Stories from Kabul · Afghanistan

FIFA approved a measure allowing women and girls to participate in football in Afghanistan. This decision comes despite the Taliban government's ban on women and girls from many aspects of society, including sport.

Al-Qaeda has maintained a linkage to the Taliban leader for over 25 years. Afghanistan remains a safe haven for Al-Qaeda according to the report. This activity occurs at local and regional levels in spaces including Mali, Somalia, and the Pakistan region.

The country faces potential instability if the central government cannot manage current flows. There is a risk that Afghanistan could become the second failed state in the world following the exit of foreign powers. This development follows the takeover by armed groups. The source notes the central government's struggle to maintain control.

UNICEF warns that Afghanistan risks losing more than 25,000 female teachers and health workers by 2030. The warning was reported by VOV1 Vietnam. Afghanistan faces a potential loss of highly skilled female human resources in essential sectors such as education and health by 2030.

New data indicates record-low snow levels across most major river basins in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region. This trend has persisted for four consecutive years, potentially reshaping water flow patterns across Asia.

An Islamic State group militant was convicted on Wednesday of conspiracy charges related to a deadly suicide bombing at a Kabul airport. The attack occurred during the United States military's withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The number of female teachers in basic education in Afghanistan has decreased by more than 9 percent. This decline threatens learning for children, particularly girls who are more likely to attend school when female teachers are present.

FIFA has approved a rule change that allows Afghanistan's refugee women footballers to participate in official international matches. The move is intended to provide a route back to international competition for players. The team will compete under the name 'Afghan Women's National Team'. This decision follows months of efforts and advocacy to secure participation for the athletes. The move is described as an step in the sporting world. King Charles expressed deep concern regarding recent anti-Semitic incidents during his state visit to America. Increased police presence has been noted in response to anti-Semitic hatred. The Asian Football Confederation has reportedly allowed the Afghanistan women's football team to compete using a neutral flag. FIFA stated it can consider such exceptions for players unable to use their national symbols due to domestic political or security reasons.

UNICEF warned this morning that Afghanistan could lose approximately 25,000 female teachers and healthcare workers by 2030. This potential loss is attributed to extensive restrictions imposed by the Taliban on girls' education and women's employment. The warning was issued by the United Nations Children's Fund. These restrictions have prevented female players from participating in matches without Taliban approval. Many athletes have been in exile since the Taliban returned to power nearly five years ago. Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, extensive restrictions have been placed on the employment, education, and sports participation of Afghan women. The Afghan women's national football team has not participated in any official matches during this period. The source noted that for these women, the prospect of returning to the field remains a distant dream.

A strike at a university has reportedly placed the existing truce between Afghanistan and Pakistan under strain.