Taliban rule The situation in Afghanistan

A wave of tourists to Afghanistan: “Very kind”

Almost 15,000 tourists have visited Afghanistan since the end of the war in 2021, the country’s Taliban government says, according to the New York Times. This is despite the fact that many governments advise against travel to the country.

The proportion of violent and terrorist acts has decreased significantly since the Taliban took over, according to the newspaper. At the same time, the government is restricting rights, especially for women.

“I know that women are treated badly in Afghanistan, but as a woman, I feel that everyone is very kind to me,” says 23-year-old Japanese tourist Marino Sakata to NYT in Kabul.

Taliban stops women from working in aid organizations

Afghanistan's Taliban government has banned international aid organizations from employing women in the country, writes the AP. Those organizations that defy the ban will be closed.

"In the event of a lack of cooperation, all activities of the criminal institution will be suspended and the activity license obtained from this ministry will be canceled," writes Afghanistan's Ministry of Economy in a post on X.

The government banned aid organizations from hiring Afghan women two years ago. Women are also excluded from most domestic jobs and education beyond the sixth grade.

Analysis: The Taliban less compliant than Pakistan had thought

Pakistan and Afghanistan used to be close allies, but now the relationship seems to have soured, writes Hameed Hakimi in an analysis in al-Jazeera.

When the Taliban took power in Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan was happy to have a new "natural ally" as a neighbor, according to Hakimi. However, the Taliban regime has proven to be less compliant than expected. This is not least true in issues related to the disputed border between the countries, and the support for the Taliban movement inside Pakistan - which has escalated its attacks.

At the same time, Hakimi points out that Pakistan has a clear material advantage over Afghanistan. Most of Afghanistan's trade passes through the country, which also houses millions of Afghan refugees.

Unlike its neighboring country, Pakistan also has a functioning economy and military.

In Le Monde, Sophie Landrin writes that the Pakistani Taliban, however, risk undermining the entire country.

“The future for Pakistan looks bleak, as stability in Islamabad runs counter to the strategic interests of the Pakistani Taliban.”