NEW DELHI: The media outlets are said to be involved in a misinformation campaign to disseminate news which can destabilise Afghanistan, leading the Western powers to reassert their domination.
Kabul has been colloquially referred to as the “City of Spies” due to its history as a hub of international espionage and intelligence activities.
The city got this name due to its strategic geopolitical importance which attracted diplomats, journalists, aid workers, and various intelligence operatives from around the world, converging on the city that has suffered many times for being the interest of “love” of rival and emerging super powers.
After the Taliban led administration took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, following the withdrawal of U.S. forces after nearly two decades, the effectiveness of intelligence operatives, who receive directives from handlers in different countries and time zones, including tasks involving misinformation to manipulate situations, was greatly diminished.
A recent comprehensive investigation by individuals and organisations, both inside and outside of Afghanistan, has uncovered that a network of Afghan media outlets are allegedly receiving financial backing from intelligence agencies. They are accused of spreading and amplifying news as part of a broader campaign aimed at destabilising a country already grappling with challenges on its north-eastern and western borders.
The primary aim of this campaign, sources in Kabul allege, is to weaken the Taliban government from within and destabilise it so that the international agencies and Western organisations can re-establish their writ.
These outlets, operating from locations outside the country, as per the investigation, are disseminating misinformation under the guise of impartial news presentation.
Information and data shared by them reveal that newspapers, television channels and online platforms are allegedly fuelling ethnic, religious, and political tensions in and around Kabul.
All these platforms, the report said, are being run by groups and individuals that identify themselves to be based out of Afghanistan.
The investigation has claimed that Etilaatroz, Hasht-e-Subh Daily (8AM Media), Radio Azadi, Radio Ashna, Afghanistan International Television, Kabul Press, Amu News website/TV, Keshwar News Agency, Ufuq News Agency, Aamaj News website and likewise, are allegedly working as mis-information tools for non-Afghan intelligence agencies.
“Etilaatroz”, a news website, was initially based in Kabul but now operates from abroad. It ceased its domestic operations following the political upheaval in Afghanistan. It currently conducts its activities from abroad, disseminating news in Pashto and Dari languages via its website. Official sources say that they might be getting financial support from an intelligence agency.
“Hasht-e-Subh Daily (8AM Media)”, a news website, which started in Kabul, now operates reportedly from Iran. Sources said that it works in close coordination with elements within the Iranian intelligence agencies.
The Prague based “Radio Azadi” is another media organisation that is allegedly being used as a tool to disseminate agenda against the Kabul-based government. Kabul-based official sources said that it is being funded by multiple countries including the U.S. Presently, it airs live for 12 hours daily via shortwave, satellite, and its website, reaching audiences in Afghanistan and globally.
“Radio Ashna”, which is a part of Voice of America (VOA) and broadcasts in Pashto and Dari, as per Afghan sources and as per investigation carried out by other officials, is allegedly working on the directions of the U.S. State Department towards a specific political goal.
“Afghanistan International Television”, which operates from London and Washington D.C. and is allegedly funded by an influential Gulf country, too, sources say, is not simply disseminating news but allegedly spreading misinformation.
“Kabul Press”, a news site, focuses primarily on topics related to Afghanistan. The headquarters of Kabul Press are in Oslo, Norway. Sources allege that it is promoting baseless reports from criminal entities and appealing to ethnic and religious biases.
Similarly, Amu News website, which is running from Virginia, United States too, has found its name mentioned in the intelligence assessment for allegedly disseminating reports that have been termed as “biased and promoting conflict”.
Kabul-based sources said that “Keshwar News Agency” has allegedly been spreading unfounded claims with the intention to damage the Taliban government. It broadcasts in three languages (Pashto, Dari, and English), with an active presence on various social media platforms.
“Ufuq News Agency,” which is a news website, too has been accused of allegedly promoting criminal organisations.
Another news website, Aamaj News, which reportedly operates from London and Turkey, has been reported in the report as a platform that was “promoting biases” and “spreading unsubstantiated information”.