On 10 April 2025, the Republic of San Marino will host a significant event dedicated to the discussion of human rights, focusing on the condition of women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
The association Libera San Marino, within the framework of the “Libera la Cultura” (Free the Culture) project, organised the roundtable scheduled to begin at 20:30 at the Sala Montelupo in Domagnano.
A Topic of Global Relevance
The event’s promotional material features the image of a young Afghan woman draped in a red veil, highlighting the central theme: “Afghanistan: Women and Human Rights in the Taliban Era”. This initiative seeks to heighten public awareness of the many difficulties Afghan women have faced since the Taliban takeover, a matter of significant ongoing international concern.
This discussion will examine how political, social, and cultural factors shape daily life in Afghanistan, especially the decline in rights for women and minority groups under the current rule.
Speakers
The roundtable will host several prominent speakers who will offer varied and in-depth perspectives on the matter. The panellists include:
- Khaled Ahmad Zekriya, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to Italy, offering diplomatic and institutional insights.
- Alice Mina, President of the Sammarinese Christian Democratic Party (PDCS), who will provide political analysis.
- Giulia Muratori, Secretary of Libera San Marino, representing the organising association.
- Dr Giuliano Bifolchi, Research Manager at SpecialEurasia and expert on geopolitical dynamics.
- Silvia Boltuc, Managing Director of SpecialEurasia, contributing strategic and analytical perspectives.
Gilberto Piermattei, Head of Training and Organisation at Libera, will moderate the event and ensure a productive and coherent dialogue between speakers and audience members.
A Platform for Reflection and Action
This event forms part of Libera San Marino’s broader commitment to fostering cultural awareness and dialogue on globally significant issues. It aims not only to inform but also to stimulate collective reflection on potential avenues for supporting human rights in crisis-affected contexts.
Attendance is open to the public, especially to those interested in deepening their understanding of the Afghan situation and engaging in constructive debate. We encourage individuals to visit www.libera.sm or follow Libera San Marino on social media (Facebook and Instagram: @liberasanmarino) for more information and updates.
According to the organisers:
“This meeting represents a unique opportunity to listen to authoritative voices and engage in one of the most urgent challenges of our time.”
Recent Developments and Strategic Context in Afghanistan
In parallel with public discussions such as the one in San Marino, recent reports have sparked international speculation regarding the resurgence of United States intelligence activity in Afghanistan. Allegedly, a United States Air Force C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft recently landed at Bagram Air Base—marking the first such arrival since the full withdrawal of US forces in August 2021.
According to unverified sources, the aircraft may have carried senior Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officials, and speculation has arisen around the possible presence of CIA Deputy Director John Ratcliffe. At the time of writing, no one has released official confirmation or reliable verification of this incident. The lack of corroboration has prompted concerns that these reports may form part of a psychological or disinformation operation.
Should these claims hold any truth, they may suggest the reactivation of a US. intelligence foothold in Afghanistan. Such a development would signal a forward deployment strategy linked not only to counterterrorism but also to broader geopolitical considerations, particularly in relation to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Notably, this alleged activity coincided with an increase in US military deployments to the Indian Ocean, specifically Diego Garcia—an operational hub of strategic importance—amid heightened tensions with Iran.
These developments highlight Afghanistan’s continued role as a strategic crossroads for regional and global actors. Despite the formal end of Western military engagement, the country remains a geopolitical flash point, with implications not only for local populations—particularly women and vulnerable minorities—but also for the broader stability of Central and South Asia.
Contact us at info@specialeurasia.com if you are interested in tailored reports or consulting services on Afghanistan.
