[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS
- COUP RUMORS PERSIST – Several news outlets have picked up on reports of a possible challenge to the Supreme Leader’s power. Some reports coming from Pakistan have stated that ISI officials have arrived in Kandahar to attempt to facilitate some kind of settlement between the Supreme Leader and the Minister of Defense and Interior. What has been confirmed is that both Ministers are traveling to Kandahar to attempt to persuade the Supreme Leader to change his mind about the women’s education issue. Kandahar also has a sizable presence of military personnel and vehicles in the city which could be indicative of a potential power struggle brewing or, it could simply be a precautionary measure to deal with possible protests. Regardless of the reason for the troop dispositions, it’s clear there is a leadership problem at the top of the regime.
- MOSQUE BOMBING – A blast was reported at a Mosque yesterday in the Koht-e-Sangi neighborhood of Kabul. Casualties have been reported (both deaths and injuries). No group has claimed credit and no details were available.
- TALIBAN SECURITY PATROLLING MOST CITIES – Taliban fighters have taken up positions around many of the University campuses in Afghanistan in a bid to discourage potential protests against the unpopular education decree. Scattered reports of protestors being beaten and arrested but the information is sparse at this point.
- PAKISTAN CLEARLY ENUNCIATES A ‘RED LINE’ TO THE IEA – Pakistan basically issued an ultimatum to Kabul concerning its perceived support of the TTP. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari left little room for doubt about what would happen if Afghanistan does not help stop the threat to Pakistan posed by the TTP.
- FUEL PRICES SPIKE ACROSS THE COUNTRY – Prices per liter of fuel rose by approximately 6 Afghanis over the last couple of days. The increase places significant strain on the transportation sector as taxi drivers are not able to make a profit under the current circumstances. The cause for the price surge has been attributed to the devastating Salang Tunnel fire which destroyed several fuel tankers and disrupted fuel imports from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
NEXT 24 HOURS
ALL EYES ARE ON KANDAHAR – With a meeting between senior Taliban leaders in Kandahar about to take place, many are concerned the discussions could break down and violence could result. In addition, the extra security called in to deal with potential protests has the country on edge. While the situation is in doubt, it is recommended that travel plans be canceled until the picture becomes clearer. |