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.

The article explores the potential of cryptocurrency to alleviate Afghanistan's economic challenges, especially after the Taliban's takeover. Sulaiman Bin Shah and the Falcon Investing Company advocate for crypto adoption, highlighting its speed and low fees compared to traditional banking and hawala systems. Despite enthusiasm from some young Afghans, skepticism remains due to the speculative nature of crypto and the country's historical distrust in formal banking. The Taliban and Da Afghanistan Bank show hesitancy, while financial experts warn of the risks involved. The Falcon team continues to educate and promote crypto as a future-forward solution for Afghanistan's economy.

The Taliban's supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhunzada, has issued a warning about potential infiltrators within the group working against the government's will. This statement follows concerns raised by acting Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob about impostors and criminals joining the Taliban to harm its image. The Taliban, which has expanded its recruitment to maintain security, faces threats from rivals like the Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP). Despite a declared amnesty and promises of media freedom, there have been reports of Taliban fighters abusing journalists and seizing property. Akhunzada's office has banned unauthorized searches and seizures, but reports of forced evictions in Daikondi persist.

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.

The Taliban executed at least 11 members of the Hazara ethnic group in Daykundi, Afghanistan, shortly after taking power, according to Amnesty International. The victims included former Afghan National Security Forces members and civilians. Amnesty and other human rights organizations have documented similar atrocities, highlighting a pattern of ethnic violence and forced displacements by the Taliban. The Taliban deny these allegations, but local testimonies and reports suggest otherwise, raising concerns about a humanitarian crisis in the region.

Millions of Afghan teenage girls are anxiously waiting to return to school as the Taliban continues to delay the reopening of high schools for girls, citing the need for a 'safe learning environment.' The Taliban's actions, including the exclusion of girls from education and the imposition of conservative norms, have raised fears of a return to their hardline rule of the 1990s. Education advocates like Toorpekai Momand and Jamila Afghani are pushing for the Taliban to fulfill their promises, but face significant challenges. The delay in reopening schools has also impacted female teachers and the broader education sector, with many women left without employment. The international community's role and the need for continued advocacy for women's rights in Afghanistan are highlighted as crucial for the future of female education and employment in the country.

The article highlights the attack on Afghan journalist Ziar Khan Yaad by alleged Taliban members, raising concerns about the Taliban's commitment to media freedom. Despite promises from Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, incidents of violence and intimidation against journalists, including women, have been reported. The article features personal accounts from journalists like Roya Heydari, who fled the country fearing restrictions on her work. Media freedom advocates, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, urge the Taliban to uphold their promises and ensure the safety of journalists.

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.

Khalil Ur-Rahman Haqqani, a leading Taliban figure, asserts that all Afghans should feel safe under the Taliban's rule and claims a general amnesty has been granted. Despite these assurances, many Afghans remain skeptical, especially given Haqqani's association with the violent Haqqani Network and his designation as a global terrorist by the US. The Taliban is attempting to present a more moderate image and has engaged in talks with former Afghan leaders. However, reports of violence and house-to-house searches persist, and many Afghans continue to flee the country. Human Rights Watch raises concerns about potential abuses under the guise of security.

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.

Eid al-Adha in Herat, Afghanistan, is marked by a lack of festive spirit due to the ongoing conflict between the Taliban and the Afghan government, the withdrawal of foreign forces, and the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Local businesses, including tailors, sweet makers, and livestock sellers, report a significant decline in sales and customer presence. The deteriorating security situation and economic hardships have led many residents to flee the city, further impacting the local economy. The article highlights the pervasive sense of fear and uncertainty among the people of Herat.

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.

The ongoing U.S. election bears striking similarities to Afghanistan's contested elections of 2014 and 2019, with both Joe Biden and Donald Trump echoing the actions of Afghan leaders Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah. Trump prematurely declared victory with millions of ballots still uncounted, reminiscent of Ghani and Abdullah's dual claims of victory. The article highlights the chaotic nature of both elections, including disputes over ballot validity and recount demands. The piece underscores the irony of Afghanistan potentially needing to mediate the U.S. election, given its own tumultuous electoral history.

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.

Renewed fighting between Taliban and Afghan forces in Helmand province has led to significant civilian displacement, with many families fleeing to makeshift refugee camps in Kabul. The ongoing conflict underscores the fragile security situation in Afghanistan as the U.S. considers a complete military withdrawal. Despite past military efforts, the Taliban continues to exert control, complicating peace talks and raising concerns about the future stability of the region. The article highlights the human toll of the conflict, with civilians caught in the crossfire and struggling to find safety.

The Afghan government is set to begin peace talks with the Taliban amid concerns of undue pressure from the Trump administration ahead of the U.S. presidential election. The Loya Jirga approved the release of 400 Taliban prisoners, a move seen as crucial for the talks but shrouded in controversy over the lack of details about the prisoners. Afghan officials express fears that the U.S. is prioritizing political gains over a balanced peace process, highlighting the power imbalance between Kabul and Washington. The Taliban, having gained diplomatic experience, are wary of being sidelined in any future government, while the Afghan government faces internal divisions and skepticism about the longevity of any peace agreement.

The recent jailbreak in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, highlights the resurgence of the Islamic State (ISIS), a group previously declared defeated by the Afghan government. The attack, which involved a 20-hour gun battle, has raised concerns about ISIS's ability to continue waging brutal strikes despite losing territorial control. Analysts suggest that ISIS has transformed into sleeper cells capable of striking at any moment. The Afghan government suspects that ISIS is receiving support from other militant groups, including the Taliban. The situation presents a significant challenge as the government moves closer to peace talks with the Taliban, while ISIS remains a potent and dangerous force.

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.