Tageszeitung, 30 September 2025
AAN’s Thomas Ruttig reports the almost total internet blackout imposed by the Taleban on Afghanistan. In an additional commentary, he writes (in German):
However, the costs [of the blackout] are distributed very unevenly. The Taleban authorities themselves, banks, airports, anyone who can afford it – including those in the Afghan business elites who continue to do business with and under the Taliban regime – will soon have switched to satellite internet.
The economic costs of the blackout are annoying for them, but disruptions will soon be resolved (…).
The general population, 90 per cent of whom live below the poverty line and literally struggle for their daily bread, is hit much harder. And as always, women and girls are disproportionately affected.
Revisions:
This article was last updated on 1 Oct 2025
