Afghanistan
Afghan man charged in killing of 2 Muslims in Albuquerque
By Stefanie Dazio and Mariam Fam — August 9, 2022
Naeem Hussain was killed Friday night, and the three other men died in ambush shootings. Police in New Mexico’s largest city are trying to determine if the deaths are linked.
Shiite Muslims in Mideast mark solemn holy day of Ashoura
By Mehdi Fattahi — August 8, 2022
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Security forces, particularly in Taliban-run Afghanistan, were on high alert for any violence. In the past, bloody attacks have marred the festival across in the Middle East, as Sunni extremists who view the Shiites as heretics seize on the holy day to target large gatherings of mourners.
UN slams killings, rights abuses under Afghanistan’s Taliban
By Rahim Faiez — July 21, 2022
ISLAMABAD (AP) — The report said as many as 700 people have been killed and 1,400 wounded since mid-August 2021, when the Taliban overran the Afghan capital of Kabul.
Afghan Taliban hold clerics’ assembly, aiming to boost rule
By Rahim Faiez — June 30, 2022
ISLAMABAD (AP) — The international cut-off of Afghanistan’s financing has deepened the country’s economic collapse and fueled its humanitarian crises.
Taliban arrest Afghan fashion model, say he ‘insulted’ Islam
By Rahim Faiez — June 8, 2022
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Ajmal Haqiqi — known for his fashion shows, YouTube clips and modeling events — appeared handcuffed in videos posted on Twitter by the Taliban intelligence agency
Taliban divisions deepen as Afghan women defy veil edict
By Kathy Gannon — May 8, 2022
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) —Hardliners and pragmatists among the Islamist rulers have avoided open confrontation but sharper restrictions, such as a recent decree that all women must be entirely covered, are deepening divisions.
While focusing on Ukraine, don’t forget the rest of the world
By Thomas Reese — April 26, 2022
(RNS) — Ukraine is one of many connected crises around the world.
List Afghanistan as religious liberty violator, report urges State Department
By Adelle M. Banks — April 25, 2022
(RNS) — ‘Religious minorities faced harassment, detention, and even death due to their faith or beliefs,’ religious freedom commission says about Afghanistan.
Afghan evacuees mark first US Ramadan with gratitude, agony
By Mariam Fam and Giovanna Dell'orto — April 5, 2022
LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (AP) — As they adjust to their new communities, Afghan families are celebrating Ramadan with gratitude for their safety. Yet there's also the agony of being away from loved ones who they fear are in danger under Taliban leadership.
As Afghan refugees celebrate Islam’s holy month, church gives Ramadan lessons
By Emily McFarlan Miller — April 1, 2022
(RNS) — Somewhere between 75 and 100 UCC churches are actively sponsoring Afghan families — about 800 individuals — who have recently arrived in the US.
With eye to China investment, Taliban now preserve Buddhas
By Samya Kullab — March 28, 2022
MES AYNAK, Afghanistan (AP) — The Taliban’s spectacular reversal illustrates the powerful allure of Afghanistan’s untapped mining sector.
Taliban hard-liners turning back the clock in Afghanistan
By Kathy Gannon — March 28, 2022
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Since the Taliban seized control of the country, the international community has been concerned they would impose the same strict laws as when they previously ruled Afghanistan.
IS claims Pakistan bombing that kills 56 at Shiite mosque
By Riaz Khan and Kathy Gannon — March 4, 2022
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — Scores of victims were peppered with shrapnel, several had limbs amputated and others were injured by flying debris.
The world united to pray to save the boy in the well. Why not children who die in war?
By Omar Suleiman — February 7, 2022
(RNS) — It’s hard for us to face that we throw the children in war zones into the well.
Afghanistan tops Open Doors watch list of worst countries for Christians
By Adelle M. Banks — January 19, 2022
(RNS) — Across the globe, Open Doors found that there has been a 24% increase in Christians killed because of their faith.
