Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Taliban's Fiber-Optic Shutdown Threatens Education and Economy

9/29/2025

27 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Taliban order to shut Afghanistan's fiber-optic networks disrupts education, information access, and commerce.
Hibatullah Akhundzada frames the blackout as a measure to prevent immorality.
Former education minister Sayed Ahmad Shah Sadaat warns daily life and governance will suffer.
The online economy suffers as over 80% of transactions rely on digital networks, risking $2.3 billion in exports.

History

Historical Context

The Taliban's oppressive regime from 1996 to 2001 severely restricted education, with over 90% of Afghan girls denied schooling. Their recent order to shut down fiber-optic networks echoes this historical suppression, threatening daily life and governance. The potential loss of $2.3 billion in exports underscores the economic ramifications of limiting digital access, reminiscent of past efforts to control information flow in Afghanistan.

1 of 2

Story summary

Taliban order to shut Afghanistan's fiber-optic networks disrupts education, information access, and commerce.
Hibatullah Akhundzada frames the blackout as a measure to prevent immorality.
Former education minister Sayed Ahmad Shah Sadaat warns daily life and governance will suffer.
The online economy suffers as over 80% of transactions rely on digital networks, risking $2.3 billion in exports.

1 / 2