The Italian Parliament has made a significant move towards advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza, with the Democratic Party (Pd) playing a key role in influencing the government's stance. The Pd's motion for a ceasefire was passed with the abstention of the majority, following negotiations between Pd secretary Elly Schlein and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The United States' pressure is acknowledged as a factor in the government's shift in position. Opposition figures, including Senate President Ignazio La Russa and Minister Matteo Salvini, express concerns about isolating Israel and emphasize Israel's right to self-defense against Hamas.

The article discusses the occupation of a high school in Afghanistan's Achin district by Islamic State’s Wilayat Khorasan fighters, who used the school as a base for eight months. The school, intended for students aiming to progress to Nangarhar University, was closed by IS, affecting the education of around 1,500 students from 50 villages. The Taliban, in contrast, had allowed the school to operate with the introduction of Islamic studies. The IS approach was more destructive; they stole salaries, forced recruitment, and blocked lessons. The school has since reopened with 900 students returning, but it remains in a damaged state with non-functional laboratories and vandalized property. The presence of a local militia near the school raises concerns about its future security. The article is written by Laura Cesaretti, an Italian freelance reporter, and Silab Mangal, a research analyst specializing in Afghanistan security and foreign affairs.

The Afghan-Pakistan border remains a volatile region, with frequent cross-border shelling by Pakistani forces causing civilian casualties and displacing families. The Durand Line, a colonial-era border, continues to divide communities and exacerbate tensions. Local tribes resist these artificial boundaries, while the Afghan government is criticized for its lack of support and controversial policies. The ongoing conflict involves multiple actors, including the Taliban, ISIS, and international forces, complicating efforts for peace and stability.

The Pashtun struggle spans from Kabul to Quetta, driven by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) led by Manzoor Pashteen. The movement highlights the marginalization and human rights abuses faced by Pashtuns due to the War on Terror. PTM's non-violent approach contrasts with the spontaneous violence in Afghanistan, aiming to revive the idea of Pashtunistan. The movement unites diverse groups, including women, against oppression, recalling the traditional Pashtun code of Pashtunwali. The article critiques the U.S.-led coalition and Pakistan's military state for their roles in exacerbating the Pashtun plight.

Abdul Raziq Achakzai, a warlord turned police chief in Kandahar, Afghanistan, ruled through fear and was supported by the West, particularly the US Special Forces, despite his men's terrorizing actions. His brutal tactics included torture and enforced disappearances, targeting anyone with traditional Islamic values. Raziq's power was so entrenched that even the Afghan President could not dismiss him. His death has left a void in Kandahar, with residents fearing the return of the Taliban. The article, based on interviews with victims and witnesses, paints a grim picture of the human rights abuses that occurred under Raziq's rule and the complex relationship between local warlords and international forces.

The article examines the controversial figure of Abdul Raziq Achakzai, an Afghan general supported by the West despite his brutal methods of maintaining control in Kandahar. It highlights the human rights abuses committed under his rule, including torture and enforced disappearances, and the complicity of US Special Forces and the Afghan government. The narrative underscores the complex and often contradictory nature of foreign intervention in Afghanistan, where security measures frequently come at the cost of local suffering and injustice.

Muslims in Italy face challenges in maintaining their religious practices due to the secular environment and lack of official recognition of Islam. Despite these difficulties, the Muslim community, including figures like Mohammed Ben Mohammed and Salah Ramadan Elsayed, strives for integration and understanding. The Islamic Centre in Rome serves as a cultural and social hub, fostering interaction between Muslims and non-Muslims. However, political support and recognition are lacking, with Muslims often excluded from citizenship and political representation. The community continues to open its doors during Ramadan and works towards educating Italians about Islam.

Malalai Joya, a former Afghan parliament member and human rights activist, continues to speak out against corruption, oppression, and the influence of warlords in Afghanistan. She criticizes Western countries, particularly the US and NATO, for their role in Afghanistan's current economic and social issues. Joya remains a symbol of resistance, advocating for justice and education as means to empower the Afghan people. She condemns the return of warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, predicting more violence and human rights violations.

Afghanistan's security situation remains precarious despite over 15 years of international military presence. Local militias, often more brutal than government forces, control many areas outside Kabul and contribute to the population's discontent, sometimes leading to support for the Taliban. These militias, a legacy of Afghanistan's history, pose a challenge to the central government's authority and complicate efforts to establish a stable and functional national army. The Afghan Local Police and other local defense forces have been criticized for causing instability. The government's struggle to maintain legitimacy and control over these groups raises questions about the true security of the country.

A suicide bombing at a protest by the Hazara ethnic minority in Kabul, Afghanistan, killed at least 81 people and injured over 230. The Islamic State claimed responsibility, marking a significant expansion of their activities in the region. The attack, one of the deadliest since the 2001 U.S.-led invasion, drew widespread condemnation from international and Afghan leaders. President Ashraf Ghani declared a day of mourning and vowed to seek justice. The attack targeted a protest demanding the rerouting of an electricity line through Bamiyan province, highlighting ongoing sectarian tensions and potential instability in Afghanistan.