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Afghanistan

Afghanistan

100 articles from 1 source

โ˜€๏ธ 85ยฐ
Kabul Clear sky Hโ€ฏ92ยฐ Lโ€ฏ63ยฐ
Authoritarian governanceLimited press
approximately 42.65 million (2024)Dari, PashtoAfghan Afghani (AFN)UTC+4:30 (AFT)

This week in Afghanistan

Afghanistan's media this week focused on a blend of economic development initiatives and persistent challenges. The Ministry of Public Health announced an international exhibition in Kabul, while a significant gold mine extraction contract was signed in Kunduz and a special economic zone allocated near Hairatan to attract Uzbek investment. However, these efforts are juxtaposed with a deepening livelihood crisis, struggles faced by Ghazni cucumber farmers, and Russia's call for the US to play a role in the country's reconstruction.

Economic DevelopmentAgricultural IssuesInternational ReconstructionResource ManagementLivelihood CrisisSports Success

About Afghanistan

Afghanistan, a landlocked nation at the crossroads of Central and South Asia, boasts a rich tapestry of ancient cultures and stunning mountainous landscapes. However, its contemporary narrative is largely shaped by an authoritarian government, which profoundly impacts its media environment and global perception. News coverage from Afghanistan is characterized by severe restrictions and heavy censorship, reflecting the challenging operational realities for journalists within the country.

Visiting Afghanistan

โ˜€๏ธThe best time to visit Afghanistan is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are mild and pleasant for exploring cities and cultural sites.
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Gardens of Babur A historic park in Kabul and the final resting place of the first Mughal emperor Babur, featuring cascading terraces in the Mughal architectural style.
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Herat Citadel An ancient fortress in Herat with a history dating back to Alexander the Great, symbolizing Afghan resilience and architectural heritage.
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Minaret of Jam A towering 12th-century masterpiece of Islamic architecture in a remote location, adorned with intricate brickwork and calligraphy.
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Blue Mosque (Shrine of Hazrat Ali) A stunning example of Islamic architecture and a major pilgrimage site in Mazar-i-Sharif, believed to contain the tomb of Hazrat Ali.
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Buddhas of Bamiyan (Niches) The empty niches in the Bamiyan cliffs serve as a poignant reminder of the once-largest standing Buddha statues in the world, tragically destroyed in 2001.
๐Ÿ’กA visa is required for all foreign visitors, and due to a volatile security situation, travelers should exercise extreme caution and monitor international advisories.

Media landscape

Under the current authoritarian rule, Afghanistan's media landscape is severely restricted, with independent outlets largely suppressed or operating under extensive censorship. Many journalists have fled the country, and remaining media are often compelled to align with state-approved narratives.

Press languageDari, Pashto, with limited English-language outlets
Public/state influenceExtensive

When seeking news from Afghanistan, prioritize exiled and international independent sources, as domestic media operates under significant state control and censorship.

Reader context. Media systems vary by law, ownership, and editorial custom. DistantNews preserves each outlet's framing and adds context so readers can compare coverage without treating one country as the default.

Sources we track 1

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Etisalat rebrands as e& Afghanistan

- Etisalat Afghanistan has rebranded as e& Afghanistan, signaling a strategic shift towards expanded digital services. - The rebranding ceremony in Kabul was attended by officials, partners, and emploโ€ฆ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ซ /English

IEA Approves Herat City Master Plan

- The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has approved a comprehensive master plan for Herat city. - The plan, developed over two years, includes land-use zoning, a new city development, road network expanโ€ฆ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ซ /English

Fuel prices up, gold, gas down in Kabul

- Fuel prices in Kabul increased this past week, while the Afghan currency slightly depreciated against the US dollar. - Prices for liquefied gas, Indian sugar, and gold saw declines, with most basic โ€ฆ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ซ /English

US open World Cup campaign with 4-1 win over Paraguay

- The United States defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their FIFA World Cup opener, with Folarin Balogun scoring twice. - Balogun's early goal was disallowed for offside, but he later scored twice, with Malik Tโ€ฆ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ซ /English

Final round of 1405 Kankor set for June 12 in Kabul

- The final round of Afghanistan's Kankor university entrance exam is scheduled for June 12 in Kabul. - This round is for applicants who missed previous exams, high school graduates, and evening faculโ€ฆ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ซ /English

UK foreign secretary to visit China, India

- British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is scheduled to visit China and India this week. - The visits will address global issues including the Strait of Hormuz, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the Ebolaโ€ฆ

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Russian strikes on Kyiv kill 1, injure 23

- Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv, Ukraine, on Sunday. - The strikes damaged residential buildings and infrastructure, killing one person and injuring 23. - Ukrainian Prโ€ฆ