A new morality law is full of restrictions. No neckties for men. Photos cannot be reproduced. The harshest rules are for women — who are singing out on social media to protest the ban on singing.
Nearly 300 young musicians, their teachers and staff from their music school fled Afghanistan in fear for their lives as the Taliban took power. NPR caught up with them during their U.S. tour,
In a recording, the group's leader declared: "We will flog the women ... we will stone them to death in public [for crimes]." What does Islamic law say on the matter? And have stonings taken place?
Matiullah Wesa was arrested and spent 215 days in prison. He has been outspoken in his demands for girls to have the right to go to school. The Taliban bar girls from school beyond the sixth grade.
A series of devastating quakes has taken thousands of lives and left thousands more homeless. Aid specialists say the Taliban lacks the equipment and experience to help the survivors.
It's been 5 months since Matiullah Wesa, an activist who urged an end to Taliban bans on girls' education, was arrested. Media attention has faded. Now Angelina Jolie is making a plea in his behalf.
NPR's Scott Simon reflects on two years since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan, including the recent burning of musical instruments and equipment.
Kabul fell to the Taliban close to two years ago, but desperate Afghans continue to flee, even taking the dangerous route into the U.S. across the Mexican border. Here's the story of one such family.
All beauty salons in Kabul must close by the end of July. These businesses are one of the few places where women can work and congregate under the Taliban regime.
The announcement is the latest curb on the rights and freedoms of Afghan women and girls, following edicts barring them from education, public spaces and most forms of employment.
Aid workers in Afghanistan claim the Taliban is using threats and violence to control the way aid is distributed at a time when aid is more critical than ever.
This start-up aims to provide both food and economic opportunity to Afghan women. But success means first overcoming economic crises, cultural taboos and Taliban interference.
The Taliban has banned Afghan women working for the U.N. or other aid agencies. The repercussions could be devastating for programs in which women play a vital role.
Matiullah Wesa is the founder and president of Pen Path — a local nongovernmental group that travels across Afghanistan with a mobile school and library. He was reportedly detained on Monday.
