Afghan Resistance Leaders: Zia (left) and Massoud (right)
8am: In other words, the Taliban have serious weaknesses, but their opponents lack the capacity to exploit them. The Taliban fear every internal uprising, yet their opponents cannot transform these uprisings into a coordinated national movement. The Taliban are unpopular in the north, yet their opponents have failed to convert that discontent into lasting popular support for themselves. Contrary to the prevailing narrative that portrays the Taliban as powerful and their opponents as incapable of confronting them, the reality is that the Taliban are not strong. Click here to read more (external link).
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Afghanistan International: Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesman says the Afghan Taliban could be considered an Indian proxy if it does not act in its own interests and instead serves what Islamabad describes as India’s efforts to destabilise Pakistan. Tahir Andrabi, spokesman for Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, said at a press briefing on Thursday, 27 August, that if Taliban activities were carried out at the direction of a neighbouring country to promote terrorism in Pakistan, Islamabad would be compelled to describe the Taliban administration as a proxy. 
Amu: The World Health Organization reported sharp increases in several infectious diseases in Afghanistan in July, including dengue fever, COVID-19, acute watery diarrhea and respiratory infections, as seasonal outbreaks and resource shortages continued to strain the country’s health system. WHO recorded 473 suspected dengue fever cases in July, an 85.5% increase from 255 in June. No deaths associated with dengue have been reported since January. The agency said the increase was consistent with seasonal patterns observed over the past three years. 
Afghanistan International: The Afghanistan Freedom Front said at least 10 Taliban members were killed and six wounded in clashes on Tuesday in Zebak district, Badakhshan, adding that foreign militants were among the casualties. Afghanistan Freedom Front said in a statement on Wednesday, 26 August, that a new round of fighting began on Tuesday afternoon between its forces and Taliban reinforcements sent to front-line positions in Zebak district. It said the clashes continued until 10pm. 
Afghanistan International: Former US Deputy Secretary of State Uzra Zeya urged Washington to honour commitments to Afghan allies, ease restrictive refugee and resettlement policies, restore humanitarian aid and ensure Afghan women have a role in US policy. 