[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS- TALIBAN CONFIRMS AFGHAN REFUGEES KILLED ON IRANIAN BORDER, IRAN DENIES CLAIM – A controversy had erupted between the two countries over claims that 5 Afghan refugees were killed by Iranian border forces when they attempted to cross the border illegally. Photos of the bodies of those reportedly killed were questioned by skeptics as the depictions appeared to have been staged. Iran immediately dismissed the claims and attributed them to ‘those bent on mischief’. The Taliban did not initially comment on the incident but appeared to accept the accusations on Sunday. A source in Kandahar said the Taliban were having trouble finding out what happened to the bodies and a team from the GDI was quietly attempting to locate any family/friends of the alleged victims.
- JAPAN ANNOUNCES PROGRAM TO OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS TO AFGHANS – Prospective Master and Doctoral students will soon have an opportunity to apply for fully funded programs to study in Japan. The new program was announced on 2 July at the Embassy of Japan in Kabul. The program will be administered jointly with the Aga Khan Foundation and we are waiting for more information about the application process. Those interested in applying can follow the Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme page.
- UNITED NATIONS UNVEILS NEW STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN – Facing one of the more difficult humanitarian and human rights issues in the world, the UN has redesigned its strategies for future cooperation and has been forced to prioritize the most vulnerable while recognizing the challenges put in its path by the Taliban. To its credit, the UN has placed the onus for the delivery of these programs on the Taliban and has not capitulated on its demands to allow its female workforce to administer the projects.
- TALIBAN CONFIRM REPORT THAT WOMEN’S BEAUTY SALONS TO BE CLOSED – In yesterday’s reporting, we included a reference to a memo that had been widely shared on social media which was attributed to the Ministry of Vice/Virtue that ordered the closure of all beauty salons by the end of the month. The report was confirmed today but it is currently unclear if the edict will be imposed across the country or only in Kabul.
- FLOODING IN NANGARHAR KILLS 2 AND DESTROYS FIELDS – The majority of the flooding occurred in the Hesarak District after heavy rains on Monday overflowed canals and irrigation ditches. It is not known how the 2 individuals died but they were believed to be a married couple from the District. Over 200 acres were destroyed but the damage is expected to climb to 4-500 acres as the high waters continue to make their way downstream.
NEXT 24 HOURS: No Threats Reported