Afghan families gather to receive food on the outskirts of Chaman, a border town in Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province. Dozens of Afghan families have crossed into Pakistan. Photo: AP
Afghan families gather to receive food on the outskirts of Chaman, a border town in Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province. Dozens of Afghan families have crossed into Pakistan. Photo: AP
Afghan families gather to receive food on the outskirts of Chaman, a border town in Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province. Dozens of Afghan families have crossed into Pakistan. Photo: AP
Afghan families gather to receive food on the outskirts of Chaman, a border town in Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province. Dozens of Afghan families have crossed into Pakistan. Photo: AP

World

Afghanistan faces hunger crisis as the Taliban try to restore stability

About a third of the 38 million people in the war-torn nation may soon not have a meal every day

The National

September 02, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Afghanistan faces a food shortage as the UN's stockpiles could run out this month, adding to the challenges facing the country’s new Taliban rulers.

About a third of the 38 million people in the war-torn nation may not have a meal every day, Ramiz Alakbarov, the UN’s humanitarian chief in the country, told AP.

The UN’s World Food Programme has brought in food and distributed it to tens of thousands of people in recent weeks, but with winter approaching and a drought ongoing, at least $200 million is needed urgently to be able to continue to feed the most vulnerable Afghans, he said.

“By the end of September, the stocks that the World Food Programme has in the country will be out,” Mr Alakbarov said. “We will not be able to provide those essential food items because we’ll be out of stock.”

Earlier, UN officials said that of the $1.3 billion needed for overall aid efforts, only 39 per cent had been received.

The Taliban, who seized control of the country before the withdrawal of American forces this week, must now govern a nation that relies heavily on international aid and is in the middle of a worsening economic crisis. In addition to the concerns about food supplies, civil servants have not been paid in months and the local currency is losing value. Most of Afghanistan’s foreign reserves are held abroad and are currently frozen.

Khalid Payenda, Afghanistan’s former acting finance minister, on Wednesday described a country existing in a dangerously fragile state.

Speaking at Georgetown University in Washington, Mr Payenda said the Afghan currency had yet to crash because money exchanges were closed. But its value could plunge by more than 100 per cent, said Mr Payenda, who described former Afghan president Ashraf Ghani as withdrawn and paranoid before the Taliban takeover.

“I think the war had a toll on his psyche and he saw everything with suspicion,” Mr Payenda said.

Recent chaotic scenes in the capital reflect the speed at which the Taliban took control of the country, with Mr Payenda saying he thought the previous government could have been sustained for two or three more years because of commitments by international donors.

“I did not expect it to be this quick,” Mr Payenda said. “Nobody actually did.”

Mohammad Sharif, a shopkeeper in the capital Kabul, said shops and markets there have supplies, but that rising food prices are a major concern.

“If the situation continues like this and there is no government to control the prices, that will cause so many problems for local people,” he said.

In the wake of the US pull-out, many Afghans are anxiously waiting to see how the Taliban will rule. When they were last in power, before being driven out by the US-led invasion in 2001, they imposed draconian restrictions, refusing to allow girls to go to school, largely confining women to their homes and banning television, music and even photography.

But more recently, their leaders have sought to project a more moderate image. Schools have reopened to boys and girls, although Taliban officials said they will study separately. Women are out on the streets wearing Islamic headscarves – as they always have – rather than the all-encompassing burqa the Taliban demanded in the past.

The president of the UN Security Council said on Wednesday that “the real litmus test” for the new Taliban government will be how it treats women and girls. Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason of Ireland, which holds the council’s rotating presidency, said the protection and promotion of human rights for women “must be at the very heart of our collective response to the crisis”.

The challenges the Taliban face in reviving the economy could give western nations leverage as they push the group to fulfil a pledge to form an inclusive government and guarantee women’s rights. The Taliban say they want to have good relations with other countries, including the United States.

Many Afghans fear the Taliban will not make good on those pledges and are concerned that the nation’s economic situation holds little opportunity. Tens of thousands sought to flee the country, resulting in a harrowing airlift.

But thousands who had worked with the US and its allies, as well as up to 200 Americans, were still in the country after the evacuation effort ended with the last US troops flying out of Kabul international airport just before midnight on Monday.

US President Joe Biden later defended his handling of the chaotic withdrawal and evacuation efforts, which produced outbreaks of violence, including a suicide bombing last week that killed 13 American service members and 169 Afghans. He said it was inevitable that the final departure after two decades of war would be difficult.

WHO's medicines and health supplies arrived in Afghanistan on Monday.
WHO's medicines and health supplies arrived in Afghanistan on Monday.
This is the first shipment to reach Afghanistan since the country came under the control of the Taliban. Photos: WHO
This is the first shipment to reach Afghanistan since the country came under the control of the Taliban. Photos: WHO
The WHO had warned that medical supplies would run out within days in Afghanistan.
The WHO had warned that medical supplies would run out within days in Afghanistan.
The supplies will be delivered to 40 health centres in 29 provinces across Afghanistan.
The supplies will be delivered to 40 health centres in 29 provinces across Afghanistan.
Supplies that arrived on Monday consist of trauma kits and emergency health kits.
Supplies that arrived on Monday consist of trauma kits and emergency health kits.
The plane carrying medical supplies flew from Dubai to Mazar-i-Sharif airport.
The plane carrying medical supplies flew from Dubai to Mazar-i-Sharif airport.
The shipment is expected to fill urgent shortages in medicines and medical supplies in Afghanistan.
The shipment is expected to fill urgent shortages in medicines and medical supplies in Afghanistan.

He said he is committed to getting out the Americans left behind, if they want to leave. The Taliban have said they will allow people with legal documents to travel freely, but it is not clear whether any commercial airlines will be willing to offer service.

Bilal Karimi, an official in the Taliban spokesman’s office, said on Wednesday that a team of Turkish and Qatari technicians arrived in Kabul to help get the airport up and running again. The UN is asking for access to the airport so it can deliver food and other supplies directly to the capital, Mr Alakbarov said.

The Taliban also have to contend with the threat from ISIS, which is far more radical and claimed responsibility for the bombing at the airport. The Taliban promised to not allow Afghanistan to be used as a base for attacks on other countries – a key US demand since the militants once harboured the Al Qaeda leaders who orchestrated the 9/11 attacks.

In the wake of last week’s bombing, American officials said drone strikes targeted the ISIS's affiliate in Afghanistan, and Mr Biden vowed to keep up air strikes.

Gen Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on Wednesday it was possible that the US will have to co-ordinate with the Taliban on any counterterrorism strikes in Afghanistan in the future.

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The National Archives, Abu Dhabi

Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.

Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en

Who is Mohammed Al Halbousi?

The new speaker of Iraq’s parliament Mohammed Al Halbousi is the youngest person ever to serve in the role.

The 37-year-old was born in Al Garmah in Anbar and studied civil engineering in Baghdad before going into business. His development company Al Hadeed undertook reconstruction contracts rebuilding parts of Fallujah’s infrastructure.

He entered parliament in 2014 and served as a member of the human rights and finance committees until 2017. In August last year he was appointed governor of Anbar, a role in which he has struggled to secure funding to provide services in the war-damaged province and to secure the withdrawal of Shia militias. He relinquished the post when he was sworn in as a member of parliament on September 3.

He is a member of the Al Hal Sunni-based political party and the Sunni-led Coalition of Iraqi Forces, which is Iraq’s largest Sunni alliance with 37 seats from the May 12 election.

He maintains good relations with former Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki’s State of Law Coaliton, Hadi Al Amiri’s Badr Organisation and Iranian officials.

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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.

Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association
The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

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4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
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7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
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Anxiety and work stress major factors

Anxiety, work stress and social isolation are all factors in the recogised rise in mental health problems.

A study UAE Ministry of Health researchers published in the summer also cited struggles with weight and illnesses as major contributors.

Its authors analysed a dozen separate UAE studies between 2007 and 2017. Prevalence was often higher in university students, women and in people on low incomes.

One showed 28 per cent of female students at a Dubai university reported symptoms linked to depression. Another in Al Ain found 22.2 per cent of students had depressive symptoms - five times the global average.

It said the country has made strides to address mental health problems but said: “Our review highlights the overall prevalence of depressive symptoms and depression, which may long have been overlooked."

Prof Samir Al Adawi, of the department of behavioural medicine at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman, who was not involved in the study but is a recognised expert in the Gulf, said how mental health is discussed varies significantly between cultures and nationalities.

“The problem we have in the Gulf is the cross-cultural differences and how people articulate emotional distress," said Prof Al Adawi. 

“Someone will say that I have physical complaints rather than emotional complaints. This is the major problem with any discussion around depression."

Daniel Bardsley

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company profile

Name: Tharb

Started: December 2016

Founder: Eisa Alsubousi

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: Luxury leather goods

Initial investment: Dh150,000 from personal savings

 

UAE currency
Other simple ideas for sushi rice dishes

Cheat’s nigiri 
This is easier to make than sushi rolls. With damp hands, form the cooled rice into small tablet shapes. Place slices of fresh, raw salmon, mackerel or trout (or smoked salmon) lightly touched with wasabi, then press, wasabi side-down, onto the rice. Serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger.

Easy omurice
This fusion dish combines Asian fried rice with a western omelette. To make, fry cooked and cooled sushi rice with chopped vegetables such as carrot and onion and lashings of sweet-tangy ketchup, then wrap in a soft egg omelette.

Deconstructed sushi salad platter 
This makes a great, fuss-free sharing meal. Arrange sushi rice on a platter or board, then fill the space with all your favourite sushi ingredients (edamame beans, cooked prawns or tuna, tempura veggies, pickled ginger and chilli tofu), with a dressing or dipping sauce on the side.

World Mental Health Day
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to help

Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:

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THE LIGHT

Director: Tom Tykwer

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Rating: 3/5

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Race card

5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m; 5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m

6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; 6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m

7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m

7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 (PA) 1,400m

Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion

The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.

Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".

The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.

He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.

"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.

As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.

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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Zayed Sustainability Prize
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What went into the film

25 visual effects (VFX) studios

2,150 VFX shots in a film with 2,500 shots

1,000 VFX artists

3,000 technicians

10 Concept artists, 25 3D designers

New sound technology, named 4D SRL

 

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Article 15
Produced by: Carnival Cinemas, Zee Studios
Directed by: Anubhav Sinha
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Sayani Gupta, Zeeshan Ayyub
Our rating: 4/5 

Tomorrow 2021
Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

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COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed 

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Tomorrow 2021
The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

Company%20profile
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While you're here
Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

Company profile

Name:​ One Good Thing ​

Founders:​ Bridgett Lau and Micheal Cooke​

Based in:​ Dubai​​ 

Sector:​ e-commerce​

Size: 5​ employees

Stage: ​Looking for seed funding

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The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

Some of Darwish's last words

"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008

His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.

Movie: Saheb, Biwi aur Gangster 3

Producer: JAR Films

Director: Tigmanshu Dhulia

Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Jimmy Sheirgill, Mahie Gill, Chitrangda Singh, Kabir Bedi

Rating: 3 star

Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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All you need to know about Formula E in Saudi Arabia

What The Saudia Ad Diriyah E-Prix

When Saturday

Where Diriyah in Saudi Arabia

What time Qualifying takes place from 11.50am UAE time through until the Super Pole session, which is due to end at 12.55pm. The race, which will last for 45 minutes, starts at 4.05pm.

Who is competing There are 22 drivers, from 11 teams, on the grid, with each vehicle run solely on electronic power.

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Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B

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Know before you go
  • Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
  • If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
  • By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
  • Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
  • Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.

 

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

HIJRA

Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy

Director: Shahad Ameen

Rating: 3/5

Kareem Shaheen on Canada
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Semi-final fixtures

Portugal v Chile, 7pm, today

Germany v Mexico, 7pm, tomorrow

Updated: September 02, 2021, 7:18 AM`
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