Afghanistan

Kansas City-area members of Afghanistan's Hazara ethnic minority — some new arrivals since the U.S. evacuation in 2021 — are creating a community and celebrating traditions here while trying to call attention to the risk of genocide back in Afghanistan.

Far from home, a refugee builds a new life in Wichita.

Lucky took his family back to Afghanistan when his mother was hospitalized with kidney problems. Then the Taliban took over the country, and the family joined thousands of Afghans desperately trying to escape.

Kansans who help resettle refugees are preparing to welcome 500 people from Afghanistan to the state. Many are destined for Wichita and Kansas City, but they'll be scattered across Kansas.

Amid a chaotic troop withdrawal, veteran and refugee advocates are worried as they try to relocate Afghans who helped U.S. and allied forces in the region.

At least 100 Afghan refugees are expected to arrive in Austin this week, with more coming later.

Afghanistan's interior ministry said at least 57 others were wounded in the bombing outside of an education center in a heavily Shiite neighborhood in Kabul.

Last week the president tweeted that troops should be home from Afghanistan by Christmas. In an interview with NPR, Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley said no final decisions have been made.

The victims of recent fighting in Helmand include a pregnant woman struck by a stray bullet. Peace talks continue, but the Taliban argue that an Afghan cease-fire should come as the talks conclude.

With talks begun between Afghanistan's government and the Taliban, U.S. special envoy for Afghan peace Zalmay Khalilzad tells NPR the U.S. has "tested" the Taliban and "they are meeting those tests."