The Facts
A bombing at a Sunni mosque in the Afghan capital of Kabul during evening prayers on Wed. reportedly killed at least 21 people, including a prominent cleric, and wounded 33 others.
The cleric killed is believed to be Mullah Amir Mohammad Kabuli, and no one has yet claimed responsibility for the suspected suicide attack on the Siddiquiya Mosque in Kabul's Kher Khanna district.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The tragic attack in Kabul is just the latest example of how the "emirate" is drifting into chaos and lawlessness since the West's withdrawal. This is compounded by economic collapse and an acute food crisis. But even in combat, the Taliban are failing. The ruthless rampage of the so-called ISIS-K bears witness to this. The US must prepare for an increasing threat to its security interests.
Establishment-critical narrative
Afghanistan only makes the headlines when it comes to violence and tragedy. More attention must be paid to the country's humanitarian catastrophe. Due to the dire economic situation, 22.8M Afghans are facing acute food insecurity, and 3M children are at risk of malnutrition. The West contributes to this by, for example, not releasing Afghanistan's frozen reserves funds. This is a declaration of moral bankruptcy.
