Biden’s defence: We gave Afghans a chance to shape their future, but they lacked the will to fight for it
US President Joe Biden said he stands “squarely behind” his decision to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan in remarks prompted by the rapid takeover of the country by Taliban forces in recent days. Speaking to reporters assembled in the East Room at the White House, Biden set out the strategic...
Fears al Shabab will attempt to replicate in Somalia what Taliban militia did in Afghanistan
The Taliban’s swift takeover of Afghanistan has raised concerns that it could encourage other Islamist militant groups around the world, such as al-Shabab in Somalia to attempt the same in countries where they have a foothold. Experts warn that when and if international forces there try to hand over security...
Media organisations appeal to Biden administration to protect 300 journalists caught up in Afghanistan’s swift fall
An international organisation that that defends freedom of expression, safety and rights of journalists to carry out their work without inhibitions has called upon the United States to protect media workers in Afghanistan after the Middle East country fell under the control of the Taliban Islamic fundamentalists. In a statement...
Ruthless Chelsea boss Tuchel tells three midfielders to get new clubs in two weeks
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has told three current stars who cost a combined £90 million ($106 million) to “organise moves elsewhere ”, according to a report. Despite defending champions Man City breaking the British transfer record to sign Jack Grealish, many people’s tip for the...
DRC and US counter-terror forces pursue Islamic militia that’s killed 6,000 in seven years
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi has authorised US special forces to help the Congolese army battle the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed group linked to ISIL (ISIS). The ADF, which the United States has deemed a “terrorist” group, is considered the deadliest of dozens of armed...
Abdul Ghani Baradar: Taliban poised to become president of Afghanistan after ouster of US-backed Ashraf regime
With Taliban seizing control of Kabul and all top provincial capitals of Afghanistan, its top leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar is most likely to become the next president of the war-ravaged nation. On Sunday, speculation was rife that Abdul Ghani Baradar would transform into the brand-new president of Afghanistan by...
Fall of Kabul: No reason to believe a new Taliban regime in Afghanistan won’t be another humanitarian eyesore
Afghanistan’s US-trained forces appeared to readily collapse in the face of a concerted push by Taliban forces. Names and places that became familiar to Americans during their country’s long involvement there – including Kunduz and Kandahar – fell like dominoes in recent days as the Taliban swept toward the capital....
Election win by Zambian opposition Hichilema sets stage for Lusaka to resume lending talks with IMF
Opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema has defeated incumbent Edgar Lungu in Zambia’s presidential election, the electoral commission declared when releasing the final results from 156 constituencies, barring one. The election was keenly followed by investors, who had temporarily suspended engagement with Africa’s second biggest copper producer, which made the continent’s first...
Muhammad Ali’s grandson Nico Ali Walsh wins first professional boxing fight via TKO
Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of Muhammad Ali, has won his first professional boxing fight after a first-round stoppage in Oklahoma, USA. Ali Walsh, who wore trunks made for his legendary grandfather, claimed victory against Jordan Weeks just one minute and 49 seconds into the first round. The 21-year-old is...
Man United manager confident Varane will give him ‘some much-needed strength in depth’ in squad
Raphael Varane received an outstanding reception as Manchester United’s new signing was paraded in front of a packed Old Trafford before their Premier League opener against rivals Leeds. Having announced a deal had been struck to sign the France international on July 27, the completion of the 28-year-old’s signing has...
