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US to increase pressure on IEA if decisions on women, girls are not reversed
The United States will take steps to increase pressure on the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s (IEA) government to reverse some of its recent decisions restricting the rights of women and girls if it shows no sign of rescinding the actions on its own, Reuters reported.
“We’ve addressed it directly with the Taliban (IEA),” State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a briefing on Monday.
“We have a number of tools that, if we feel these won’t be reversed, these won’t be undone, that we are prepared to move forward with.”
He did not elaborate on the possible steps or indicate how the IEA, which has already implemented policies curbing 20 years of gains for girls’ and women’s rights, might have a change of heart.
On Saturday the IEA ordered women to cover their faces in public, a return to a signature policy of their past rule and an escalation of restrictions.
The ideal face covering was the all-encompassing burqa, the IEA said.
The IEA has also restricted girls and women from working and limited their travel unless accompanied by a close male relative. Most girls were also barred from going to school beyond seventh grade.
“We’ve consulted closely with our allies and partners,” Price said. “There are steps that we will continue to take to increase pressure on the Taliban (IEA) to reverse some of these decisions, to make good on the promises that they have made.”
A key piece of leverage held by Washington over the IEA is the $7 billion in frozen Afghan central bank assets on US soil – half of which the Biden administration is seeking to free up to help the Afghan people, the administration has said.
Latest News
Bayat Foundation expands Ramadan aid to Maidan Wardak families
In addition to emergency food aid, the Bayat Foundation has implemented long-term development projects across Afghanistan, including the construction of schools, health centers, and mosques, as well as drilling deep-water wells to improve access to safe drinking water in underserved communities.
The Bayat Foundation has distributed food packages to dozens of needy families in Maidan Wardak province as part of its ongoing nationwide Ramadan assistance campaign.
Foundation officials said the packages — which included flour, rice, and cooking oil — were delivered following a needs assessment to ensure support reached the most deserving households, including displaced and low-income families struggling to meet basic needs.
Haji Mohammad Ismail, Deputy of the Bayat Foundation, said the initiative builds on similar Ramadan efforts already carried out in provinces. “We are pleased to extend assistance today to deserving and displaced families in Maidan Wardak,” he said, emphasizing the foundation’s commitment to continuing support throughout the holy month.
Afghanistan continues to face severe economic hardship, with high unemployment and reduced income opportunities pushing many families into poverty.
Years of conflict, natural disasters, and economic instability have left millions reliant on humanitarian assistance, particularly during Ramadan, when food insecurity becomes even more acute for vulnerable households.
Aid recipients expressed gratitude for the support and urged other charitable organizations and donors to expand assistance to communities in need. “We sincerely thank the Bayat Foundation for this support,” one beneficiary said.
In addition to emergency food aid, the Bayat Foundation has implemented long-term development projects across Afghanistan, including the construction of schools, health centers, and mosques, as well as drilling deep-water wells to improve access to safe drinking water in underserved communities.
International Sports
Ronaldo’s private jet flies out of Saudi Arabia following US Embassy drone strike in Riyadh
Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is thought to have left Saudi Arabia amid rising security concerns following a drone strike on the United States Embassy Riyadh on Tuesday.
Saudi authorities confirmed that two drones struck the embassy compound in the capital, causing minor structural damage and a small fire.
Officials said there were no casualties, but security measures were immediately heightened across the city. The embassy issued safety advisories to U.S. citizens, urging caution and limiting movement near diplomatic facilities.
Flight tracking data indicated that Ronaldo’s private jet departed Riyadh shortly after the incident. While it has not been officially confirmed whether the Portuguese star and his family were on board, the timing of the departure has fueled speculation that the move was prompted by escalating regional tensions.
Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al-Nassr FC, has been based in Saudi Arabia since joining the Saudi Pro League. Neither the player nor his representatives have publicly commented on the reported departure.
The embassy attack comes amid broader instability in the region, with increased drone and missile activity targeting diplomatic and strategic sites.
Saudi security forces remain on high alert as authorities investigate the source of the strike and assess the wider implications for regional stability.
Latest News
Four civilians killed, 16 injured in fresh Pakistani attacks in Khost
Sources confirm to Ariana News that in the districts of Zazi Maidan and Alisher in Khost province, forces of Pakistan’s military regime have attacked the homes of civilians.
According to the sources, in these attacks four civilians, including a woman and a child, were killed and 16 others were injured.
The attacks also destroyed dozens of houses and killed a large number of livestock, as a result of which local residents have faced significant financial and human losses.
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