cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/4824110
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The country is currently experiencing a “total internet blackout” according to internet watchdog Netblocks - a move that has paralysed the country’s essential services.
International news agencies say they have lost contact with offices in the capital Kabul. Mobile internet and satellite TV has also been severely disrupted across Afghanistan. Flights from Kabul airport have also been disrupted, according to local media reports.
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Anas, a money changer in Takhar province, says his business has faced “enormous problems” since the internet shutdown, saying that much of his work depends on the internet.
“Our business has been affected by about 90%,” he says. “Yesterday, my brother who is also my business partner tried to send an email to a client. He couldn’t get it through.”
But his main concern are his three daughters - all of whom used to take online classes.
"The night before, we heard the Taliban had cut internet access in Mazar, and my eldest daughter came to me with tears in her eyes and said she feared the same would happen here.
“Their last opportunity to study is now gone. Seeing my children so helpless… [that was] the hardest for me. Only God knows what will happen to them and to me.”
Seems like I see a “Women in Afghanistan have no freedom” post every week or two practically since the day US troops pulled out of the country. Never see anything like this regarding Saudi Arabia. There’s virtually no coverage of the violent anti-feminist street protests in India. Vanishingly little about women’s liberation in The Philippines or El Salvador. Even the rapidly deteriorating condition of women’s rights within the United States fails to get the kind of coverage afforded our old conquest.
I have to wonder what the public response to these articles is supposed to be. Trump’s currently demanding that the Afghans turn over Bagram Airbase to the US military. We’ve also seen him float the idea of re-invading in response to China.
Is that where all this is heading? Seems like the drumbeat exists to manufacture consent for another war. After Hegseth’s latest speech, how long until we try and take another bite at the Afghani apple?
I am Indian and I have heard of plenty of huge protests BY women in favour of feminism. There have been no violent protests against feminism afaik. I severely doubt the incels’ ability to organise protests. So please do enlighten me if you know better.
I don’t know much about Indian politics. Are there any particular organisations that come to mind when you reflect on protests in favour of women, or are doing good work in that area?