Afghanistan

Kabul could become the world's first major modern city to run out of water by 2030, as rapid population growth, severe drought, and stalled infrastructure drain its aquifers.

Afghan cyclist Fariba Hashimi won a silver medal at the Asian Games in Japan, three years after fleeing the Taliban. Hashimi, who once trained disguised as a man, dedicated her historic victory to the resilience of Afghan women.

In recent days, political and media figures in Iran have been warning the Taliban regime about the consequences of the unstable situation in Afghanistan for regional security. An article published in an Iranian newspaper titled "The Price of Five Years of Trust in the Taliban" argues that Iran and Russia made a mistake in recent years by treating the Taliban government as a stabilizing factor.

Germany is shifting its migration policy by expanding deportation operations for Afghan citizens. Berlin has established direct contacts with the Taliban, despite lacking official recognition, to facilitate the removal of individuals not previously classified as security threats.

The radical Islamic regime is leading a policy of "gender apartheid" against women and has abandoned all its promises to change its ways.

The Taliban celebrates five years since returning to power in Afghanistan, while the situation for 22 million women remains dire. Following mandates for burqas and bans on work, education, and public access, half of all women report leaving their homes no more than twice a month. Only 7% of women are employed, and 70% report poor mental health.

Five years after returning to power in Afghanistan, the Taliban is celebrating in Kabul and projecting stability. However, threats on the ground are growing: conflict with Pakistan, insurgent attacks, hunger, unemployment, and international isolation.

A report by UN Women reveals the dire situation of women living under the Taliban. Half of the women who responded to a survey claimed they leave their homes twice a month or less. Only 7% of women in the country are employed, and for many who are left without family, this is a critical situation.