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Freshta Jalalzai
Credit: RFE/RL/ Claudia Shute

Freshta Jalalzai

Freshta Jalalzai is an Afghan-American journalist who holds a degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism in New York.

Freshta Jalalzai is an Afghan-American journalist holding a degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism in New York, where she majored in politics. Her primary focus is on long-form journalism within the realm of war and conflict, centering on South Asia. With expertise cultivated through extensive coverage of the war in Afghanistan, considered America’s longest war in history, her insightful work has been featured in esteemed publications including The Diplomat, RFE/RL, New Lines Magazine, and various other media outlets. She is currently working on a book project detailing Afghan Jewish history

She can be reached on Twitter at @TheLostJalalzai.

Posts by Freshta Jalalzai
May 04, 2024

An Afghan Woman Activist’s Visit to Taliban-Ruled Afghanistan

By Freshta Jalalzai
Zerka Malyar and her team sought to confront the Taliban on the critical issue of women’s rights.

March 21, 2024

A Not-So-Bright Nowruz for Afghanistan’s Girls

By Freshta Jalalzai
The festival traditionally marks the beginning of the school year. For the thousands of girls who are prevented from attending by Taliban edicts, it’s a heart-wrenching time.
March 08, 2024

Afghan Women’s Woes: Beyond and Before the Taliban

By Freshta Jalalzai
Even under the previous government, horrific cases of violence against women occurred with startling frequency.

February 21, 2024

UN Doha Conference on Afghanistan Fails to Achieve Key Goals

By Freshta Jalalzai
The Taliban’s refusal to participate – and those invited to represent Afghanistan from other groups – sparked much debate among Afghans.

February 14, 2024

A Murdered Ambassador, a Closed Embassy: The Tragic History of US Diplomacy in Afghanistan

By Freshta Jalalzai
As the U.S. debates the fate of its embassy in Kabul, it's worth remembering the broader context of Afghanistan-U.S. diplomatic relations – including the murder of Ambassador Dubs in 1979.

February 01, 2024

China Welcomes a Taliban Ambassador to Beijing

By Freshta Jalalzai
While still short of formal diplomatic recognition, the move is part of a trend of growing engagement driven by the strategic interests of both sides.
January 13, 2024

Alarm Over Hijab Enforcement Exposes Afghanistan’s Dire Need for Direct Engagement

By Freshta Jalalzai
Resolving the complex issues that Afghans face demands more than just external envoy efforts. It necessitates direct engagement with the people of Afghanistan. 

January 10, 2024

Can Pakistan’s Maulana Fazlur Rehman Mend Ties With the Taliban?

By Freshta Jalalzai
The famously pro-Taliban politician is making a visit to Kabul at a tense time in Afghanistan-Pakistan relations.

December 09, 2023

Anti-War Advocate Accused of Terrorism in Pakistan, Inspiring Global Protests

By Freshta Jalalzai
Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen, the leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, has been arrested under mysterious circumstances.

December 01, 2023

The Qosh Tepa Canal: A Source of Hope in Afghanistan 

By Freshta Jalalzai
While the canal project is a source of promise, it faces many challenges, not the least of which is unease in Central Asia about water security. 

November 08, 2023

Documented or Not, Afghan Refugees in Pakistan Face Humiliation and Abuse

By Freshta Jalalzai
“If you are Afghan, you have no rights, and actually, your status does not make much difference.” 
April 15, 2023

A Beacon of Education Has Vanished in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan

By Freshta Jalalzai
The arbitrary arrest of Matiullah Wesa is a severe blow to the already dire situation for education in the country.

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