Author: none@none.com (AFP)

The Taliban government of Afghanistan made history by attending talks with UN officials in Doha for the first time. This two-day meeting, hosted by the UN, aimed to increase engagement with Afghanistan and address various issues, including economic concerns and counter-narcotics efforts. However, the Taliban’s strict interpretation of Islam and treatment of women have sparked controversy and led to the exclusion of civil society groups from the discussions. Despite concerns from human rights organizations like Amnesty International, the international community is cautiously engaging with the Taliban as they navigate the complex political landscape of Afghanistan. The Taliban has acknowledged women’s…

The Taliban authorities have asserted that women’s rights issues in Afghanistan are internal matters to be addressed by the country itself. This statement comes ahead of United Nations-led talks, where the exclusion of Afghan women from the main discussions has sparked criticism. Despite facing criticism for imposing strict restrictions on women since coming into power in 2021, the Taliban government will participate in the upcoming talks in Qatar. Civil society representatives, including women’s rights groups, will have a chance to engage with international envoys and UN officials separately. Rights groups have expressed concern over the exclusion of Afghan women from…

Protests in Kenya turned deadly this week as at least 30 people were killed due to government plans to increase taxes, Human Rights Watch reported. Security forces in Kenya were accused of shooting directly into crowds of protesters, leading to tragic consequences. The unrest began when lawmakers passed unpopular tax hikes under pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This decision sparked violent clashes in Nairobi and other towns, resulting in tragic deaths and injuries. President William Ruto’s administration eventually withdrew the bill after widespread public outrage. IMF Pressure Following the protests, a state-funded human rights commission recorded 22 deaths…

Bolivian President Denies Conspiring in Failed Coup Attempt Bolivian President Luis Arce refuted allegations of conspiring with his former army chief in a failed coup attempt in La Paz. The former army chief, Juan Jose Zuniga, was arrested after deploying troops and tanks to the presidential palace, resulting in injuries to civilians who opposed the coup. Arce denied any involvement in the attempted coup and emphasized his commitment to democracy and the will of the Bolivian people. The government has made several arrests, including military personnel and civilians linked to the coup plot. Following the unrest, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio…

The United States Criticizes India in Religious Freedom Report The annual report on religious freedom published by the United States has sparked controversy by criticizing close partner India for its increasing anti-conversion laws, hate speech, and demolitions of homes and places of worship for minority faith communities. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the concerning rise of bigotry worldwide against both Jews and Muslims, and noted a sharp increase in anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in the US in connection to the Gaza war. Despite efforts by Indian police, the report revealed instances where Christian communities faced disruptions during worship services and…

The much-anticipated debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump is set to take place, with both candidates looking to gain an edge in the closely contested race for the presidency. With the country still reeling from the aftermath of the 2020 election, this debate carries significant weight as millions of Americans tune in to watch. This debate holds particular significance as it is one of only two scheduled for this election cycle, and the latest polls show the candidates locked in a tight race. Trump and Biden both need to present themselves as strong, capable leaders while avoiding major missteps…

Recent events in Bolivia have sparked global concern as two army leaders attempted a coup against President Luis Arce. Soldiers and tanks surrounded government buildings, with tanks even trying to break into the presidential palace. The ousted army chief, General Juan Jose Zuniga, claimed the armed forces were aiming to democratize the government. After about five hours, troops and tanks withdrew from Plaza Murillo, ending the uprising. Zuniga and another military leader, Juan Arnez Salvador, were subsequently arrested for their roles in the attempted coup. President Arce, in response, urged the people to mobilize against the threat to democracy. The…

In a dramatic turn of events, Bolivia’s army chief was arrested after leading an attempted coup against President Luis Arce. Troops and tanks stormed Plaza Murillo, prompting global condemnation and fears of an attack on democracy. The dismissed army chief, General Zuniga, claimed the uprising was to “restructure democracy” and prevent rule by a few for decades. The standoff lasted five hours before Zuniga was captured, claiming the president orchestrated the coup to boost his sagging popularity. Former president Evo Morales warned of a brewing coup and called for a defense of democracy. The power struggle in Bolivia stems from…

Iranians are gearing up to elect a new president from six candidates, including lone reformist Massoud Pezeshkian who aims to challenge the conservative stronghold in the Islamic republic. The snap election, scheduled earlier than planned due to the death of ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisi, comes at a turbulent time for Iran, facing economic strain from international sanctions and escalating tensions in the region, particularly with Israel. The leading contenders for the presidency in Iran include Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Saeed Jalili, and Massoud Pezeshkian, offering diverse views and promises to tackle the country’s economic challenges and international relations. As Iranians prepare to…

India’s new leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi made a powerful statement in his first speech since assuming the post that had remained vacant for a decade. Gandhi, the chief rival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was appointed by fellow opposition lawmakers, signaling a revitalized challenge to the government. In his address in parliament, Gandhi emphasized the importance of the opposition as the voice of the Indian people. Despite his party’s previous limitations in the legislature, the recent election saw a resurgence for the Congress party, with Gandhi nearly doubling their parliamentary numbers. With Modi’s party falling short of a…