Press Freedom Under Taliban: CPJ marks five years since the Taliban takeover, saying Afghanistan has become one of the hardest places for journalists, with sweeping restrictions, raids, detentions, and women facing extra discrimination. Eritrean Opposition Debate: A new essay argues Eritrea’s opposition must be “opposed” in a different way—staying independent from would-be rulers like the Blue Revolution Front, and refocusing on what a public can demand before the next government. Asmara & Keren Through a Visitor’s Lens: Historian-explorer Michael B. Decker shares impressions from two days in Eritrea, exploring Asmara and Keren and reflecting on identity and place. Eritrea in the Diaspora Spotlight: A piece on Eritrean-linked migration and asylum contexts appears alongside wider coverage of media crackdowns and camp dangers, keeping Eritrean names in the global conversation. Sports & Eritrea Connections: South Africa’s Pitso Mosimane is set to return as Bafana coach, with qualifiers including matches against Eritrea, while Eritrea is listed among nations at the Pan Pacific Championships. Public Life & Service: A backgrounder revisits the historical trajectory of Eritrea’s national service, tying state institutions to sovereignty and rights debates.