Tafsir Siyaposh, a former Afghan government spokesperson, challenges the Taliban's restrictive policies on women's rights through media appearances and debates. She emphasizes that Islam grants rights to women, countering the Taliban's narrative. Despite losing her job due to the Taliban's return to power, Siyaposh continues to advocate for women's participation in society, education, and government. Her efforts have garnered significant public support, providing her some protection in a challenging environment. The article highlights the ongoing struggle for women's rights in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.

Hassib Habibi, the 31-year-old deputy director of economic cooperation at the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is tasked with attracting foreign investment to Afghanistan under Taliban rule. Despite his intimidating appearance, Habibi is a measured and pragmatic figure who aims to rebuild the war-torn nation. He faces significant challenges, including international sanctions and the Taliban's brutal image. Habibi's personal history includes imprisonment by the former Afghan government, and he is now focused on reversing the corruption and dysfunction of past regimes. He is willing to work with any foreign country, including the United States, to uplift Afghanistan's economy, provided they respect the Islamic Emirate's laws and cultural norms.

The article explores the potential of cryptocurrency to alleviate Afghanistan's economic challenges, especially after the Taliban's takeover. Sulaiman Bin Shah and the Falcon Investing Company advocate for crypto adoption, highlighting its speed and low fees compared to traditional banking and hawala systems. Despite enthusiasm from some young Afghans, skepticism remains due to the speculative nature of crypto and the country's historical distrust in formal banking. The Taliban and Da Afghanistan Bank show hesitancy, while financial experts warn of the risks involved. The Falcon team continues to educate and promote crypto as a future-forward solution for Afghanistan's economy.

The Taliban's supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhunzada, has issued a warning about potential infiltrators within the group working against the government's will. This statement follows concerns raised by acting Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob about impostors and criminals joining the Taliban to harm its image. The Taliban, which has expanded its recruitment to maintain security, faces threats from rivals like the Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP). Despite a declared amnesty and promises of media freedom, there have been reports of Taliban fighters abusing journalists and seizing property. Akhunzada's office has banned unauthorized searches and seizures, but reports of forced evictions in Daikondi persist.

Afghan journalists are facing a dire situation under Taliban rule, with many fearing for their safety and the future of media freedom in the country. The exodus of journalists following the Taliban's takeover has raised concerns about the ability to maintain a free press, which was one of the few gains from 20 years of Western occupation. The Taliban's treatment of journalists, including reports of torture and restrictive media laws, has led to a significant decline in the quality of reporting. Foreign aid cuts have also impacted the media industry, with many outlets closing. Organizations like Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists are advocating for journalists' rights, but the situation remains bleak.

The Taliban executed at least 11 members of the Hazara ethnic group in Daykundi, Afghanistan, shortly after taking power, according to Amnesty International. The victims included former Afghan National Security Forces members and civilians. Amnesty and other human rights organizations have documented similar atrocities, highlighting a pattern of ethnic violence and forced displacements by the Taliban. The Taliban deny these allegations, but local testimonies and reports suggest otherwise, raising concerns about a humanitarian crisis in the region.

Millions of Afghan teenage girls are anxiously waiting to return to school as the Taliban continues to delay the reopening of high schools for girls, citing the need for a 'safe learning environment.' The Taliban's actions, including the exclusion of girls from education and the imposition of conservative norms, have raised fears of a return to their hardline rule of the 1990s. Education advocates like Toorpekai Momand and Jamila Afghani are pushing for the Taliban to fulfill their promises, but face significant challenges. The delay in reopening schools has also impacted female teachers and the broader education sector, with many women left without employment. The international community's role and the need for continued advocacy for women's rights in Afghanistan are highlighted as crucial for the future of female education and employment in the country.

The article highlights the attack on Afghan journalist Ziar Khan Yaad by alleged Taliban members, raising concerns about the Taliban's commitment to media freedom. Despite promises from Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, incidents of violence and intimidation against journalists, including women, have been reported. The article features personal accounts from journalists like Roya Heydari, who fled the country fearing restrictions on her work. Media freedom advocates, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, urge the Taliban to uphold their promises and ensure the safety of journalists.

Banks in Kabul, Afghanistan reopened after more than a week, attracting hundreds seeking access to cash following the Taliban's takeover and subsequent financial restrictions imposed by the U.S. and international bodies. The closures began on August 15, ahead of President Ashraf Ghani's flight and the Taliban's arrival. The U.S. froze $7bn of the Afghan Central Bank's reserves, and the IMF suspended access to $460m in funds. Afghans, including former Afghan National Security Forces members, expressed concerns over future income and skepticism about the Taliban's promises to pay civil servants. The Taliban's slow government office reopenings and the World Bank's decision to cut off assistance compound the economic uncertainty. The situation escalated with crowds at the New Kabul Bank turning violent after long waits, reflecting the desperation and instability in the country.