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

Amid growing political uncertainty, Taliban to make new announcement

The Taliban has surrounded the only remaining province resisting its rule since the fall of Kabul. The valleys of Panjshir has been the only province to hold out against the group. The Taliban has called for the national resistance front who defend Panjshir to lay down their arms.

Afghanistan: Taliban claim to surround Panjshir valley

In Afghanistan the Taliban showcased a parade on the streets of Kandahar city. Taliban fighters drove US armoured vehicles with fighters perched on the humvees carrying guns and showing off the military equipment captured during their takeover of Afghanistan.

Afghanistan: Taliban showcased a parade on the streets of Kandahar city

Doctors in Poland said on Thursday that a five-year-old Afghan boy evacuated from Kabul had died after eating poisonous mushrooms. They also said that his six-year-old brother is close to death.

Both boys arrived in Poland along with their family on August 23. They were in quarantine at facility for migrants in the town of Podkowa Lesna near Warsaw.&nbsp;

The boys ate the mushrooms a&nbsp;day after they arrived. They, along with their sister were taken to hospital on August 26 and 27. Their sister was later discharged.

An investigation has been opened into the incident.

Jakub Dudziak, a spokesman for the Office for Foreigners, denied a press report that the children had eaten the mushrooms because they were not being fed sufficiently at the centre.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/women-protest-in-afghanistans-herat-over-right-to-education-work-410216">Women protest in Afghanistan's Herat over right to education, work</a>

Speaking earlier this week, he said the evacuees are given "three meals a day, consisting of varied ingredients with appropriate calorific value, including dairy products, meat, vegetables, fruit and drinks".

"In connection with this unfortunate accident, employees of centres for foreigners will sensitise Afghan citizens not to consume products of unknown origin," Dudziak said.

The news portal OKO.press reported that the children's father, an accountant, worked for several years for the British army.

After the Taliban took over Afghanistan, the family was evacuated by the Polish military at Britain's request.

(With inputs from agencies)

Doctors in Poland said on Thursday that a five-year-old Afghan boy evacuated from Kabul had died after eating poisonous mushrooms. They also said that his six-year-old brother is close to death.

Doctors in Poland said on Thursday that a five-year-old Afghan boy evacuated from Kabul had died after eating poisonous mushrooms. They also said that his six-year-old brother is close to death. Both boys arrived in Poland along with their family on August 23. They were in quarantine at facility for migrants in the town of Podkowa Lesna near Warsaw. The boys ate the mushrooms a day after they arrived. They, along with their sister were taken to hospital on August 26 and 27. Their sister was later discharged. An investigation has been opened into the incident. Jakub Dudziak, a spokesman for the Office for Foreigners, denied a press report that the children had eaten the mushrooms because they were not being fed sufficiently at the centre. Also Read | Women protest in Afghanistan's Herat over right to education, work Speaking earlier this week, he said the evacuees are given "three meals a day, consisting of varied ingredients with appropriate calorific value, including dairy products, meat, vegetables, fruit and drinks". "In connection with this unfortunate accident, employees of centres for foreigners will sensitise Afghan citizens not to consume products of unknown origin," Dudziak said. The news portal OKO.press reported that the children's father, an accountant, worked for several years for the British army. After the Taliban took over Afghanistan, the family was evacuated by the Polish military at Britain's request. (With inputs from agencies)

Boy evacuated from Afghanistan dies from eating poisonous mushrooms in Poland

Vatican’s Pope Francis criticised the 'forever war' in Afghanistan and blamed west’s two-decade long involvement in it. He expressed his emotions by quoting words of Vladimir Putin, but incorrectly attributed them to the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel.

During a radio interview on Wednesday, the Pope was questioned about the recent crisis in Afghanistan since the Taliban took control of the South Asian country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-takes-time-out-with-some-foosball-407253" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-takes-time-out-with-some-foosball-407253&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiu_finheDyAhVeILcAHZVBAVEQFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2C3QWsh_vtK9CoP2Fw9MpX" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-takes-time-out-with-some-foosball-407253" target="_blank">Pope&nbsp;Francis takes time out with some Foosball</a>

"It is necessary to put an end to the irresponsible policy of intervening from outside and building democracy in other countries, ignoring the traditions of the peoples," the Pope said.

Pope assumed these words were spoken by German Chancellor Angela Merkel whom he called "one of the world's greatest political figures". However, the words were actually said by Russian President Vladimir Putin when Merkel was visiting Moscow last month.

Putin had said these words on August 20 while criticising the West over its involvement in Afghan crisis. The Russian leader believes that the Western countries have forcefully enforced their own version of democracy but have not been able to help the Afghans appropriately.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/learn-to-switch-off-says-pope-francis-after-successful-surgery-398866" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/learn-to-switch-off-says-pope-francis-after-successful-surgery-398866&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiu_finheDyAhVeILcAHZVBAVEQFnoECAAQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2CWAi0hrwDmLr8V8NRwN7N" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/learn-to-switch-off-says-pope-francis-after-successful-surgery-398866" target="_blank">Learn to switch off, says&nbsp;Pope&nbsp;Francis after successful surgery</a>

Merkel had then joined his narrative and agreed that the operation has failed to substantiate a proper and democratic future for Afghans, as the Taliban took control of the country.

"We did not want to force any system on Afghanistan," Merkel had said. "But we saw that millions of girls were glad to go to school and that women could participate. There are many in Afghanistan who are very, very unhappy about developments now."

Merkel’s spokesperson has said her stand on the Afghan crisis is well known and has been repeated during recent speech in German Parliament. However, there has been no official statement on the Pope slip-up.

Meanwhile, the radio station has claimed that they had assumed the content was vetted by the Pope himself and his team.

"I don’t know whether there will be a review or not (about what happened during the withdrawal), but certainly there was a lot of deception perhaps on the part of the new (Afghan) authorities," Pope had added. "I say deceit or a lot of naivety."

Vatican’s Pope Francis criticised the 'forever war' in Afghanistan and blamed west’s two-decade long involvement in it. He expressed his emotions by quoting words of Vladimir Putin, but incorrectly attributed them to the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel.

Vatican’s Pope Francis criticised the 'forever war' in Afghanistan and blamed west’s two-decade long involvement in it. He expressed his emotions by quoting words of Vladimir Putin, but incorrectly attributed them to the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel. During a radio interview on Wednesday, the Pope was questioned about the recent crisis in Afghanistan since the Taliban took control of the South Asian country. Also read | Pope Francis takes time out with some Foosball "It is necessary to put an end to the irresponsible policy of intervening from outside and building democracy in other countries, ignoring the traditions of the peoples," the Pope said. Pope assumed these words were spoken by German Chancellor Angela Merkel whom he called "one of the world's greatest political figures". However, the words were actually said by Russian President Vladimir Putin when Merkel was visiting Moscow last month. Putin had said these words on August 20 while criticising the West over its involvement in Afghan crisis. The Russian leader believes that the Western countries have forcefully enforced their own version of democracy but have not been able to help the Afghans appropriately. Also read | Learn to switch off, says Pope Francis after successful surgery Merkel had then joined his narrative and agreed that the operation has failed to substantiate a proper and democratic future for Afghans, as the Taliban took control of the country. "We did not want to force any system on Afghanistan," Merkel had said. "But we saw that millions of girls were glad to go to school and that women could participate. There are many in Afghanistan who are very, very unhappy about developments now." Merkel’s spokesperson has said her stand on the Afghan crisis is well known and has been repeated during recent speech in German Parliament. However, there has been no official statement on the Pope slip-up. Meanwhile, the radio station has claimed that they had assumed the content was vetted by the Pope himself and his team. "I don’t know whether there will be a review or not (about what happened during the withdrawal), but certainly there was a lot of deception perhaps on the part of the new (Afghan) authorities," Pope had added. "I say deceit or a lot of naivety."

Pope quotes Putin on Afghan crisis, attributes it to Germany's Merkel

The west may have exited the war-torn nation Afghanistan, but they continue to maintain close watch. Israel Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said that the US withdrawal from Afghanistan was the right move but was carried out poorly.

Israel says US Afghan withdrawal 'right move, badly done'

The 25-year-old Fanoos Basir was a former player in Afghanistan women's soccer team. But, now, she is in France after fleeing from her homeland. She says that she saw no future for herself under the rule of the Taliban. WION brings you a report.

Former women soccer player Fanoos Basir escaped Afghanistan after Taliban took over

Female TV anchor, Beheshta Arghand, who made history by interviewing a Taliban spokesman on air has left Afghanistan fearing Taliban retribution. Arghand had been in her studio when a Taliban official had shown up reportedly uninvited and demanded that he be interviewed.

Female TV anchor who interviewed first Taliban spokesman leaves Afghanistan

As Taliban become new reality in Afghanistan, what's next in the Indo-Afghan ties? Watch this show to know more.

Afghanistan Dialogues: What's next in Indo-Afghan ties?

Joe Biden has not won any praise for the way he handled the Afghan crisis. 49% people said that US military should have stayed in Afghanistan and not withdrawn.

Majority of Americans disapprove Joe Biden's stand on Afghan Crisis

Surreal scenes were witnessed at Kabul airport. The US forces left behind dysfunctional jets and choppers.

US forces leave behind dysfunctional jets and choppers in Afghanistan

The Haqqani network is in charge of security across Kabul. You can find Haqqani men at check-posts and outside government offices. In this exclusive uncut interview, WION's Anas Mallick speaks to the man behind this dreaded group.

Anas Haqqani speaks exclusively to WION

They came, they fought, they lost. As the United States ended its longest war by withdrawing all its troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban is back in power. Is this a defeat for the western world?

A defeat for the western world? Two superpowers bite the dust in Afghanistan

While the US President Joe Biden addresses the world to defend his decision of withdrawing American troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban were preparing a showcase.

Taliban fighters got all Humvees and tanks out of the parking lots and took to the streets to showcase their haul from the US army.

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WATCH: Taliban throw military parade with US equipment 
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Afghanistan’s second biggest city, Kandahar, was crowded with Taliban militants dressed in US Army’s clothes and were holding US Army’s weapons and machine guns. Some militants drove the pick-up trucks and the multi-use trucks and many others sat on top of these trucks to show off their clothes and weapons.

All the trucks and tanks, however, had white and black coloured Taliban flags attacked to them to showcase that the group has managed to take control of these from the US Army.

<img alt="Taliban parade" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e10b59e4-76fe-45c0-9073-dde4b3775e42" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Taliban%20parade%20%281%29.jpg" />

Along with these trucks and weapons, at least one Black Hawk helicopter was also spotted flying above the Kandahar in the past few days. The sighting of the Black Hawk helicopter suggests that someone from the Afghan Army has also been roped in to help the terrorist group as the Taliban lacks qualified pilots to fly a Black Hawk.

As the parade went on, many hoped that the Taliban’s Supreme Leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, will also make a public appearance after years of staying in hiding. This expectation rose after the group confirmed that the supreme leader was present in Kandahar and would soon be steeping into the public eye.

However, Taliban militants and supporters were left disheartened as only the city’s new governor addressed the crowd.

While the US President Joe Biden addresses the world to defend his decision of withdrawing American troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban were preparing a showcase.

While the US President Joe Biden addresses the world to defend his decision of withdrawing American troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban were preparing a showcase. Taliban fighters got all Humvees and tanks out of the parking lots and took to the streets to showcase their haul from the US army. WATCH: Taliban throw military parade with US equipment pic.twitter.com/hfY15OYsEv — Election Wizard (@ElectionWiz) September 1, 2021 × Afghanistan’s second biggest city, Kandahar, was crowded with Taliban militants dressed in US Army’s clothes and were holding US Army’s weapons and machine guns. Some militants drove the pick-up trucks and the multi-use trucks and many others sat on top of these trucks to show off their clothes and weapons. All the trucks and tanks, however, had white and black coloured Taliban flags attacked to them to showcase that the group has managed to take control of these from the US Army. Along with these trucks and weapons, at least one Black Hawk helicopter was also spotted flying above the Kandahar in the past few days. The sighting of the Black Hawk helicopter suggests that someone from the Afghan Army has also been roped in to help the terrorist group as the Taliban lacks qualified pilots to fly a Black Hawk. As the parade went on, many hoped that the Taliban’s Supreme Leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, will also make a public appearance after years of staying in hiding. This expectation rose after the group confirmed that the supreme leader was present in Kandahar and would soon be steeping into the public eye. However, Taliban militants and supporters were left disheartened as only the city’s new governor addressed the crowd.

Taliban shows off its might by carrying out parade with US army's weapons

Battle for Panjshir is raging. Intense clashes are going on between Taliban & resistance forces.

WION Live Broadcast: 7 Taliban fighters killed, several wounded in 2 days

The Panjshir Valley is the only province to not have fallen to the Taliban. It has become Afghanistan's bastion of resistance.

Panjshir Valley becomes Afghanistan's bastion of resistance

Supreme commander Hibatullah Akhundzada has confirmed that the Taliban is in the final stages of announcing a new Cabinet that was expected to include all members of its current leadership council.

Taliban to announce new cabinet, Hibatullah Akhundzada to approve final cabinet

China has said that the US withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 years of conflict signals that the country has turned a new page. The statement comes a day after the US concluded its evacuation operation and withdrawal from Afghanistan.

China: US withdrawal signals Afghanistan has turned a new page

As the US forces left Afghanistan, reports have been coming in about people who have been left behind by the Biden administration.<o:p></o:p>

The latest addition to this growing list of allies left in Afghanistan is an old interpreter of US President Joe Biden, according to local media house Wall Street Journal.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-appoint-governor-of-panjshir-urge-resistance-to-avoid-conflict-409978">Taliban appoint governor of Panjshir, urge resistance to avoid conflict</a></o:p>

Mohammed (a name used by Wall Street Journal&nbsp;to protect his identity) had helped rescue Biden in a 2008 Afghan snowstorm. Back then, Biden was a senator who was stuck with two other lawmakers while visiting Afghanistan. A snowstorm had interfered their plans and forced their helicopter to land in a remote are where Mohammed had helped the US officials.<o:p></o:p>

He was closely involved with the US Army at that time and had also been participating in combat missions. Mohammed had joined a small military Quick Reaction Force that recued Biden and other lawmakers from mountains after driving from Bagram airbase.<o:p></o:p>

However, Mohammed failed to get a spot on the recue flights that were run by the US Army. Apparently, he failed to get his application sorted on time due to the hectic process, which led to him getting stuck in Kabul.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghans-left-to-fend-for-themselves-after-taliban-seizes-afghanistan-410007">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghans-left-to-fend-for-themselves-after-taliban-seizes-afghanistan-410007/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Hello Mr. President: Save me and my family,” Mohammed was quoted saying by the media house. "Don't forget me here."<o:p></o:p>

Mohammed, along with his wife and four children, is now in hiding to ensure his family’s safety under the Taliban rule.<o:p></o:p>

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said she is aware about Mohammed and the administration is trying to get him out of Afghanistan at the earliest. <o:p></o:p>

"Our message to him is thank you for fighting by our side in the last 20 years,"&nbsp;Psaki said. "We will get you out. We will honour your service."<o:p></o:p>

As the US forces left Afghanistan, reports have been coming in about people who have been left behind by the Biden administration. The latest addition to this growing list of allies left in Afghanistan is an old interpreter of US President Joe Biden, according to local media house Wall Street Journal.

As the US forces left Afghanistan, reports have been coming in about people who have been left behind by the Biden administration. The latest addition to this growing list of allies left in Afghanistan is an old interpreter of US President Joe Biden, according to local media house Wall Street Journal. Also read | Taliban appoint governor of Panjshir, urge resistance to avoid conflict Mohammed (a name used by Wall Street Journal to protect his identity) had helped rescue Biden in a 2008 Afghan snowstorm. Back then, Biden was a senator who was stuck with two other lawmakers while visiting Afghanistan. A snowstorm had interfered their plans and forced their helicopter to land in a remote are where Mohammed had helped the US officials. He was closely involved with the US Army at that time and had also been participating in combat missions. Mohammed had joined a small military Quick Reaction Force that recued Biden and other lawmakers from mountains after driving from Bagram airbase. However, Mohammed failed to get a spot on the recue flights that were run by the US Army. Apparently, he failed to get his application sorted on time due to the hectic process, which led to him getting stuck in Kabul. WATCH | "Hello Mr. President: Save me and my family,” Mohammed was quoted saying by the media house. "Don't forget me here." Mohammed, along with his wife and four children, is now in hiding to ensure his family’s safety under the Taliban rule. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said she is aware about Mohammed and the administration is trying to get him out of Afghanistan at the earliest. "Our message to him is thank you for fighting by our side in the last 20 years," Psaki said. "We will get you out. We will honour your service."

'Don't forget me here': Biden's former interpreter left in Afghanistan

Defending&nbsp;Britain's withdrawal from Afghanistan after the Taliban swept across the country, UK&nbsp;foreign minister Dominic Raab said intelligence assessment indicated that Kabul's fall this year was unlikely.

Britain, like the United States, failed to anticipate how rapidly the Afghan government would fall. Due to this, the nation was&nbsp;not fully prepared for the chaos that ensued once the Taliban seized power.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-in-talks-with-taliban-in-doha-for-further-evacuations-409847">Britain in talks with Taliban in Doha for further evacuations</a>

At an emergency meeting of the parliament's foreign affairs committee, held to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan, Raab said that Britain's intelligence services had assessed that the Taliban would only consolidate their control of Afghanistan in months after western countries had evacuated their troops.

"The central proposition was that, given the troop withdrawal by the end of August, you would see a steady deterioration from that point, and that it was unlikely Kabul would fall this year," Raab told the committee of lawmakers.

"That doesn't mean we didn't do contingency planning or game-out or test the other propositions. And just to be clear, that's something that was widely shared - that view - amongst NATO allies."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ready-to-launch-strikes-against-isis-k-in-afghanistan-uk-409754">Ready to launch strikes against ISIS-K in Afghanistan: UK&nbsp;</a>

Raab, who left for a vacation in Crete while the Taliban advanced on Kabul, has been accused of ignoring thousands of emails requesting assistance to leave Afghanistan, prompting demands for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to sack him.

In defence of his handling of the situation, Raab said he had more than 40 meetings or calls between March and August in which Afghanistan was on the agenda.

On Saturday, Britain's last military flight departed Kabul, capping two chaotic weeks in which the nation helped evacuate 15,000 people from crowds of people&nbsp;who descended on Kabul airport,&nbsp;desperate to flee Afghanistan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sad-for-those-left-behind-last-uk-military-flight-leaves-afghanistan-409096">'Sad for those left behind': Last UK military flight leaves Afghanistan</a>

The foreign secretary said that he would travel to the region and is scheduled to fly out tonight.

The focus of his diplomatic efforts will be on furthering evacuation of Afghans and British nationals still present in the region. This will be done with assistance of third countries, which indicates Pakistan will be involved in talks.

(With inputs from agencies)

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.

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. Britain, like the United States, failed to anticipate how rapidly the Afghan government would fall. Due to this, the nation was not fully prepared for the chaos that ensued once the Taliban seized power. Also read | Britain in talks with Taliban in Doha for further evacuations At an emergency meeting of the parliament's foreign affairs committee, held to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan, Raab said that Britain's intelligence services had assessed that the Taliban would only consolidate their control of Afghanistan in months after western countries had evacuated their troops. "The central proposition was that, given the troop withdrawal by the end of August, you would see a steady deterioration from that point, and that it was unlikely Kabul would fall this year," Raab told the committee of lawmakers. "That doesn't mean we didn't do contingency planning or game-out or test the other propositions. And just to be clear, that's something that was widely shared - that view - amongst NATO allies." Also read | Ready to launch strikes against ISIS-K in Afghanistan: UK Raab, who left for a vacation in Crete while the Taliban advanced on Kabul, has been accused of ignoring thousands of emails requesting assistance to leave Afghanistan, prompting demands for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to sack him. In defence of his handling of the situation, Raab said he had more than 40 meetings or calls between March and August in which Afghanistan was on the agenda. On Saturday, Britain's last military flight departed Kabul, capping two chaotic weeks in which the nation helped evacuate 15,000 people from crowds of people who descended on Kabul airport, desperate to flee Afghanistan. Also read | 'Sad for those left behind': Last UK military flight leaves Afghanistan The foreign secretary said that he would travel to the region and is scheduled to fly out tonight. The focus of his diplomatic efforts will be on furthering evacuation of Afghans and British nationals still present in the region. This will be done with assistance of third countries, which indicates Pakistan will be involved in talks. (With inputs from agencies)

Intelligence said Kabul will not fall this year; UK's Raab defends handling of Afghan evacuation

The Taliban have inherited a country that has all the makings of a failed state. Afghanistan's economy is a mess. Rival terrorist groups are getting active and those joining the Taliban's government have no experience in governance. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas | America's Afghanistan Exit: The 3 Priorities for Afghanistan

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg says that Kabul airport must be kept open and vows not to forget Afghans left behind after America's exit. He also said that NATO will analyse what went wrong in Afghanistan.

NATO chief vows not to leave Afghanistan behind, says 'will assess what went wrong'

After the US left Afghanistan, the Taliban has reached out to India. The Indian Ambassador to Qatar met with the Head of the Taliban's political office in Doha today. Palki Sharma decodes the discussions in Doha.

Gravitas: After the US leaves Afghanistan, Taliban reaches out to India

The Joe Biden administration claims that U.S. aircraft left behind in Afghanistan are 'inoperable'. The Taliban say their engineers can fix all aircraft. But, how will they operate the Kabul airport & will they let Afghans leave? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Taliban claims it can fix 'dismantled' U.S. Aircraft

President Joe Biden on Tuesday defended his decision to end the Afghan conflict, calling it a 'wise decision' a day after the last US troops left Afghanistan. "I was not going to extend this forever war," Biden said in remarks from the White House, "and I was not extending a forever exit."

Joe Biden declares end to 'forever war', defends decision to end Afghan conflict

US troops left Afghanistan after 20 years of war. Now, Afghans are left to fend for themselves in a nation ruled by the Taliban.

Afghans left to fend for themselves after Taliban seizes Afghanistan

In the last call between US President Joe Biden and his Afghanistan counterpart before the Taliban seized control of the country, the leaders discussed military aid, political strategy and messaging tactics, but neither Biden nor&nbsp;Ashraf&nbsp;Ghani&nbsp;appeared aware of or prepared for the immediate danger of the entire country falling to insurgents, a transcript reviewed by Reuters shows.

The men spoke for roughly 14 minutes on July 23. On August 15,&nbsp;Ghani&nbsp;fled the presidential palace, and the Taliban entered Kabul.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/americas-20-year-presence-in-afghanistan-only-resulted-in-tragedies-says-putin-409946" hreflang="en">America's 20-year presence in Afghanistan only resulted in tragedies, says Putin</a>

Since then, tens of thousands of desperate Afghans have fled, and 13 US troops and scores of Afghan civilians were killed in a suicide bombing at the Kabul airport during the frenetic US military evacuation.

Reuters reviewed a transcript of the presidential phone call and has listened to the audio to authenticate the conversation. The materials were provided on condition of anonymity by a source who was not authorized to distribute it.

In the call, Biden offered aid if&nbsp;Ghani&nbsp;could publicly project he had a plan to control the spiralling situation in Afghanistan. “We will continue to provide close air support, if we know what the plan is,” Biden said. Days before the call, the US carried out airstrikes to support Afghan security forces, a move the Taliban said was in violation of the Doha peace agreement.

The US president also advised&nbsp;Ghani&nbsp;to get buy-in from powerful Afghans for a military strategy going forward, and then to put a “warrior” in charge of the effort, a reference to Defense Minister General Bismillah Khan Mohammadi.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/the-last-holdout-in-afghanistans-panjshir-anti-taliban-forces-fight-on-409936" hreflang="en">The last holdout: In Afghanistan's Panjshir, anti-Taliban forces fight on&nbsp;</a>

Biden lauded the Afghan armed forces, which were trained and funded by the US government. “You clearly have the best military,” he told&nbsp;Ghani. “You have 300,000 well-armed forces versus 70-80,000 and they’re clearly capable of fighting well.” Days later, the Afghan military started folding across provincial capitals in the country with little fight against the Taliban.

In much of the call, Biden focused on what he called the Afghan government’s “perception” problem. “I need not tell you the perception around the world and in parts of Afghanistan, I believe, is that things are not going well in terms of the fight against the Taliban,” Biden said. “And there is a need, whether it is true or not, there is a need to project a different picture.”

Biden told&nbsp;Ghani&nbsp;that if Afghanistan’s prominent political figures were to give a press conference together, backing a new military strategy, “that will change perception, and that will change an awful lot I think.”

The American leader’s words indicated he didn’t anticipate the massive insurrection and collapse to come 23 days later. “We are going to continue to fight hard, diplomatically, politically, economically, to make sure your government not only survives, but is sustained and grows,” said Biden.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fact-check-in-viral-video-man-dangling-from-helicopter-was-fixing-flag-in-kandahar-says-report-409951" hreflang="en">Fact Check: In viral video, man dangling from helicopter was fixing flag in Kandahar, says report&nbsp;</a>

The White House Tuesday declined to comment on the call.

After the call, the White House released a statement that focused on Biden’s commitment to supporting Afghan security forces and the administration seeking funds for Afghanistan from Congress.

Ghani&nbsp;told Biden, he believed there could be peace if he could “rebalance the military solution.” But he added, “We need to move with speed.”

“We are facing a full-scale invasion, composed of Taliban, full Pakistani planning and logistical support, and at least 10-15,000 international terrorists, predominantly Pakistanis thrown into this,”&nbsp;Ghani&nbsp;said. Afghan government officials, and US experts, have consistently pointed to Pakistani support for the Taliban as key to the group’s resurgence.

The Pakistani Embassy in Washington denies those allegations. “Clearly the myth of Taliban fighters crossing from Pakistan is unfortunately an excuse and an afterthought peddled by Mr.&nbsp;Ashraf&nbsp;Ghani&nbsp;to justify his failure to lead and govern,” an embassy spokesman told Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/al-qaeda-congratulates-taliban-mentions-kashmir-palestine-in-letter-409880" hreflang="en">Al Qaeda 'congratulates' Taliban; mentions Kashmir, Palestine in letter</a>

Reuters tried to reach&nbsp;Ghani’s staff for this story, in calls and texts, with no success. The last public statement from&nbsp;Ghani, who is believed to be in the United Arab Emirates, came on August 18. He said he fled Afghanistan to prevent bloodshed.

By the time of the call, the United States was well into its planned withdrawal from Afghanistan, which Biden had postponed from the May date set by his predecessor, Donald Trump. The US military had closed its main Afghanistan airbase, at Bagram, in early July.

As the two presidents spoke, Taliban insurgents controlled about half of Afghanistan's district centres, indicating a rapidly deteriorating security situation.

Afghanistan was promising a shift in its military strategy, to start focusing on protecting “population centers” – major cities – rather than fighting to protect rural territories. Biden referred approvingly to that strategy. He said that doing so would help not just on the ground but in the “perception” internationally that was required to shore up world support for the Afghan government.

“I’m not a military guy, so I’m not telling you what a plan should precisely look like, you’re going to get not only more help, but you’re going to get a perception that is going to change …,” Biden said.

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Ghani, for his part, assured Biden that “your assurance of support goes a very long way to enable us, to really mobilize us in earnest.”

In a little over two weeks after Biden’s call with&nbsp;Ghani, the Taliban captured several provincial Afghan capitals and the United States said it was up to the Afghan security forces to defend the country. “These are their military forces, these are their provincial capitals, their people to defend,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on August 9.

On August 11, US intelligence reports indicated Taliban fighters could isolate Afghanistan’s capital in 30 days and possibly take it over within 90. Instead, the fall happened in less than a week.

The Biden-Ghani&nbsp;call also underscored persistent political infighting that plagued the Afghan government.

When Biden asked him to include former Afghan President Hamid Karzai in a press conference,&nbsp;Ghani&nbsp;pushed back. “Karzai would not be helpful,” he said. “He is contrary, and time is of the essence, we cannot bring every single individual … We have tried for months with President Karzai. Last time we met for 110 minutes; he was cursing me and he was accusing me of being a US lackey.”

Biden paused before responding: “I’m going to reserve judgment on that.”

Karzai could not be reached for comment, despite calls and texts to one of his aides.

Second call with top staff

In a follow-up call, later that day that did not include the US president, Biden’s National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, General Mark Milley and US Central Command commander General Frank McKenzie spoke to&nbsp;Ghani. Reuters also obtained a transcript of that call.

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In this call, too, an area of focus was the global perception of events on the ground in Afghanistan. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told&nbsp;Ghani&nbsp;“the perception in the United States, in Europe and the media sort of thing is a narrative of Taliban momentum, and a narrative of Taliban victory. And we need to collectively demonstrate and try to turn that perception, that narrative around.”

“I do not believe time is our friend here. We need to move quickly,” McKenzie added.

A spokesperson for McKenzie declined to comment. A spokesman for Milley did not respond by publication time

In the last call between US President Joe Biden and his Afghanistan counterpart before the Taliban seized control of the country, the leaders discussed military aid, political strategy and messaging tactics, but neither Biden nor Ashraf Ghani appeared aware of or prepared for the immediate danger of the entire country falling to insurgents, a transcript reviewed by Reuters shows.

In the last call between US President Joe Biden and his Afghanistan counterpart before the Taliban seized control of the country, the leaders discussed military aid, political strategy and messaging tactics, but neither Biden nor Ashraf Ghani appeared aware of or prepared for the immediate danger of the entire country falling to insurgents, a transcript reviewed by Reuters shows. The men spoke for roughly 14 minutes on July 23. On August 15, Ghani fled the presidential palace, and the Taliban entered Kabul. Also read | America's 20-year presence in Afghanistan only resulted in tragedies, says Putin Since then, tens of thousands of desperate Afghans have fled, and 13 US troops and scores of Afghan civilians were killed in a suicide bombing at the Kabul airport during the frenetic US military evacuation. Reuters reviewed a transcript of the presidential phone call and has listened to the audio to authenticate the conversation. The materials were provided on condition of anonymity by a source who was not authorized to distribute it. In the call, Biden offered aid if Ghani could publicly project he had a plan to control the spiralling situation in Afghanistan. “We will continue to provide close air support, if we know what the plan is,” Biden said. Days before the call, the US carried out airstrikes to support Afghan security forces, a move the Taliban said was in violation of the Doha peace agreement. The US president also advised Ghani to get buy-in from powerful Afghans for a military strategy going forward, and then to put a “warrior” in charge of the effort, a reference to Defense Minister General Bismillah Khan Mohammadi. Also read | The last holdout: In Afghanistan's Panjshir, anti-Taliban forces fight on Biden lauded the Afghan armed forces, which were trained and funded by the US government. “You clearly have the best military,” he told Ghani. “You have 300,000 well-armed forces versus 70-80,000 and they’re clearly capable of fighting well.” Days later, the Afghan military started folding across provincial capitals in the country with little fight against the Taliban. In much of the call, Biden focused on what he called the Afghan government’s “perception” problem. “I need not tell you the perception around the world and in parts of Afghanistan, I believe, is that things are not going well in terms of the fight against the Taliban,” Biden said. “And there is a need, whether it is true or not, there is a need to project a different picture.” Biden told Ghani that if Afghanistan’s prominent political figures were to give a press conference together, backing a new military strategy, “that will change perception, and that will change an awful lot I think.” The American leader’s words indicated he didn’t anticipate the massive insurrection and collapse to come 23 days later. “We are going to continue to fight hard, diplomatically, politically, economically, to make sure your government not only survives, but is sustained and grows,” said Biden. Also read | Fact Check: In viral video, man dangling from helicopter was fixing flag in Kandahar, says report The White House Tuesday declined to comment on the call. After the call, the White House released a statement that focused on Biden’s commitment to supporting Afghan security forces and the administration seeking funds for Afghanistan from Congress. Ghani told Biden, he believed there could be peace if he could “rebalance the military solution.” But he added, “We need to move with speed.” “We are facing a full-scale invasion, composed of Taliban, full Pakistani planning and logistical support, and at least 10-15,000 international terrorists, predominantly Pakistanis thrown into this,” Ghani said. Afghan government officials, and US experts, have consistently pointed to Pakistani support for the Taliban as key to the group’s resurgence. The Pakistani Embassy in Washington denies those allegations. “Clearly the myth of Taliban fighters crossing from Pakistan is unfortunately an excuse and an afterthought peddled by Mr. Ashraf Ghani to justify his failure to lead and govern,” an embassy spokesman told Reuters. Also read | Al Qaeda 'congratulates' Taliban; mentions Kashmir, Palestine in letter Reuters tried to reach Ghani’s staff for this story, in calls and texts, with no success. The last public statement from Ghani, who is believed to be in the United Arab Emirates, came on August 18. He said he fled Afghanistan to prevent bloodshed. By the time of the call, the United States was well into its planned withdrawal from Afghanistan, which Biden had postponed from the May date set by his predecessor, Donald Trump. The US military had closed its main Afghanistan airbase, at Bagram, in early July. As the two presidents spoke, Taliban insurgents controlled about half of Afghanistan's district centres, indicating a rapidly deteriorating security situation. Afghanistan was promising a shift in its military strategy, to start focusing on protecting “population centers” – major cities – rather than fighting to protect rural territories. Biden referred approvingly to that strategy. He said that doing so would help not just on the ground but in the “perception” internationally that was required to shore up world support for the Afghan government. “I’m not a military guy, so I’m not telling you what a plan should precisely look like, you’re going to get not only more help, but you’re going to get a perception that is going to change …,” Biden said. Ghani, for his part, assured Biden that “your assurance of support goes a very long way to enable us, to really mobilize us in earnest.” In a little over two weeks after Biden’s call with Ghani, the Taliban captured several provincial Afghan capitals and the United States said it was up to the Afghan security forces to defend the country. “These are their military forces, these are their provincial capitals, their people to defend,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on August 9. On August 11, US intelligence reports indicated Taliban fighters could isolate Afghanistan’s capital in 30 days and possibly take it over within 90. Instead, the fall happened in less than a week. The Biden-Ghani call also underscored persistent political infighting that plagued the Afghan government. When Biden asked him to include former Afghan President Hamid Karzai in a press conference, Ghani pushed back. “Karzai would not be helpful,” he said. “He is contrary, and time is of the essence, we cannot bring every single individual … We have tried for months with President Karzai. Last time we met for 110 minutes; he was cursing me and he was accusing me of being a US lackey.” Biden paused before responding: “I’m going to reserve judgment on that.” Karzai could not be reached for comment, despite calls and texts to one of his aides. Second call with top staff In a follow-up call, later that day that did not include the US president, Biden’s National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, General Mark Milley and US Central Command commander General Frank McKenzie spoke to Ghani. Reuters also obtained a transcript of that call. In this call, too, an area of focus was the global perception of events on the ground in Afghanistan. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told Ghani “the perception in the United States, in Europe and the media sort of thing is a narrative of Taliban momentum, and a narrative of Taliban victory. And we need to collectively demonstrate and try to turn that perception, that narrative around.” “I do not believe time is our friend here. We need to move quickly,” McKenzie added. A spokesperson for McKenzie declined to comment. A spokesman for Milley did not respond by publication time

In call before his govt's collapse, Ghani warned Biden of thousands of terrorists from Pakistan entering Afghanistan

Amir Khan Muttaqi, a senior Taliban leader who has been negotiating with anti-Taliban militia fighters, said on Wednesday that Talks have officially failed on Panjshir.

"Panjshir talks have officially failed. Those who wish to surrender may do so; those who wish to fight will be combated. Panjshir has been attacked," said Amir Khan Muttaqi, head of the Invitation and Guidance Commission of Taliban. 
 
According to Afghanistan media outlet 1TVNewsAF, the Taliban have appointed a new governor for Panjshir.

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Important message of Amir Khan Mottaqi Sahib <a href="https://t.co/LKmXfUOSxH">https://t.co/LKmXfUOSxH</a>
— Hilal Ghaznawi /هـلال غـزنـوي (@ghaznawi_hilal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ghaznawi_hilal/status/1432962335400816640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"The Taliban have appointed a governor for Panjshir. The local militia should surrender and cooperate with the Taliban," he added. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/the-last-holdout-in-afghanistans-panjshir-anti-taliban-forces-fight-on-409936">Also read | The last holdout: In Afghanistan's Panjshir, anti-Taliban forces fight on&nbsp;</a> 
 
The Taliban called on the holdout bastion of the Panjshir Valley to lay down their arms, as resistance fighters said they had repulsed heavy attacks.

The steep mountain valley with high snow-capped peaks, which begins roughly 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of Kabul, is the focal point of Afghanistan's most critical anti-Taliban troop pocket.

As the Islamist group sends militants to encircle the enclave, the National Resistance Front (NRF), which includes anti-Taliban militia fighters and former Afghan security officers, has vowed to protect it.&nbsp;

"My brothers, we tried our best to solve the Panjshir problem with talks and negotiations... but unfortunately, it was all in vain," senior Taliban official Amir Khan Muttaqi said, in an audio message to the people of Panjshir posted on Twitter.

"Now that the talks have failed and Mujahidin (Taliban) have surrounded Panjshir, there are still people inside that don't want the problems to be solved peacefully," he added.

'We will defend our homeland': Holdout bastion of Afghanistan's Panjshir

Meanwhile, the residents of Afghanistan's Panjshir Valley send the Taliban a defiant message. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-joe-biden-calls-us-evacuation-from-afghanistan-extraordinary-success-409816">Also Read:&nbsp;President Joe Biden calls US evacuation from Afghanistan 'extraordinary success'</a>

In Afghanistan, the Panjshir has enormous symbolic value as the region that has withstood invasion. The steep mountain valley with high snow-capped peaks, which begins roughly 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of Kabul, is the focal point of Afghanistan's most critical anti-Taliban troop pocket.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Amir Khan Muttaqi, a senior Taliban leader who has been negotiating with anti-Taliban militia fighters, said on Wednesday that Talks have officially failed on Panjshir.

Amir Khan Muttaqi, a senior Taliban leader who has been negotiating with anti-Taliban militia fighters, said on Wednesday that Talks have officially failed on Panjshir. "Panjshir talks have officially failed. Those who wish to surrender may do so; those who wish to fight will be combated. Panjshir has been attacked," said Amir Khan Muttaqi, head of the Invitation and Guidance Commission of Taliban. According to Afghanistan media outlet 1TVNewsAF, the Taliban have appointed a new governor for Panjshir. Important message of Amir Khan Mottaqi Sahib https://t.co/LKmXfUOSxH — Hilal Ghaznawi /هـلال غـزنـوي (@ghaznawi_hilal) September 1, 2021 × "The Taliban have appointed a governor for Panjshir. The local militia should surrender and cooperate with the Taliban," he added. Also read | The last holdout: In Afghanistan's Panjshir, anti-Taliban forces fight on The Taliban called on the holdout bastion of the Panjshir Valley to lay down their arms, as resistance fighters said they had repulsed heavy attacks. The steep mountain valley with high snow-capped peaks, which begins roughly 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of Kabul, is the focal point of Afghanistan's most critical anti-Taliban troop pocket. As the Islamist group sends militants to encircle the enclave, the National Resistance Front (NRF), which includes anti-Taliban militia fighters and former Afghan security officers, has vowed to protect it. "My brothers, we tried our best to solve the Panjshir problem with talks and negotiations... but unfortunately, it was all in vain," senior Taliban official Amir Khan Muttaqi said, in an audio message to the people of Panjshir posted on Twitter. "Now that the talks have failed and Mujahidin (Taliban) have surrounded Panjshir, there are still people inside that don't want the problems to be solved peacefully," he added. 'We will defend our homeland': Holdout bastion of Afghanistan's Panjshir Meanwhile, the residents of Afghanistan's Panjshir Valley send the Taliban a defiant message. Also Read: President Joe Biden calls US evacuation from Afghanistan 'extraordinary success' In Afghanistan, the Panjshir has enormous symbolic value as the region that has withstood invasion. The steep mountain valley with high snow-capped peaks, which begins roughly 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of Kabul, is the focal point of Afghanistan's most critical anti-Taliban troop pocket. (With inputs from agencies)

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