When Democracy Turns Brutal: The UK’s Dark Secret in Afghanistan

"Countries that pride themselves on their democratic institutions and are considered superpowers, such as the UK, which proclaims itself a bastion of democracy and justice, turn out to be more brutal, incompetent, and irresponsible," Afghan …

Taliban government in Afghanistan bans chess due to gambling concerns

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has banned chess indefinitely, due to gambling concerns.  The tactical, strategic board game has been banned until further notice, while officials determine its compatibility with Islamic law.  In particular, gambling …

Uzbekistan and Afghanistan: A New Era of Limited Recognition

In early May, Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture Jamshid Abduzukhurov and the governor of Afghanistan’s Balkh Province, Haji Muhammad Yusuf Wafa, signed a bilateral agreement concerning the joint management of the Amu Darya water resources, …

Trump Administration: TPS for Afghanistan Will Terminate July 12, 2025

On May 12, 2025, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced that she will not renew Afghanistan’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation, meaning that the designation, including work authorization documents, will expire …

British Embassy: 46% of Married Women in Afghanistan Face Physical Violence

The British Embassy for Afghanistan reports that 46 percent of married Afghan women experience physical violence, 34 percent suffer psychological abuse, and 6 percent are subjected to sexual violence. The embassy released these figures on Tuesday, May 13, …

FIFA's recognition of Afghanistan women's soccer team doesn't go far enough

Mother's Day was celebrated by Canadian soccer through a variety of events and activities at NSL matches this weekend. Not only recognizing the impact that women make on the pitch but off it and in wider society. It was also a nod to all women working …

OCHA warns of urgent Aid Funding shortage in Afghanistan

OCHA warns that a severe funding shortfall threatens humanitarian aid in Afghanistan, leaving millions without essential support and relief services. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has announced that due to a …

Ex-UK special forces soldiers accuse colleagues of war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan

Former members of Britain’s Special Forces have accused fellow soldiers of war crimes committed in Iraq and Afghanistan. In an investigation aired on May 12 by BBC Panorama, ex-SAS and SBS soldiers accused their comrades of executing unarmed detainees, …

Afghanistan’s First Female Street Artist Gets First Solo Exhibition in the UK

“Untitled #7,” 2022 In Tehran, where Shamsia Hassani was born to Afghan refugees in 1988, restrictive policies denied her access to a formal arts education due to her immigrant status. It wasn’t until Hassani and her family returned to their native …

Best photos of May 12: Hajj pilgrims leaving Afghanistan to rehearsal for Eurovision