Topic
The Afghan war between US-lead Nato forces and Taliban insurgent groups was triggered by the attack on the World Trade Centre in New York and Pentagon on September 11, 2001. It has cost more than 3,000 lives on the Nato side and some 13,000 civilian lives. On May 2, 2011, Osama bin Laden, a major target of the war, was killed by US special forces.
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The Afghan war between US-lead Nato forces and Taliban insurgent groups was triggered by the attack on the World Trade Centre in New York and Pentagon on September 11, 2001. It has cost more than 3,000 lives on the Nato side and some 13,000 civilian lives. On May 2, 2011, Osama bin Laden, a major target of the war, was killed by US special forces.
Since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, Afghanistan has been on the brink of economic collapse, triggering one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. Many continue to seek to escape from the country, including in the northwestern city of Zaranj where dozens of desperate Afghans have been attempting to flee to neighbouring Iran by risking a dangerous drive across the desert or being shot at by Iranian border guards. In a video address on March 15, 2022, UNHCR commissioner Filippo Grandi issued a plea to the international community to not forget the plight of the Afghan people.
Afghanistan has marked 100 days of Taliban rule since the group’s fighters seized the capital Kabul on August 15, 2021, then-president Ashraf Ghani fled the country and the US began evacuating troops and allies. The events signalled an end to decades of war and the return to power for militants pushed out by the US invasion 20 years ago. Now as the country is struggling with a host of new political, economic and humanitarian challenges, the Taliban is trying to transition to running a peacetime government.
Afghanistan has marked 100 days of Taliban rule since the group’s fighters seized the capital Kabul on August 15, 2021, then-president Ashraf Ghani fled the country and the US began evacuating troops and allies. The events signalled an end to decades of war and the return to power for militants pushed out by the US invasion 20 years ago. Now as the country is struggling with a host of new political, economic and humanitarian challenges, the Taliban is trying to transition to running a peacetime government.
Following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, local hospitals have been facing severe shortages in medical resources, including manpower after millions left the country, leaving just a handful of doctors and nurses to run hospitals. In the main children’s hospital in the capital Kabul, medical staff who used to look after 3-4 children now have to care for two dozen patients. A lack of financial support has left thousands of medical facilities in Afghanistan unable to buy medical supplies and pay staff salaries.
Following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, local hospitals have been facing severe shortages in medical resources, including manpower after millions left the country, leaving just a handful of doctors and nurses to run hospitals. In the main children’s hospital in the capital Kabul, medical staff who used to look after 3-4 children now have to care for two dozen patients. A lack of financial support has left thousands of medical facilities in Afghanistan unable to buy medical supplies and pay staff salaries.
In a mountainous village in Afghanistan, women openly work alongside men at a remote health clinic. Among its 28 workers, there are seven women: one nurse, a vaccine specialist, two midwives, a nutritionist and two cleaners. They often work side-by-side with men without curtains, which are normally required for males and females who work together in the country. Despite the lack of gender restrictions, the female medical workers say they are concerned about other women’s right to work. Under Taliban rule two decades ago, women had to cover up, were not allowed to hold down a job and were barred from travelling unaccompanied.
In a mountainous village in Afghanistan, women openly work alongside men at a remote health clinic. Among its 28 workers, there are seven women: one nurse, a vaccine specialist, two midwives, a nutritionist and two cleaners. They often work side-by-side with men without curtains, which are normally required for males and females who work together in the country. Despite the lack of gender restrictions, the female medical workers say they are concerned about other women’s right to work. Under Taliban rule two decades ago, women had to cover up, were not allowed to hold down a job and were barred from travelling unaccompanied.
A drugs crackdown is the latest sign of the Taliban making its presence known in the Afghan capital Kabul. The militant group that seized power in the country in August 2021 has reportedly been rounding up illicit drug users since late September, as part of its efforts to impose a harsh interpretation of sharia Islamic law.
A drugs crackdown is the latest sign of the Taliban making its presence known in the Afghan capital Kabul. The militant group that seized power in the country in August 2021 has reportedly been rounding up illicit drug users since late September, as part of its efforts to impose a harsh interpretation of sharia Islamic law.
Since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, the group’s fighters have been slowly establishing themselves in security roles across the nation. In Kabul, the Taliban has had to build a new police force from scratch to replace the one disbanded immediately after the capital fell on August 15, 2021. But as Taliban fighters police the streets, many appear to still be trying to adjust to their new roles.
Since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, the group’s fighters have been slowly establishing themselves in security roles across the nation. In Kabul, the Taliban has had to build a new police force from scratch to replace the one disbanded immediately after the capital fell on August 15, 2021. But as Taliban fighters police the streets, many appear to still be trying to adjust to their new roles.
US marines reunited with their families after returning to their home base at Camp Pendleton from Afghanistan on October 3, 2021. However, not everyone from their battalion made it home. Ten of their comrades lost their lives during the Kabul airport terrorist attack on August 26. Troops from the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines were on duty protecting the airport that day, as the US airlifted its citizens and some locals out of the country. The suicide bomb killed at least 13 US servicemen and women, as well as more than 180 Afghans.
US marines reunited with their families after returning to their home base at Camp Pendleton from Afghanistan on October 3, 2021. However, not everyone from their battalion made it home. Ten of their comrades lost their lives during the Kabul airport terrorist attack on August 26. Troops from the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines were on duty protecting the airport that day, as the US airlifted its citizens and some locals out of the country. The suicide bomb killed at least 13 US servicemen and women, as well as more than 180 Afghans.
Mujdha is among the many women behind bars in Afghanistan’s prisons. She was arrested after her family complained to the Taliban that she had run away from her forced marriage to be with another. Under Taliban rule, running away with a man you are not married to is considered kidnapping, while it is also illegal for a woman to run away from her husband. Footage inside the prison shows women with their children walking the hallways and able to move between cells. Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, it has emptied many prisons, releasing thousands of convicted criminals.
Mujdha is among the many women behind bars in Afghanistan’s prisons. She was arrested after her family complained to the Taliban that she had run away from her forced marriage to be with another. Under Taliban rule, running away with a man you are not married to is considered kidnapping, while it is also illegal for a woman to run away from her husband. Footage inside the prison shows women with their children walking the hallways and able to move between cells. Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, it has emptied many prisons, releasing thousands of convicted criminals.
The Taliban hung a bloodstained body from a crane in a city square in Afghanistan’s Herat on September 25, 2021. The body was allegedly one of four kidnappers killed by the Taliban. The other bodies were moved to other parts of the city for public display. Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, officials have said the hard-line movement would return to public executions and amputations. Many fear it’s a sure sign of a return to the same brutality that defined its first rule of the country from 1996-2001.
The Taliban hung a bloodstained body from a crane in a city square in Afghanistan’s Herat on September 25, 2021. The body was allegedly one of four kidnappers killed by the Taliban. The other bodies were moved to other parts of the city for public display. Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, officials have said the hard-line movement would return to public executions and amputations. Many fear it’s a sure sign of a return to the same brutality that defined its first rule of the country from 1996-2001.
The World Food Programme said on September 23, 2021, that only 5 per cent of Afghan families have enough to eat daily. This comes as the nation faces the second severe drought in three years. Complicated by other issues, including an economic crisis following the takeover of the Taliban as well as the Covid-19 pandemic, the UN body said it will need US$200 million immediately for relief.
The World Food Programme said on September 23, 2021, that only 5 per cent of Afghan families have enough to eat daily. This comes as the nation faces the second severe drought in three years. Complicated by other issues, including an economic crisis following the takeover of the Taliban as well as the Covid-19 pandemic, the UN body said it will need US$200 million immediately for relief.
The Taliban has marked the first month since sweeping back to power in Afghanistan on September 15, 2021. The insurgents seized the capital Kabul with barely a fight after the US announced its 20-year military presence would end on August 31. A month on, Kabul residents said security has largely improved, but the country’s economy remains in ruins. The Taliban continues to come under pressure as it tries to consolidate power, gain legitimacy and address major policy challenges.
The Taliban has marked the first month since sweeping back to power in Afghanistan on September 15, 2021. The insurgents seized the capital Kabul with barely a fight after the US announced its 20-year military presence would end on August 31. A month on, Kabul residents said security has largely improved, but the country’s economy remains in ruins. The Taliban continues to come under pressure as it tries to consolidate power, gain legitimacy and address major policy challenges.
The chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan has not only displaced civilians. The animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) claims that 60 bomb-sniffing dogs and another 60 “working dogs” were left behind at Kabul airport. The canines are now being handled by local security staff who discovered them after US troops departed. The dogs will reportedly be put back to work as the airport gradually reopens. The Pentagon has denied owning the dogs or abandoning them.
The chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan has not only displaced civilians. The animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) claims that 60 bomb-sniffing dogs and another 60 “working dogs” were left behind at Kabul airport. The canines are now being handled by local security staff who discovered them after US troops departed. The dogs will reportedly be put back to work as the airport gradually reopens. The Pentagon has denied owning the dogs or abandoning them.
Nearly 300 completely-veiled women held a march in support of the Taliban on September 11, 2021. They had gathered at a university in Kabul and were seen holding Taliban flags. The hardline group has announced that females will only be allowed to study at university in women-only classrooms and that even their tutors must be female. That same day, the Taliban raised its flag at the presidential palace, marking the start of the newly-formed Islamic Emirate. The international community has been monitoring how the new Taliban regime is treating Afghan women, with some observers looking to see if the militant organisation will uphold earlier promises on women’s rights.
Nearly 300 completely-veiled women held a march in support of the Taliban on September 11, 2021. They had gathered at a university in Kabul and were seen holding Taliban flags. The hardline group has announced that females will only be allowed to study at university in women-only classrooms and that even their tutors must be female. That same day, the Taliban raised its flag at the presidential palace, marking the start of the newly-formed Islamic Emirate. The international community has been monitoring how the new Taliban regime is treating Afghan women, with some observers looking to see if the militant organisation will uphold earlier promises on women’s rights.
Hundreds of thousands of displaced Afghans are living in makeshift camps in parks across Kabul. Many were made homeless during the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan but hope they can return home soon. Large numbers of people have also been displaced due to drought and the Covid-19 pandemic. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that as of July 2021, more than 3.5 million people had been displaced, largely because of these factors.
Hundreds of thousands of displaced Afghans are living in makeshift camps in parks across Kabul. Many were made homeless during the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan but hope they can return home soon. Large numbers of people have also been displaced due to drought and the Covid-19 pandemic. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that as of July 2021, more than 3.5 million people had been displaced, largely because of these factors.
Barber Nazar Mohammad says he is unsure how his shop in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul will survive. He said business has slowed dramatically because of the departure of foreign customers and lack of local clients who are now expected to grow beards under Taliban rule. Nazar Mohammad spoke about his failing business on September 9, 2021, nearly a month after the Islamist group seized control of Afghanistan in the wake of the departure of US-led occupation forces.
Barber Nazar Mohammad says he is unsure how his shop in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul will survive. He said business has slowed dramatically because of the departure of foreign customers and lack of local clients who are now expected to grow beards under Taliban rule. Nazar Mohammad spoke about his failing business on September 9, 2021, nearly a month after the Islamist group seized control of Afghanistan in the wake of the departure of US-led occupation forces.
The Taliban claimed to have taken complete control of Panjshir province, the last area in Afghanistan being held by resistance forces. The militant group's spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid made the claim on September 6, 2021. But on the same day, the leader of the anti-Taliban National Resistance Front denied Panjshir had fallen to the Taliban. The area, including the Panjshir Valley, is north of the capital Kabul, and has been the only region to resist the Taliban overthrew the Afghan government ahead of the withdrawal of US-led occupation forces from the country.
The Taliban claimed to have taken complete control of Panjshir province, the last area in Afghanistan being held by resistance forces. The militant group's spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid made the claim on September 6, 2021. But on the same day, the leader of the anti-Taliban National Resistance Front denied Panjshir had fallen to the Taliban. The area, including the Panjshir Valley, is north of the capital Kabul, and has been the only region to resist the Taliban overthrew the Afghan government ahead of the withdrawal of US-led occupation forces from the country.
Pakistan announced the temporary closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing in Chaman starting on September 3, 2021. The move, it said, was sparked by “security concerns” following the Taliban seizure of Afghanistan. Thousands of Afghan refugees worried about life under Taliban rule, have since been fleeing to neighbouring Pakistan into the border city of Chaman.
Pakistan announced the temporary closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing in Chaman starting on September 3, 2021. The move, it said, was sparked by “security concerns” following the Taliban seizure of Afghanistan. Thousands of Afghan refugees worried about life under Taliban rule, have since been fleeing to neighbouring Pakistan into the border city of Chaman.
The issue of female representation has been a key concern in the lead-up to the Taliban’s imminent announcement of a new government. Dozens of defiant Afghan women held a rare protest in the western city of Herat on September 2, 2021. The protest in Afghanistan’s third-largest city called for the country's new Taliban government to include women in its future cabinet.
The issue of female representation has been a key concern in the lead-up to the Taliban’s imminent announcement of a new government. Dozens of defiant Afghan women held a rare protest in the western city of Herat on September 2, 2021. The protest in Afghanistan’s third-largest city called for the country's new Taliban government to include women in its future cabinet.
With the Taliban in the final stages of forming Afghanistan’s Islamic government, the group is reaching out to China in hopes of securing foreign investment and spurring redevelopment of the war-torn country. China has pledged to help develop the country, with the Taliban seen as an important ally in the region.
With the Taliban in the final stages of forming Afghanistan’s Islamic government, the group is reaching out to China in hopes of securing foreign investment and spurring redevelopment of the war-torn country. China has pledged to help develop the country, with the Taliban seen as an important ally in the region.
Militias in the Panjsher Valley are mounting the largest, and possibly last, resistance against Taliban rule in Afghanistan. The armed groups have vowed to keep the Taliban out of their province – an area that historically resisted the Taliban the last time it was in power and became a staging ground for Northern Alliance fighters.
Militias in the Panjsher Valley are mounting the largest, and possibly last, resistance against Taliban rule in Afghanistan. The armed groups have vowed to keep the Taliban out of their province – an area that historically resisted the Taliban the last time it was in power and became a staging ground for Northern Alliance fighters.
America's war in Afghanistan is over, 20 years after the first Nato troops landed in the country for a deployment that cost the lives of several thousand soldiers and hundreds of thousands of Afghan civilians. The Taliban, an ultraconservative local religious faction, has retaken control of the country after a bitter fight with Afghan government troops. They were knocked from power in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York’s World Trade Centre and the Pentagon in Washington. Accusing the Taliban of harbouring al Qaeda terrorists, the US invoked Article 5 of the Nato Charter setting the stage to lead its allies to invade Afghanistan on October 7 of the same year. Nearly two decades later, US forces have left Afghanistan, after a resurgent Taliban seized key cities from the Afghan government before retaking control of the country. The Post looks back at nearly two decades of conflict and the continuing impact of America’s longest war.
America's war in Afghanistan is over, 20 years after the first Nato troops landed in the country for a deployment that cost the lives of several thousand soldiers and hundreds of thousands of Afghan civilians. The Taliban, an ultraconservative local religious faction, has retaken control of the country after a bitter fight with Afghan government troops. They were knocked from power in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York’s World Trade Centre and the Pentagon in Washington. Accusing the Taliban of harbouring al Qaeda terrorists, the US invoked Article 5 of the Nato Charter setting the stage to lead its allies to invade Afghanistan on October 7 of the same year. Nearly two decades later, US forces have left Afghanistan, after a resurgent Taliban seized key cities from the Afghan government before retaking control of the country. The Post looks back at nearly two decades of conflict and the continuing impact of America’s longest war.
All British soldiers, diplomats and civil servants have left Afghanistan, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on August 29, 2021, as the international evacuation effort entered its final stage. Britain joins France, Italy, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Belgium on the list of countries that have announced the end of their evacuation operations in Afghanistan.
All British soldiers, diplomats and civil servants have left Afghanistan, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on August 29, 2021, as the international evacuation effort entered its final stage. Britain joins France, Italy, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Belgium on the list of countries that have announced the end of their evacuation operations in Afghanistan.
Since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, many Afghans have been scrambling to flee the country, but their options are limited as many countries are closing their borders to refugees. Turkey and Pakistan are refusing to take in new Afghan migrants as the two countries are already hosting some of the largest numbers of refugees in the world. Meanwhile, South Korea is evacuating Afghans who worked on South Korean projects and are in the process of allowing them to stay for an extended period of time.
Since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, many Afghans have been scrambling to flee the country, but their options are limited as many countries are closing their borders to refugees. Turkey and Pakistan are refusing to take in new Afghan migrants as the two countries are already hosting some of the largest numbers of refugees in the world. Meanwhile, South Korea is evacuating Afghans who worked on South Korean projects and are in the process of allowing them to stay for an extended period of time.
There has been global condemnation of the suicide bombings outside Kabul’s international airport on August, 26, 2021. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the twin blasts, which killed dozens of people including US military service members, Taliban fighters and Afghan civilians.The Taliban, along with the United Nations, the US, Britain, France and Germany, among others have denounced the attack.
There has been global condemnation of the suicide bombings outside Kabul’s international airport on August, 26, 2021. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the twin blasts, which killed dozens of people including US military service members, Taliban fighters and Afghan civilians.The Taliban, along with the United Nations, the US, Britain, France and Germany, among others have denounced the attack.
As many Afghan civilians seek to escape Taliban rule in their country, parallels have been drawn between the hardline group’s takeover of Kabul and the fall of Saigon in 1975, which marked the end of the Vietnam war. Former Vietnamese refugees who fled to America following the fall of the southern Vietnamese city now known as Ho Chi Minh City, say they can relate to the fears of the Afghans and see this as an opportunity to pay it forward.
As many Afghan civilians seek to escape Taliban rule in their country, parallels have been drawn between the hardline group’s takeover of Kabul and the fall of Saigon in 1975, which marked the end of the Vietnam war. Former Vietnamese refugees who fled to America following the fall of the southern Vietnamese city now known as Ho Chi Minh City, say they can relate to the fears of the Afghans and see this as an opportunity to pay it forward.
Thousands of Afghan migrants have fled their country since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021. Some have trekked for weeks, crossing into Iran to seek asylum in Turkey, which is seen as a gateway to Europe. But the arrival of a new wave of migrants has raised concerns in the country that’s already hosting around 4 million Syrian refugees and now faces a fresh influx of refugees.
Thousands of Afghan migrants have fled their country since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021. Some have trekked for weeks, crossing into Iran to seek asylum in Turkey, which is seen as a gateway to Europe. But the arrival of a new wave of migrants has raised concerns in the country that’s already hosting around 4 million Syrian refugees and now faces a fresh influx of refugees.
The Taliban has fired shots to disperse crowds outside the airport serving Afghanistan's capital after the Islamic group declared on August 24, 2021, that they will no longer allow the evacuation of Afghans. The insurgent group that has seized control of the nation put up roadblocks on the roads to Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport. Thousands of Afghans are still attempting to flee the country, and the US has promised a full withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan by August 31, ending its 20-year presence triggered by the September 11 attacks. US President Joe Biden has said he is determined to press on with the current August 31 deadline. About 6,000 US troops are still in Afghanistan, assisting evacuation efforts which in the 10 days leading up to August 24 had moved 82,300 people. An estimated 300,000 Afghans are considered to be in danger of being targeted by the Taliban. Top US allies such as the UK, France and Germany have urged the US to allow more time for evacuation operations, but the Taliban warned that the deadline is a “red line” and any extension will lead to consequences.
The Taliban has fired shots to disperse crowds outside the airport serving Afghanistan's capital after the Islamic group declared on