Hatef Mukhtar News Today

"Afghanistan: Two Years Later" is a special series for Asia Dispatches marking the two-year anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal and Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.

The families of the civilians killed in a deadly Taliban raid have called for an international investigation. The incident occurred in Daikundi, a province in central Afghanistan that is home to the country's Shi'ite Hazara minority. The community has been the target of Taliban violence in the past.

The United States and Britain have condemned an order issued on December 20 by the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan banning university education for women nationwide.

A provision to provide 4,000 more visas for Afghans who worked with the United States was included in a massive government spending bill unveiled along with an extension of the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program until 2024.

This week's Gandhara Briefing provides insight into why fear of the Taliban is prompting some Afghan parents to marry off their daughters early; the questioning of Taliban corporal punishments; and the struggles of Afghan Army women.

This week's Gandhara Briefing provides insight into why fear of the Taliban is prompting some Afghan parents to marry off their daughters early; the questioning of Taliban corporal punishments; and the struggles of Afghan Army women.

Afghanistan's Taliban rulers have begun imposing Hudood punishments for what Islamic Shari'a law considers serious crimes. But many Afghans are questioning whether the Taliban has the religious authority, legal right, and the best interests of the nation in mind in imposing strict punishments.