Health Humanitarian crises abound. Why is the U.N. asking for less aid money than last year? "This is the first time that this has happened in recent years," said Martin Griffiths of the United Nations. about the reduced ask. Why in a time of greater need is the U.N. lowering its appeal? Gabriel Spitzer
Health Afghan student made a plea for his uninvited homeland at U.N. climate summit Afghanistan is one of the countries most affected by climate change. But it was not invited to COP28. A young Afghan student came and advocated for his homeland. Did he make any progress? Ruchi Kumar
Education Afghan girls' education advocate is freed from Taliban prison 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. The Associated Press
Politics For a new generation of Marines, 9/11 is history For many Americans, 9/11 is now simply a date to mark, much like December 7th and the Pearl Harbor attacks. Even the military war colleges are moving on. Tom Bowman Lexie Schapitl
National They fought alongside the U.S. — now this female Afghan military platoon is in limbo After the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, members of the Female Tactical Platoon came to America under a temporary humanitarian program. Many are now in immigration limbo. Kai McNamee
'I am crying at my salon': Taliban orders Kabul beauty parlors to shut down 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. Fazelminallah Qazizai Diaa Hadid
Health Charities say Taliban intimidation diverts aid to Taliban members and causes 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. Ruchi Kumar
A pop-up restaurant in Kabul is run by women for women. The Taliban is watching 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. Maija Liuhto
Health The Taliban again bans Afghan women aid workers. Here's how the U.N. responded 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. Ruchi Kumar
Education 3 months into a school ban for girls and women, a report from Kabul One of the boys started out and just said, “I apologize. I hate walking out the door every morning to go to school and my sister can’t.” Kim Malcolm John O'Brien