Less than a month after the Taliban took over Afghanistan, the Islamic extremist group has announced the leaders of its interim cabinet, declaring the country an “Islamic Emirate.” The new cabinet appointments give Islamic hardliners key positions, some of whom are known for leading attacks over the last two decades.

A Q&A with Open Doors Communications Director for Asia on the volatile situation in Afghanistan.

In Syria, it’s fair to say your family might be one of the most important things in your life.

Your family is a multi-generational force, tying you to your culture, your community and your religion. Communities comprise tightknit families who intermarry and keep traditions and ancient customs intact.

But if you leave your family in Syria? You’re nothing.

With the collapse of the government, the declaration of Shariah law, the expansion of extremism, food shortages and the raging pandemic, Afghanistan needs urgent prayer from the global Church right now, more than ever. Here are 5 ways you can pray for Afghanistan...

The impact of Covid-19 and lockdown has particularly affected the church in Syria and Iraq. After a decade of conflict and persecution, as well as ongoing poverty, Christians in the Middle East are now disproportionately vulnerable to the effects of the pandemic. Though the official figures suggest that Syria has seen a relatively small number of cases and fatalities, this number is likely to be much higher than has been reported.

Indonesia has become a COVID-19 hotspot, with tens of thousands of cases each day. In the wake of the pandemic, some Indonesian Christians are experiencing persecution even as they mourn the loss of their loved ones.

August 27 –Two blasts have killed a total of 85 people at the international airport and a local hotel in Kabul on the evening of Thursday, August 26, according to Reuters. The attacks occurred by the Abbey Gate of Hamad Karzai International Airport as US airlifts are ongoing, and at the nearby Baron Hotel, which stands a mile from the airport.

Sitara* is just 21, but she already been acting as a surrogate parent to her two younger siblings for six years. Orphaned at the age of 15, she has faced many challenges, not only because of losing her parents, but also because of her Christian faith – and the pandemic has only made their lives harder. But your support and prayers have enabled Open Doors partners to support Sitara and her brother and sister with vital aid, and show them that they are part of a global family in Christ.

Prayers are still desperately needed for believers in Afghanistan.

In a recent interview with Reuters, a high-ranking Taliban commander, Waheedullah Hashimi, confirmed that Afghanistan would not be a democracy under the Taliban—and that they will implement no law but Shariah. “There will be no democratic system at all because it does not have any base in our country … We will not discuss what type of political system should we apply in Afghanistan because it is clear. It is Shariah law and that is it.”

Another girl captured in the April 14, 2014, attack on a girls’ finishing school in Chibok village has been found. Out of more than 270 girls kidnapped by Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state, more than 100 have been freed or managed to escape; 113 now remain missing.

The Taliban now hold Afghanistan. Earlier today, Al Jazeera released videos of Taliban fighters entering the capital city Kabul with ease, taking the reins in the Presidential Palace, and declaring an end to the 20-year war. In addition, President Ashraf Ghani reportedly fled to Tajikistan over the weekend to prevent further bloodshed (although other sources mentioned Uzbekistan).

“When Christ himself was rejected by His own, what are we? The Bible warns us we will face persecution, so we are prepared for any situation. Worse may happen to us, yet at the same time we are reminded of the verse from 1 Peter 2:4 which says, ‘As you come to him, the living Stone — rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him.’ This verse strengthens us and encourages us.”