5 things to know for May 14: Syria, Gaza, Immigration, Afghanistan, Flooding

(CNN) — A judge in Michigan struck down the state’s mandatory 24-hour waiting period before an abortion on Tuesday, saying it conflicts with the 2022 voter-approved amendment that added abortion rights to the state constitution. Judge Sima Patel also …

Iran to Invest $5 Billion in Afghanistan’s Iron Ore Sector

Iran will invest $5 billion in Afghanistan’s iron ore sector, aiming to increase steel production and future profits. The Islamic Republic of Iran is set to invest $5 billion in Afghanistan’s iron ore mining industry, according to a report by Iran’s state- …

Rights Activists slam UN’s ‘Mosaic’ Plan for undermining Legal and Moral Legitimacy in Afghanistan

Rights activists criticize the UN’s ‘Mosaic’ plan, saying it lacks public mandate and undermines legal and moral legitimacy in Afghanistan. A coalition of human rights activists has issued a strong statement condemning the United Nations’ proposed “Mosaic” …

Ally Afghanistan? Why India May Need to Befriend Taliban, Before China Does

Modi seems to be well aware of this. This is evident from India’s growing diplomatic contacts with the Taliban government. Most recently, on 27 April, M Anand Prakash, who succeeded Singh, met Muttaqi in the Afghan capital. The Pahalgam terror attack, …

Afghanistan’s Lost Generation: How Unemployment Is Pushing Youth into Despair and Isolation

Several educated youth in Afghanistan consider the lack of job opportunities to be the primary cause of psychological pressure, diminished self-confidence, and growing hopelessness among the younger generation. They say that despite holding university …

Taliban Health Minister Calls for Expanded Role of Doctors Without Borders in Afghanistan

Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, the Taliban’s Minister of Public Health, has called for increased assistance and services from Doctors Without Borders in Afghanistan during a meeting with the organization’s country director. On Tuesday, May 13, 2024, the …

Grey Bull Rescue founder recalls challenges rescuing Americans from Afghanistan, Middle East

When Bryan Stern started conducting rescues of people in Afghanistan after the U.S. withdrawal, he didn’t expect to help Americans. “That’s not for us. We’ve got Delta. We’ve got SEAL Team Six. We’ve got CIA. We’ve got Navy SEALs growing on trees. We’ve …

FACT OR FICTION: Did the Taliban ban chess in Afghanistan?

(KGTV) — A story you might have seen claims Afghanistan has banned people from playing chess. And it's true. The Taliban government has banned chess until further notice because of fears that the game is a source of gambling. Officials say the ban will …

Afghanistan sends 16 truckloads of white marble to Uzbekistan  

Taliban government in Afghanistan bans chess due to gambling concerns

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has banned chess indefinitely, due to gambling concerns.  The tactical, strategic board game has been banned until further notice, while officials determine its compatibility with Islamic law.  In particular, gambling …