Page 37 - Afghanistan
Qatar emerges as key player in Afghanistan after US pullout
Qatar played an outsized role in US efforts to evacuate tens of thousands of people from Afghanistan. Now the tiny Gulf Arab state is being asked to help shape what is next for Afghanistan because of its ties with both Washington and the Taliban, who are in charge in Kabul. Qatar will be among global heavyweights on Monday when US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hosts a virtual meeting to discuss a coordinated approach for the days ahead, as the US completes its withdrawal from Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover of the country. The meeting will also include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, Turkey, the European Union and NATO. Qatar has also reportedly been asked by the Taliban to provide civilian technical assistance at Kabul's international airport, once the US military withdrawal is complete on Tuesday. Authorities in Qatar have not commented on the reports. Meanwhile, international UN agencies are asking Qatar for help and support in deliveri
 "Qatar emerges as key player in Afghanistan after US pullout")
Afghanistan: Rockets fired at Kabul airport amid US withdrawal hit homes
Rocket fire apparently targeting Kabul's international airport struck a nearby neighbourhood on Monday, the eve of the deadline for American troops to withdraw from the country's longest war
US evacuation ops continue uninterrupted at Kabul Airport after attack: WH
The evacuation operations at Kabul airport continue to remain "uninterrupted" following the rocket attack, confirmed the White House on Monday.
 "US evacuation ops continue uninterrupted at Kabul Airport after attack: WH")
Most Americans killed in Kabul airport attack were '9/11 babies': Report
Twelve of the 13 US service members killed in the August 26 Kabul airport bombing were "9/11 babies", according to media reports
 "Most Americans killed in Kabul airport attack were '9/11 babies': Report")
Multiple rockets fired at Kabul airport, intercepted by defense system: US
The official said initial reports did not indicate any US casualties, but that information could change
 "Multiple rockets fired at Kabul airport, intercepted by defense system: US")
US has evacuated all Afghan embassy staff and their families: Report
The United States has evacuated all the local Afghan staffers at the US Embassy in Afghanistan along with their families, said media reports.
No discussions at UNSC on sending UN peacekeeping to Afghanistan: Report
The UN Security Council is not engaged in any discussions regarding the possibility of sending a UN peacekeeping mission to Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover, a UNSC source said
 "No discussions at UNSC on sending UN peacekeeping to Afghanistan: Report")
Afghan children 'at greater risk than ever', top UNICEF official warns
Afghan children have paid the heaviest price in recent weeks of increased conflict and insecurity, said a UN Children's Fund senior official, adding that the world "cannot abandon them now"
 "Afghan children 'at greater risk than ever', top UNICEF official warns")
We want to maintain trade, political ties with India: Taliban leader
The Taliban wants to maintain Afghanistan's trade, economic and political relations with India, senior leader Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai said while describing it's an important nation in the region
 "We want to maintain trade, political ties with India: Taliban leader")
Afghan official says three children killed in US drone strike on IS
An Afghan official says three children were killed in a drone strike that US officials said struck a vehicle carrying Islamic State suicide bombers
 "Afghan official says three children killed in US drone strike on IS")
Blinken to host ministerial meeting with key partners on Afghanistan
US Secretary of State Tony Blinken on Monday will host a virtual ministerial meeting with key partners on Afghanistan, his spokesperson said
 "Blinken to host ministerial meeting with key partners on Afghanistan")
India's soft power, investments in Afghanistan lead to diplomatic dead end
As Afghanistan falls into chaos, India doesn't have any leverage to ensure the country doesn't become a security threat
 "India's soft power, investments in Afghanistan lead to diplomatic dead end")
US aware of reports of civilian casualties in Kabul drone strike: Pentagon
The United States is aware of reports of civilian casualties in Kabul following its drone strike on an explosive-laden vehicle headed towards the Hamid Karzai International Airport, the Pentagon said
US in final phase of evacuations from Kabul; Taliban seize 3 airport gates
"The whole airport is slowly coming under the control of the Taliban," Enhamullah Samangani, a member of the group's Cultural Commission, said by telephone
Afghan crisis: US drone strikes vehicle with 'bombers' on way to airport
US President warns second Kabul airport terror attack likely in hours
 "Afghan crisis: US drone strikes vehicle with 'bombers' on way to airport")
There's little in common between US' ignoble exit from Vietnam, Afghanistan
Once the war was over, Vietnam was eager to embrace America against its historic enemy, China
 "There's little in common between US' ignoble exit from Vietnam, Afghanistan")
Haryana govt assures all possible help to students from Afghanistan
Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala said necessary instructions in this regard have also been conveyed to vice-chancellors of universities
 "Haryana govt assures all possible help to students from Afghanistan")
Turkish President Erdogan signals willingness to develop Afghanistan
He said the Taliban's reformist approach to issues such as women's rights would be taken into consideration in any future negotiations.
 "Turkish President Erdogan signals willingness to develop Afghanistan")
Pope Francis expresses great worry on situation in Afghanistan
The pontiff says that in historic moments like these, we cannot remain indifferent. He asked the faithful to intensify prayer and fasting, seeking mercy and forgiveness.
 "Pope Francis expresses great worry on situation in Afghanistan")
Nearly 2,900 more people evacuated from Kabul: US before final drawdown
With the final drawdown of foreign forces from Afghanistan just a few hours away, the United States has evacuated nearly 2,900 more people from Kabul
 "Nearly 2,900 more people evacuated from Kabul: US before final drawdown")
