Taliban

Deportations to Afghanistan and Syria

The rule of law and its careless enemies

Those who turn to Assad or the Taliban instead of the German constitutional state when it comes to questions of security, fail to understand what makes those regimes tick.
Afghanistan

In the land of the hopeless

More than two years after the Taliban seized power, Afghans are battling psychological problems in response to the apparent hopelessness of the situation in their country. A report from Kabul
Afghans expelled from Pakistan

Deportations damage the economy and the environment

The deportation of Afghan refugees is taking a massive toll on Pakistan's recycling and plastics industry, which relies heavily on Afghan labourers
Afghanistan after two years of Taliban rule

The Taliban's second emirate

During their second period of rule, the Taliban appear more moderate in a few select areas. This shift is due to a variety of factors, including international expectations and a more self-confident Afghan society. However, it is not a reason for optimism
Pakistan after the mass departure of Afghans

Exodus of Afghans causes major headache for Pakistan's farms and mines

Skilled Afghan workers are in short supply in Pakistan as the country continues its clampdown on illegal migrants. Farmers and mine owners are now paying the price
Afghans in Pakistan facing deportation and uncertainty

They fled Afghanistan seeking refuge from the Taliban in Pakistan. Now faced with forced deportation, more than 200,000 Afghans have left the South Asian country, going back into the unknown
Music in Taliban Afghanistan

Forgotten sounds

Kharabat was once Kabul's sacred music district, but since the Taliban returned to Afghanistan, music has been banned. Yet those brought up for a life of performance have not given up hope
750th anniversary of Rumi's death – Part 3

On Rumi's trail in Afghanistan

During Ramadan 2019, Marian Brehmer travelled to Rumi's birthplace, Balkh in northern Afghanistan, in search of the roots of the great Sufi master. His visit there left a lasting impression on him
Germany's Beethovenfest

Afghan and Iranian musicians join forces

Musicians from Afghanistan, Iran and Germany have come together to work on Bonn's Beethovenfest Campus Project 2023. The result can be heard on 14 September. By Anastassia Boutsko
Taliban Afghanistan 2 years on

Report from a forgotten land

15 August 2023 marked the second anniversary of the Taliban's return to Afghanistan. Emran Feroz recently travelled through the country – here is his exclusive report for Qantara.de on everyday life in Kabul
Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan

Who are the Pakistani Islamists vowing 'death to blasphemers'?

An outlawed Islamist political party with the main objective of protecting Pakistan's draconian blasphemy laws and punishing blasphemers has been linked to violence against Christians and the burning of several churches
Taliban Afghanistan's double whammy

Afghans face a failing economy and high taxation

Almost two years after the Taliban swept to power, other international crises have distracted attention away from Afghans' suffering amid the country's dire socioeconomic conditions. Looking ahead, Hameed Hakimi asks what are the economic prospects for Afghanistan under the Taliban?