Though succession of Ayman al-Zawahri not officially announced by terror group, most UN member states say commander is its 'uncontested leader'

Former army chief gained power in a bloodless coup, survived two assassination attempts and eventually stepped down while facing possible impeachment amid public discontent

US warns move violates previous commitments, will have 'concrete costs;' UN 'deeply concerned' at development; Kabul regime releases 2 US citizens it was holding

In a further indication of the Islamist authorities' intention of resuming previous hardline policies, officials execute man convicted of murder

Since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan last year women have lost most of their rights, jobs, chances at education and are subject to beatings for protesting

Female afghans denounce move as part of 'anti-women ideology' being reimposed by the hardline Islamists: 'Afghanistan today has turned into a dungeon for women'

Attack targets Shiite Muslim area, home to the minority Hazara community; no claim of responsibility

Demanding security assurances, mission to country cites recent incident in which 3 Afghan staff members were detained for questioning; Kabul authorities reject claim

Local unconfirmed reports say 8-10 people die in blast that occurred as people waited for visas outside mission

Russian envoy accuses Washington of destroying and robbing country with 20-year occupation; US ambassador points to oppressive Kabul regime, its support for terror