Top leaders of the United Arab Emirates will arrive&nbsp;in Kabul to meet with Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar as he prepares to build a new government in Afghanistan.

According to Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, a UAE plane carrying at least 60 tonnes of food and health products have already landed at Kabul airport on Friday.

In related news, ex-Afghan President Asraf Ghani has sought asylum in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, after Tajikistan denied his jet permission to land there.

On the request of the US, the UAE has agreed to host 5,000 Afghan people who will be evacuated from their country for ten days on their route to a third country.&nbsp;

Furthermore, the UAE has participated in the Doha peace negotiations alongside the US, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Taliban.

(With inputs from agencies)

Top leaders of the United Arab Emirates will arrive in Kabul to meet with Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar as he prepares to build a new government in Afghanistan.

Top leaders of the United Arab Emirates will arrive in Kabul to meet with Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar as he prepares to build a new government in Afghanistan. According to Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, a UAE plane carrying at least 60 tonnes of food and health products have already landed at Kabul airport on Friday. In related news, ex-Afghan President Asraf Ghani has sought asylum in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, after Tajikistan denied his jet permission to land there. On the request of the US, the UAE has agreed to host 5,000 Afghan people who will be evacuated from their country for ten days on their route to a third country. Furthermore, the UAE has participated in the Doha peace negotiations alongside the US, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Taliban. (With inputs from agencies)

As Baradar prepares to lead the new Afghan government, UAE leaders to arrive in Kabul 

In the wake of the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan, neighbouring nations and others have started bracing for the possibility of a massive migrant crisis. WION brings you a report.

Fall of Afghanistan fuels massive refugee camps

EU defence ministers have weighed proposals for the European rapid reaction force. This comes after the bloc was apparently sidelined during the US-led evacuation from Afghanistan.

EU defence ministers weigh proposals for European rapid reaction force

America's former envoy to the United Nations Nikki Haley has claimed that China might move to take over the Bagram air force base in Afghanistan that was once controlled by the US. Halley also added that China is trying to use Pakistan to get stronger to go against India.

China would 'make a move' for Bagram base, may use Pak against India says Nikki Haley

Facing criticism for the hasty withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, US President Joe Biden's approval rating has dropped to a new low of 43 per cent, according to a new Marist National Poll with NPR and PBS Newshour, marking the lowest rating for Biden since he took office.

According to Marist Poll, majorities of Americans disapprove of Biden's handling of foreign policy and of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. A large majority has also labelled the US role in Afghanistan a "failure".

"Biden's approval rating has dropped to a new low (43 per cent), while majorities of Americans disapprove of his handling of foreign policy (56 per cent) and of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan (61 per cent). Americans are split about what should have happened, but a large majority (71 per cent) label the US role in Afghanistan a "failure", Marist Poll reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-feel-betrayed-as-us-army-disabled-helicopters-and-planes-before-leaving-afghanistan-410379" hreflang="en">Taliban feel ‘betrayed’ as US army disabled helicopters and planes before leaving Afghanistan</a>

"71 per cent of Americans said that the US role in Afghanistan was a "failure" including majorities of Democrats (66 per cent), Republicans (73 per cent), and independents (75 per cent)," the poll said.

A majority of Americans said that Afghanistan "must determine its future without US involvement" while some believe it's the US duty to stay involved.

"A majority of Americans (61 per cent) say Afghanistan "must determine its future without US involvement," while 29 per cent believe the US "has a duty" to stay involved," the poll stated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-women-being-forcefully-married-to-flee-the-country-us-officials-410371" hreflang="en">Afghan women being forcefully married to flee the country: US officials</a>

"When Americans were asked how the US should have proceeded in Afghanistan, opinions are split. Nearly even percentages say all troops should have been withdrawn (37 per cent) or some should have been withdrawn and some left behind (38 per cent). Smaller proportions say no troops should have been withdrawn (10 per cent) or more troops should have been sent (5 per cent)," the poll added.

The situation in Afghanistan has been deteriorating after the Taliban seized control of the war-ravaged country. On August 15, the Afghan government fell soon after President Ashraf Ghani left the country.

Placing Presidential responsibility for the US shortcomings in Afghanistan is largely partisan, the poll highlighted that overall, Americans rank George W. Bush (36 per cent), Joe Biden (21 per cent), Barack Obama (15 per cent), and Donald Trump (12 per cent) as being most responsible. Democrats, however, list Republicans Bush (53 per cent) and Trump (22 per cent) as their top two. Republicans list Democrats Biden (38 per cent) and Obama (34 per cent) as their top two.&nbsp;

Facing criticism for the hasty withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, US President Joe Biden's approval rating has dropped to a new low of 43 per cent, according to a new Marist National Poll with NPR and PBS Newshour, marking the lowest rating for Biden since he took office.

Facing criticism for the hasty withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, US President Joe Biden's approval rating has dropped to a new low of 43 per cent, according to a new Marist National Poll with NPR and PBS Newshour, marking the lowest rating for Biden since he took office. According to Marist Poll, majorities of Americans disapprove of Biden's handling of foreign policy and of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. A large majority has also labelled the US role in Afghanistan a "failure". "Biden's approval rating has dropped to a new low (43 per cent), while majorities of Americans disapprove of his handling of foreign policy (56 per cent) and of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan (61 per cent). Americans are split about what should have happened, but a large majority (71 per cent) label the US role in Afghanistan a "failure", Marist Poll reported. Also read | Taliban feel ‘betrayed’ as US army disabled helicopters and planes before leaving Afghanistan "71 per cent of Americans said that the US role in Afghanistan was a "failure" including majorities of Democrats (66 per cent), Republicans (73 per cent), and independents (75 per cent)," the poll said. A majority of Americans said that Afghanistan "must determine its future without US involvement" while some believe it's the US duty to stay involved. "A majority of Americans (61 per cent) say Afghanistan "must determine its future without US involvement," while 29 per cent believe the US "has a duty" to stay involved," the poll stated. Also read | Afghan women being forcefully married to flee the country: US officials "When Americans were asked how the US should have proceeded in Afghanistan, opinions are split. Nearly even percentages say all troops should have been withdrawn (37 per cent) or some should have been withdrawn and some left behind (38 per cent). Smaller proportions say no troops should have been withdrawn (10 per cent) or more troops should have been sent (5 per cent)," the poll added. The situation in Afghanistan has been deteriorating after the Taliban seized control of the war-ravaged country. On August 15, the Afghan government fell soon after President Ashraf Ghani left the country. Placing Presidential responsibility for the US shortcomings in Afghanistan is largely partisan, the poll highlighted that overall, Americans rank George W. Bush (36 per cent), Joe Biden (21 per cent), Barack Obama (15 per cent), and Donald Trump (12 per cent) as being most responsible. Democrats, however, list Republicans Bush (53 per cent) and Trump (22 per cent) as their top two. Republicans list Democrats Biden (38 per cent) and Obama (34 per cent) as their top two.

Following Afghanistan withdrawal, Biden's approval rating drops to a new low

Taliban’s co-founder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/who-is-mullah-abdul-ghani-baradar-that-can-lead-new-afghanistan-government-410422">Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar</a> will be leading the Afghanistan government, as per sources.<o:p></o:p>

Sources from the Taliban have revealed that the full government will be announced sometime post the Friday afternoon prayers.

<o:p></o:p>

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Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar is to head the executive council/Government of the Afghan Taliban which would be functioning under the Emir, Taliban sources say. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>
— Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnasMallick/status/1433681883364306951?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/who-is-mullah-abdul-ghani-baradar-that-can-lead-new-afghanistan-government-410422">Baradar</a> currently handles Taliban's political office and is labelled to be one of the most important members of the leadership if the terrorist organisation.

He will also be&nbsp;joined by Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, the son of late&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;co-founder Mullah Omar, and Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, in senior positions in the government.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-feel-betrayed-as-us-army-disabled-helicopters-and-planes-before-leaving-afghanistan-410379" hreflang="en">Taliban feel ‘betrayed’ as US army disabled helicopters and planes before leaving Afghanistan</a>

Sources have claimed the Taliban's supreme leader,&nbsp;Haibatullah Akhunzada, will soon step out in public eye after years of staying in hiding, soon. He will, reportedly, concentrate on religious matters and governance of the state as per the Sharia law, sources claim.

The new government is in final stages of formation and the names are expected to be announced very soon as the top leaders have arrived in Kabul, as per sources. <o:p></o:p>

"All the top leaders have arrived in Kabul, where preparations are in final stages to announce the new government," a Taliban official told news agency Reuters.

<o:p>Taliban took control of Afghanistan on August 15 and gave the US and other countries time till August 31 to evacuate their citizens and withdraw troops from the nation. Since the beginning of September, Taliban has been planning to launch the new government, with reports of the supreme leader being present in Kandahar.</o:p>

Meanwhile, the Taliban has been working on reinstating normalcy in Afghanistan since the US troops left.&nbsp;Ariana Afghan Airlines also announced on Friday that domestic flights will now be resuming.

Taliban’s co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar will be leading the Afghanistan government, as per sources. Sources from the Taliban have revealed that the full government will be announced sometime post the Friday afternoon prayers.

Taliban’s co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar will be leading the Afghanistan government, as per sources. Sources from the Taliban have revealed that the full government will be announced sometime post the Friday afternoon prayers. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar is to head the executive council/Government of the Afghan Taliban which would be functioning under the Emir, Taliban sources say. #Afghanistan — Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) September 3, 2021 × Baradar currently handles Taliban's political office and is labelled to be one of the most important members of the leadership if the terrorist organisation. He will also be joined by Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, the son of late Taliban co-founder Mullah Omar, and Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, in senior positions in the government. Also read | Taliban feel ‘betrayed’ as US army disabled helicopters and planes before leaving Afghanistan Sources have claimed the Taliban's supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhunzada, will soon step out in public eye after years of staying in hiding, soon. He will, reportedly, concentrate on religious matters and governance of the state as per the Sharia law, sources claim. The new government is in final stages of formation and the names are expected to be announced very soon as the top leaders have arrived in Kabul, as per sources. "All the top leaders have arrived in Kabul, where preparations are in final stages to announce the new government," a Taliban official told news agency Reuters. Taliban took control of Afghanistan on August 15 and gave the US and other countries time till August 31 to evacuate their citizens and withdraw troops from the nation. Since the beginning of September, Taliban has been planning to launch the new government, with reports of the supreme leader being present in Kandahar. Meanwhile, the Taliban has been working on reinstating normalcy in Afghanistan since the US troops left. Ariana Afghan Airlines also announced on Friday that domestic flights will now be resuming.

Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar to lead new Afghan government: Sources

Big day in Kabul today. Amidst many uncertainties, the Taliban is gearing up to establish its regime. How does the Taliban intend to rule? Which Taliban leaders will be retaining control? WION's Anas Mallick brings you more details.

Taliban fine-tunes the contours of new government, will the world accept it?

As per the reports, Pakistan-based terror outfits are infiltrating India's Jammu and Kashmir. Amid the security threat, India's MEA has reiterated that India's primary concern is to prevent the use of Afghan soil for anti-India activity.

Amid security threat, MEA reiterates concern on rising terrorism

Facebook told BBC that it helped 175 citizens leave Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of the country. As per the company, some staff members were also on the flight to Mexico City.

Facebook told BBC that it helped 175 citizens leave Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of the country. As per the company, some staff members were also on the flight to Mexico City. The Mexican government confirmed the flight was carrying activists and independent journalists along with their families, including 75 children. Also read | Biden vows support to Ukraine, offers $60 million in new security aid A Facebook spokesperson was quoted by the BBC as saying, "In the process of assisting Facebook employees and close partners leave Afghanistan, we joined an effort to help a group of journalists and their families who were in grave danger". He further added, "Thanks to the leadership of the Mexican government, and the support of the UAE in providing the initial landing, the journalists have been welcomed in Mexico". The firm has declined to give any further details due to the ongoing situation in Afghanistan.

Facebook says it helped people flee amid chaos in Afghanistan

Taliban assured to protect Afghanistan soil from breeding terrorists. But report suggests there are already thousands of terrorists actively operating in Afghanistan. From Al Qaeda to Haqqani. Can the world ignore the new terror nexus taking shape in Taliban's Afghanistan?

Al-Qaeda, ISIS-K, Haqqani: 'new axis of evil' taking shape?

It isn't an unknown fact that Afghanistan is going through a lot ever since the Taliban outfit took over from the government. While the whole country is facing a huge&nbsp;unrest, there is some good news for the Afghanistan national men's cricket team as they've got the approval from Taliban group to play a one-off Test versus Australia, in Hobart, later this year.

There was huge concern regarding the future of cricket in Afghanistan post Taliban's entry. However, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) remained confident of the cricketing activities going ahead as earlier under the Taliban outfit and they have now received green signal to carry on with the Australia tour.&nbsp;

Hence, the forthcoming Test will be the first that Afghanistan will play since the Taliban's recent takeover. In this regard, the Cricket Australia (CA) has also claimed that the match was "well underway". "There is goodwill between CA and the Afghanistan Cricket Board to make the match happen, which immediately follows the ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE in which the Afghanistan team is due to play. CA will continue to work with the Australian and Tasmanian governments ahead of the Afghanistan team’s arrival planned for later this year," the spokesperson said.

Despite the Taliban outfit stating that they love cricket and won't interfere with the cricketing activities of the senior men's team, the fate of the more modest women's cricket programs remain a mystery as of now.

Talking about the one-off Test between Afghanistan and Australia, it will be held in Hobart from November 27.&nbsp;

This also puts an end the uncertainty which was surrounding Afghanistan in terms of their participation in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup, to be held from October 19 in the UAE.

It isn't an unknown fact that Afghanistan is going through a lot ever since the Taliban outfit took over from the government. While the whole country is facing a huge unrest, there is some good news for the Afghanistan national men's cricket team as they've got the approval from Taliban group to play a one-off Test versus Australia, in Hobart, later this year.

It isn't an unknown fact that Afghanistan is going through a lot ever since the Taliban outfit took over from the government. While the whole country is facing a huge unrest, there is some good news for the Afghanistan national men's cricket team as they've got the approval from Taliban group to play a one-off Test versus Australia, in Hobart, later this year. There was huge concern regarding the future of cricket in Afghanistan post Taliban's entry. However, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) remained confident of the cricketing activities going ahead as earlier under the Taliban outfit and they have now received green signal to carry on with the Australia tour. Hence, the forthcoming Test will be the first that Afghanistan will play since the Taliban's recent takeover. In this regard, the Cricket Australia (CA) has also claimed that the match was "well underway". "There is goodwill between CA and the Afghanistan Cricket Board to make the match happen, which immediately follows the ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE in which the Afghanistan team is due to play. CA will continue to work with the Australian and Tasmanian governments ahead of the Afghanistan team’s arrival planned for later this year," the spokesperson said. Despite the Taliban outfit stating that they love cricket and won't interfere with the cricketing activities of the senior men's team, the fate of the more modest women's cricket programs remain a mystery as of now. Talking about the one-off Test between Afghanistan and Australia, it will be held in Hobart from November 27. This also puts an end the uncertainty which was surrounding Afghanistan in terms of their participation in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup, to be held from October 19 in the UAE.

Big boost to Afghanistan as national side receives green signal from Taliban to play one-off Test versus Australia

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Iran's new foreign minister Amir Abdollahian on Wednesday held talks&nbsp;with top focus on the Afghanistan situation and the Chabahar port project.

It&nbsp;was the first-ever call between the two&nbsp;since the new Iran foreign minister took charge. During the meeting, the&nbsp;EAM congratulated him on his appointment as Iran’s foreign minister.

On Afghanistan, both&nbsp;sides agreed to continue consultations with the Iranian readout saying that FM Amir reiterated Tehran's "principled policy to support the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan" which is "made up of all Afghan ethnic groups". He also emphasised on a regional approach to "defuse the crisis in Afghanistan."

A tweet statement by EAM said that India, "Appreciate Iran's facilitation of our repatriation flights from Afghanistan."

India in September had evacuated more than 500 people after the fall of Kabul to the Taliban. During the evacuation process, India had coordinated with many counties including Iran, US, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and&nbsp;Oman.

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A warm congratulatory call to Iranian FM <a href="https://twitter.com/Amirabdolahian?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Amirabdolahian</a>. 
 
Agreed to strengthen our bilateral cooperation. Discussed pressing regional issues. 
 
Appreciate Iran's facilitation of our repatriation flights from Afghanistan.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1433104965862494214?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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On Chabahar, Iran's FM called for "speeding up the Chabahar project and expanding trade with India."

Chabahar port is key to India's connectivity to its West as it provides&nbsp;links to Afghanistan and central Asia&nbsp;and is a key to the international north-south transport corridor connecting Mumbai to Moscow.&nbsp;

Discussions were also held on vaccines. India had sent a consignment of COVAX to Iran as its dealt with the Covid&nbsp;crisis&nbsp;while Iran had sent assistance to India during the second wave of the coronavirus outbreak&nbsp;earlier this year.&nbsp;

Last month, Jaishankar had represented India at the oath-taking ceremony of the new Iran President Ebrahim Raisi. It&nbsp;was the second&nbsp;visit of the EAM in a matter of two&nbsp;months to Iran&nbsp;given that in July he had made a stopover in Tehran and called on Ebrahim Raisi.&nbsp;

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Iran's new foreign minister Amir Abdollahian on Wednesday held talks with top focus on the Afghanistan situation and the Chabahar port project.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Iran's new foreign minister Amir Abdollahian on Wednesday held talks with top focus on the Afghanistan situation and the Chabahar port project. It was the first-ever call between the two since the new Iran foreign minister took charge. During the meeting, the EAM congratulated him on his appointment as Iran’s foreign minister. On Afghanistan, both sides agreed to continue consultations with the Iranian readout saying that FM Amir reiterated Tehran's "principled policy to support the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan" which is "made up of all Afghan ethnic groups". He also emphasised on a regional approach to "defuse the crisis in Afghanistan." A tweet statement by EAM said that India, "Appreciate Iran's facilitation of our repatriation flights from Afghanistan." India in September had evacuated more than 500 people after the fall of Kabul to the Taliban. During the evacuation process, India had coordinated with many counties including Iran, US, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Oman. A warm congratulatory call to Iranian FM @Amirabdolahian. Agreed to strengthen our bilateral cooperation. Discussed pressing regional issues. Appreciate Iran's facilitation of our repatriation flights from Afghanistan. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 1, 2021 × On Chabahar, Iran's FM called for "speeding up the Chabahar project and expanding trade with India." Chabahar port is key to India's connectivity to its West as it provides links to Afghanistan and central Asia and is a key to the international north-south transport corridor connecting Mumbai to Moscow. Discussions were also held on vaccines. India had sent a consignment of COVAX to Iran as its dealt with the Covid crisis while Iran had sent assistance to India during the second wave of the coronavirus outbreak earlier this year. Last month, Jaishankar had represented India at the oath-taking ceremony of the new Iran President Ebrahim Raisi. It was the second visit of the EAM in a matter of two months to Iran given that in July he had made a stopover in Tehran and called on Ebrahim Raisi.

In first call, new Iran foreign minister, EAM discuss Afghanistan, Chabahar

As the Taliban cements its grip over Afghanistan after the historic withdrawal of the US troops following 20-years of war, Top US General Mark Milley has said that coordination with the Taliban to fight ISIS-K is "possible".

Mark Milley says, US coordination with Taliban possible on strikes

The Taliban has surrounded the only remaining province resisting its rule, Panjshir valley. The Taliban has called for the National Resistance Front (NRF), who defends Panjshir, to lay down their arms.

Afghanistan: Taliban calls for NRF to lay down their arms as they surrounds Panjshir Valley

An aircraft from Qatar carrying a technical team has landed in Kabul. The team will be working on the resumption of airport operations. The aim is to resume flights for humanitarian aid and freedom of movement.

Aircraft from Qatar carrying technical team lands in Kabul

European Union countries have agreed to step up humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and assistance to neighbouring countries to take in refugees. But, EU ministers debated how to prevent the feared influx of Afghans.

EU to support countries neighbouring Afghanistan to take in refugees

South Africa has declined a request to host Afghan refugees who have fled to Pakistan to escape the Taliban. The South African government has said that it is already accommodating a substantial number of refugees from other countries.

South Africa says unable to take in Afghan refugees

Two weeks after the takeover of Afghanistan and after celebrating the pullout of the US troops, the Taliban are all set to unveil the new government soon.

Sheikh Haibatullah to be named as Afghanistan's supreme authority?

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the US military intervention in Afghanistan had achieved nothing but tragedy and loss of life on all sides. He also added that the United States approach in Afghanistan has been deeply flawed.

Vladimir Putin says US foray achieved nothing but loss of life on all sides

Amid the many uncertainty in uncertainties in Afghanistan right now men's cricket is expected to continue to flourish under the new regime. The Taliban have given the green light for the Afghanistan team to honor all its existing commitments for the cricket series. WION has spoken with Afghanistan Cricket Board's CEO Hamid Shinwari.

WION speaks to Afghan Cricket Board CEO Hamid Shinwari

Over two weeks after taking over Afghanistan and celebrating the official end of the war, the Taliban is gearing up to form a new government. Reportedly, it is all set to unveil the new government soon. How does the Taliban intend to rule?

Taliban preparing to set out their new Islamic government in Afghanistan

Economic crisis adds to the misery of Afghans. The prices of everyday items are rising. Billions of dollars of aids stalled, there are restrictions on cash withdrawal from banks and the Taliban are yet to form a new government. WION's Anas Mallick gets you a ground report.

WION Ground Report: While world fears Taliban, Afghans worry about inflation

South Africa said it has declined a request to host Afghans who have fled into Pakistan to escape the Taliban, as it is already accommodating "a substantial number" of refugees from other countries.

The government said it had been approached "to consider receiving a number of Afghanistan refugees who have sought refuge in Pakistan."

"The request is that they be accommodated in South Africa en route to their final destinations," the foreign ministry said in a statement late Wednesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/women-protest-in-afghanistans-herat-over-right-to-education-work-410216" hreflang="en">Women protest in Afghanistan's Herat over right to education, work</a>

"The South African government is unfortunately not in a position to accommodate such a request."

It said the country "is already home to a substantial number of refugees and is seized with addressing their needs.&nbsp;

"Most of them already benefit from the social assistance and free medical health programmes offered by our country."

The most industrialised nation on the continent, South Africa is a major destination for economic migrants from neighbouring countries and beyond.

The country also boasts one of the world's most progressive refugee policies, which helped attract more than a million asylum-seekers between 2007 and 2015.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-shows-off-its-might-by-carrying-out-parade-with-us-armys-weapons-410042" hreflang="en">Taliban shows off its might by carrying out parade with US army's weapons</a>

But the processing of their paperwork was backlogged even before the pandemic and most find themselves stuck in limbo after applications are rejected, according to rights groups.&nbsp;

The Taliban celebrated Tuesday after the last US troops left the country, ending 20 years of war.

The Islamists' return to power forced Western countries to evacuate their citizens and Afghans fear reprisals from the Taliban for having worked for the foreign forces in the country.

"In terms of international law, the well-being of the refugees is best served by remaining in the first country of arrival -- Pakistan -- pending their final destinations," the South African statement said.

Pretoria on Thursday said it had evacuated 35 of 36 South African nationals who had registered their presence in Afghanistan.

Uganda last week accommodated 51 Afghan evacuees.

The east African country said it would provide them with temporary refuge following a request from the US government to temporarily host "at risk" Afghan nationals and others who are in transit to other destinations.&nbsp;

South Africa said it has declined a request to host Afghans who have fled into Pakistan to escape the Taliban, as it is already accommodating "a substantial number" of refugees from other countries.

South Africa said it has declined a request to host Afghans who have fled into Pakistan to escape the Taliban, as it is already accommodating "a substantial number" of refugees from other countries. The government said it had been approached "to consider receiving a number of Afghanistan refugees who have sought refuge in Pakistan." "The request is that they be accommodated in South Africa en route to their final destinations," the foreign ministry said in a statement late Wednesday. Also read | Women protest in Afghanistan's Herat over right to education, work "The South African government is unfortunately not in a position to accommodate such a request." It said the country "is already home to a substantial number of refugees and is seized with addressing their needs. "Most of them already benefit from the social assistance and free medical health programmes offered by our country." The most industrialised nation on the continent, South Africa is a major destination for economic migrants from neighbouring countries and beyond. The country also boasts one of the world's most progressive refugee policies, which helped attract more than a million asylum-seekers between 2007 and 2015. Also read | Taliban shows off its might by carrying out parade with US army's weapons But the processing of their paperwork was backlogged even before the pandemic and most find themselves stuck in limbo after applications are rejected, according to rights groups. The Taliban celebrated Tuesday after the last US troops left the country, ending 20 years of war. The Islamists' return to power forced Western countries to evacuate their citizens and Afghans fear reprisals from the Taliban for having worked for the foreign forces in the country. "In terms of international law, the well-being of the refugees is best served by remaining in the first country of arrival -- Pakistan -- pending their final destinations," the South African statement said. Pretoria on Thursday said it had evacuated 35 of 36 South African nationals who had registered their presence in Afghanistan. Uganda last week accommodated 51 Afghan evacuees. The east African country said it would provide them with temporary refuge following a request from the US government to temporarily host "at risk" Afghan nationals and others who are in transit to other destinations.

Western Union announced on Thursday that it would resume its money transfer service to Afghanistan as the Taliban deal with enormous economic hurdles following their takeover last month.

"Western Union is pleased to share that it is resuming its money transfer services into Afghanistan, starting September 2, so that our customers can once again send money and support their loved ones at this time," a spokesperson said.

"We understand the urgent needs of our customers and their families and are committed to supporting them," the spokesperson said, adding that Western Union would waive transfer fees from September 3 through 17.

Remittances from Afghans living abroad are crucial for the impoverished country's economy and amounted to almost $789 billion last year, according to the World Bank.

The Washington-based development bank last week announced it would suspend aid to Afghanistan, saying it was "deeply concerned about the situation in Afghanistan and the impact on the country's development prospects, especially for women."

The IMF announced shortly after the Taliban's takeover that it would suspend its assistance to the country, citing uncertainty surrounding its leadership.

Western Union announced on Thursday that it would resume its money transfer service to Afghanistan as the Taliban deal with enormous economic hurdles following their takeover last month.

Western Union announced on Thursday that it would resume its money transfer service to Afghanistan as the Taliban deal with enormous economic hurdles following their takeover last month. "Western Union is pleased to share that it is resuming its money transfer services into Afghanistan, starting September 2, so that our customers can once again send money and support their loved ones at this time," a spokesperson said. "We understand the urgent needs of our customers and their families and are committed to supporting them," the spokesperson said, adding that Western Union would waive transfer fees from September 3 through 17. Remittances from Afghans living abroad are crucial for the impoverished country's economy and amounted to almost $789 billion last year, according to the World Bank. The Washington-based development bank last week announced it would suspend aid to Afghanistan, saying it was "deeply concerned about the situation in Afghanistan and the impact on the country's development prospects, especially for women." The IMF announced shortly after the Taliban's takeover that it would suspend its assistance to the country, citing uncertainty surrounding its leadership.

Western Union is restarting money transfer services to Afghanistan

Defending Britain's withdrawal from Afghanistan after the Taliban swept across the country, UK foreign minister Dominic Raab said intelligence assessment indicated that Kabul's fall this year was unlikely.

Dominic Raab: Intel said Kabul won't fall this year, UK wants diplomatic presence in Afghanistan

The Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan is, first and foremost, a tragedy for Afghans. The world’s attention is rightly focused on trying to help those desperately trying to flee the country and worrying about those left behind, notably women and girls.

But it is also a severe blow to the West. Europe and the United States were united as never before in Afghanistan: It was the first time that NATO’s Article 5, committing all members to defend one another, was invoked. And for many years, Europeans provided a strong military commitment and an important economic aid program, amounting to a total of 17.2 billion euros, or $20.3 billion.

But in the end, the timing and nature of the withdrawal were set in Washington. We Europeans found ourselves — not only for the evacuations out of the Kabul airport but also more broadly — depending on American decisions.

That should serve as a wake-up call for anyone who cares about the Atlantic alliance. The United States understandably does not want to do everything alone. To become a more capable ally, Europe must invest more in its security capabilities and develop the ability to think and act in strategic terms. The events in Afghanistan have been harrowing. But they should lead us to deepen, not divide, the alliance with America. And to strengthen our cooperation, Europe must step up.

To do so, we first need to have a shared sense of the threats we face and how best to address them — a common strategic culture. In that vein, the European Union is working on a European Strategic Compass, a document that will precisely define our ambitions for security and defense for the next five to 10 years.

Member states are fully involved in this exercise. Some, for example, have suggested the creation of a European “initial entry force,” consisting of about 5,000 troops, that could undertake rapid and robust action. Helping to secure an airport in challenging circumstances, as in Kabul, could be the type of operation we aim for in the future. By embracing the spirit and potential of collaboration, we hope the document — to be issued in spring 2022 — will serve as a guide to our collective future.

It’s an uncertain future, full of threats in different domains, including cyberspace, the sea and outer space. That’s why it’s vital that Europeans, whether in NATO, the United Nations or the E.U., work together more on defense. Alongside increasing pivotal military capabilities — airlift and refueling, command and control, strategic reconnaissance and space-based assets — we need forces that are more capable, more deployable and more interoperable. Efforts to achieve just that, in the form of several initiatives, are already underway.

But we must go further and faster. The European Defence Fund, established to boost the bloc’s defense capabilities, will receive close to 8 billion euros, or $9.4 billion, over the next six years. That should be used to significantly support collaborative research and the development of much-needed defense technologies.

A more strategically autonomous and militarily capable E.U. would be better able to address the challenges to come in Europe’s neighborhood and beyond. It would also, I am convinced, be a boon for the United States and in the interest of the Atlantic alliance. After all, any partnership needs capable allies and political trust.

The task could not be more urgent. The Taliban’s return to power brings with it the risk of renewed terrorist attacks, a growth in drug trafficking and a large amount of irregular migration. We must be resolute in combating these threats, as well as in responding to a changed regional landscape. China, Russia and Iran will have greater sway in the region, while Pakistan, India, Turkey and Gulf monarchies will all reposition themselves. We cannot let them be the only interlocutors with Afghanistan after the Western withdrawal. Europe, along with the United States, has to reframe its engagement.

Not least with the Taliban themselves. After failing to prevent their capture of the country, we will now have to deal with them, carefully weighing our options and working for a coordinated international approach. That must be subject, of course, to clear conditions on their behavior, notably respect for human rights.

What’s more, we must continue supporting the Afghan people, especially minorities and women and girls. To this end, the European Commission has already decided to quadruple its humanitarian aid this year to 200 million euros, or $236 million, while suspending development aid. And though it will be a challenge, we will have to find ways to get humanitarian aid in and delivered — and safe passage out for those who feel under imminent threat.

The events in Afghanistan are not an invitation to withdraw from further international challenges. On the contrary, they should embolden Europe to deepen its alliances and strengthen its commitment — and ability — to defend its interests.

Some events catalyze history: The Afghanistan debacle is one of them. We Europeans must learn its lessons.

(Josep Borrell Fontelles is the European Union’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, and vice president of the European Commission)

The Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan is, first and foremost, a tragedy for Afghans. The world’s attention is rightly focused on trying to help those desperately trying to flee the country and worrying about those left behind, notably women and girls.

The Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan is, first and foremost, a tragedy for Afghans. The world’s attention is rightly focused on trying to help those desperately trying to flee the country and worrying about those left behind, notably women and girls. But it is also a severe blow to the West. Europe and the United States were united as never before in Afghanistan: It was the first time that NATO’s Article 5, committing all members to defend one another, was invoked. And for many years, Europeans provided a strong military commitment and an important economic aid program, amounting to a total of 17.2 billion euros, or $20.3 billion. But in the end, the timing and nature of the withdrawal were set in Washington. We Europeans found ourselves — not only for the evacuations out of the Kabul airport but also more broadly — depending on American decisions. That should serve as a wake-up call for anyone who cares about the Atlantic alliance. The United States understandably does not want to do everything alone. To become a more capable ally, Europe must invest more in its security capabilities and develop the ability to think and act in strategic terms. The events in Afghanistan have been harrowing. But they should lead us to deepen, not divide, the alliance with America. And to strengthen our cooperation, Europe must step up. To do so, we first need to have a shared sense of the threats we face and how best to address them — a common strategic culture. In that vein, the European Union is working on a European Strategic Compass, a document that will precisely define our ambitions for security and defense for the next five to 10 years. Member states are fully involved in this exercise. Some, for example, have suggested the creation of a European “initial entry force,” consisting of about 5,000 troops, that could undertake rapid and robust action. Helping to secure an airport in challenging circumstances, as in Kabul, could be the type of operation we aim for in the future. By embracing the spirit and potential of collaboration, we hope the document — to be issued in spring 2022 — will serve as a guide to our collective future. It’s an uncertain future, full of threats in different domains, including cyberspace, the sea and outer space. That’s why it’s vital that Europeans, whether in NATO, the United Nations or the E.U., work together more on defense. Alongside increasing pivotal military capabilities — airlift and refueling, command and control, strategic reconnaissance and space-based assets — we need forces that are more capable, more deployable and more interoperable. Efforts to achieve just that, in the form of several initiatives, are already underway. But we must go further and faster. The European Defence Fund, established to boost the bloc’s defense capabilities, will receive close to 8 billion euros, or $9.4 billion, over the next six years. That should be used to significantly support collaborative research and the development of much-needed defense technologies. A more strategically autonomous and militarily capable E.U. would be better able to address the challenges to come in Europe’s neighborhood and beyond. It would also, I am convinced, be a boon for the United States and in the interest of the Atlantic alliance. After all, any partnership needs capable allies and political trust. The task could not be more urgent. The Taliban’s return to power brings with it the risk of renewed terrorist attacks, a growth in drug trafficking and a large amount of irregular migration. We must be resolute in combating these threats, as well as in responding to a changed regional landscape. China, Russia and Iran will have greater sway in the region, while Pakistan, India, Turkey and Gulf monarchies will all reposition themselves. We cannot let them be the only interlocutors with Afghanistan after the Western withdrawal. Europe, along with the United States, has to reframe its engagement. Not least with the Taliban themselves. After failing to prevent their capture of the country, we will now have to deal with them, carefully weighing our options and working for a coordinated international approach. That must be subject, of course, to clear conditions on their behavior, notably respect for human rights. What’s more, we must continue supporting the Afghan people, especially minorities and women and girls. To this end, the European Commission has already decided to quadruple its humanitarian aid this year to 200 million euros, or $236 million, while suspending development aid. And though it will be a challenge, we will have to find ways to get humanitarian aid in and delivered — and safe passage out for those who feel under imminent threat. The events in Afghanistan are not an invitation to withdraw from further international challenges. On the contrary, they should embolden Europe to deepen its alliances and strengthen its commitment — and ability — to defend its interests. Some events catalyze history: The Afghanistan debacle is one of them. We Europeans must learn its lessons. (Josep Borrell Fontelles is the European Union’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, and vice president of the European Commission)

Europe, Afghanistan Is Your Wake-Up Call

Top US General Mark Milley said on Wednesday that it is “possible” the United States will seek to coordinate with the Taliban on counterterrorism strikes in Afghanistan against Islamic State militants or others.

Pentagon says US coordination with Taliban against ISIS-K 'possible'

In a July 23 call with Ashraf Ghani, Joe Biden admitted the tide was changing in the Afghan war. He pulled out US contractors despite promising to keep the Afghan air force flying. Palki Sharma tells you why this call transcript is the smoking gun.

Gravitas: Biden-Ghani phone call exposes America's lies

Al-Qaeda congratulated the Taliban on their victory in Afghanistan, saying it is time for the next stage of jihad. The terror group also called for the liberation of Levant, Somalia, Yemen and Kashmir. How will the Taliban respond? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Al-Qaeda calls for liberation of Kashmir

As the world focuses on Afghanistan, China is pushing with its world domination plans. Beijing has opened a road-rail link to the Indian Ocean via Myanmar. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: China opens road-rail transport link to Indian Ocean

The United Nations' top human rights official in Afghanistan has meanwhile warned that the country is descending into a humanitarian catastrophe. The country is facing conflict drought and the shortage of international aid is already hitting the population days after the US military ended its mission in the country. The UN official warned that by the end of September stocks provided by the world food program will run out.

UN warns of catastrophic famine in Afghanistan

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Dominic Raab: Intel said Kabul won't fall this year, UK wants diplomatic presence in Afghanistan

Europe, Afghanistan Is Your Wake-Up Call