WORLD
World leaders, experts criticise US policy in Afghanistan
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has said that the sudden downfall of the Afghan government and the Taliban's swift takeover has cast a "long shadow" over the West's efforts to build a stable and lasting community, the Xinhua news agency reported. "Scenes of despair at Kabul airport are shameful for the political West," Steinmeier said in a statement.
Taliban should realise they also have 'mothers-sisters': Livid Muslim women activists
As stories of the horrors allegedly meted out on the distressed Afghan women trickled out, Indian feminists expressed serious concerns over their safety, security, dignity and human rights, and point out that the Taliban should realize they also have 'Maa-Behen' (Mothers-Sisters) and must equally respect all women of their country.
At least 40 people died in Kabul airport shooting & stampede since Monday
The Taliban say that they are making every effort to bring lasting peace and progress in Afghanistan. "They shouldn't be (hanging onto) airplanes of the foreigners, 30 to 40 people were killed and wounded in the airport yesterday (Monday), they should remain in their homes, there will be no problem for them," said Mohibullah Hekmat, the Taliban commander at the airport.
Taliban denied access to $9.5 bn of Afghan money
Ajmal Ahmady, acting head of Da Afghan Bank, the nation's central bank, early Monday tweeted that he learned on Friday that shipments of dollars would stop as the US tried to block any Taliban effort to gain access to the funds. DAB has $9.5 billion in assets, a sizeable portion of which is in accounts with the New York Federal Reserve and US-based financial institutions.
Regional powers drive Afghan diplomacy as Washington's star fades
In the new pecking order, the tiny Emirate of Qatar, which has in the last decade punched far beyond its weight has stolen the limelight as the Taliban rivuleted into Kabul and the Americans hastily rushed to Kabul airport to mark an unceremonious exit. The images of a superpower in retreat that followed marked a pivotal moment in the world's perception, including of its allies of Washington's fragility.
Will Afghanistan's heritage marvels survive a resurgent Taliban?
There is a widespread concern as to what will happen to the treasure trove of ancient heritage objects, artefacts and museums that house them, which till present have been reported to be safe. Uncertainty looms large as heritage projects in the country run by the British Council have been suspended. In fact, their office is now closed.
US says evacuation at Kabul airport safe despite stampede & shooting incidents
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that the US was in contact with the Taliban and was told that they are prepared to provide a safe passage of civilians to the airport. Earlier in the day, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said that US commanders on the ground had held discussions with the Taliban outside the airport, without providing further details.
Kabul airport now open to civilian air traffic
A statement by Centcom reads that the US is now taking control of the airport to ensure the reinforcement of the US military and evacuation of its nationals and their Afghan colleagues. Earlier, US President Joe Biden had also warned the Taliban to be facing swift and forceful response in case they attack any US military personnel or nationals in Kabul.
Pakistan Taliban declares allegiance to Kabul, vows to crush Islamabad
"I, on behalf of Mujahidin of TTP, would like to congratulate Ameer-ul-Momineen Hibatullah Akhundzada on this blessed victory. Congratulations to Mullah Yaqub & Mullah Baradar," says, the TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud, "This victory is the victory of the entire Muslim Ummah and the future of the entire Islamic Ummah depends on it." The TTP chief said that he has good ties with them. He further vowed to continue the struggle against Pakistan.
‘Greatest embarrassment in US history’: Trump slams Biden for not 'well enough' handling of Afghanistan situation
Talking to Sean Hannity of Fox News, Trump said that withdrawing troops from Afghanistan is a great thing, however, the execution is not being handled well enough. He further said that if it were up to him, he would’ve gotten Americans and equipment out of the country before military personnel.
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