets on Wednesday, asking that the Afghan flag be reinstalled on government buildings instead of the Taliban's flag.

According to local news outlet Pajhwok Afghan News, Taliban fighters opened fire on the demonstrators.

Some journalists covering the demonstration were also assaulted by Taliban fighters.&nbsp;

According to a video footage, Taliban militants opened fire on a crowd of demonstrators in Jalalabad.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taliban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taliban</a> firing on protesters in Jalalabad city and beaten some video journalists. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanidtan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanidtan</a> <a href="https://t.co/AbM2JHg9I2">pic.twitter.com/AbM2JHg9I2</a>
— Pajhwok Afghan News (@pajhwok) <a href="https://twitter.com/pajhwok/status/1427907124743614469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Protesters are seen raising the Afghan national flag on a packed street in Jalalabad in the footage, which has since gone viral on social media sites, after which armed Taliban members open fire on them.

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<a href="https://t.co/QyqdOT2YUg">pic.twitter.com/QyqdOT2YUg</a>
— Najeeb Nangyal (@NajeebNangyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/NajeebNangyal/status/1427875576258437121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the day, a group of Afghan women were observed staging the country's first public demonstration in support of female rights.

The ladies could be heard demanding their rights in recordings published on social media, including social security, the right to work, the right to education, and the right to political engagement.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION cannot&nbsp;independently verify the authenticity of these visuals

(With inputs from agencies)

Residents of Afghanistan's Jalalabad city came to the streets on Wednesday, asking that the Afghan flag be reinstalled on government buildings instead of the Taliban's flag.

Residents of Afghanistan's Jalalabad city came to the streets on Wednesday, asking that the Afghan flag be reinstalled on government buildings instead of the Taliban's flag. According to local news outlet Pajhwok Afghan News, Taliban fighters opened fire on the demonstrators. Some journalists covering the demonstration were also assaulted by Taliban fighters. According to a video footage, Taliban militants opened fire on a crowd of demonstrators in Jalalabad. #Taliban firing on protesters in Jalalabad city and beaten some video journalists. #Afghanidtan pic.twitter.com/AbM2JHg9I2 — Pajhwok Afghan News (@pajhwok) August 18, 2021 × Protesters are seen raising the Afghan national flag on a packed street in Jalalabad in the footage, which has since gone viral on social media sites, after which armed Taliban members open fire on them. pic.twitter.com/QyqdOT2YUg — Najeeb Nangyal (@NajeebNangyal) August 18, 2021 × Earlier in the day, a group of Afghan women were observed staging the country's first public demonstration in support of female rights. The ladies could be heard demanding their rights in recordings published on social media, including social security, the right to work, the right to education, and the right to political engagement. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of these visuals (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH : Taliban fighters shoot at protesters waving national flag in Afghanistan's Jalalabad

The Taliban addressed their first press conference since taking over Kabul on Tuesday. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid asserted that the rights of women will be protected "within the limits of Islamic law".

Women's rights will be protected within Islamic law, says Taliban in first PC after Kabul takeover

During their first press conference since taking over Kabul on Tuesday, the Taliban spoke on their relationship with Al-Qaeda and their leadership in Afghanistan in the future after WION's Anas Mallick posed the questions.

Taliban speaks on relationship with Al-Qaeda during first PC after Kabul takeover

While speaking in the House of Commons, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the UK will do “everything to avert a humanitarian crisis” in Afghanistan. Johnson also added that deploying UK troops to fight the Taliban is not an option.

Johnson says UK will do anything to avert humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan

Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar has returned to Afghanistan after decades. Baradar is the second senior-most leader in the Taliban hierarchy after Haibatullah Akhundzada.

Taliban's co-founder Mullah Baradar returns to Afghanistan after decades

EU Foreign Policy Chief has revealed that it would work with the Taliban even though it doesn't recognise the group. This statement was issued after the EU foreign ministers discussed the security situations in Afghanistan.

EU Foreign Policy Chief reveals that it will work with the Taliban

Girls&nbsp;wearing white hijabs and black tunics crammed into classrooms in the western&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;city of Herat just days after the Taliban's takeover.

As the school opened its doors, the students scurried down corridors and chatted in courtyards, seemingly oblivious to the turmoil that has engulfed the country in the past two weeks.

The scenes,&nbsp;which many feared would be banned under the Taliban,&nbsp;were filmed by an AFP cameraman this week, just days after fighters from the hardline Islamist group took the city following the collapse of government forces and local militia.&nbsp;

"We want to progress like other countries," said student Roqia.

"And we hope the Taliban will maintain security. We don't want war, we want peace in our country."

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/times-have-changed-pictures-of-afghan-women-before-taliban-rule-go-viral-406508">In pics-These pictures of Afghan women before Taliban rule are going viral</a>

With its close proximity to the Iranian border, the ancient Silk Road city of Herat has long been a cosmopolitan exception to more conservative centres.

Women and&nbsp;girls&nbsp;walked more freely in the streets, attending schools and colleges in huge numbers in a city famed for its poetry and arts.

Its long-term future remains uncertain, however.

Under the hardline version of sharia law that the Taliban imposed when they controlled Afghanistan in the 1990s, women and&nbsp;girls&nbsp;were mostly denied education and employment.

Full face coverings became mandatory in public, and women could not leave home without a male companion.

What lies ahead?&nbsp;

Public floggings and executions, including stoning for adultery, were carried out in city squares and stadiums.

What lies ahead for women with the Taliban back in power remains unclear.

Publicly, the Taliban are attempting to push the narrative that they have watered down some of their more extreme positions, with their spokesman late Tuesday announcing an official pardon for "everyone" involved in the war.&nbsp;

During the group's first official press conference in Kabul since retaking power, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the erstwhile insurgents were "committed to letting women work in accordance with the principles of Islam".

Asked what the difference was between the movement ousted 20 years ago and the Taliban of today, he said: "If the question is based on ideology, and beliefs, there is no difference... but if we calculate it based on experience, maturity, and insight, no doubt there are many differences.

"The steps today will be positively different from the past steps," he added.

Still, people have been entering public life cautiously, with women largely absent from the streets of Kabul and men trading their Western clothes for more traditional&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;garb.&nbsp;

There remains massive concern globally about the Taliban's brutal human rights record -- and tens of thousands of Afghans are still trying to flee the country as the group settles into power.

After just days at the helm, it remains unclear if there is any official education policy or whether talks with schools have been held by the Taliban.&nbsp;

However, during an interview with Britain's Sky News this week, another Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen offered assurances on the topic.&nbsp;

Women "can get education from primary to higher education -- that means university", he said.

Thousands of schools in areas captured by the Taliban were still operational, he added.

In Herat, school principal Basira Basiratkha expressed cautious optimism, saying she was "grateful to God" that they have been able to reopen.

"Our dear students are attending their classes in large numbers while adhering to the Islamic hijab," she said.

"Exams are continuing."

Girls wearing white hijabs and black tunics crammed into classrooms in the western Afghan city of Herat just days after the Taliban's takeover. As the school opened its doors, the students scurried down corridors and chatted in courtyards, seemingly oblivious to the turmoil that has engulfed the country in the past two weeks.

Girls wearing white hijabs and black tunics crammed into classrooms in the western Afghan city of Herat just days after the Taliban's takeover. As the school opened its doors, the students scurried down corridors and chatted in courtyards, seemingly oblivious to the turmoil that has engulfed the country in the past two weeks. The scenes, which many feared would be banned under the Taliban, were filmed by an AFP cameraman this week, just days after fighters from the hardline Islamist group took the city following the collapse of government forces and local militia. "We want to progress like other countries," said student Roqia. "And we hope the Taliban will maintain security. We don't want war, we want peace in our country." Also see | In pics-These pictures of Afghan women before Taliban rule are going viral With its close proximity to the Iranian border, the ancient Silk Road city of Herat has long been a cosmopolitan exception to more conservative centres. Women and girls walked more freely in the streets, attending schools and colleges in huge numbers in a city famed for its poetry and arts. Its long-term future remains uncertain, however. Under the hardline version of sharia law that the Taliban imposed when they controlled Afghanistan in the 1990s, women and girls were mostly denied education and employment. Full face coverings became mandatory in public, and women could not leave home without a male companion. What lies ahead? Public floggings and executions, including stoning for adultery, were carried out in city squares and stadiums. What lies ahead for women with the Taliban back in power remains unclear. Publicly, the Taliban are attempting to push the narrative that they have watered down some of their more extreme positions, with their spokesman late Tuesday announcing an official pardon for "everyone" involved in the war. During the group's first official press conference in Kabul since retaking power, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the erstwhile insurgents were "committed to letting women work in accordance with the principles of Islam". Asked what the difference was between the movement ousted 20 years ago and the Taliban of today, he said: "If the question is based on ideology, and beliefs, there is no difference... but if we calculate it based on experience, maturity, and insight, no doubt there are many differences. "The steps today will be positively different from the past steps," he added. Still, people have been entering public life cautiously, with women largely absent from the streets of Kabul and men trading their Western clothes for more traditional Afghan garb. There remains massive concern globally about the Taliban's brutal human rights record -- and tens of thousands of Afghans are still trying to flee the country as the group settles into power. After just days at the helm, it remains unclear if there is any official education policy or whether talks with schools have been held by the Taliban. However, during an interview with Britain's Sky News this week, another Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen offered assurances on the topic. Women "can get education from primary to higher education -- that means university", he said. Thousands of schools in areas captured by the Taliban were still operational, he added. In Herat, school principal Basira Basiratkha expressed cautious optimism, saying she was "grateful to God" that they have been able to reopen. "Our dear students are attending their classes in large numbers while adhering to the Islamic hijab," she said. "Exams are continuing."

Afghan girls return to school in Herat after Taliban takeover

Female Afghan journalists have been busy documenting the fall of Afghanistan earlier. But now they are looking at the plight of women under the Afghan rule.

Afghan female journalists talk about plight of women under Afghan rule

In an&nbsp;unprecedented discussion,&nbsp;a female presenter interviewed a Taliban spokesperson&nbsp;on an Afghanistan television channel&nbsp;over the&nbsp;group’s plans for the country&nbsp;on Tuesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The development came after&nbsp;insurgents seized control of the capital, Kabul.&nbsp;

Presenter&nbsp;Beheshta&nbsp;Arghand’s&nbsp;discussion with&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;spokesperson&nbsp;Mawlawi&nbsp;Abdulhaq&nbsp;Hemad&nbsp;is being claimed to be as&nbsp;the first time an Afghan woman has interviewed&nbsp;with a senior Taliban official inside the country’s borders&nbsp;by&nbsp;news channel TOLO News.&nbsp;

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TOLOnews and the Taliban making history again: Abdul Haq Hammad, senior Taliban rep, speaking to our (female) presenter Beheshta earlier this morning. Unthinkable two decades ago when they were last in charge ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/TOLOnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TOLOnews</a>⁩ <a href="https://t.co/XzREQ6ZJ1a">pic.twitter.com/XzREQ6ZJ1a</a>
— Saad Mohseni (@saadmohseni) <a href="https://twitter.com/saadmohseni/status/1427531355538272269?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Saad Mohseni,&nbsp;Chief Executive Officer, Moby Media Group, who runs&nbsp;TOLO News, has suggested the Taliban were going out of their way to placate watching western governments and media outlets.&nbsp;

Mohseni,&nbsp;a Dubai-based Afghan-Australian citizen,&nbsp;said,&nbsp;“It’s important for them to win hearts and minds, and show the internationals that they’re legitimate and that they’re folks you can work with. In this phase,&nbsp;the media will have a great deal more freedom than in the latter phases.”&nbsp;

The female journalists of TOLO News also reported on the streets of Kabul. In a tweet, the CEO said, "Our brave female journalists out and about in Kabul."&nbsp;

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Our brave female journalists out and about in Kabul this morning ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/TOLOnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TOLOnews</a>⁩ <a href="https://t.co/tAC29Y2zIG">pic.twitter.com/tAC29Y2zIG</a>
— Saad Mohseni (@saadmohseni) <a href="https://twitter.com/saadmohseni/status/1427540473829335043?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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But&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;may&nbsp;ultimately introduce tough broadcast restrictions for journalists,&nbsp;who ask tough questions&nbsp;from&nbsp;the new administration.&nbsp; The entrepreneur said,&nbsp;“They’re going to be in government for a while. What happens if you start&nbsp;criticising? You can air anything you want as long as it doesn’t&nbsp;criticise&nbsp;the government?”&nbsp;&nbsp;

In an unprecedented discussion, a female presenter interviewed a Taliban spokesperson on an Afghanistan television channel over the group’s plans for the country on Tuesday.

In an unprecedented discussion, a female presenter interviewed a Taliban spokesperson on an Afghanistan television channel over the group’s plans for the country on Tuesday. The development came after insurgents seized control of the capital, Kabul. Presenter Beheshta Arghand’s discussion with Taliban spokesperson Mawlawi Abdulhaq Hemad is being claimed to be as the first time an Afghan woman has interviewed with a senior Taliban official inside the country’s borders by news channel TOLO News. TOLOnews and the Taliban making history again: Abdul Haq Hammad, senior Taliban rep, speaking to our (female) presenter Beheshta earlier this morning. Unthinkable two decades ago when they were last in charge ⁦@TOLOnews⁩ pic.twitter.com/XzREQ6ZJ1a — Saad Mohseni (@saadmohseni) August 17, 2021 × Saad Mohseni, Chief Executive Officer, Moby Media Group, who runs TOLO News, has suggested the Taliban were going out of their way to placate watching western governments and media outlets. Mohseni, a Dubai-based Afghan-Australian citizen, said, “It’s important for them to win hearts and minds, and show the internationals that they’re legitimate and that they’re folks you can work with. In this phase, the media will have a great deal more freedom than in the latter phases.” The female journalists of TOLO News also reported on the streets of Kabul. In a tweet, the CEO said, "Our brave female journalists out and about in Kabul." Our brave female journalists out and about in Kabul this morning ⁦@TOLOnews⁩ pic.twitter.com/tAC29Y2zIG — Saad Mohseni (@saadmohseni) August 17, 2021 × But Taliban may ultimately introduce tough broadcast restrictions for journalists, who ask tough questions from the new administration. The entrepreneur said, “They’re going to be in government for a while. What happens if you start criticising? You can air anything you want as long as it doesn’t criticise the government?”

In a first, Taliban spokesman gets interviewed by female presenter on Afghan TV 

During the first press conference held by the Taliban since taking power in Kabul on Sunday, the group said they seek no “revenge” on opponents and that everyone will be “forgiven.”

Taliban holds presser, says it does not seek 'revenge,' & that all will be 'forgiven'

In their first press conference after the seizure of Kabul, the Taliban reiterated the promise of amnesty and said that they did not seek revenge. They were addressing the presser from the presidential palace in Kabul.

Taliban reiterates promise of amnesty, say they did not seek revenge

'Times have changed': Pictures of Afghan women before Taliban rule go viral

The Taliban's rapid takeover of&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;poses challenges for multiple major social media and messaging platforms on what and who should be allowed on their platforms.

The companies, which have come under fire from global lawmakers and regulators for their outsized political and economic influence, often depend on state designations or official international recognitions to determine who is allowed on their sites.

These also help determine who might be verified, allowed official state accounts or may receive special treatment for rule-breaking speech due to newsworthiness or public interest loopholes.

However, the differences among the tech companies' stances suggest the approach is not uniform.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-7-videos-that-show-life-under-taliban-406402/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Here is what various social media giants are doing after the Taliban&nbsp;seized Kabul, confirming their takeover of power in Afghanistan after a stunningly swift end to the country's 20-year war.

Facebook blocks WhatsApp accounts

WhatsApp accounts linked to the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;have been banned after the radical Islamic group seized control of Afghanistan and sought to use the messaging service to help it govern.

"The&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;is sanctioned as a terrorist organization under US law and we have banned them from our services under our Dangerous Organization policies," a Facebook spokesperson said.

The Facebook move shut down a WhatsApp hotline the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;had set up to receive complaints about violence and looting, according to the Financial Times.

Facebook had on Monday said it designates the Taliban a terrorist group and bans it and content supporting it from its platforms.

Twitter

On&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;Inc, Taliban spokesmen with hundreds of thousands of followers have tweeted updates during the country's takeover.

However, the company has issued&nbsp;a statement saying that the network would review Taliban's content that may violate its rules, specifically against the glorification of violence or platform manipulation.

Youtube

Alphabet Inc’s YouTube said on Tuesday it has a long-held policy of not allowing accounts believed to be operated by the Taliban on its site, as social media companies faced questions about how they would handle the group that fast gained control of&nbsp;Afghanistan.

The video-sharing service relies on governments to define "Foreign Terrorist Organizations" (FTO) to guide the site's enforcement of its rules against violent criminal groups.

The US&nbsp;instead classifies the Taliban as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist," which freezes the US&nbsp;assets of those blacklisted and bars Americans from working with them.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Taliban's rapid takeover of Afghanistan poses challenges for multiple major social media and messaging platforms on what and who should be allowed on their platforms.

The Taliban's rapid takeover of Afghanistan poses challenges for multiple major social media and messaging platforms on what and who should be allowed on their platforms. The companies, which have come under fire from global lawmakers and regulators for their outsized political and economic influence, often depend on state designations or official international recognitions to determine who is allowed on their sites. These also help determine who might be verified, allowed official state accounts or may receive special treatment for rule-breaking speech due to newsworthiness or public interest loopholes. However, the differences among the tech companies' stances suggest the approach is not uniform. Here is what various social media giants are doing after the Taliban seized Kabul, confirming their takeover of power in Afghanistan after a stunningly swift end to the country's 20-year war. Facebook blocks WhatsApp accounts WhatsApp accounts linked to the Taliban have been banned after the radical Islamic group seized control of Afghanistan and sought to use the messaging service to help it govern. "The Taliban is sanctioned as a terrorist organization under US law and we have banned them from our services under our Dangerous Organization policies," a Facebook spokesperson said. The Facebook move shut down a WhatsApp hotline the Taliban had set up to receive complaints about violence and looting, according to the Financial Times. Facebook had on Monday said it designates the Taliban a terrorist group and bans it and content supporting it from its platforms. Twitter On Twitter Inc, Taliban spokesmen with hundreds of thousands of followers have tweeted updates during the country's takeover. However, the company has issued a statement saying that the network would review Taliban's content that may violate its rules, specifically against the glorification of violence or platform manipulation. Youtube Alphabet Inc’s YouTube said on Tuesday it has a long-held policy of not allowing accounts believed to be operated by the Taliban on its site, as social media companies faced questions about how they would handle the group that fast gained control of Afghanistan. The video-sharing service relies on governments to define "Foreign Terrorist Organizations" (FTO) to guide the site's enforcement of its rules against violent criminal groups. The US instead classifies the Taliban as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist," which freezes the US assets of those blacklisted and bars Americans from working with them. (With inputs from agencies)

What are social media giants doing to curb Taliban amid Afghanistan crisis?

On the streets of Kabul, the Taliban members were seen asking people- what they thought about them taking over Kabul? This comes a day after the Taliban entered Afghanistan's capital city.

'I am really very happy and it's very peaceful' says Afghan citizen after the Taliban takes Kabul

Former US President Donald Trump called for his successor Joe Biden to resign over the swift takeover of Afghanistan by Taliban militants, as US troops withdrew from the country after nearly 20 years on the ground.

Trump calls on Biden to resign over unfolding crisis in Afghanistan

The United Nations Security Council held a meeting in New York over the ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. The session was called at the request of Estonia and Norway by India, which holds the presidency of the UNSC for the month of August.

UNSC holds special session on Afghanistan requested by Estonia and Norway

Yasmin Nigar Khan, the great-granddaughter of late Afghan political leader Abdul Ghaffar Khan, often known as "Frontier Gandhi," has expressed concern over the country's ongoing violence and the fate of vulnerable populations such as women and children.

"During the previous Taliban rule, they kidnapped young widows to marry them off to their members. They don't want girls to study or go to school. What they describe as Islamic law is a travesty of the religion. Don't girls study in madrassas? Even in Islamic countries, women are encouraged to get a modern education and work alongside men. The Taliban want to take women back to the medieval age, " she said. 
 
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-say-they-seek-no-revenge-in-press-conference-will-respect-womens-rights-406379">Taliban say they seek no ‘revenge’ in press conference, will respect women’s rights</a>

Yasmin Nigar Khan, the president of the All India Pakhtoon Jirga-e-Hind, the community's highest body in the country, lives in central Kolkata.

The state's 1,000 or so Pakhtoons, as well as lakhs of others who have lived in other areas of the country for centuries, have no hope of going home, but practically everyone has family in Afghanistan or northwestern Pakistan, she said. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-vice-president-amrullah-saleh-declares-himself-as-caretaker-president-406357" hreflang="en">Afghanistan's Vice President Amrullah Saleh declares himself as caretaker President</a>

"The leaders left the country, but the common people, the poor, the women, the children are making sacrifices. They should be looked after, " she said.

She said the Taliban can not be trusted and appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help Afghanistan.

On Sunday, the Taliban stormed Kabul and took control of the presidential palace.

Fears of a return to the Taliban's violent rule, as well as the danger of retaliatory killings, have gripped the Afghan cities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Yasmin Nigar Khan, the great-granddaughter of late Afghan political leader Abdul Ghaffar Khan, often known as "Frontier Gandhi," has expressed concern over the country's ongoing violence and the fate of vulnerable populations such as women and children.

Yasmin Nigar Khan, the great-granddaughter of late Afghan political leader Abdul Ghaffar Khan, often known as "Frontier Gandhi," has expressed concern over the country's ongoing violence and the fate of vulnerable populations such as women and children. "During the previous Taliban rule, they kidnapped young widows to marry them off to their members. They don't want girls to study or go to school. What they describe as Islamic law is a travesty of the religion. Don't girls study in madrassas? Even in Islamic countries, women are encouraged to get a modern education and work alongside men. The Taliban want to take women back to the medieval age, " she said. Also Read: Taliban say they seek no ‘revenge’ in press conference, will respect women’s rights Yasmin Nigar Khan, the president of the All India Pakhtoon Jirga-e-Hind, the community's highest body in the country, lives in central Kolkata. The state's 1,000 or so Pakhtoons, as well as lakhs of others who have lived in other areas of the country for centuries, have no hope of going home, but practically everyone has family in Afghanistan or northwestern Pakistan, she said. Also read | Afghanistan's Vice President Amrullah Saleh declares himself as caretaker President "The leaders left the country, but the common people, the poor, the women, the children are making sacrifices. They should be looked after, " she said. She said the Taliban can not be trusted and appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help Afghanistan. On Sunday, the Taliban stormed Kabul and took control of the presidential palace. Fears of a return to the Taliban's violent rule, as well as the danger of retaliatory killings, have gripped the Afghan cities. (With inputs from agencies)

Abdul Ghaffar Khan’s granddaughter says Taliban want to take women back to the medieval age

Taliban held their first press conference in Kabul after consolidating their hold on Afghanistan. Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid spoke on many issues including media, women's rights and more.

Mujahid said that Taliban promised to respect the role of the press. He said that private media can continue to be 'free and independent'. However the freedom came at a few 'suggestions'

"We have three suggestions: No broadcast should contradict Islamic values, they should be impartial, no one should broadcast anything that goes against our national interests," he said.

Asked what the difference between the movement that was ousted 20 years ago and the Taliban of today, he said: "If the question is based on ideology, and beliefs, there is no difference... but if we calculate it based on experience, maturity, and insight, no doubt there are many differences."

"The steps today will be positively different from the past steps," he added.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-say-they-seek-no-revenge-in-press-conference-will-respect-womens-rights-406379">Taliban say they seek no ‘revenge’ in press conference, will respect women’s rights</a>

Meanwhile the Taliban's co-founder returned to Afghanistan on Tuesday following the group's stunning takeover of the country

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar's arrival from Qatar -- where he has spent months leading talks with the United States and then Afghan peace negotiators -- crowns a stunning comeback for the Taliban after being ousted 20 years ago

Triumphant return

Baradar, now deputy leader of the Taliban, chose to touch down in Afghanistan's second biggest city Kandahar -- the Taliban's spiritual birthplace and capital during their first time in power.

He landed hours after evacuation flights from Kabul's airport resumed Tuesday.

On Monday, chaos erupted when huge crowds mobbed the tarmac, with some people so desperate they clung to the fuselage of a US military plane as it rolled down the runway for take-off. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Taliban held their first press conference in Kabul after consolidating their hold on Afghanistan. Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid spoke on many issues including media, women's rights and more.

Taliban held their first press conference in Kabul after consolidating their hold on Afghanistan. Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid spoke on many issues including media, women's rights and more. Mujahid said that Taliban promised to respect the role of the press. He said that private media can continue to be 'free and independent'. However the freedom came at a few 'suggestions' "We have three suggestions: No broadcast should contradict Islamic values, they should be impartial, no one should broadcast anything that goes against our national interests," he said. Asked what the difference between the movement that was ousted 20 years ago and the Taliban of today, he said: "If the question is based on ideology, and beliefs, there is no difference... but if we calculate it based on experience, maturity, and insight, no doubt there are many differences." "The steps today will be positively different from the past steps," he added. Also Read: Taliban say they seek no ‘revenge’ in press conference, will respect women’s rights Meanwhile the Taliban's co-founder returned to Afghanistan on Tuesday following the group's stunning takeover of the country Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar's arrival from Qatar -- where he has spent months leading talks with the United States and then Afghan peace negotiators -- crowns a stunning comeback for the Taliban after being ousted 20 years ago Triumphant return Baradar, now deputy leader of the Taliban, chose to touch down in Afghanistan's second biggest city Kandahar -- the Taliban's spiritual birthplace and capital during their first time in power. He landed hours after evacuation flights from Kabul's airport resumed Tuesday. On Monday, chaos erupted when huge crowds mobbed the tarmac, with some people so desperate they clung to the fuselage of a US military plane as it rolled down the runway for take-off. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban want free media but 'suggestions' apply

Classified assessments by American spy agencies over the summer painted an increasingly grim picture of the prospect of a Taliban takeover of Afghanistan and warned of the rapid collapse of the Afghan military, even as President Joe Biden and his advisers said publicly that was unlikely to happen as quickly, according to current and former U.S. government officials.

By July, many intelligence reports grew more pessimistic, questioning whether any Afghan security forces would muster serious resistance and whether the government could hold on in Kabul, the capital. Biden said on July 8 that the Afghan government was unlikely to fall and that there would be no chaotic evacuations of Americans similar to the end of the Vietnam War.

The drumbeat of warnings over the summer raise questions about why Biden administration officials, and military planners in Afghanistan, seemed ill-prepared to deal with the Taliban’s final push into Kabul, including a failure to ensure security at the main airport and rushing thousands more troops back to the country to protect the United States’ final exit.

One report in July — as dozens of Afghan districts were falling and Taliban fighters were laying siege to several major cities — laid out the growing risks to Kabul, noting that the Afghan government was unprepared for a Taliban assault, according to a person familiar with the intelligence.

Intelligence agencies predicted that should the Taliban seize cities, a cascading collapse could happen rapidly and the Afghan security forces were at high risk of falling apart. It is unclear whether other reports during this period presented a more optimistic picture about the ability of the Afghan military and the government in Kabul to withstand the Taliban.

A historical analysis provided to Congress concluded that the insurgents had learned lessons from their takeover of the country in the 1990s. This time, the report said, the Taliban would first secure border crossings, commandeer provincial capitals and seize swaths of the country’s north before moving in on Kabul, a prediction that proved accurate.

But key American decisions were made long before July, when the consensus among intelligence agencies was that the Afghan government could hang on for as long as two years, which would have left ample time for an orderly exit. On April 27, when the State Department ordered the departure of nonessential personnel from the embassy in Kabul, the overall intelligence assessment was still that a Taliban takeover was at least 18 months away, according to administration officials.

One senior administration official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the classified intelligence reports, said that even by July, as the situation grew more volatile, intelligence agencies never offered a clear prediction of an imminent Taliban takeover. The official said their assessments were also not given a “high confidence” judgment, the agencies’ highest level of certainty.

As late as a week before Kabul’s fall, the overall intelligence analysis was that a Taliban takeover was not yet inevitable, the official said.

Spokespeople for the CIA and the director of national intelligence declined to discuss the assessments given to the White House. But intelligence officials acknowledged that their agencies’ analysis had been sober and that the assessments had changed in recent weeks and months.

During his speech on Monday, Biden said that his administration “planned for every contingency” in Afghanistan but that the situation “did unfold more quickly than we had anticipated.”

Facing clear evidence of the collapse of Afghan forces, U.S. officials have begun to cast blame internally, including statements from the White House that have suggested an intelligence failure. Such finger-pointing often occurs after major national security breakdowns, but it will take weeks or months for a more complete picture to emerge of the decision-making in the Biden administration that led to the chaos in Kabul in recent days.

Intelligence agencies have long predicted an ultimate Taliban victory, even before President Donald Trump and Biden decided to withdraw forces. Those estimates provided a range of timelines. While they raised questions about the will of the Afghan security forces to fight without Americans by their side, they did not predict a collapse within weeks.

But in recent months, assessments became ever more pessimistic as the Taliban made larger gains, according to current and former officials. The reports this summer questioned in stark terms the will of Afghan security forces to fight and the ability of the Kabul government to hold power. With each report of mass desertions, a former official said, the Afghan government looked less stable.

Another CIA report in July noted that the security forces and central government had lost control of the roads leading into Kabul and assessed that the viability of the central government was in serious jeopardy. Other reports by the State Department’s intelligence and research division also noted the failure of Afghan forces to fight the Taliban and suggested the deteriorating security conditions could lead to the collapse of the government, according to government officials.

“The business of intelligence is not to say you know on Aug. 15 the Afghan government’s going to fall,” said Timothy S. Bergreen, a former staff director for the House Intelligence Committee. “But what everybody knew is that without the stiffening of the international forces and specifically our forces, the Afghans were incapable of defending or governing themselves.”

Afghanistan received little attention in the annual threat assessment released in April by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence; but the brief discussion was dire, noting the Taliban was confident it could achieve a military victory.

“The Taliban is likely to make gains on the battlefield, and the Afghan government will struggle to hold the Taliban at bay if the coalition withdraws support,” the report said.

But current and former officials said that while it was true that the CIA predicted a collapse of the Afghan government, it was often hard to get agency analysts to clearly predict how quickly that would occur, especially as Trump and then Biden made decisions on how fast to draw down troops.

Two former senior Trump administration officials who reviewed some of the CIA’s assessments of Afghanistan said the intelligence agencies did deliver warnings about the strength of the Afghan government and security forces. But the agency resisted giving an exact time frame and the assessments could often be interpreted in a variety of ways, including concluding that Afghanistan could fall quickly or possibly over time.

Sharp disagreements have also persisted in the intelligence community. The CIA for years has been pessimistic about the training of the Afghan security forces. But the Defense Intelligence Agency and other intelligence shops within the Pentagon delivered more optimistic assessments about the Afghans’ preparedness, according to current and former officials.

Military and intelligence assessments predicting that the government in Kabul could hold on at least a year before a Taliban takeover were built on a premise that proved to be flawed: that the Afghan army would put up a fight.

“Most of the U.S. assessments inside and outside the U.S. government had focused on how well the Afghan security forces would fare in a fight with the Taliban. In reality, they never really fought” during the Taliban blitz across the country, said Seth G. Jones, an Afghanistan expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

Two decades ago, this dynamic played out in reverse. When U.S.-backed Afghan militias began capturing territory from the Taliban in late 2001, Taliban fighters folded relatively quickly, and both Kabul and Kandahar fell before the end of that year.

Some Taliban surrendered, some switched sides, and far larger numbers simply melted into the population to begin planning what would become a 20-year insurgency.

Intelligence officials have long observed that Afghans make cold calculations about who is likely to prevail in a conflict and back the winning side, a tactic that allows for battlefield gains to accumulate quickly until a tipping point turns the fight into a rout, according to current and former analysts.

At the core of the American loss in Afghanistan was the inability to build a security force that could stand on its own, but that error was compounded by Washington’s failure to listen to those raising questions about the Afghan military.

Part of the problem, according to former officials, is that the can-do attitude of the military frequently got in the way of candid, accurate assessments of how the Afghan security forces were doing. Though no one was blind to desertions or battlefield losses, American commanders given the task of training the Afghan military were reluctant to admit their efforts were failing.

Even those in the military skeptical of the skills of the Afghan security forces believed they would continue to fight for a time after the Americans left.

For months, intelligence officials have been making comparisons between the Afghan national security forces and the South Vietnamese army at the end of the Vietnam War. It took two years for South Vietnam’s military, known by the American acronym ARVN, to collapse after the United States withdrew troops and financial support. Optimists believed the Afghan military — with American funding — could last nearly as long. Pessimists thought it would be far shorter.

“For the last two or three years I have been ruefully remarking that ANSF is Afghan for ARVN,” said Bergreen, who worked on intelligence matters on Capitol Hill from 2003 to 2021. “There was an acknowledgment that the Afghan forces were not up to the long-term fight. But I don’t think anyone expected them to melt away quite that fast.”

Recent Taliban diplomatic maneuvers with other countries in the region, most notably China, lent an air of inevitability to a Taliban takeover that further demoralized Afghan government troops, Jones said.

In the end, analysts said, the Taliban won with the strategy that has so often proved successful during Afghanistan’s many decades of war — they outlasted their opponent.

“​​I am not that surprised it was as fast and sweeping as it was,” said Lisa Maddox, a former CIA analyst. “The Taliban certainly has shown their ability to persevere, hunker down and come back even after they have been beaten back. And you have a population that is so tired and weary of conflict that they are going to flip and support the winning side so they can survive.”

Classified assessments by American spy agencies over the summer painted an increasingly grim picture of the prospect of a Taliban takeover of Afghanistan and warned of the rapid collapse of the Afghan military, even as President Joe Biden and his advisers said publicly that was unlikely to happen as quickly, according to current and former U.

Classified assessments by American spy agencies over the summer painted an increasingly grim picture of the prospect of a Taliban takeover of Afghanistan and warned of the rapid collapse of the Afghan military, even as President Joe Biden and his advisers said publicly that was unlikely to happen as quickly, according to current and former U.S. government officials. By July, many intelligence reports grew more pessimistic, questioning whether any Afghan security forces would muster serious resistance and whether the government could hold on in Kabul, the capital. Biden said on July 8 that the Afghan government was unlikely to fall and that there would be no chaotic evacuations of Americans similar to the end of the Vietnam War. The drumbeat of warnings over the summer raise questions about why Biden administration officials, and military planners in Afghanistan, seemed ill-prepared to deal with the Taliban’s final push into Kabul, including a failure to ensure security at the main airport and rushing thousands more troops back to the country to protect the United States’ final exit. One report in July — as dozens of Afghan districts were falling and Taliban fighters were laying siege to several major cities — laid out the growing risks to Kabul, noting that the Afghan government was unprepared for a Taliban assault, according to a person familiar with the intelligence. Intelligence agencies predicted that should the Taliban seize cities, a cascading collapse could happen rapidly and the Afghan security forces were at high risk of falling apart. It is unclear whether other reports during this period presented a more optimistic picture about the ability of the Afghan military and the government in Kabul to withstand the Taliban. A historical analysis provided to Congress concluded that the insurgents had learned lessons from their takeover of the country in the 1990s. This time, the report said, the Taliban would first secure border crossings, commandeer provincial capitals and seize swaths of the country’s north before moving in on Kabul, a prediction that proved accurate. But key American decisions were made long before July, when the consensus among intelligence agencies was that the Afghan government could hang on for as long as two years, which would have left ample time for an orderly exit. On April 27, when the State Department ordered the departure of nonessential personnel from the embassy in Kabul, the overall intelligence assessment was still that a Taliban takeover was at least 18 months away, according to administration officials. One senior administration official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the classified intelligence reports, said that even by July, as the situation grew more volatile, intelligence agencies never offered a clear prediction of an imminent Taliban takeover. The official said their assessments were also not given a “high confidence” judgment, the agencies’ highest level of certainty. As late as a week before Kabul’s fall, the overall intelligence analysis was that a Taliban takeover was not yet inevitable, the official said. Spokespeople for the CIA and the director of national intelligence declined to discuss the assessments given to the White House. But intelligence officials acknowledged that their agencies’ analysis had been sober and that the assessments had changed in recent weeks and months. During his speech on Monday, Biden said that his administration “planned for every contingency” in Afghanistan but that the situation “did unfold more quickly than we had anticipated.” Facing clear evidence of the collapse of Afghan forces, U.S. officials have begun to cast blame internally, including statements from the White House that have suggested an intelligence failure. Such finger-pointing often occurs after major national security breakdowns, but it will take weeks or months for a more complete picture to emerge of the decision-making in the Biden administration that led to the chaos in Kabul in recent days. Intelligence agencies have long predicted an ultimate Taliban victory, even before President Donald Trump and Biden decided to withdraw forces. Those estimates provided a range of timelines. While they raised questions about the will of the Afghan security forces to fight without Americans by their side, they did not predict a collapse within weeks. But in recent months, assessments became ever more pessimistic as the Taliban made larger gains, according to current and former officials. The reports this summer questioned in stark terms the will of Afghan security forces to fight and the ability of the Kabul government to hold power. With each report of mass desertions, a former official said, the Afghan government looked less stable. Another CIA report in July noted that the security forces and central government had lost control of the roads leading into Kabul and assessed that the viability of the central government was in serious jeopardy. Other reports by the State Department’s intelligence and research division also noted the failure of Afghan forces to fight the Taliban and suggested the deteriorating security conditions could lead to the collapse of the government, according to government officials. “The business of intelligence is not to say you know on Aug. 15 the Afghan government’s going to fall,” said Timothy S. Bergreen, a former staff director for the House Intelligence Committee. “But what everybody knew is that without the stiffening of the international forces and specifically our forces, the Afghans were incapable of defending or governing themselves.” Afghanistan received little attention in the annual threat assessment released in April by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence; but the brief discussion was dire, noting the Taliban was confident it could achieve a military victory. “The Taliban is likely to make gains on the battlefield, and the Afghan government will struggle to hold the Taliban at bay if the coalition withdraws support,” the report said. But current and former officials said that while it was true that the CIA predicted a collapse of the Afghan government, it was often hard to get agency analysts to clearly predict how quickly that would occur, especially as Trump and then Biden made decisions on how fast to draw down troops. Two former senior Trump administration officials who reviewed some of the CIA’s assessments of Afghanistan said the intelligence agencies did deliver warnings about the strength of the Afghan government and security forces. But the agency resisted giving an exact time frame and the assessments could often be interpreted in a variety of ways, including concluding that Afghanistan could fall quickly or possibly over time. Sharp disagreements have also persisted in the intelligence community. The CIA for years has been pessimistic about the training of the Afghan security forces. But the Defense Intelligence Agency and other intelligence shops within the Pentagon delivered more optimistic assessments about the Afghans’ preparedness, according to current and former officials. Military and intelligence assessments predicting that the government in Kabul could hold on at least a year before a Taliban takeover were built on a premise that proved to be flawed: that the Afghan army would put up a fight. “Most of the U.S. assessments inside and outside the U.S. government had focused on how well the Afghan security forces would fare in a fight with the Taliban. In reality, they never really fought” during the Taliban blitz across the country, said Seth G. Jones, an Afghanistan expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. Two decades ago, this dynamic played out in reverse. When U.S.-backed Afghan militias began capturing territory from the Taliban in late 2001, Taliban fighters folded relatively quickly, and both Kabul and Kandahar fell before the end of that year. Some Taliban surrendered, some switched sides, and far larger numbers simply melted into the population to begin planning what would become a 20-year insurgency. Intelligence officials have long observed that Afghans make cold calculations about who is likely to prevail in a conflict and back the winning side, a tactic that allows for battlefield gains to accumulate quickly until a tipping point turns the fight into a rout, according to current and former analysts. At the core of the American loss in Afghanistan was the inability to build a security force that could stand on its own, but that error was compounded by Washington’s failure to listen to those raising questions about the Afghan military. Part of the problem, according to former officials, is that the can-do attitude of the military frequently got in the way of candid, accurate assessments of how the Afghan security forces were doing. Though no one was blind to desertions or battlefield losses, American commanders given the task of training the Afghan military were reluctant to admit their efforts were failing. Even those in the military skeptical of the skills of the Afghan security forces believed they would continue to fight for a time after the Americans left. For months, intelligence officials have been making comparisons between the Afghan national security forces and the South Vietnamese army at the end of the Vietnam War. It took two years for South Vietnam’s military, known by the American acronym ARVN, to collapse after the United States withdrew troops and financial support. Optimists believed the Afghan military — with American funding — could last nearly as long. Pessimists thought it would be far shorter. “For the last two or three years I have been ruefully remarking that ANSF is Afghan for ARVN,” said Bergreen, who worked on intelligence matters on Capitol Hill from 2003 to 2021. “There was an acknowledgment that the Afghan forces were not up to the long-term fight. But I don’t think anyone expected them to melt away quite that fast.” Recent Taliban diplomatic maneuvers with other countries in the region, most notably China, lent an air of inevitability to a Taliban takeover that further demoralized Afghan government troops, Jones said. In the end, analysts said, the Taliban won with the strategy that has so often proved successful during Afghanistan’s many decades of war — they outlasted their opponent. “I am not that surprised it was as fast and sweeping as it was,” said Lisa Maddox, a former CIA analyst. “The Taliban certainly has shown their ability to persevere, hunker down and come back even after they have been beaten back. And you have a population that is so tired and weary of conflict that they are going to flip and support the winning side so they can survive.”

Intelligence warned of Afghan military collapse, despite Biden’s assurances

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