The first issue of the Afghan Digest was published a year ago this week.During this time, we have always striven to provide timely and accurate information that is intended to inform and safeguard those who have borne the brunt of the suffering during this shameful episode in human history.
We have done our best to piece together the fragments blown our way on turbulent winds to help protect vulnerable Afghans and to aid others engaged in the mission of safeguarding human rights.
To achieve this, we have worked diligently to build an information network, do our best to get it “right”, and adjust when we miss the mark.
We do not celebrate this date. Quite the opposite, we lament the need for our existence.
We dedicate this edition to all the Afghans who have lost their lives and to those who remain in hiding, hoping and praying for better days ahead. Also to the many anonymous sources who risk their lives each day to help us make sense of the chaos. You are the true heroes and you will not be forgotten!
Sincerely,
The Afghan Digest Staff
Co-Founder & Co-Publisher - Karen Kraft / Co-Founder & Senior Editor - Barbara Autin / Co-Founder, Editor & Columnist - Alexis Harmon / Intelligence Analyst & Contributor - Kelly Brown / Social Media - Sarah Dionna & Batol Gholami / Graphic Artist - Elizabeth Velasquez / Co-Publisher & Columnist - Jason Hatch
LAST 24 HOURS- ORGANIZATION OF ISLAMIC COOPERATION TO MEET TODAY, AFGHANISTAN TOPS THE AGENDA – The OIC will convene its third meeting to discuss the Afghanistan situation. The group had swiftly condemned the Taliban’s decisions to remove women from society and has repeatedly made calls for a reversal of the policies. While the Taliban hierarchy are no strangers to international criticism, the OIC carries far more weight in the circles the Taliban hope to curry favor with. In addition, the populace may view any forthcoming rebuke as a sign the Taliban are out of step with the rest of the global Islamic community.
- RUMORS OF A TALIBAN ‘CENSUS’ BEING TAKEN TO IDENTIFY WOMEN AND GIRLS OF MARRYING AGE – While scattered reports of this activity had materialized virtually as soon as the Taliban swept to power. It was believed to have happened sporadically. We have now received recurring reports across several provinces that tend to suggest the program has expanded and may be ramping up.
Going back to their old habit of helping themselves to wives from among the locals, whether the locals are interested or not.
- UNCONFIRMED RUMORS OF US POLITICIANS MEETING WITH EXILED GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN TURKEY – Unsubstantiated reports claim that a meeting was held between unidentified US lawmakers and former Afghan leaders living in exile in Turkey. While the US politicians were not identified, it was said that Masoom Stanekzai and Batur Dostum were in attendance. We have yet to verify these reports.
- TALIBAN TO FORM A COMMISSION ON GIRLS’/WOMENS’ EDUCATION – The Taliban announced the formation of a commission to look into how they could reopen education for females. The composition of the commission straddles several ministries. According to an international Muslim visiting body, the commission will work according to a schedule that will be released soon. It is not clear if the commission has been established to work on the problem or if it is merely a shadow play to give the impression that the Taliban is doing something. Most Afghanistan observers are skeptical that the Supreme Leader and his mob of Deobandian clerics will ever revise their flawed interpretations of Sharia when it comes to women. Many believe the commission is a ploy and the announcement of its formation was rapidly followed by calls for recognition and the release of frozen assets. It may also signal that the recent stoppage of economic aid has the group worried about an economic freefall.
- UNIVERSITIES KEEPING THEIR CURRENT NAMES – The Ministry of Higher Education said on Tuesday that reports circulating on social media that the Taliban intended to change the names of many of the prominent Universities in the country were completely untrue.
- MORE WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES ORDERED TO CLOSE – Reports out of Balkh on Monday stated that the Ministry of Vice and Virtue had informed several proprietors of women-owned businesses that they would be forced to close Thursday. Yesterday, a similar warning was issued to women-owned businesses in Baghlan Province. Ministry agents in Baghlan went so far as to send letters to companies and real estate agents, warning them not to rent to women. Our analysis indicates this policy will likely be implemented across the country.
NEXT 24 HOURS
INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS WILL BE WATCHING THE RESULTS OF THE OIC MEETINGS – Most will be looking for an official statement from OIC members regarding their stance with the Taliban. Opposition leaders, Resistance groups, and moderates among the Taliban are hoping for a statement of unanimous condemnation. Such a message could empower moderates who hope to force the Supreme Leader and his cabal aside.