Hassib Habibi, the 31-year-old deputy director of economic cooperation at the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is tasked with attracting foreign investment to Afghanistan under Taliban rule. Despite his intimidating appearance, Habibi is a measured and pragmatic figure who aims to rebuild the war-torn nation. He faces significant challenges, including international sanctions and the Taliban's brutal image. Habibi's personal history includes imprisonment by the former Afghan government, and he is now focused on reversing the corruption and dysfunction of past regimes. He is willing to work with any foreign country, including the United States, to uplift Afghanistan's economy, provided they respect the Islamic Emirate's laws and cultural norms.

Afghan journalists are facing a dire situation under Taliban rule, with many fearing for their safety and the future of media freedom in the country. The exodus of journalists following the Taliban's takeover has raised concerns about the ability to maintain a free press, which was one of the few gains from 20 years of Western occupation. The Taliban's treatment of journalists, including reports of torture and restrictive media laws, has led to a significant decline in the quality of reporting. Foreign aid cuts have also impacted the media industry, with many outlets closing. Organizations like Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists are advocating for journalists' rights, but the situation remains bleak.

Banks in Kabul, Afghanistan reopened after more than a week, attracting hundreds seeking access to cash following the Taliban's takeover and subsequent financial restrictions imposed by the U.S. and international bodies. The closures began on August 15, ahead of President Ashraf Ghani's flight and the Taliban's arrival. The U.S. froze $7bn of the Afghan Central Bank's reserves, and the IMF suspended access to $460m in funds. Afghans, including former Afghan National Security Forces members, expressed concerns over future income and skepticism about the Taliban's promises to pay civil servants. The Taliban's slow government office reopenings and the World Bank's decision to cut off assistance compound the economic uncertainty. The situation escalated with crowds at the New Kabul Bank turning violent after long waits, reflecting the desperation and instability in the country.

Journalist Ali Latifi was in Kabul when a Taliban attack occurred. He discusses the aftermath of the blast in Afghanistan's capital and largest city.

Shaima Zargar, director of women's affairs in Logar province, expresses fear and concern over the Taliban's resurgence and the impact of the U.S. troop withdrawal announced by President Joe Biden. The article highlights the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan, particularly in Logar province, where local government forces struggle with inadequate resources. The piece underscores the challenges faced by Afghan women and the broader implications of the withdrawal on civilian safety and governance. Despite efforts by local officials like Abdul Qayum Rahimi to maintain stability, the future remains uncertain, with rising violence and economic stagnation posing significant threats.

Afghans face uncertainty as the U.S. election could significantly impact the future of U.S. military presence in Afghanistan. Both Trump and Biden have expressed intentions to withdraw troops, but doubts remain about the feasibility and commitment to this plan. Recent violence, including a deadly attack on Kabul University, underscores the ongoing instability. The Taliban, despite a peace agreement, continue to be a source of violence, while the Trump administration has been criticized for its approach towards Kabul. Biden's stance remains unclear, raising concerns about continued U.S. engagement in Afghanistan amidst domestic challenges.

Afghan officials and analysts express deep concerns about the implications of the U.S. election for Afghanistan, with skepticism towards both Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Trump's unpredictability and failure to fulfill promises, along with Biden's ambiguous stance on troop withdrawal, leave Afghans uncertain about their future. The peace process with the Taliban, initiated under Trump, has led to increased violence and civilian casualties, and there is little confidence in its success. The potential replacement of Zalmay Khalilzad, criticized for his handling of the peace process, is seen as a possible positive outcome of a Biden victory. Overall, Afghans are eager for U.S. troops to leave and for Afghanistan to move forward independently.

The article discusses the formation and recruitment strategies of the Fatemiyoun Division, a militia composed of Shiite Afghan refugees, which was established around early 2014 to fight in Syria alongside Assad's forces. The militia, estimated to have between 8,000 and 14,000 fighters, was trained by the Revolutionary Guards and Hezbollah veterans. Initially, recruits were Shiite Hazara Afghans who had settled in Iran, but recruitment has since expanded to include undocumented Afghans seeking economic opportunities. Iran uses propaganda to frame the Syrian war as a Shiite struggle, exploiting the refugees' economic vulnerabilities and religious beliefs. The article also mentions the lack of political and security context knowledge among the fighters, as highlighted by a former Human Rights Watch researcher.