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.

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.

The article focuses on the situation in the Achin district of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, where Haji Ghalib Mujahid, the district governor, is fighting against the advances of the Islamic State of Khorasan. Despite being a former enemy of the Taliban, Haji Ghalib and the Taliban now face a common enemy in IS. The article recounts Haji Ghalib's personal losses due to violence, his history as a mujahedeen fighter, his imprisonment in Guantanamo Bay, and his current role in coordinating airstrikes against IS militants. It also touches on the complex tribal dynamics in the region, the shifting allegiances, and the local response to the recapture of the district from IS control. The article ends with a note of cautious optimism as Haji Ghalib is seen enjoying a moment of victory and interacting with locals, including a child who is now able to return to school.

Mullah Rahim Hajin, a tribal leader from the Shinwari Pashtun tribe, and his militia are defending their region in Afghanistan's Achin District against ISIS and the Taliban. Despite lacking formal training and resources, they have allied with Afghan forces and received support from Afghan parliament's deputy speaker. The Shinwari tribe has historical enmity with the Taliban due to drug trade conflicts, and ISIS's violent campaign against the drug industry has also caused clashes with the tribe. The district governor, Haji Ghalib Mujahid, a former Guantanamo detainee, has seen his family killed by the Taliban but is now working with the government to maintain control and restore stability in the region.

The article discusses the Syrian crisis, which began with protests in Damascus in March 2011 and has since evolved into a complex conflict. The author describes the situation in Damascus and Aleppo, where civilians face violence from the Syrian regime, opposition forces, and jihadist groups. The conflict is characterized by attacks on civilians, illegal trade, and a lack of clear political objectives, differing from traditional warfare. Professor Mary Kaldor of the London School of Economics provides insight into the nature of this 'new war' and the challenges of resolving it. The article also touches on the international community's response, including the ineffective Geneva II peace talks and the US-led airstrikes against ISIS. Kaldor suggests that local negotiations, despite challenges, could be key to ending the war, but they require more support and a comprehensive strategy. The author, a freelance reporter based in Beirut, emphasizes that the views expressed are their own and not necessarily those of the Middle East Monitor.

The article discusses the Yazidi religion, an ancient monotheistic faith practiced by a Kurdish minority group in Iraq. It highlights the Yazidis' unique belief system, which does not view Lucifer as a betrayer of God but rather as a manifestation and a bridge to the Creator, known as Melek Taus. The Temple of Lalish is mentioned as the holy site for Yazidis, who consider themselves descendants of Adam and perceive good and evil as two sides of the same reality, with moral choice being a personal responsibility.