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.

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.