It’s better than no school at all, and once they have basic reading and writing skills, they can apply themselves to learn other subjects.
[ToloNews] Instructors at seminaries say that the number of girls attending seminaries has recently increased by 50 percent as the schools for female students in grade 7-12 remain closed since the Islamic Emirate came to power.
According to officials, the numbers of students increased in the seminaries after the Islamic Emirate closed schools for female students.
"The number of students has increased. We are happy that we can at least provide them with this much service," said Shabana, a university instructor.
"After the schools closed for girls, the number of female students surged up to 50 percent. There are no restrictions for the girls to study in the seminaries," said Tariq, an instructor in a seminary.
TOLOnews interviewed some of the students who are attending the seminaries after their schools were closed.
Angila, who was in grade 6 of a medical faculty, is now studying at the seminary.
"Education is compulsory for every Moslem, both men and women. The schools and universities should be reopened for the girls so that they can continue their education," she said.
Meanwhile some of the students urged the interim government to reopen their schools.
"School is a place where you learn science subjects, religious subjects and seminary is a place where you cannot study anything else but religious studies," said Muqadas, a student.
"We call on the Islamic Emirate to reopen the doors of the schools for the girls," said Marriam, a student.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Karimullah Akhundzada, said that there are more than 14,000 seminaries across the country, where 330,000 students including boys and girls are studying.
"In total, 14,000 seminaries have been registered within the education ministry," he said.
Meanwhile, ...back at the railroad tracks, Little Nell tried to kick her bound feet and scream post the snotty handkerchief Scarface Al had stuff into her mouth... women’s rights activists criticized the Islamic Emirate’s dual policy towards men and women in Afghanistan, saying that the obstacles ahead of women should be removed.
"The Islamic Emirate should allow the women and girls to study modern education beside religious education. The doors of the schools and universities will be reopened," said Suraya Paikan, a women’s rights activist.
This comes as more than 700-days have passed since the schools beyond grade six have been closed for the girls. It has also been more than 230 days since universities for female students have been shut.
[KhaamaPress] The United Nations ...an organization which on balance has done more bad than good, with the good not done well and the bad done thoroughly... Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has highlighted in its most recent report that the escalating crises in Afghanistan have spurred a significant surge in the migration of its citizens.
The UNICEF report reveals that the prolonged crises within Afghanistan have driven many Afghans to seek safety through migration. As of the conclusion of June 2023, the recorded number of Afghans residing in Iran, Pakistain, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan has exceeded 8.2 million.
The report further indicates that following the establishment of the Taliban ...the Pashtun equivalent of men... administration, approximately 1.6 million Afghan citizens have relocated to neighbouring countries.
The organization emphasized that Afghan children residing in neighbouring countries need assistance. In 2023, UNICEF sought a budget of $66.2 million to provide support for these children; however, the donor nations have yet to allocate this funding.
The migration of Afghan citizens has been driven by a confluence of pressing factors, with adverse security conditions standing at the forefront. The prolonged conflict and political instability in Afghanistan have created an environment of constant threat, making daily life difficult for many. This insecurity has forced numerous individuals and families to seek refuge in more stable regions, as the basic need for safety remains paramount.
Additionally, economic turmoil has exacerbated the situation, as years of conflict have hindered economic development, leading to widespread poverty and limited livelihood opportunities. This combination of security concerns and economic hardship has created a strong impetus for Afghans to leave their homes for a better and safer life elsewhere.
The limited employment prospects within Afghanistan have also significantly contributed to the migration phenomenon.
[RFERL] When the Taliban ...mindless ferocity in a turban... seized power in 2021, there were concerns that some of Afghanistan's tiny non-Moslem minorities could vanish.
Two years on, those fears are becoming realized. Afghanistan's last-known Jew fled the country shortly after the Taliban takeover. Meanwhile, ...back at the Hubba Hubba Club, Big Shirley was still trying to snatch Nunzio bald-headed. She was already halfway there... the Sikh and Hindu communities are believed to have shrunk to just a handful of families.
Under the Taliban, Sikhs and Hindus have faced severe restrictions, including on their appearances, and have been banned from marking their religious holidays in public, leaving many with no choice but to escape their homeland.
"I cannot go anywhere freely," Fari Kaur, one of the last remaining Sikhs in the capital, Kabul, told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi.
"When I go out, I'm forced to dress like a Moslem so that I can't be identified as a Sikh," she said, in reference to the Taliban's order that all women must wear the all-encompassing burqa or niqab.
Kaur's father was killed in a suicide kaboom targeting Sikhs and Hindus in the eastern city of Jalalabad in 2018. The attack reportedly led as many as 1,500 Sikhs to leave the country, including Kaur's mother and sisters.
But Kaur refused to leave and stayed in Kabul to fulfil her father's dream that she finish school. Refusal to face reality. Courageous, but not real smart
In March 2020, 25 worshipers were killed when Islamic State ...formerly ISIS or ISIL, depending on your preference. Before that they were al-Qaeda in Iraq, as shaped by Abu Musab Zarqawi. They're really very devout, committing every atrocity they can find in the Koran and inventing a few more. They fling Allah around with every other sentence, but to hear western pols talk they're not really Moslems.... -Khorasan (IS-K) gunnies stormed a Sikh temple in Kabul. Following the attack, most of the remaining members of the minority left Afghanistan.
Again, Kaur refused to leave. But now, more than two years after the Taliban seized power, she said the lack of religious freedom under the gunnies has left her no choice but to seek refuge abroad.
"We have not celebrated our key festivals since the Taliban returned to power," she said. "We have very few community members left behind in Afghanistan. We cannot even look after our temples."
HISTORY OF PERSECUTION
There were up to 100,000 Hindus and Sikhs in Afghanistan in the 1980s. But the war that broke out in 1979 and the onset of growing persecution pushed many out.
During the civil war of the 1990s, the Taliban and rival Islamist groups pledged to protect minorities. But many Sikhs and Hindus lost their homes and businesses and fled to India.
During its first stint in power from 1996-2001, the Taliban caused an international uproar after the gunnies announced that all Sikhs and Hindus in the country would be required to wear yellow badges.
The Taliban prohibited Sikhs and Hindus from building new temples. They were also forced to pay a special tax called jizya, which was historically imposed by Moslem rulers on their non-Moslem subjects.
Following the U.S.-led invasion in 2001, Sikhs and Hindus were granted the same rights as other Afghans and also received seats in the parliament.
When the Taliban regained power in August 2021, it attempted to assuage the fears of non-Moslem Afghans. The gunnies visited Sikh and Hindu temples to try and assure the remaining members of the communities of their commitment to their safety and well-being.
But the Taliban's draconian restrictions on Sikhs and Hindus have forced many to seek a way out of their homeland.
'EXTREME DESPERATION'
Many of the Afghan Sikhs and Hindus who have left the country have moved to India, where most face a life of poverty.
"We abandoned our country out of extreme desperation," said Chabul Singh, a 57-year-old Sikh man who left Afghanistan with his wife and two sons several years ago.
The family now lives outside the Indian capital, New Delhi, where Singh and his young sons eke out a living by doing menial jobs.
"In Afghanistan, our distinctive turbans gave us away, and we were killed both by the Taliban and ISIS," he told Radio Azadi, referring to IS-K by its Arabic acronym. Sikhs often wrap their hair, which they are not supposed to cut, in a turban.
Despite his family's struggles in India, Singh said returning to Afghanistan is not an option.
"In Afghanistan, our Moslem brothers often asked us, 'Why have you come from India?'" he said. "But here in India, they ask us, 'Why don't you go back to Afghanistan?'"
Niala Mohammad, the director of policy and strategy at the nonprofit Moslem Public Affairs Council in Washington, said the situation for religious minorities in Afghanistan -- including Hindus, Sikhs, Bahai's, Christians, Ahmadis, and Shi'ite Moslems -- has tanked sharply under Taliban rule.
"The situation continues to tank as political bad boy factions that claim to represent Islam, such as the Taliban, ascend to power in the region," said Mohammad, who was previously the South Asia analyst for the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. "This exodus of diverse religious groups has left a void in the country's social fabric."
[ENGLISH.AAWSAT] More than 200 members of Afghanistan's former military, law enforcement and government have been killed since the Taliban ...Arabic for students... took over, the UN mission in Afghanistan said on Tuesday, despite a "general amnesty" for old enemies.
The mission said in a report it had recorded at least 218 extrajudicial killings with links to the Taliban from their takeover of Afghanistan in mid-2021 up to June.
"In most instances, individuals were detained by de facto security forces, often briefly, before being killed," the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said.
Senior Taliban leaders have said there is an amnesty for former government officials and members of the military by order of their supreme leader.
The Taliban-led foreign affairs ministry said in response to UNAMA that it had not received reports of any cases of non-compliance with the order and any cases that did occur would be investigated.
UN human rights When they're defined by the state or an NGO they don't mean much... chief Volker Turk said the killings were a "betrayal of the people's trust" since the victims had been assured they would not be targeted. UN rights office spokesperson Jeremy Laurence said the scale of killings was "shocking" and expected the true count to be higher.
UNAMA said about half of the killings it recorded occurred in the four months after the Taliban took over, as US-backed foreign forces were withdrawing, in August 2021, and 70 were recorded in 2022.
"For the majority of violations discussed in this report, there is limited information regarding measures taken by the de facto authorities to investigate incidents and hold perpetrators to account," UNAMA said, referring to the Taliban administration.
"The apparent impunity with which members of the de facto authorities continue to commit human rights violations against former government officials and ANDSF members is of serious concern," UNAMA said, referring to the old Afghan National Defence and Security Forces.
Posted by: Fred ||
08/23/2023 00:00 ||
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Top|| File under: Taliban/IEA
#1
Is anyone who has two working brain cells surprised the the Taliban lied about this?
Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited.
[Regnum] Algeria has banned French aircraft from using its airspace for a military operation in Niger. This was reported on August 22 by Reuters.
The Algerian authorities stressed that they oppose any foreign military action on the territory of Niger and support exclusively diplomatic methods of solving problems.
A military coup in Niger took place at the end of July. The presidential guard blocked the country's president Mohammed Bazum in the residence and announced his overthrow. During the coup, the chairman of the National Council for the Salvation of the Motherland (NCSR), Abdurahman Tchiani, signed a decree on the formation of a new transitional government in Niger . Later, he agreed to start negotiations with the leaders of the Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS). Delegates from Nigeria, Tchiani explained that the coup was well-intentioned to avert an imminent threat.
On August 18, a delegation led by UN Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel Leonardo Santos Simao arrived in Niger and met with the military who came to power. The rebel-appointed Prime Minister, accompanied by the Minister of Defense and the Minister of the Interior of Niger, took over the mission. There are no representatives of ECOWAS or the African Union among the members of the UN mission.
As reported by IA Regnum , Tchiani announced his readiness to fight in case of a threat. He stressed that no one wants war, but if necessary, the country is ready to defend itself. The general added that Niger has become the key to keeping the region from destabilizing against the backdrop of terrorist activity, and the countries of the Economic Community of West African Nations (ECOWAS) do not realize this.
[HODHODYEMENNEWS.NET] The price of ice in Yemen ...an area of the Arabian Peninsula sometimes mistaken for a country. It is populated by more antagonistic tribes and factions than you can keep track of... ’s southern port city of Aden has hit record highs during the past hours due to the collapse of electricity services in the city.Local sources confirmed that the crisis of ice is adding to the various crises in the city, causing new suffering for citizens who are having trouble purchasing ice to cool drinks and preserve foods. Small ice bags are currently exceeding 1500 riyals.
Ice has become a basic need for people during the hot summer, as power outages last for about 18 hours per day, said the sources.
The sources pointed out that the crisis of ice spread to restive Lahj ... a Yemeni governate located in the southwestern corner of the Arabian Peninsula. It is the stomping grounds on the southern secessionist al-Harak movement province during the past hours and prices have significantly increased.
Posted by: Fred ||
08/23/2023 00:00 ||
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Top|| File under: Southern Transitional Council
[Dawn] Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Monday visited Jaranwala, days after violent mostly peaceful mobs destroyed dozens of houses and churches over allegations of blasphemy ...the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence to a deity, or sacred objects, or toward something considered sacred or inviolable. Some religions consider it to be a crime. In Pakistain you can commit blasphemy by looking cross-eyed at a Koran... , to express solidarity with the Christian community and distribute compensation cheques among families whose houses were burnt down by the frenzied mob.
According to estimates compiled by Faisalabad ...formerly known as Lyallpur, the third largest metropolis in Pakistain, the second largest in Punjab after Lahore. It is named after some Arab because the Paks didn't have anybody notable of their own to name it after... ’s district administration, at least 22 churches ransacked by mobs suffered damages to the tune of Rs29.1 million whereas 91 houses which bore the brunt of violence suffered losses to the tune of Rs38.5 million. The administration forwarded this report to the provincial government. The list of items destroyed by the mob included fans, air-conditioners, water filter plants, generators, carpets, furniture, and other electrical appliances.
During his speech in Jaranwala on his first official visit anywhere in the country, the interim premier said it was the duty of the state to protect the lives and properties of religious minorities. "It is the responsibility of the government to ensure the safety of every citizen," PM Kakar said.
The interim PM stressed the need for interfaith unity and said anyone found committing injustices with minorities would have to face the consequences from the state. "Extremism has nothing to do with any religion, language or region," the premier remarked.
"The Christian community played an important role in the creation of Pakistain and it is the responsibility of every Moslem to protect the minority community." The premier distributed cheques for Rs2 million each among the members of the Christian community whose houses were destroyed during the violence.
HUNT FOR SUSPECTS UNDERWAY
During the ceremony, Punjab 1.) Little Orphan Annie's bodyguard
2.) A province of Pakistain ruled by one of the Sharif brothers
3.) A province of India. It is majority (60 percent) Sikh and Hindoo (37 percent), which means it has relatively few Moslem riots.... Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi said police were hunting suspects with the help of CCTV footage and geo-fencing, adding that culprits would have to face punishment under the law.
He said whatever damage the churches suffered, they would be restored to their original condition within days and handed over to their respective administrations.
He announced that financial assistance would be provided to each victim.
According to a handout, the CM conveyed that the dedication towards "aiding the community is unwavering".
He vowed neither the prime minister nor the CM would simply "make fleeting appearances" as the government would be persistent in its engagements.
The chief minister assured that substantial efforts were being "exerted to ensure a just resolution for the Christian community, with visible results expected in the near future".
[JPost] Tzahi Hanegbi: Tehran can’t respond directly from Syria or from Iran, he said. It, therefore, decided to finance and arm the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas to act against Israel.
[NAHARNET] Four residents of the town of Kahale on Tuesday headed to a military intelligence department to give their testimonies regarding the shootout with Hezbollah members on August 9.
A statement issued by Kahale’s municipality, residents and dignitaries said the four men testified as witnesses.
"The follow-up committee convened to discuss the meeting that was held with the army chief in the presence of the intelligence director, and after the clarifications that the delegation received and to facilitate the probe that we have been demanding, the four young men will appear to testify as witnesses," the statement said.
The residents had initially refused to go to interrogation, insisting that Hezbollah’s members should also be summoned. They later learned that some Hezbollah members were questioned as witnesses.
Kahale resident Fadi Bejjani and Hezbollah member Ahmed Qassas, both of whom were armed according to videos, were killed in an exchange of gunfire after a Hezbollah ammunition truck flipped over on the downhill curve of the international highway that passes through the town.
The incident started after some residents learned that the truck belonged to Hezbollah. They surrounded it and demanded to know what was inside before a fistfight ensued between two individuals.
Footage available online also shows Hezbollah members opening fire and Kahale residents hurling rocks towards the overturned truck and its armed Hezbollah guards.
Another video shows a short-distance exchange of gunfire between Hezbollah members and Bejjani. The identity of the individual who fired the first shot is still unclear.
Posted by: Fred ||
08/23/2023 00:00 ||
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Top|| File under: Hezbollah
A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.
Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing
the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.
Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence
over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has
dominated Mexico for six years.
Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No
trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
...the Pashtun equivalent of men...
...mindless ferocity in a turban...
...Arabic for 
...the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence to a deity, or sacred objects, or toward something considered sacred or inviolable. Some religions consider it to be a crime. In Pakistain you can commit blasphemy by looking cross-eyed at a Koran...
