When a drone strike killed Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour last week in Pakistan, analysts expected the Taliban to be plunged into a period of infighting as it sought to select a new leader. … The swiftness of naming Mawlawi Haibatullah Akhundzada may speak to basic diplomacy, an effort to hold the Taliban's rank and file together. – Los Angeles Times
Afghan civilians who assisted the American-led coalition as interpreters, firefighters and construction workers are in danger of being harmed or killed by the Taliban if Congress cancels a program that allows them to resettle in the United States, according to the top American commander in Afghanistan. – Associated Press
Now, more than two years after a young Afghan couple from different sects, Zakia and Mohammad Ali, eloped against the wishes of their families, they arrived in New York City late on Tuesday on a 90-day visa granted by the American Embassy in Kabul. The couple plan to apply for asylum with the help of an international aid group. – New York Times