The General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) is the Taliban authorities’ primary intelligence and security agency. Since 2021, it has gathered information on security threats and investigated opposition, while also becoming central to monitoring criticism and controlling independent media. Human Rights Watch has Read More
The United States uses reward programs to seek information leading to the arrest of fugitives, suspected terrorists, organized-crime figures and people accused of serious crimes. The FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives program offers rewards of up to $1 million, while the State Read More
The debate over advanced artificial intelligence is increasingly tied to U.S.-China competition. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have raised concerns that safety measures are not keeping pace with development, while President Donald Trump opposes significant slowdowns to preserve Read More
Since 2021, Afghan girls have been barred from secondary education, while women have been excluded from universities since 2022. Restrictions also limit women’s movement, employment, public participation and access to public spaces, leaving many girls dependent on informal or hidden educational opportunities. Read More
The passenger ferry Virgo Transport 8 overturned in the Java Sea while traveling from Surabaya to Banjarmasin, carrying 243 people. Authorities reported 107 survivors, six deaths and approximately 130 missing people as search-and-rescue teams continued operations in rough seas. The disaster highlights Read More
ISIS-K remains a significant security threat in Afghanistan despite sustained pressure from security operations. The group continues to target civilians and religious communities, maintain operational networks, and use online propaganda to spread its ideology and recruit supporters. International monitoring organizations remain concerned Read More
Afghan girls are using the internet, artificial intelligence and online journalism to continue learning and developing professional skills despite restrictions on education and employment. Some contribute remotely or anonymously to digital news, research, writing, translation and content creation. Limited connectivity, unreliable electricity, Read More
Afghanistan is facing a worsening water crisis driven by unusually low snowfall, prolonged drought, irregular rainfall and rising temperatures. Reduced snowmelt and limited water supplies threaten agriculture, livestock, groundwater-dependent communities and household access to water. The crisis could affect food production, public Read More
Afghan migrants in Pakistan face growing risks of arrest and deportation as authorities target undocumented foreigners. Families fear losing housing, employment, education and community ties, while women, children, older people and those with limited resources are especially vulnerable. The campaign has intensified Read More
At least five people have died and 87 remain missing after the MV June Aster caught fire while traveling from Manila to Coron, Palawan. The ferry carried 134 people, including 117 passengers and 17 crew members. Rescue teams have recovered bodies and Read More
