🎧 Audio
📖 Script
In recent months, tensions have increased between Pakistan and Afghanistan, leading to violent clashes along their shared border. This situation has worsened, with reports of strikes hitting Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, and other major cities. The conflict has a long history, rooted in political disagreements and territorial disputes that have existed for decades. Both countries have accused each other of supporting militant groups that operate along the border, further complicating the situation.
The border, known as the Durand Line, was established in the 19th century during British colonial rule. However, Afghanistan has never fully recognized this border, leading to frequent disagreements. The current clashes are the most intense in recent years, raising concerns among international observers about the potential for a larger conflict in the region.
Many people living in the border areas are affected by the ongoing violence. Families have been forced to flee their homes, seeking safety in less volatile regions. The humanitarian situation is worsening, with shortages of food and medical supplies reported in several areas. International organizations have called for an immediate ceasefire and urged both governments to engage in dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully.
The impact of this conflict extends beyond the two countries, affecting regional stability in South Asia. Neighboring countries are watching the situation closely, concerned about the possibility of increased refugee flows and the spread of violence. The international community is also involved, with several countries offering to mediate talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in hopes of finding a peaceful solution.
Despite these efforts, achieving peace remains challenging. The deep-seated mistrust between the two nations, coupled with ongoing security concerns, makes it difficult to reach a lasting agreement. However, continued diplomatic efforts and international pressure may help to de-escalate the situation and pave the way for a more stable future in the region.
📝 Vocabulary
- clash: a conflict or fight（衝突）
例文: “The clash between the two countries has caused a lot of concern globally.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- violent clash
- border clash
- political clash
- escalate: to increase or intensify（エスカレートする）
例文: “The situation escalated quickly after the initial disagreement.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- escalate tensions
- escalate violence
- escalate conflict
- border: a line separating two countries（国境）
例文: “The border between the two countries is heavily guarded.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- border control
- border security
- border crossing
- humanitarian: related to human welfare（人道的な）
例文: “The organization provided humanitarian aid to refugees.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- humanitarian crisis
- humanitarian aid
- humanitarian effort
- mediate: to intervene in a dispute to resolve it（仲介する）
例文: “The UN has offered to mediate talks between the conflicting parties.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- mediate a dispute
- mediate negotiations
- mediate peace
✏️ Grammar Point
Present Perfect Tense – “This situation has worsened, with reports of strikes hitting Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, and other major cities.”
文法の日本語補足を見る
💡 使用場面
現在完了形は、過去から続いている状況や経験を表現する際に使われます。ビジネスでは、過去の成果や経験を説明する際に役立ちます。
📝 使用例文
“例: In a business meeting, you might say: ‘If we cut costs now, we can increase our profit margin next quarter.’”
❓ Listening Questions
- True/False: The conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan is a recent issue with no historical background.
- MCQ: What is the main reason for the clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan?
a) Economic disputes
b) Territorial disputes
c) Cultural differences
d) Trade disagreements - MCQ: What has been the impact of the conflict on people living in the border areas?
a) Improved living conditions
b) Increased trade opportunities
c) Families fleeing their homes
d) Better security measures
🔑 Listening Answersを見る
- False
- b) Territorial disputes
- c) Families fleeing their homes
📚 Reading Questions
- What is the historical name of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan?
- Why might neighboring countries be concerned about the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan?
- What does the word “mediate” mean in the context of the script?
🔑 Reading Answersを見る
- The Durand Line
- They are concerned about increased refugee flows and the spread of violence.
- To intervene in a dispute to resolve it
🇯🇵 日本語での経済ニュース解説
パキスタンとアフガニスタンの国境での衝突は、地域の安定性に影響を与えています。この衝突は、両国間の歴史的な領土紛争に根ざしており、特に国境地域に住む人々の生活を脅かしています。国際社会は、紛争の悪化を防ぐために介入を試みていますが、両国の深い不信感が解決を困難にしています。この衝突が続くと、地域の経済活動や国際貿易に悪影響を及ぼす可能性があります。将来的には、国際的な圧力と外交努力が、より安定した地域の未来を築く鍵となるでしょう。
