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Learning English from the News

Upper intermediate level

Taliban cut off internet

Episode 251001 / 01 Oct 2025

(Photo by Marcus Yam/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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The story

Internet and many telephones services have been cut in Afghanistan, on the orders of the country's Taliban government.

After women and girls over 12 were barred from schools, universities and many types of jobs, many of them used the internet to study online, or to sell products abroad. This shutdown has stopped from being able to do this.

Human rights organisations are concerned about the impact that this could have on girls' education in the country.

News headlines

‘Total internet blackout’ in Afghanistan sparks panic after Taliban vowed to stamp out immoral activities
CNN

Taliban cut internet for whole country as Afghanistan ‘dragged into abyss’
The Independent

Afghan women lose their 'last hope' as Taliban shuts down internet
BBC News

Key words and phrases

stamp out
take strong action to stop something

  • The new manager promised to stamp out sexism in the office.

abyss
a very negative situation that is difficult to escape from

  • Without immediate humanitarian aid, the country could slide into the abyss.

last hope
the last opportunity for success

  • This intervention could be the last hope for keeping the mountain frog species from going extinct. 

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