Afghanistan, notes the ISPI (Italian institute for international political studies), is completing its regression to darkness. After restoring the obligation to wear the burqa, having closed to women the schools of all shapes and degrees and precluded all public and work spaces, Kabul has again introduced the stoning of adulterers.

The supreme leader Hibatllah Akhundzada spoke on state television from Kandahar's Taliban Roccaforte. And thus summarized the government's point of view: “Someone could call it a violation of women's rights, when we publicly stone or flog them for committing adultery. Because this is in conflict with their democratic principles. But I represent Allah, and they represent Satan.”

The supreme leader of the most illiberal regime in the world, the ISPI adds, defends the sanctions decision, once and for all, of the return to gender apartheid. And dismantle any residual right and protection for 14 million women and girls. Thus began a new chapter of private punishments and Afghan women are experimenting it with deep solitude, notes Safia Arefi. Lawyer and head of the Afghan organization for human rights Women's Window of Hope she adds, “Nobody is at their side to save them from the punishment of the Taliban. The international community has chosen to remain silent in the face of these violations of women's rights."

Kabul year zero

Meanwhile, the "De facto" government of Afghanistan, controlled by the Taliban, has cut consular ties with most of the Afghan embassies in western countries whose diplomats had remained faithful to the former administration supported by abroad. The taking of power by the Taliban in August 2021 left the diplomats who worked in the foreign missions of Afghanistan in limbo. They were at the service of the government that fell in the chaos created by the withdrawal of the US troops and allies. No country has yet formally recognized the Taliban government. In the last three years, however, the Kabul authorities have appointed Taliban ambassadors in some nearby embassies. Now the Afghan foreign ministry has said that "it has no responsibility" for credentials, including passports and visas, released by missions not in line with the new Kabul rulers. Among the “incriminate” "offending" embassies are also those in Italy, the United Kingdom and Germany. But also, those in Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, France, Greece, Poland, Sweden, Norway, Canada and Australia. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has repeatedly solicited Afghan political and consular missions in European countries to swear loyalty to Kabul", reads a declaration. “Unfortunately, the actions of most of the missions are carried out in an arbitrary way. Without coordination and explicit violation of the accepted principles," according to the Taliban.

Olympics effect

The Afghans who live abroad should, the Ministry recommends, contact the diplomatic missions affiliated to the self -proclaimed Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the name that the Taliban have given to their regime: for now, they are found in Pakistan, China and Russia. Now the other representatives risk finding themselves without funds for consular activities.

“I had many problems in Afghanistan. And I decided to leave. It took me six months to get to Germany by land, by any means, walking and asking for transport. It is already a victory just being here to compete, even without winning. I am really happy to be part of the Olympic refugees’ team," said the Afghan Judoka Sibghatllah Arab, after being eliminated in the first round by the Olympic bronze speakers in the -81kg category. “It was a hard fight; he is very good. He has an Olympic medal but I am very happy because I gained a point," explains Arab who, telling the support received by the family, specified as follows: "My family and friends in Afghanistan said to me: 'No stress, just fight'. But now I have not been able to fight so well. But I'm ready for the next meeting, I can do better. It is very important that we can compete here, both men and women, coming from Afghanistan."

Humanitarian disaster

The situation is aggravated in Kabul with extreme climatic events. UNICEF is alarmed by the news of children and young people affected by torrential rains, sudden floods and landslides which have scourged Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan. “Our condolences go to children and families who have lost their loved ones due to extreme weather events in South Asia. We are deeply concerned about the well-being and the safety of over 6 million children and their families in these countries, who have lost their homes or have been displaced. And they struggle to survive," says Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF ​​regional director for southern Asia.

“Floods represent a risk to the health of children who go beyond death and injuries. Compromising secure water supplies increases the risk of diseases and diarrhoea and, if not treated, can lead to dehydration and malnutrition among children," he continues. In Afghanistan, the last flash flood in the eastern region caused 58 victims and hit more than 1,900 families. Already tens of thousands of children have been affected by multiple sudden floods which swept away the northern provinces of Baghlan and Badakhan and the western province of Ghor in June. The strong rains and floods in Pakistan killed at least 124 people, including 74 children from April. The monsoon rains that are hitting the country put the lives and health of children at risk.

UNICEF is working with the government and partners to set up preparation measures.

Kabul è sempre più isolata. Choc diplomatico