About Us

CIR is a global leader in open-source investigations, exposing and disrupting malign actors wherever they operate. Our teams investigate foreign influence operations, document harm in conflict environments and expose networks responsible for online manipulation and other harmful activity. At the heart of our approach is a distinctive combination of deep local expertise and cutting-edge investigative methods. By working with regional analysts, civil society partners and technical specialists, we are able to rapidly collect, verify and analyse digital evidence from some of the world’s most challenging environments.

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Our Goal

CIR aims to expose harm globally, online and offline, especially in violent conflicts.

Methodology

CIR’s methodology has been guided by best practices in the open source field.

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Afghan Witness Reports

Within

Containing

14th Feb 25

Taliban official Stanikzai reportedly flees Afghanistan amid education dispute

Deputy Foreign Minister's departure follows reported tensions with Supreme Leader over girls' education.

14th Feb 25

Senior Taliban official Mullah Baradar allegedly injured as Supreme Leader deploys forces in capital

Reports of blocked travel in Kabul and disappearances suggest growing tensions.

14th Feb 25

Taliban intensifies crackdown on modern education

Private education centres shut and foreign scholarships blocked, madrassas promoted instead.

14th Feb 25

Taliban detains Panjshiris amid crackdown on resistance

Mass arrests follow NRF attack with former security personnel, activists, and educators detained.

Policies and Restrictions

3rd Feb 25

Taliban moral police launches “women’s rights” campaign

Campaign follows ICC investigation into gender-based abuses.

3rd Feb 25

ISKP kills Chinese national a day after diplomatic anniversary

70th anniversary of China-Afghanistan relations overshadowed by the militant group

3rd Feb 25

Afghan diaspora divided over cricket boycott call

UK MPs’ call to exclude Afghanistan from cricket contests splits diaspora over “sportswashing” and national pride

3rd Feb 25

ICC calls for Taliban arrests over gender-based crimes ignite debate

Opposition hails accountability while Taliban seeks to rally support

Civilians Airstrike Casualties

16th Jan 25

Pakistan air strikes in Afghanistan mark significant policy shift

Allegedly targeting TTP assets, the strikes — killing dozens of civilians — mark a significant escalation in violence.

Human Rights Deportation

16th Jan 25

Pakistan detains hundreds of Afghans for deportation

Refugees, including women and children, caught in escalating Afghan-Pakistani disputes.

Policies and Restrictions Women in Activism, Media, and Politics

16th Jan 25

Taliban reaffirms ban on women working for NGOs

Directive threatens licenses of NGOs defying restrictions, despite informal exceptions.

16th Jan 25

Moscow moves towards delisting Taliban from “terrorism” blacklist

Legislation paves the way for Taliban cooperation but prompts regional security concerns.

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