WION's correspondent Jodie Cohen highlights the concerns of US withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 long years and its implications. Watch the report to know what lies ahead after the withdrawal of the strongest military force from Afghanistan.

Afghanistan's Collapse: Did US intelligence get it wrong?

The Taliban have taken control over Afghanistan's presidential capital, Kabul. Both President Ashraf Ghani and Vice President fled the country as Taliban advanced its moves.

Taliban take control of Afghanistan's presidential capital Kabul

Terrorists took control of the presidential palace in Kabul as US-led forces departed and Western nations evacuated their citizens. Hundreds of Afghans awaited their flights, some dragging luggage across runways in the dark, while women and children slept near security corridors at Kabul airport. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Vice President fled the country after Taliban took over the presidential capital.

Taliban take control over Kabul as Afghans evacuate capital

Cricket will not be a casualty in the wake of drastic political change in Afghanistan, assured country's cricket board CEO Hamid Shinwari, saying the Taliban "love" and "support" the game.&nbsp;

Speaking to PTI from Kabul, Shinwari also assured that the members of the national team and their families are safe as the Taliban took over the reins of the country.

Star players including Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Zadran are playing in the UK in the 'Hundred' tournament.

"Taliban love cricket. They have supported us since the beginning. They did not interfere in our activities," said Shinwari.

"I don't see any interference and expect support so that our cricket can move forward. We have got an active chairman, I remain CEO until further notice," added the top Afghanistan Cricket Board official.

Cricket's rise in the country coincided with Taliban's rule between 1996 and 2001 with many Afghan refugees in neighbouring Pakistan picking up the sport.

"It can be said that cricket flourished during the Taliban era. It is also a fact that many of our players practised in Peshawar and they made the sport mainstream in Afghanistan.

"The good thing is that we are heading towards normalcy. The people have started working. We will resume our office from tomorrow and the national camp which was underway ahead of the Pakistan series in Sri Lanka will also resume after a two-day break with the change in regime," said Shinwari.

Talking about the players safety, he said: "Other than four or five players who are playing overseas the rest are all in Kabul. Like I said, they are safe and doing fine."

The BCCI is also keeping an eye on the developments and is hoping to see participation of Afghan players in the India Premier League. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-has-broken-shackles-of-slavery-says-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-405858">LIVE: Afghanistan crisis</a>

"It is too early to comment but we are keeping a watch. For us, nothing changes and we expect Rashid and other Afghan players would be part of IPL," a BCCI source said.

Afghanistan are scheduled to play a three-match ODI series against Pakistan in Colombo from September 1. Shinwari said all their scheduled bilateral series remain on track and all three IPL bound players -- Rashid, Nabi and Mujeeb -- have got NOCs from the board to take part in the cash-rich event ahead of the T20 World Cup. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/they-have-broken-shackles-of-slavery-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-endorses-talibans-takeover-of-afghanistan-406041">Also read | 'They have broken shackles of slavery': Pakistan PM Imran Khan endorses Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan</a> 
 
"We don't see any cricketing activity suffering with the change of regime," said Shinwari. Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen, who is involved with the 'Hundred' event in the UK, said Rashid is naturally worried about the situation back home.

"We had a long chat here on the boundary talking about it and he's worried. He can't get his family out of Afghanistan and there's a lot of things happening for him." Pietrsen told Sky Sports.

"For him to turn up and put on a performance like this under the pressure that he is currently under... for him to be able to forget that stuff and navigate his story and continue the momentum that he has - I think that's probably one of the most heart-warming stories of this Hundred so far."

Asadullah Khan, who resigned as Afghanistan chief selector earlier this month, also thinks that cricket will not be a casualty under the Taliban rule.

"I personally have gone to the areas where Taliban ruled. They really liked the game. So, from that point of view it should not be an issue.

"Too much political intervention in cricket has affected the sport negatively over the past 24 months and that needs to change," Khan said referring to the frequent administrative changes in the board and leadership of the national team.

Shinwari added that he hopes major cricketing powers including BCCI play with them more often, providing a big push to their finances and over health of the game in the country.

"We want to establish regular bilateral cricket ties with all cricketing giants including BCCI which has always been there for us," he added.

Cricket will not be a casualty in the wake of drastic political change in Afghanistan, assured country's cricket board CEO Hamid Shinwari, saying the Taliban "love" and "support" the game.

Cricket will not be a casualty in the wake of drastic political change in Afghanistan, assured country's cricket board CEO Hamid Shinwari, saying the Taliban "love" and "support" the game. Speaking to PTI from Kabul, Shinwari also assured that the members of the national team and their families are safe as the Taliban took over the reins of the country. Star players including Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Zadran are playing in the UK in the 'Hundred' tournament. "Taliban love cricket. They have supported us since the beginning. They did not interfere in our activities," said Shinwari. "I don't see any interference and expect support so that our cricket can move forward. We have got an active chairman, I remain CEO until further notice," added the top Afghanistan Cricket Board official. Cricket's rise in the country coincided with Taliban's rule between 1996 and 2001 with many Afghan refugees in neighbouring Pakistan picking up the sport. "It can be said that cricket flourished during the Taliban era. It is also a fact that many of our players practised in Peshawar and they made the sport mainstream in Afghanistan. "The good thing is that we are heading towards normalcy. The people have started working. We will resume our office from tomorrow and the national camp which was underway ahead of the Pakistan series in Sri Lanka will also resume after a two-day break with the change in regime," said Shinwari. Talking about the players safety, he said: "Other than four or five players who are playing overseas the rest are all in Kabul. Like I said, they are safe and doing fine." The BCCI is also keeping an eye on the developments and is hoping to see participation of Afghan players in the India Premier League. LIVE: Afghanistan crisis "It is too early to comment but we are keeping a watch. For us, nothing changes and we expect Rashid and other Afghan players would be part of IPL," a BCCI source said. Afghanistan are scheduled to play a three-match ODI series against Pakistan in Colombo from September 1. Shinwari said all their scheduled bilateral series remain on track and all three IPL bound players -- Rashid, Nabi and Mujeeb -- have got NOCs from the board to take part in the cash-rich event ahead of the T20 World Cup. Also read | 'They have broken shackles of slavery': Pakistan PM Imran Khan endorses Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan "We don't see any cricketing activity suffering with the change of regime," said Shinwari. Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen, who is involved with the 'Hundred' event in the UK, said Rashid is naturally worried about the situation back home. "We had a long chat here on the boundary talking about it and he's worried. He can't get his family out of Afghanistan and there's a lot of things happening for him." Pietrsen told Sky Sports. "For him to turn up and put on a performance like this under the pressure that he is currently under... for him to be able to forget that stuff and navigate his story and continue the momentum that he has - I think that's probably one of the most heart-warming stories of this Hundred so far." Asadullah Khan, who resigned as Afghanistan chief selector earlier this month, also thinks that cricket will not be a casualty under the Taliban rule. "I personally have gone to the areas where Taliban ruled. They really liked the game. So, from that point of view it should not be an issue. "Too much political intervention in cricket has affected the sport negatively over the past 24 months and that needs to change," Khan said referring to the frequent administrative changes in the board and leadership of the national team. Shinwari added that he hopes major cricketing powers including BCCI play with them more often, providing a big push to their finances and over health of the game in the country. "We want to establish regular bilateral cricket ties with all cricketing giants including BCCI which has always been there for us," he added.

Taliban love cricket, I don't see game suffering under their rule: Afghanistan Cricket Board CEO

Nepal government has sent letters to the various countries and the United Nations to keep Nepali nationals working with various diplomatic missions and international organizations in Kabul in safe places and help their repatriation home.

Nepal seeks international help to evacuate its nationals from Afghanistan

Amid the rapidly changing situation in Afghanistan, on Sunday, Bollywood filmmaker Anurag Kashyap shared a social media appeal from Sahraa Karimi, an Afghan filmmaker, who is the first female chairperson of the Afghan Film Organisation. 
 
Anurag took to his Instagram handle and shared an open letter from the filmmaker, originally shared on Karimi`s Twitter account. 
In it, she had talked about the atrocities faced by the people of Afghanistan and urged everyone to spread her message widely.&nbsp; 
 
In the caption of his post, Anurag wrote, "Pls share it far and wide..."Karimi began her letter, by writing, "I write to you with a broken heart and a deep hope that you can join me in protecting my beautiful people, especially filmmakers from the Taliban. In the last few weeks, the Taliban have gained control of so many provinces. They have massacred our people, they kidnapped many children, they sold girls as child brides to their men, they murdered a woman for her attire..."

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She also added an appeal to everyone to raise their voice. Karimi wrote, "The media, governments, and the world humanitarian organizations are conveniently silent as if this `Peace deal` with the Taliban was ever legitimate. It was never legitimate. Recognizing them gave them the confidence to come back to power. Taliban has been brutalizing our people throughout the entire process of the talks. Everything that I have worked so hard to build as a filmmaker in my country is at risk of falling." 
 
"Please help us get this world to not abandon Afghanistan. Please help us before the Taliban take over Kabul. We have such little time, maybe days," Karimi concluded the letter. 
 
Amid the transfer of power in Afghanistan, after US-led forces withdrew the bulk of their remaining troops in the last month, the Taliban campaign accelerated as the Afghan military`s defences appeared to collapse.&nbsp; 
 
The United States Armed Forces are scheduled to be withdrawn from Afghanistan by 31 August. 
 
In a separate development, the Taliban have entered Kabul, capturing Kabul University in the west of the Afghan capital. Earlier, the Taliban in a statement had assured residents of Kabul not to be afraid as they do not intend to enter the Afghan capital militarily and there will be a peaceful movement towards Kabul.&nbsp;

Amid the rapidly changing situation in Afghanistan, on Sunday, Bollywood filmmaker Anurag Kashyap shared a social media appeal from Sahraa Karimi, an Afghan filmmaker, who is the first female chairperson of the Afghan Film Organisation.

Amid the rapidly changing situation in Afghanistan, on Sunday, Bollywood filmmaker Anurag Kashyap shared a social media appeal from Sahraa Karimi, an Afghan filmmaker, who is the first female chairperson of the Afghan Film Organisation. Anurag took to his Instagram handle and shared an open letter from the filmmaker, originally shared on Karimi`s Twitter account. In it, she had talked about the atrocities faced by the people of Afghanistan and urged everyone to spread her message widely. In the caption of his post, Anurag wrote, "Pls share it far and wide..."Karimi began her letter, by writing, "I write to you with a broken heart and a deep hope that you can join me in protecting my beautiful people, especially filmmakers from the Taliban. In the last few weeks, the Taliban have gained control of so many provinces. They have massacred our people, they kidnapped many children, they sold girls as child brides to their men, they murdered a woman for her attire..." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap10) × She also added an appeal to everyone to raise their voice. Karimi wrote, "The media, governments, and the world humanitarian organizations are conveniently silent as if this `Peace deal` with the Taliban was ever legitimate. It was never legitimate. Recognizing them gave them the confidence to come back to power. Taliban has been brutalizing our people throughout the entire process of the talks. Everything that I have worked so hard to build as a filmmaker in my country is at risk of falling." "Please help us get this world to not abandon Afghanistan. Please help us before the Taliban take over Kabul. We have such little time, maybe days," Karimi concluded the letter. Amid the transfer of power in Afghanistan, after US-led forces withdrew the bulk of their remaining troops in the last month, the Taliban campaign accelerated as the Afghan military`s defences appeared to collapse. The United States Armed Forces are scheduled to be withdrawn from Afghanistan by 31 August. In a separate development, the Taliban have entered Kabul, capturing Kabul University in the west of the Afghan capital. Earlier, the Taliban in a statement had assured residents of Kabul not to be afraid as they do not intend to enter the Afghan capital militarily and there will be a peaceful movement towards Kabul.

Anurag Kashyap shares Afghan filmmaker Sahraa Karimi's open letter appeal as Taliban enters Kabul

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, head of the High Council for National Reconciliation, Abdullah Abdullah, and a former prime minister, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, have formed a coordination council to prevent chaos and manage the peace process better for a peaceful transition, as Ashraf Ghani has left the country.&nbsp;

Karzai has said that to prevent chaos and reduce the suffering of the people, and to better manage the affairs related to peace and for a peaceful transfer, the three senior politicians had decided to form the Coordination Council.

According to the reports by ToloNews, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, leader of Hezb-e-Islami of Afghanistan and a former prime minister, on Sunday said that the Ashraf Ghani government had refused to give up the war with the Taliban.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-has-broken-shackles-of-slavery-says-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-405858">Also read |&nbsp;LIVE: Afghanistan has ‘broken shackles of slavery’, says Pakistan PM Imran Khan</a>

As per Hekmatyar, the Ghani government had refused the transfer of power to an interim government that is acceptable to all.

He also said the Ghani government had failed to provide security in Kabul.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told Tolo News that Ghani and his aides, Rola Ghani, Mohib and Fazli, flew first to Tajikistan and then to Oman where they are present.

Meanwhile, former presidents Hamid Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah have said in separate messages said that they are in Kabul to ensure the safety of the citizens.

Abdullah in a message said that he and former President Hamid Karzai were in Kabul and called on the people to remain calm. 
"Afghanistan is facing difficult days and nights, but I hope Afghans will achieve peace," Abdullah said.

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, head of the High Council for National Reconciliation, Abdullah Abdullah, and a former prime minister, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, have formed a coordination council to prevent chaos and manage the peace process better for a peaceful transition, as Ashraf Ghani has left the country.

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, head of the High Council for National Reconciliation, Abdullah Abdullah, and a former prime minister, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, have formed a coordination council to prevent chaos and manage the peace process better for a peaceful transition, as Ashraf Ghani has left the country. Karzai has said that to prevent chaos and reduce the suffering of the people, and to better manage the affairs related to peace and for a peaceful transfer, the three senior politicians had decided to form the Coordination Council. According to the reports by ToloNews, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, leader of Hezb-e-Islami of Afghanistan and a former prime minister, on Sunday said that the Ashraf Ghani government had refused to give up the war with the Taliban. Also read | LIVE: Afghanistan has ‘broken shackles of slavery’, says Pakistan PM Imran Khan As per Hekmatyar, the Ghani government had refused the transfer of power to an interim government that is acceptable to all. He also said the Ghani government had failed to provide security in Kabul. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told Tolo News that Ghani and his aides, Rola Ghani, Mohib and Fazli, flew first to Tajikistan and then to Oman where they are present. Meanwhile, former presidents Hamid Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah have said in separate messages said that they are in Kabul to ensure the safety of the citizens. Abdullah in a message said that he and former President Hamid Karzai were in Kabul and called on the people to remain calm. "Afghanistan is facing difficult days and nights, but I hope Afghans will achieve peace," Abdullah said.

Peaceful transition: Karzai, Abdullah, Hekmatyar form coordination council for Afghanistan

'Taliban have won': Rise and fall of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani

As the Taliban seize control of Afghanistan, a Chinese official said on Monday that China is ready to further enhance "friendly and cooperative" relations with the country.&nbsp;

Throughout Washington's withdrawal from Afghanistan, Beijing tried to maintain unofficial ties with the Taliban.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-crisis-china-says-embassy-operating-normally-405858">Live Afghanistan crisis: China says embassy 'operating normally'</a></h2>

Afghanistan and China share a 76-kilometer (47-mile) border and in the sensitive border region of Xinjiang, Beijing has long feared that Afghanistan might serve as a staging area for Uyghur separatists.

However, in Tianjin last month, a Taliban delegation met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, promising that Afghanistan wouldn't be used as a base for militants.

Chinese investment and economic support were offered in return for Afghanistan's reconstruction.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Monday, at a time when the world watched in horror what was happening in Afghanistan, China said it welcomed the chance to strengthen ties with the country, which has long been coveted by bigger countries due to its geostrategic importance.

"The Taliban have repeatedly expressed their hope to develop good relations with&nbsp;China, and that they look forward to&nbsp;China's participation in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan," foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/airlines-reroute-flights-to-avoid-afghanistan-airspace-as-taliban-enters-kabul-405906">Airlines reroute flights to avoid Afghanistan airspace as Taliban enters Kabul</a>

"We welcome this.&nbsp;China&nbsp;respects the right of the Afghan people to independently determine their own destiny and is willing to continue to develop... friendly and cooperative relations with Afghanistan."&nbsp;

By gaining control of Afghanistan, the Taliban have opened up a strategic door for China, filled with both risks and opportunities.&nbsp;

As per analysts, an administration in Kabul that is stable and cooperative could pave the way for Beijing to expand its Belt and Road Initiative through Central Asia.

Meanwhile, China may be seen by the Taliban as a key source of investment and economic support, directly or through Pakistan - the Taliban's chief regional patron and an ally of Beijing.&nbsp;

So far, China has not recognized the Taliban as the new leaders of Afghanistan, although Wang Yi described them as a "decisive military and political force" during last month's meeting in Tianjin.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the Taliban seize control of Afghanistan, a Chinese official said on Monday that China is ready to further enhance "friendly and cooperative" relations with the country.

As the Taliban seize control of Afghanistan, a Chinese official said on Monday that China is ready to further enhance "friendly and cooperative" relations with the country. Throughout Washington's withdrawal from Afghanistan, Beijing tried to maintain unofficial ties with the Taliban. Live Afghanistan crisis: China says embassy 'operating normally' Afghanistan and China share a 76-kilometer (47-mile) border and in the sensitive border region of Xinjiang, Beijing has long feared that Afghanistan might serve as a staging area for Uyghur separatists. However, in Tianjin last month, a Taliban delegation met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, promising that Afghanistan wouldn't be used as a base for militants. Chinese investment and economic support were offered in return for Afghanistan's reconstruction. On Monday, at a time when the world watched in horror what was happening in Afghanistan, China said it welcomed the chance to strengthen ties with the country, which has long been coveted by bigger countries due to its geostrategic importance. "The Taliban have repeatedly expressed their hope to develop good relations with China, and that they look forward to China's participation in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan," foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters. Also read | Airlines reroute flights to avoid Afghanistan airspace as Taliban enters Kabul "We welcome this. China respects the right of the Afghan people to independently determine their own destiny and is willing to continue to develop... friendly and cooperative relations with Afghanistan." By gaining control of Afghanistan, the Taliban have opened up a strategic door for China, filled with both risks and opportunities. As per analysts, an administration in Kabul that is stable and cooperative could pave the way for Beijing to expand its Belt and Road Initiative through Central Asia. Meanwhile, China may be seen by the Taliban as a key source of investment and economic support, directly or through Pakistan - the Taliban's chief regional patron and an ally of Beijing. So far, China has not recognized the Taliban as the new leaders of Afghanistan, although Wang Yi described them as a "decisive military and political force" during last month's meeting in Tianjin. (With inputs from agencies)

'We welcome this': What China stands to benefit from rise of Taliban in Afghanistan

Power in Afghanistan is firmly in hands of the Taliban but an interesting bit about Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani's escape from the country has come out. RIA news agency mentioned Russian embassy in Kabul as saying that Ghani fled Afghanistan with four cars and helicopter full of cash. As per the report, some money had to be left behind as all would not fit in the escape vehicles.

Accurate information about Ghani's exact whereabouts is not available.

Russia's embassy in Kabul said on Monday that Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had fled the country with four cars and a helicopter full of cash and had to leave some money behind as it would not all fit in, the RIA news agency reported.

Russia has said it will retain a diplomatic presence in Kabul and hopes to develop ties with the Taliban even as it says it is no rush to recognise them as the country's rulers and will closely observe their behaviour.

"As for the collapse of the (outgoing) regime, it is most eloquently characterised by the way Ghani fled Afghanistan," Nikita Ishchenko, a spokesman for the Russian embassy in Kabul, was quoted as saying by RIA.

"Four cars were full of money, they tried to stuff another part of the money into a helicopter, but not all of it fit. And some of the money was left lying on the tarmac," he was quoted as saying.

Ischenko, the Russian embassy spokesman, confirmed his comments to Reuters. He cited "witnesses" as the source of his information. Reuters could not independently confirm the veracity of his account immediately.

President Vladimir Putin's special representative on Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov said earlier it was unclear how much money the fleeing government would leave behind.

"I hope the government that has fled did not take all the money from the state budget. It will be the bedrock of the budget if something is left," Kabulov told Moscow's Ekho Moskvy radio station.

(With inputs from agencies)

Power in Afghanistan is firmly in hands of the Taliban but an interesting bit about Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani's escape from the country has come out. RIA news agency mentioned Russian embassy in Kabul as saying that Ghani fled Afghanistan with four cars and helicopter full of cash.

Power in Afghanistan is firmly in hands of the Taliban but an interesting bit about Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani's escape from the country has come out. RIA news agency mentioned Russian embassy in Kabul as saying that Ghani fled Afghanistan with four cars and helicopter full of cash. As per the report, some money had to be left behind as all would not fit in the escape vehicles. Accurate information about Ghani's exact whereabouts is not available. Russia's embassy in Kabul said on Monday that Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had fled the country with four cars and a helicopter full of cash and had to leave some money behind as it would not all fit in, the RIA news agency reported. Russia has said it will retain a diplomatic presence in Kabul and hopes to develop ties with the Taliban even as it says it is no rush to recognise them as the country's rulers and will closely observe their behaviour. "As for the collapse of the (outgoing) regime, it is most eloquently characterised by the way Ghani fled Afghanistan," Nikita Ishchenko, a spokesman for the Russian embassy in Kabul, was quoted as saying by RIA. "Four cars were full of money, they tried to stuff another part of the money into a helicopter, but not all of it fit. And some of the money was left lying on the tarmac," he was quoted as saying. Ischenko, the Russian embassy spokesman, confirmed his comments to Reuters. He cited "witnesses" as the source of his information. Reuters could not independently confirm the veracity of his account immediately. President Vladimir Putin's special representative on Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov said earlier it was unclear how much money the fleeing government would leave behind. "I hope the government that has fled did not take all the money from the state budget. It will be the bedrock of the budget if something is left," Kabulov told Moscow's Ekho Moskvy radio station. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan president Ghani fled country with helicopter full of cash: Report

Life of Afghan civilians: The stark difference between 'then' and 'now'

Taliban stunned several global leaders as they easily took over the capital city of Kabul on Sunday after conquering Mazar-e-sharif and Jalalabad overnight on Saturday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/war-is-over-in-afghanistan-says-taliban-as-us-is-stunned-by-ghani-govts-collapse-405864" hreflang="en">'War is over in Afghanistan', says Taliban as US is stunned by Ghani govt’s collapse</a>

After Taliban militants&nbsp;entered Kabul on Sunday, President Ashraf Ghani left the country saying he wanted to avoid bloodshed. It brought the group close to taking over the country two decades after they were overthrown by a US-led invasion. &nbsp;

Many countries have spoken against the Taliban's takeover and are now sending military flights to rescue nationals from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden released a statement before the Taliban entered the city of Kabul. It read: "One more year, or five more years, of US military presence would not have made a difference if the Afghan military cannot or will not hold its own country."

"And an endless American presence in the middle of another country’s civil conflict was not acceptable to me."

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After the Taliban entered the capital city, the Biden administration was&nbsp;stunned at&nbsp;the&nbsp;pace of the group's advance. While referring to the Afghan military, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "We've seen that that force has been unable to defend the country, and that has happened more quickly than we anticipated." &nbsp;

European Union Commission's Vice President Margaritis Schina expressed his concerns on Afghanistan, saying: "The clock has run out on how long we can wait to adopt the complete overhaul of Europe’s migration and asylum rules we need."

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If there is one thing that the situation in Afghanistan and the actions of Belarus have shown, it is that the clock has run out on how long we can wait to adopt the complete overhaul of Europe’s migration and asylum rules we need. 
 
Τoday ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/LaStampa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaStampa</a>⁩ <a href="https://t.co/1U3WV9jD7i">https://t.co/1U3WV9jD7i</a>
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India has decided not to shut its&nbsp;embassy in Kabul and as per sources close to PTI, the government has kept a fleet of C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft on standby to undertake evacuation missions.&nbsp;

"The government is closely monitoring fast-paced developments in Afghanistan. We will not put the lives of our staff at the Indian Embassy in Kabul at any risk," said a source told PTI.

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/taliban-have-won-rise-and-fall-of-afghan-president-ashraf-ghani-405867" hreflang="en">'Taliban have won': Rise and fall of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani</a>

British PM Boris Johnson vowed to never turn his back on Afghanistan.

"What we must do now is not turn our backs on Afghanistan," he stressed, adding that Britain could be "extremely proud" of its role in the country, especially in advancing girls' education, gains that are now imperilled by the Taliban advance.

We must not&nbsp;abandon Afghanistan, he stressed, adding that Britain can take great pride in its role in the country, particularly in the advancement of girls' education, gains now threatened by the Taliban's advance.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres expressed his concern "about the future of women and girls, whose hard-won rights must be protected" in a statement. The UNSC is set to meet on Monday and will discuss the situation in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Taliban stunned several global leaders as they easily took over the capital city of Kabul on Sunday after conquering Mazar-e-sharif and Jalalabad overnight on Saturday.

Taliban stunned several global leaders as they easily took over the capital city of Kabul on Sunday after conquering Mazar-e-sharif and Jalalabad overnight on Saturday. ALSO READ: 'War is over in Afghanistan', says Taliban as US is stunned by Ghani govt’s collapse After Taliban militants entered Kabul on Sunday, President Ashraf Ghani left the country saying he wanted to avoid bloodshed. It brought the group close to taking over the country two decades after they were overthrown by a US-led invasion. Many countries have spoken against the Taliban's takeover and are now sending military flights to rescue nationals from Afghanistan. US President Joe Biden released a statement before the Taliban entered the city of Kabul. It read: "One more year, or five more years, of US military presence would not have made a difference if the Afghan military cannot or will not hold its own country." "And an endless American presence in the middle of another country’s civil conflict was not acceptable to me." Full statement from President Biden on Afghanistan: pic.twitter.com/vkcW5UCE4h — Natasha Bertrand (@NatashaBertrand) August 14, 2021 × After the Taliban entered the capital city, the Biden administration was stunned at the pace of the group's advance. While referring to the Afghan military, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "We've seen that that force has been unable to defend the country, and that has happened more quickly than we anticipated." European Union Commission's Vice President Margaritis Schina expressed his concerns on Afghanistan, saying: "The clock has run out on how long we can wait to adopt the complete overhaul of Europe’s migration and asylum rules we need." If there is one thing that the situation in Afghanistan and the actions of Belarus have shown, it is that the clock has run out on how long we can wait to adopt the complete overhaul of Europe’s migration and asylum rules we need. Τoday ⁦@LaStampa⁩ https://t.co/1U3WV9jD7i — Margaritis Schinas (@MargSchinas) August 15, 2021 × India has decided not to shut its embassy in Kabul and as per sources close to PTI, the government has kept a fleet of C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft on standby to undertake evacuation missions. "The government is closely monitoring fast-paced developments in Afghanistan. We will not put the lives of our staff at the Indian Embassy in Kabul at any risk," said a source told PTI. IN PICS| 'Taliban have won': Rise and fall of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani British PM Boris Johnson vowed to never turn his back on Afghanistan. "What we must do now is not turn our backs on Afghanistan," he stressed, adding that Britain could be "extremely proud" of its role in the country, especially in advancing girls' education, gains that are now imperilled by the Taliban advance. We must not abandon Afghanistan, he stressed, adding that Britain can take great pride in its role in the country, particularly in the advancement of girls' education, gains now threatened by the Taliban's advance. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres expressed his concern "about the future of women and girls, whose hard-won rights must be protected" in a statement. The UNSC is set to meet on Monday and will discuss the situation in Afghanistan.

Shock and awe: World expresses concern as Taliban enter Kabul

An Afghan military plane has crashed in Uzbekistan. The Uzbek defence ministry has confirmed the earlier reports.

"The military plane illegally crossed the border of Uzbekistan. An investigation is under way," ministry spokesman Bakhrom Zulfikarov told AFP, confirming Uzbek media reports of a crash taking place late Sunday in Uzbekistan's southern province of Surkhondaryo, which borders Afghanistan.

Zulfikarov said the ministry would prepare a statement on the crash.

Bekpulat Okboyev, a doctor in Surkhondaryo province, told AFP his hospital had taken in two patients who were wearing Afghan military uniforms on Sunday evening.&nbsp;

The doctor described one of the patients as having come in "with a parachute" and noted that the man had suffered fractures.&nbsp;

Central Asia has watched with alarm as Afghanistan's government has collapsed.&nbsp;

Three former Soviet countries -- Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan -- border the country.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Uzbekistan said 84 Afghan soldiers had been detained crossing the border, adding that it was negotiating with the Afghans over the soldiers' return.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Afghan military plane has crashed in Uzbekistan. The Uzbek defence ministry has confirmed the earlier reports. "The military plane illegally crossed the border of Uzbekistan.

An Afghan military plane has crashed in Uzbekistan. The Uzbek defence ministry has confirmed the earlier reports. "The military plane illegally crossed the border of Uzbekistan. An investigation is under way," ministry spokesman Bakhrom Zulfikarov told AFP, confirming Uzbek media reports of a crash taking place late Sunday in Uzbekistan's southern province of Surkhondaryo, which borders Afghanistan. Zulfikarov said the ministry would prepare a statement on the crash. Bekpulat Okboyev, a doctor in Surkhondaryo province, told AFP his hospital had taken in two patients who were wearing Afghan military uniforms on Sunday evening. The doctor described one of the patients as having come in "with a parachute" and noted that the man had suffered fractures. Central Asia has watched with alarm as Afghanistan's government has collapsed. Three former Soviet countries -- Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan -- border the country. On Sunday, Uzbekistan said 84 Afghan soldiers had been detained crossing the border, adding that it was negotiating with the Afghans over the soldiers' return. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan military plane crashed in Uzbekistan, says Uzbek defence ministry

Major airlines are rerouting flights to avoid Afghanistan airspace after Taliban insurgents took control of the presidential palace in Kabul as US-led forces departed.

Major airlines including&nbsp;United Airlines, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic said they were not using the country's airspace.

As per a United spokeswoman, the change affects several of the airline's US-to-India flights.

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&nbsp;

Flight-tracking website FlightRadar24 showed few commercial flights over Afghanistan at 0300 GMT on Monday but many planes overflying neighbouring Pakistan and Iran.

The US Federal Aviation Administration in July imposed new flight restrictions over Afghanistan for US airlines and other US operators.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-chaos-at-kabul-airport-as-us-troops-fire-in-the-air-hundreds-gather-amid-international-evacuation-405858">Also read |&nbsp;Live: Chaos at Kabul airport as US troops fire in the air; hundreds gather amid international evacuation</a>

The FAA said flights operating below 26,000 feet were prohibited in the Kabul Flight Information Region, which largely covers

Afghanistan, unless operating in and out of Hamid Karzai International Airport, citing the risk "posed by extremist/militant activity."

The restrictions do not apply to US military operations.

Other countries, including Canada, Britain, Germany and France had also advised airlines to maintain an altitude of at least 25,000 feet over Afghanistan.

Korean Air Lines said some of its cargo flights were using Afghanistan airspace, though its passenger flights were not.

"Due to the situation in Afghanistan, we are flying our cargo flights at higher altitudes and avoiding flying at lower altitudes," a spokesperson said. "We are closely monitoring the situation and we plan to review shifting our routes if necessary."

Also, the commercial flights set to land in Afghanistan have also been affected by the chaos on the ground.&nbsp;

Emirates has suspended flights to Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, until further notice, the airline said on its website.

Major airlines are rerouting flights to avoid Afghanistan airspace after Taliban insurgents took control of the presidential palace in Kabul as US-led forces departed.

Major airlines are rerouting flights to avoid Afghanistan airspace after Taliban insurgents took control of the presidential palace in Kabul as US-led forces departed. Major airlines including United Airlines, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic said they were not using the country's airspace. As per a United spokeswoman, the change affects several of the airline's US-to-India flights. All commercial flights are suspended at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, a statement reads. The statement calls on the people to avoid crowds at the airport. pic.twitter.com/qKwM8mFgQ1 — TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) August 16, 2021 × Flight-tracking website FlightRadar24 showed few commercial flights over Afghanistan at 0300 GMT on Monday but many planes overflying neighbouring Pakistan and Iran. The US Federal Aviation Administration in July imposed new flight restrictions over Afghanistan for US airlines and other US operators. Also read | Live: Chaos at Kabul airport as US troops fire in the air; hundreds gather amid international evacuation The FAA said flights operating below 26,000 feet were prohibited in the Kabul Flight Information Region, which largely covers Afghanistan, unless operating in and out of Hamid Karzai International Airport, citing the risk "posed by extremist/militant activity." The restrictions do not apply to US military operations. Other countries, including Canada, Britain, Germany and France had also advised airlines to maintain an altitude of at least 25,000 feet over Afghanistan. Korean Air Lines said some of its cargo flights were using Afghanistan airspace, though its passenger flights were not. "Due to the situation in Afghanistan, we are flying our cargo flights at higher altitudes and avoiding flying at lower altitudes," a spokesperson said. "We are closely monitoring the situation and we plan to review shifting our routes if necessary." Also, the commercial flights set to land in Afghanistan have also been affected by the chaos on the ground. Emirates has suspended flights to Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, until further notice, the airline said on its website.

Airlines reroute flights to avoid Afghanistan airspace as Taliban enters Kabul

By now, the Taliban's grip on power in Afghanistan is firm. On Sunday (August 15) Taliban fighters entered Kabul and also in the presidential palace. Situation is chaotic in Kabul with thousands of people wanting to escape the country as they fear Taliban rule. Taliban have already said that they will form the next government in the country. Taliban have survived USA's two-decades-long war on terror and these prominent Talibani figures are likely to get prominent positions in the emerging government set-up in Afghanistan

Haibatullah Akhundzada

<img alt="Akhundzada" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8bbead5b-2714-44b0-9c23-e6826729fb3b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9L69HL%20%281%29_0.jpg" />

Akhundzada became leader of the Taliban after assassination of his predecessor Mullah Mansour Akhtar, in 2016.

After being appointed leader, Akhundzada secured a pledge of loyalty from Al Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri, who showered the religious scholar with praise -- calling him "the emir of the faithful".

This helped him seal his jihadi credentials with the group’s long-time allies.

He is seen more as a spiritual leader than a military figurehead.

Akhundzada was tasked with the enormous challenge of unifying a militant movement that briefly fractured during a bitter power struggle following the assassination of his predecessor, and the revelation that the leadership had hid the death of Taliban founder Mullah Omar for years. 
The leader's public profile has been largely limited to the release of annual messages during Islamic holidays.

The founder, Mullah Baradar

<img alt="Baradar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bd2c9535-3430-475b-b44a-ba8b0862c19b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9L69HU%20%281%29_0.jpg" />

Mullah Baradar shares his birthplace with Talibani movement, Kandahar

He turned insurgent during Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1970s.

He was believed to have fought side-by-side with the one-eyed cleric Mullah Omar. Baradar and Omar founded the Talibani movement in early 90s amid the chaos of civil war that followed Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Arrested in Pakistan in 2010, Baradar was kept in custody until pressure from the United States saw him freed in 2018 and relocated to Qatar.

This is where he was appointed head of the Taliban's political office and oversaw the signing of the withdrawal agreement with the Americans.&nbsp;

Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Haqqani Network

He is son of the famed anti-Soviet commander Jalaluddin Haqqani.

Sirajuddin doubles as both the deputy leader of the Taliban movement while also heading the powerful Haqqani network.&nbsp;

The Haqqani Network is a US-designated terror group that has long been viewed as one of the most dangerous factions fighting Afghan and US-led NATO forces in Afghanistan during the past two decades.

The group is infamous for its use of suicide bombers and is believed to have orchestrated some of the most high-profile attacks in Kabul over the years.&nbsp;

The network has also been accused of assassinating top Afghan officials and holding kidnapped Western citizens for ransom -- including US soldier Bowe Bergdahl, released in 2014.

Known for their independence, fighting acumen, and savvy business dealings, the Haqqanis are believed to oversee operations in the rugged mountains of eastern Afghanistan, while holding considerable sway over the Taliban's leadership council.&nbsp;

Mullah Yaqoob, the scion

The son of the Taliban's founder Mullah Omar.

Mullah Yaqoob heads the group's powerful military commission, which oversees a vast network of field commanders charged with executing the insurgency's strategic operations in the war. &nbsp;

His lineage and ties to his father -- who enjoyed a cult-like status as the Taliban's leader -- serves as a potent symbol and makes him a unifying figure over a sprawling movement.&nbsp;

However, speculation remains rife about Yaqoob’s exact role within the movement, with some analysts arguing that his appointment to the role in 2020 was merely cosmetic.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

By now, the Taliban's grip on power in Afghanistan is firm. On Sunday (August 15) Taliban fighters entered Kabul and also in the presidential palace. Situation is chaotic in Kabul with thousands of people wanting to escape the country as they fear Taliban rule.

By now, the Taliban's grip on power in Afghanistan is firm. On Sunday (August 15) Taliban fighters entered Kabul and also in the presidential palace. Situation is chaotic in Kabul with thousands of people wanting to escape the country as they fear Taliban rule. Taliban have already said that they will form the next government in the country. Taliban have survived USA's two-decades-long war on terror and these prominent Talibani figures are likely to get prominent positions in the emerging government set-up in Afghanistan Haibatullah Akhundzada Akhundzada became leader of the Taliban after assassination of his predecessor Mullah Mansour Akhtar, in 2016. After being appointed leader, Akhundzada secured a pledge of loyalty from Al Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri, who showered the religious scholar with praise -- calling him "the emir of the faithful". This helped him seal his jihadi credentials with the group’s long-time allies. He is seen more as a spiritual leader than a military figurehead. Akhundzada was tasked with the enormous challenge of unifying a militant movement that briefly fractured during a bitter power struggle following the assassination of his predecessor, and the revelation that the leadership had hid the death of Taliban founder Mullah Omar for years. The leader's public profile has been largely limited to the release of annual messages during Islamic holidays. The founder, Mullah Baradar Mullah Baradar shares his birthplace with Talibani movement, Kandahar He turned insurgent during Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1970s. He was believed to have fought side-by-side with the one-eyed cleric Mullah Omar. Baradar and Omar founded the Talibani movement in early 90s amid the chaos of civil war that followed Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan. Arrested in Pakistan in 2010, Baradar was kept in custody until pressure from the United States saw him freed in 2018 and relocated to Qatar. This is where he was appointed head of the Taliban's political office and oversaw the signing of the withdrawal agreement with the Americans. Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Haqqani Network He is son of the famed anti-Soviet commander Jalaluddin Haqqani. Sirajuddin doubles as both the deputy leader of the Taliban movement while also heading the powerful Haqqani network. The Haqqani Network is a US-designated terror group that has long been viewed as one of the most dangerous factions fighting Afghan and US-led NATO forces in Afghanistan during the past two decades. The group is infamous for its use of suicide bombers and is believed to have orchestrated some of the most high-profile attacks in Kabul over the years. The network has also been accused of assassinating top Afghan officials and holding kidnapped Western citizens for ransom -- including US soldier Bowe Bergdahl, released in 2014. Known for their independence, fighting acumen, and savvy business dealings, the Haqqanis are believed to oversee operations in the rugged mountains of eastern Afghanistan, while holding considerable sway over the Taliban's leadership council. Mullah Yaqoob, the scion The son of the Taliban's founder Mullah Omar. Mullah Yaqoob heads the group's powerful military commission, which oversees a vast network of field commanders charged with executing the insurgency's strategic operations in the war. His lineage and ties to his father -- who enjoyed a cult-like status as the Taliban's leader -- serves as a potent symbol and makes him a unifying figure over a sprawling movement. However, speculation remains rife about Yaqoob’s exact role within the movement, with some analysts arguing that his appointment to the role in 2020 was merely cosmetic. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Who's who of Taliban leadership

Taking over Afghanistan by the Taliban represents a failure by the international community, according to British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, who is assessing the West's intervention was just half-done.&nbsp;

"All of us know that&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;is not finished. It's an unfinished problem for the world and the world needs to help it," he said talking to BBC television.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-crisis-china-says-embassy-operating-normally-405858">Live Afghanistan crisis: China says embassy 'operating normally'</a></h2>

According to the former British army officer, US President Joe Biden's predecessor, Donald Trump had secured a "rotten deal" with Islamist militants that allowed their return.

In his opinion, the 20-year US-led intervention in Afghanistan had not been a waste, " it wasn't for nothing," but he accused Western powers of being politically shortsighted.

"If it's a failure, it's a failure of the international community to not realise that you don't fix things overnight," he said.

"I'm afraid when you deal with a country like&nbsp;Afghanistan, that is 1,000 years of history effectively and civil war, you manage its problems and you might have to manage it for 100 years.

"It's not something that you just rock in, rock out and expect something to be fixed."

Former US national security adviser HR McMaster has blasted his government for ignoring the Taliban's ability to take over quickly, calling the lack of awareness "wilful ignorance."

The retired army lieutenant general told Times Radio it was "clear that this kind of collapse was going to happen", after the deal brokered by Trump, who sacked him in 2018.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/airlines-reroute-flights-to-avoid-afghanistan-airspace-as-taliban-enters-kabul-405906">Airlines reroute flights to avoid Afghanistan airspace as Taliban enters Kabul</a>

According to him, the deal weakened Afghanistan's government and security forces, strengthening the Taliban. He said, "We stood idly by and we turned a blind eye. This was utterly predictable."

Foreign policy 'disaster'

Britain's prime minister Boris Johnson has said Britain will assist 3,000 nationals with their departure, but questions are being raised as to why he didn't fight harder against Washington's withdrawal.

Last month, the United Kingdom withdrew the majority of its remaining 750 troops from Afghanistan but announced that 600 soldiers would be returning to assist with repatriations.

On Saturday and Sunday, 370 embassy employees and British citizens left the country, and 782 Afghans are expected to leave in the next 24 to 36 hours, Wallace told Sky News.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/willing-to-develop-friendly-relations-with-afghanistan-says-china-as-taliban-take-control-405990" hreflang="en">Willing to develop friendly relations with Afghanistan, says China as Taliban take control</a>

Each day, officials plan to evacuate 1,200 to 1,500 people from Afghanistan. His department reported that the first flight returned to a British air force base on Sunday night.

A report in The Times declared the pullout&nbsp;&nbsp;"unforced and unnecessary"&nbsp;and said it was&nbsp;becoming "the greatest disaster in American foreign policy for almost 50 years".

Tom Tugendhat, the head of the foreign affairs committee, compared the situation to the 1956 Suez crisis, which revealed Britain's limitations as a global influence.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taking over Afghanistan by the Taliban represents a failure by the international community, according to British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, who is assessing the West's intervention was just half-done.

Taking over Afghanistan by the Taliban represents a failure by the international community, according to British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, who is assessing the West's intervention was just half-done. "All of us know that Afghanistan is not finished. It's an unfinished problem for the world and the world needs to help it," he said talking to BBC television. Live Afghanistan crisis: China says embassy 'operating normally' According to the former British army officer, US President Joe Biden's predecessor, Donald Trump had secured a "rotten deal" with Islamist militants that allowed their return. In his opinion, the 20-year US-led intervention in Afghanistan had not been a waste, " it wasn't for nothing," but he accused Western powers of being politically shortsighted. "If it's a failure, it's a failure of the international community to not realise that you don't fix things overnight," he said. "I'm afraid when you deal with a country like Afghanistan, that is 1,000 years of history effectively and civil war, you manage its problems and you might have to manage it for 100 years. "It's not something that you just rock in, rock out and expect something to be fixed." Former US national security adviser HR McMaster has blasted his government for ignoring the Taliban's ability to take over quickly, calling the lack of awareness "wilful ignorance." The retired army lieutenant general told Times Radio it was "clear that this kind of collapse was going to happen", after the deal brokered by Trump, who sacked him in 2018. Also read | Airlines reroute flights to avoid Afghanistan airspace as Taliban enters Kabul According to him, the deal weakened Afghanistan's government and security forces, strengthening the Taliban. He said, "We stood idly by and we turned a blind eye. This was utterly predictable." Foreign policy 'disaster' Britain's prime minister Boris Johnson has said Britain will assist 3,000 nationals with their departure, but questions are being raised as to why he didn't fight harder against Washington's withdrawal. Last month, the United Kingdom withdrew the majority of its remaining 750 troops from Afghanistan but announced that 600 soldiers would be returning to assist with repatriations. On Saturday and Sunday, 370 embassy employees and British citizens left the country, and 782 Afghans are expected to leave in the next 24 to 36 hours, Wallace told Sky News. Also read | Willing to develop friendly relations with Afghanistan, says China as Taliban take control Each day, officials plan to evacuate 1,200 to 1,500 people from Afghanistan. His department reported that the first flight returned to a British air force base on Sunday night. A report in The Times declared the pullout "unforced and unnecessary" and said it was becoming "the greatest disaster in American foreign policy for almost 50 years". Tom Tugendhat, the head of the foreign affairs committee, compared the situation to the 1956 Suez crisis, which revealed Britain's limitations as a global influence. (With inputs from agencies)

UK accuses Western powers of being politically short-sighted

Chancellor Angela Merkel's government is planning to deploy soldiers to Afghanistan to help with the evacuation of&nbsp;German&nbsp;nationals and Afghans in danger from the Taliban, parliamentary sources said Monday.

The government will seek a mandate from parliament to allow the deployment of as many as "several hundred soldiers", the sources told AFP, citing a briefing by Merkel to leaders of parliamentary groups late Sunday.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-planes-grounded-amid-airport-chaos-thousands-attempt-to-flee-country-405858">LIVE: Afghanistan — Planes 'grounded' amid airport chaos, thousands attempt to flee country</a></h2>

"An 'air bridge' is to be set up from Kabul, to allow the evacuation of local staff, particularly vulnerable women, human rights activists and other employees from non-governmental organisations, for as long as that is possible," said a source.

The government thinks roughly 2,000 people will need evacuating.

Consultations with the United States suggest it may be possible to run the evacuation operation until August 31, but Berlin may end the deployment earlier, said the sources.

Germany had already begun ferrying out staff from its embassy on Sunday, after moving them to safety at a military section of Kabul airport.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/willing-to-develop-friendly-relations-with-afghanistan-says-china-as-taliban-take-control-405990" hreflang="en">Willing to develop friendly relations with Afghanistan, says China as Taliban take control</a>

The first&nbsp;German&nbsp;military aircraft left on Sunday night for the Afghan capital to help with the evacuation.

The military will fly passengers to an unnamed neighbouring country where they will then be put on civilian flights to Germany.

Germany had withdrawn its last troops by the end of June after almost two decades in the country as part of a NATO mission.

The 150,000 people sent by Germany at various points over the years made it the second biggest contributor of NATO troops there, after the United States.

Critics of Merkel's government had however said it had failed to get Afghans who worked for the&nbsp;German&nbsp;military out of the country quickly enough.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's government is planning to deploy soldiers to Afghanistan to help with the evacuation of German nationals and Afghans in danger from the Taliban, parliamentary sources said Monday.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's government is planning to deploy soldiers to Afghanistan to help with the evacuation of German nationals and Afghans in danger from the Taliban, parliamentary sources said Monday. The government will seek a mandate from parliament to allow the deployment of as many as "several hundred soldiers", the sources told AFP, citing a briefing by Merkel to leaders of parliamentary groups late Sunday. LIVE: Afghanistan — Planes 'grounded' amid airport chaos, thousands attempt to flee country "An 'air bridge' is to be set up from Kabul, to allow the evacuation of local staff, particularly vulnerable women, human rights activists and other employees from non-governmental organisations, for as long as that is possible," said a source. The government thinks roughly 2,000 people will need evacuating. Consultations with the United States suggest it may be possible to run the evacuation operation until August 31, but Berlin may end the deployment earlier, said the sources. Germany had already begun ferrying out staff from its embassy on Sunday, after moving them to safety at a military section of Kabul airport. Also read | Willing to develop friendly relations with Afghanistan, says China as Taliban take control The first German military aircraft left on Sunday night for the Afghan capital to help with the evacuation. The military will fly passengers to an unnamed neighbouring country where they will then be put on civilian flights to Germany. Germany had withdrawn its last troops by the end of June after almost two decades in the country as part of a NATO mission. The 150,000 people sent by Germany at various points over the years made it the second biggest contributor of NATO troops there, after the United States. Critics of Merkel's government had however said it had failed to get Afghans who worked for the German military out of the country quickly enough.

German forces to aid Afghan evacuations: Parliamentary sources

As US officials prepared to leave <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/war-is-over-in-afghanistan-says-taliban-as-us-is-stunned-by-ghani-govts-collapse-405864">Afghanistan</a>, locals thronged the Kabul airport to catch any flight after the Taliban gained&nbsp;control of the capital.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-chaos-at-kabul-airport-as-us-troops-fire-in-the-air-hundreds-gather-amid-international-evacuation-405858">Live: As it happens - Hundreds gather amid international evacuation in Kabul</a>

Newswire Reuters quoting eyewitnesses reported that at least five people were killed in Kabul airport amid the confusion. US troops had earlier fired in the air to disperse the crowd.

However, it is not confirmed how the people were killed inside the airport.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mass-exodus-underway-in-kabul-after-taliban-capture-majority-of-provincial-cities-405919/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Pentagon had earlier authorised 1,000 troops to help in evacuation efforts as US officials were airlifted from the embassy in Kabul and transported to the international airport.

A joint statement released by 60 countries said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/more-than-60-countries-say-afghans-others-must-be-allowed-to-leave-afghanistan-405917">Afghans</a> and international citizens who want to leave the country should be allowed the leave Afghanistan&nbsp;with airports and border crossing required to remain open.

Large number of people in Kabul were out on the streets as they made their way to the airport on foot on Monday even as the Taliban said there was relative peace in Afghanistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-taliban-emerged-seized-afghanistan-despite-us-involvement-405931">In Pics: How Taliban emerged &amp; seized Afghanistan despite US involvement</a>

The militant group had swept into the capital on Sunday as Afghan troops continued to get pushed back suffering reverses across the country as provincial capitals kept falling to the Taliban in the last one week.

Reports say former president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/taliban-have-won-rise-and-fall-of-afghan-president-ashraf-ghani-405867">Ashraf Ghani </a>who had fled to Dushanbe in Tajikistan will be travelling to the US even as the Taliban's political team is expected to arrive in Kabul on Monday.

France said it will evacuate its personnel from Monday and they will be transported to a base in the United Arab Emirates which will reportedly serve as a military hub to ensure the back and forth between Abu Dhabi and Kabul during the repatriation operation.

Meanwhile, Russia said its ambassador to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/afghan-students-in-indian-varsity-fear-for-safety-in-home-country-want-visa-extension-405934">Afghanistan</a> will meet with the Taliban in Kabul on Tuesday while adding that Moscow will decide on recognising the new government based on its "conduct".

(With inputs from Agencies)

As US officials prepared to leave Afghanistan, locals thronged the Kabul airport to catch any flight after the Taliban gained control of the capital. Live: As it happens - Hundreds gather amid international evacuation in Kabul Newswire Reuters quoting eyewitnesses reported that at least five people were killed in Kabul airport amid the confusion.

As US officials prepared to leave Afghanistan, locals thronged the Kabul airport to catch any flight after the Taliban gained control of the capital. Live: As it happens - Hundreds gather amid international evacuation in Kabul Newswire Reuters quoting eyewitnesses reported that at least five people were killed in Kabul airport amid the confusion. US troops had earlier fired in the air to disperse the crowd. However, it is not confirmed how the people were killed inside the airport. Watch: The Pentagon had earlier authorised 1,000 troops to help in evacuation efforts as US officials were airlifted from the embassy in Kabul and transported to the international airport. A joint statement released by 60 countries said Afghans and international citizens who want to leave the country should be allowed the leave Afghanistan with airports and border crossing required to remain open. Large number of people in Kabul were out on the streets as they made their way to the airport on foot on Monday even as the Taliban said there was relative peace in Afghanistan. In Pics: How Taliban emerged & seized Afghanistan despite US involvement The militant group had swept into the capital on Sunday as Afghan troops continued to get pushed back suffering reverses across the country as provincial capitals kept falling to the Taliban in the last one week. Reports say former president Ashraf Ghani who had fled to Dushanbe in Tajikistan will be travelling to the US even as the Taliban's political team is expected to arrive in Kabul on Monday. France said it will evacuate its personnel from Monday and they will be transported to a base in the United Arab Emirates which will reportedly serve as a military hub to ensure the back and forth between Abu Dhabi and Kabul during the repatriation operation. Meanwhile, Russia said its ambassador to Afghanistan will meet with the Taliban in Kabul on Tuesday while adding that Moscow will decide on recognising the new government based on its "conduct". (With inputs from Agencies)

At least 5 dead at Kabul airport as US officials leave Afghanistan: Report

Taliban's Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar is likely to be declared as Afghanistan’s new president. Current President Ashraf Ghani and other top diplomats have already left the country after the Taliban seized control of Kabul and all the top provincial capitals of Afghanistan.

Taliban's Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar is likely to be declared as Afghanistan’s new president. Current President Ashraf Ghani and other top diplomats have already left the country after the Taliban seized control of Kabul and all the top provincial capitals of Afghanistan. With its victory, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar has emerged as the undisputed leader of the insurgent group. Baradar is one of the co-founders of the Taliban. However, he now heads the political office of the insurgent group and is part of the negotiating team that the group has in Doha, Qatar. Mullah Baradar to Taliban: “we have reached a victory that wasn’t expected…we should show humility in front of Allah…now it’s time of test — now it’s about how we serve and secure our people, and ensure their future/good life to best of ability” pic.twitter.com/EP6R8B5dot — Mujib Mashal (@MujMash) August 15, 2021 × Baradar, reported to have been one of the trusted commanders of Taliban founder Mullah Omar, was captured in 2010 by security forces in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi and released in 2018. Born in Uruzgan province in 1968, he is the second senior-most leader in the Taliban hierarchy after Haibatullah Akhundzada. Baradar was raised in Kandahar, which also happens to be the birthplace of the Taliban movement. Also read | At least 5 dead at Kabul airport as US officials leave Afghanistan: Report His life was forever altered by the Soviet invasion of the country in the late 1970s, transforming him into an insurgent. He was believed to have fought side-by-side with Mullah Omar. Baradar played a succession of military and administrative roles in the five-year Taliban regime in Afghanistan as deputy minister of defence till the militia was overthrown by the US and its Afghan allies back then. The Taliban, which has now become the dominant force in Afghanistan seeking to change the power equations in the country, ran one of the world's most repressive governments from 1996 to 2001. There were public executions, stonings, strict interpretations of Sharia, or Islamic religious law, women not being allowed to work, and girls not allowed to attend school. Women had to cover their faces and be accompanied by a male relative if they wanted to venture out of their homes. Men were not allowed to trim their beards. Now, the group is seeking to present a more moderate face. As the militant group seized the capital, it said all those who have previously worked and helped the invaders (Western troops), or are now standing in the ranks of the corrupt administration of Kabul, the Islamic Emirate "has opened its door for them and have announced for them amnesty." (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban leader who may become new Afghanistan president?

As the Taliban seized <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-5-dead-at-kabul-airport-as-us-officials-leave-afghanistan-report-405955">Kabul</a>, China said it intends&nbsp;to develop "friendly and cooperative relations with Afghanistan".

"China respects the right of the Afghan people to independently determine their own destiny and is willing to continue to develop... friendly and cooperative relations with Afghanistan," China's foreign ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-crisis-china-says-embassy-operating-normally-405858">Live Afghanistan crisis as it happens</a>

Taliban delegation had met with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Tianjin last month amid its offensive in Afghanistan.

"The Taliban have repeatedly expressed their hope to develop good relations with China, and that they look forward to China's participation in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan," China's foreign ministry said.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/intl-affairs-expert-dr-kadira-pethiyagoda-dont-think-biden-admin-expected-this-move-of-taliban-405977/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Russia said its ambassador to Afghanistan will be meeting Taliban officials on Tuesday. The militant group had earlier met Russian officials in Moscow.

The Russian foreign ministry said the ambassador will meet the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-taliban-emerged-seized-afghanistan-despite-us-involvement-405931">Taliban </a>security's coordinator to ensure security cover for the Russian embassy in the Afghan capital.&nbsp;

Russian foreign ministry official Zamir Kabulov speaking to a radio station said the government will recognise the Taliban "based on the conduct of the new authorities".&nbsp;

As hundreds of Afghans gathered at Kabul airport on Monday, several <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/airlines-reroute-flights-to-avoid-afghanistan-airspace-as-taliban-enters-kabul-405906">international airlines</a> either cancelled or diverted flights from the country.

German carrier Lufthansa said it will be suspending overflying operations in Afghanistan while informing that it was in talks with the government to evacuate civilians from Kabul.

France said it will begin operations to evacuate its personnel from Kabul. Defence minister Florence Parly said people will be sent to a French base in the United Arab Emirates during the repatriation process.

"The priority is to evacuate Afghan personnel who rendered eminent service to our country by helping us daily and also doing the maximum to provide protection to figures who defended human rights, journalists, artists and&nbsp;all those who stood for these values that we continue to defend around the world," Parley asserted.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

As the Taliban seized Kabul, China said it intends to develop "friendly and cooperative relations with Afghanistan". "China respects the right of the Afghan people to independently determine their own destiny and is willing to continue to develop.

As the Taliban seized Kabul, China said it intends to develop "friendly and cooperative relations with Afghanistan". "China respects the right of the Afghan people to independently determine their own destiny and is willing to continue to develop... friendly and cooperative relations with Afghanistan," China's foreign ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said. Live Afghanistan crisis as it happens Taliban delegation had met with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Tianjin last month amid its offensive in Afghanistan. "The Taliban have repeatedly expressed their hope to develop good relations with China, and that they look forward to China's participation in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan," China's foreign ministry said. Watch: Meanwhile, Russia said its ambassador to Afghanistan will be meeting Taliban officials on Tuesday. The militant group had earlier met Russian officials in Moscow. The Russian foreign ministry said the ambassador will meet the Taliban security's coordinator to ensure security cover for the Russian embassy in the Afghan capital. Russian foreign ministry official Zamir Kabulov speaking to a radio station said the government will recognise the Taliban "based on the conduct of the new authorities". As hundreds of Afghans gathered at Kabul airport on Monday, several international airlines either cancelled or diverted flights from the country. German carrier Lufthansa said it will be suspending overflying operations in Afghanistan while informing that it was in talks with the government to evacuate civilians from Kabul. France said it will begin operations to evacuate its personnel from Kabul. Defence minister Florence Parly said people will be sent to a French base in the United Arab Emirates during the repatriation process. "The priority is to evacuate Afghan personnel who rendered eminent service to our country by helping us daily and also doing the maximum to provide protection to figures who defended human rights, journalists, artists and all those who stood for these values that we continue to defend around the world," Parley asserted. (With inputs from Agencies)

Willing to develop friendly relations with Afghanistan, says China as Taliban take control

Kabul today is a very different place than it was just a few days ago.&nbsp;

The passage of time seems to have passed backwards, 20 years to be exact.&nbsp;

The Taliban are in the city, and the people are scrambling to flee. Governments have abandoned their offices, everyone just wants to get out of the godforsaken city.&nbsp;

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-crisis-china-says-embassy-operating-normally-405858">Live Afghanistan crisis: China says embassy 'operating normally'</a></h2>

Compared to the previous days, something has changed drastically. One of the most striking differences is that people on the street have changed their clothing, from jeans and T-shirts to traditional shalwar kameez, and no women are seen on the roads.

Traffic is backed up near the airport. People are engaged in&nbsp;a mad scramble for flights that have been cancelled - as well as for military flights to which civilians don't have access.

Eyewitness reports talk of American helicopters circling the air overhead for hours, with pilots looking down. The American pilots knew that the Taliban were in the city,&nbsp;nothing they did could now prevent the capture of the capital.&nbsp;

Shots ring out throughout the day. There's fear in the air, people are scared, what is going to happen.

Eyewitness account tells of US embassy staff being shuttled to the international airport by helicopters during the day as road travel was considered too dangerous.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/airlines-reroute-flights-to-avoid-afghanistan-airspace-as-taliban-enters-kabul-405906">Airlines reroute flights to avoid Afghanistan airspace as Taliban enters Kabul</a>

Taliban troops were seen marching through the heart of the country's government just outside the presidential palace.

For days now, tension has been at an all-time high in Kabul. The streets, which are usually crowded with people and cars, are now deserted.

Checkpoints for both the military and law enforcement remain unmanned, once again, Afghan troops seem to have vanished.

Many people are walking around with their belongings, looking for a place to stay. Many are from Mazar and have just arrived trying to escape battles throughout the country.

The day the Taliban returned - triumphant after 20 years - will be remembered by all.

Kabul today is a very different place than it was just a few days ago. The passage of time seems to have passed backwards, 20 years to be exact. The Taliban are in the city, and the people are scrambling to flee.

Kabul today is a very different place than it was just a few days ago. The passage of time seems to have passed backwards, 20 years to be exact. The Taliban are in the city, and the people are scrambling to flee. Governments have abandoned their offices, everyone just wants to get out of the godforsaken city. Live Afghanistan crisis: China says embassy 'operating normally' Compared to the previous days, something has changed drastically. One of the most striking differences is that people on the street have changed their clothing, from jeans and T-shirts to traditional shalwar kameez, and no women are seen on the roads. Traffic is backed up near the airport. People are engaged in a mad scramble for flights that have been cancelled - as well as for military flights to which civilians don't have access. Eyewitness reports talk of American helicopters circling the air overhead for hours, with pilots looking down. The American pilots knew that the Taliban were in the city, nothing they did could now prevent the capture of the capital. Shots ring out throughout the day. There's fear in the air, people are scared, what is going to happen. Eyewitness account tells of US embassy staff being shuttled to the international airport by helicopters during the day as road travel was considered too dangerous. Also read | Airlines reroute flights to avoid Afghanistan airspace as Taliban enters Kabul Taliban troops were seen marching through the heart of the country's government just outside the presidential palace. For days now, tension has been at an all-time high in Kabul. The streets, which are usually crowded with people and cars, are now deserted. Checkpoints for both the military and law enforcement remain unmanned, once again, Afghan troops seem to have vanished. Many people are walking around with their belongings, looking for a place to stay. Many are from Mazar and have just arrived trying to escape battles throughout the country. The day the Taliban returned - triumphant after 20 years - will be remembered by all.

On streets of Afghanistan, an air of despair surround the end of 20-year war

As the Taliban take over Afghanistan, China says it seeks ‘friendly and cooperative’ relations with the group. Beijing has sought to maintain unofficial ties with the Taliban throughout the entire withdrawal process.

China says it seeks ‘friendly and cooperative’ ties with Taliban after rout

After the Taliban took over Kabul, the residents are desperate to flee Afghanistan's beleaguered capital. A mass exodus is underway in the capital city. Amid all this chaos and mayhem at the Kabul airport, 5 people have lost their lives and the reason is yet to be ascertained.

Desperate Kabul residents try to flee the capital after Taliban take power

The chaos and utter collapse of Afghan government power in Afghanistan has strongly drawn attention to the way US fought its longest war and the apparent speedy exit that was followed by rapid gains by Taliban. The insurgent group entered Kabul on Sunday. It was believed that the national capital would hold on against Taliban for weeks but the matter came to a head in mere days and hours.

The rapid deterioration of Afghan situation has not only damaged US President's political stature but has also raised questions at US policies. The war against Taliban appears long lost an analysis has begun as to where things went wrong.

Where did Pentagon go wrong?

<h2>Wrong equipments in hands of not competent enough soldiers</h2>

<img alt="Afghanistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c891cf36-d97f-4f5d-80fd-c88db855c9b0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9J227X.jpg" />

After toppling the Taliban in the aftermath of 9/11 attacks in 2001, the US started building an Afghan army in its own image. USD 83 billion were spent to set up and arm the Afghan army

However, the US model meant huge dependence on air support and high-tech communication network. Such an approach was less likely to be effective in a country where only 30 per cent of population has access to reliable electricity supply.

Airplanes, helicopters, drones, armored vehicles, night-vision goggles: the United States spared no expense in equipping the Afghan army. It recently even provided the Afghans with the latest Black Hawk attack helicopters.&nbsp;

However, many Afghans who were part of the army were illiterate young men and the infrastructure in the country could not support the cutting edge military tech that was being used.

<h2>Pull out of US military contractors</h2>

<img alt="Afghanistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e2be3964-36b1-40b0-9beb-5203253926dc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_6U5BK.jpg" />

In addition to the pullout of US troops, it was also decided to withdraw US contractors who played a key role in supporting US logistics.

"We built an air force that depended on contractors for maintenance and then pulled the contractors," Ronald Neumann, a former US ambassador to Kabul under President George W. Bush, told NPR public radio

<h2>Unpaid and unfed</h2>

<img alt="Afghanistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b6c1e973-ade5-48c2-93ea-54a27b76bc21" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9J227Y.jpg" />

Worse, the salaries of the Afghan army had been paid for years by the Pentagon. But from the moment the American army announced its planned withdrawal in April, responsibility for those payments fell on the Kabul government.

Numerous Afghan soldiers have complained on social media that they not only have not been paid in months, in many instances their units were no longer receiving food or supplies -- not even ammunition.

The rapid US withdrawal provided a final blow.

"We profoundly shocked the Afghan army and morale by pulling out and pulling our air cover," said Neumann.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-crisis-taliban-has-broken-shackles-of-slavery-says-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-405858">CLICK HERE to see LIVE updates on Afghan crisis</a>

<h2>Overestmation of Afghan army capabilities</h2>

Capabilities of the Afghan army were seriously overestimated, according to John Sopko, the US special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction (SIGAR).

Each time he tried to evaluate the Afghan army, he said, "the US military changed the goalposts, and made it easier to show success. And then finally, when they couldn't even do that, they classified the assessment tool. 
"So they knew how bad the Afghan military was."

His office's latest report to Congress, filed last week, said that "advanced weapons systems, vehicles and logistics used by Western militaries were beyond the capabilities of the largely illiterate and uneducated Afghan force."

<h2>Exaggerated numbers</h2>

Pentagon repeatedly stressed on what it said was numerical advantage of the Afghan forces -- supposedly with 300,000 men in the army and the police -- over the Taliban, estimated to number some 70,000.

But those army numbers were greatly inflated, according to the Combating Terrorism Center at the prestigious US Military Academy at West Point, New York.&nbsp;

As of July 2020, by its own estimate, the 300,000 included only 185,000 army troops or special operations forces under Defense Ministry control, with police and other security personnel making up the rest.&nbsp;

And barely 60 percent of the Afghan army troops were trained fighters, the West Point analysts said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-an-air-of-despair-surrounding-the-end-of-20-year-war-405996">Afghanistan: An air of despair surrounding the end of 20-year war</a>

A more accurate estimate of the army's fighting strength -- once the 8,000 air force personnel are taken out of the equation -- is 96,000, they concluded.&nbsp;

The SIGAR report said desertions have always been a problem for the Afghan army.

It found that in 2020, the Afghan army had to replace 25 percent of its force each year -- largely because of desertions -- and that American soldiers working with the Afghans came to see this rate as "normal."

<h2>Unkept and half-hearted promises</h2>

In spite of USA's repeated assurances of support after the pullout, it was never explained how this would be done logistically.

In May, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke of helping Afghan air force through an approach he called "over the horizon" logistics.

That vague concept implied the use of virtual training sessions with video conferencing on the Zoom platform -- an approach that seems illusory given the need for the Afghans to have computers or smartphones with well-functioning wi-fi connections.

All these factors and more culminated into what is decisively appearing to be a Taliban victory in Afghanistan.

It is often said that keeping Kabul is tougher than winning it. But the Taliban appear to currently have a firm grip on power.

(With inputs from agencies)

The chaos and utter collapse of Afghan government power in Afghanistan has strongly drawn attention to the way US fought its longest war and the apparent speedy exit that was followed by rapid gains by Taliban.

The chaos and utter collapse of Afghan government power in Afghanistan has strongly drawn attention to the way US fought its longest war and the apparent speedy exit that was followed by rapid gains by Taliban. The insurgent group entered Kabul on Sunday. It was believed that the national capital would hold on against Taliban for weeks but the matter came to a head in mere days and hours. The rapid deterioration of Afghan situation has not only damaged US President's political stature but has also raised questions at US policies. The war against Taliban appears long lost an analysis has begun as to where things went wrong. Where did Pentagon go wrong? Wrong equipments in hands of not competent enough soldiers After toppling the Taliban in the aftermath of 9/11 attacks in 2001, the US started building an Afghan army in its own image. USD 83 billion were spent to set up and arm the Afghan army However, the US model meant huge dependence on air support and high-tech communication network. Such an approach was less likely to be effective in a country where only 30 per cent of population has access to reliable electricity supply. Airplanes, helicopters, drones, armored vehicles, night-vision goggles: the United States spared no expense in equipping the Afghan army. It recently even provided the Afghans with the latest Black Hawk attack helicopters. However, many Afghans who were part of the army were illiterate young men and the infrastructure in the country could not support the cutting edge military tech that was being used. Pull out of US military contractors In addition to the pullout of US troops, it was also decided to withdraw US contractors who played a key role in supporting US logistics. "We built an air force that depended on contractors for maintenance and then pulled the contractors," Ronald Neumann, a former US ambassador to Kabul under President George W. Bush, told NPR public radio Unpaid and unfed Worse, the salaries of the Afghan army had been paid for years by the Pentagon. But from the moment the American army announced its planned withdrawal in April, responsibility for those payments fell on the Kabul government. Numerous Afghan soldiers have complained on social media that they not only have not been paid in months, in many instances their units were no longer receiving food or supplies -- not even ammunition. The rapid US withdrawal provided a final blow. "We profoundly shocked the Afghan army and morale by pulling out and pulling our air cover," said Neumann. CLICK HERE to see LIVE updates on Afghan crisis Overestmation of Afghan army capabilities Capabilities of the Afghan army were seriously overestimated, according to John Sopko, the US special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction (SIGAR). Each time he tried to evaluate the Afghan army, he said, "the US military changed the goalposts, and made it easier to show success. And then finally, when they couldn't even do that, they classified the assessment tool. "So they knew how bad the Afghan military was." His office's latest report to Congress, filed last week, said that "advanced weapons systems, vehicles and logistics used by Western militaries were beyond the capabilities of the largely illiterate and uneducated Afghan force." Exaggerated numbers Pentagon repeatedly stressed on what it said was numerical advantage of the Afghan forces -- supposedly with 300,000 men in the army and the police -- over the Taliban, estimated to number some 70,000. But those army numbers were greatly inflated, according to the Combating Terrorism Center at the prestigious US Military Academy at West Point, New York. As of July 2020, by its own estimate, the 300,000 included only 185,000 army troops or special operations forces under Defense Ministry control, with police and other security personnel making up the rest. And barely 60 percent of the Afghan army troops were trained fighters, the West Point analysts said. Also Read: Afghanistan: An air of despair surrounding the end of 20-year war A more accurate estimate of the army's fighting strength -- once the 8,000 air force personnel are taken out of the equation -- is 96,000, they concluded. The SIGAR report said desertions have always been a problem for the Afghan army. It found that in 2020, the Afghan army had to replace 25 percent of its force each year -- largely because of desertions -- and that American soldiers working with the Afghans came to see this rate as "normal." Unkept and half-hearted promises In spite of USA's repeated assurances of support after the pullout, it was never explained how this would be done logistically. In May, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke of helping Afghan air force through an approach he called "over the horizon" logistics. That vague concept implied the use of virtual training sessions with video conferencing on the Zoom platform -- an approach that seems illusory given the need for the Afghans to have computers or smartphones with well-functioning wi-fi connections. All these factors and more culminated into what is decisively appearing to be a Taliban victory in Afghanistan. It is often said that keeping Kabul is tougher than winning it. But the Taliban appear to currently have a firm grip on power. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Where did US go wrong in fight against Taliban?

Deeply saddened and upset over Afghan army's failure, Afghanistan citizens are seen throwing shoes and stones at Afghan army. The Taliban fighters on Sunday made further advances in Afghanistan and took control of the presidential palace in Kabul. The insurgents entered the capital city amid President Ashraf Ghani fleeing to Tajikistan in order to avoid bloodshed.

Viral Video: Afghan citizens express displeasure with Afghanistan Army by throwing stones and shoes

Former US President Donald Trump called for his successor Joe Biden to resign over the swift takeover of Afghanistan by Taliban militants, as US troops withdrew from the country after nearly 20 years on the ground.

Trump blames Biden for Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, seeks his resignation

In Pics | Kabul airport mobbed as Afghans make a desperate dash to exit

The United Nations has issued a statement on the situation unfolding in the war-ravaged country, Afghanistan. The UN chief Antonio Guterres has urged the Taliban to follow utmost restraint in order to protect rights and ensure humanitarian needs can be addressed. Antonio Guterres is particularly concerned about the future of women and girls in the country.

Antonio Guterres urges restraint as Taliban reach Kabul

The US military has secured the perimeter of Kabul airport as its diplomats were being evacuated from war-torn Afghanistan amid the Taliban takeover. Commercial flights have mostly been suspended, stranding hundreds of Afghans and other foreign nationals.

US secures Kabul airport to evacuate staff from country

Five people get killed inside Kabul airport following massive exodus of people. The exodus happened as a reult of Taliban's siege of Afghanistan.

Five people get killed in Kabul airport amid massive exodus

History repeats itself, they say. &nbsp;

When Afghanistan's now-ousted president Ashraf Ghani wrote more than three decades ago about the then imminent fall of a "puppet regime", he may not have imagined he would be in a similar predicament later in life.&nbsp;

The article written by the then academic in Los Angeles Times on February 15, 1989, has been dug up by social media sleuths and is doing the rounds online this week.&nbsp;

Written after the former Soviet Union's exit from Afghanistan on being defeated at the hands of the US and Pakistan-backed Mujahideen, Ghani's article started with the line: "The Soviets have left Afghanistan, making the collapse of the besieged puppet regime in Kabul just a matter of time."&nbsp;

Fast forward to circa 2021, and it's the Americans&nbsp;who are making the hasty retreat after two decades of war. The Taliban, which essentially is an offshoot of the Mujahideen backed by Pakistan, are in control of capital Kabul. And on Sunday, Ghani's regime collapsed. He himself fled the country as Taliban occupied his presidential palace. He reportedly first went to Tajikistan, and is going to leave for US.&nbsp;

"The [George] Bush Administration could insist that the Afghan people be given the right to self-determination and take the initiative by channeling future economic assistance only to a government so freely chosen," Ghani had written in 1989, basically arguing in his article that US should demand a referendum for self-determination for the Afghans.&nbsp;

"By doing so, it could help thwart blatant Pakistani and Iranian attempts at determining the future of Afghanistan and at fanning the flames of civil war," wrote Ghani, who at the time was an assistant professor of anthropology at Johns Hopkins University.&nbsp;

The article was thoroughly critical of the Pakistan military and how the US regime at the time was colluding with Islamabad in supporting the Mujahideen and warlords fighting Soviet Union, at a time when Afghanistan was a theatre of the US-USSR Cold War.&nbsp;

"The Afghan people have no desire that the United States micromanage their politics. Rather, they wish that the United States would stop colluding with the Pakistani generals in choosing the cast of political actors and writing the script for the future of their country," he wrote.&nbsp;

"Over the years Washington has been entrusting Pakistani military intelligence with the distribution of more than $2 billion in military and financial aid and with the allocation of Stinger missiles to the Afghan resistance." &nbsp;

It is haunting to see how Ghani's words from that article might just be describing the chaos today. &nbsp;

"In the absence of an interim government truly representative of the Afghan people, there is no incentive for the peaceful surrender of Kabul and other cities still in the hands of the Soviet-backed regime. Nearly 3 million civilians, locked in besieged Kabul and already on the brink of starvation, are sure to suffer tremendous losses should the encircling resistance groups attack the capital," he wrote at the time.&nbsp;

History repeats itself, they say. When Afghanistan's now-ousted president Ashraf Ghani wrote more than three decades ago about the then imminent fall of a "puppet regime", he may not have imagined he would be in a similar predicament later in life.

History repeats itself, they say. When Afghanistan's now-ousted president Ashraf Ghani wrote more than three decades ago about the then imminent fall of a "puppet regime", he may not have imagined he would be in a similar predicament later in life. The article written by the then academic in Los Angeles Times on February 15, 1989, has been dug up by social media sleuths and is doing the rounds online this week. Written after the former Soviet Union's exit from Afghanistan on being defeated at the hands of the US and Pakistan-backed Mujahideen, Ghani's article started with the line: "The Soviets have left Afghanistan, making the collapse of the besieged puppet regime in Kabul just a matter of time." Fast forward to circa 2021, and it's the Americans who are making the hasty retreat after two decades of war. The Taliban, which essentially is an offshoot of the Mujahideen backed by Pakistan, are in control of capital Kabul. And on Sunday, Ghani's regime collapsed. He himself fled the country as Taliban occupied his presidential palace. He reportedly first went to Tajikistan, and is going to leave for US. "The [George] Bush Administration could insist that the Afghan people be given the right to self-determination and take the initiative by channeling future economic assistance only to a government so freely chosen," Ghani had written in 1989, basically arguing in his article that US should demand a referendum for self-determination for the Afghans. "By doing so, it could help thwart blatant Pakistani and Iranian attempts at determining the future of Afghanistan and at fanning the flames of civil war," wrote Ghani, who at the time was an assistant professor of anthropology at Johns Hopkins University. The article was thoroughly critical of the Pakistan military and how the US regime at the time was colluding with Islamabad in supporting the Mujahideen and warlords fighting Soviet Union, at a time when Afghanistan was a theatre of the US-USSR Cold War. "The Afghan people have no desire that the United States micromanage their politics. Rather, they wish that the United States would stop colluding with the Pakistani generals in choosing the cast of political actors and writing the script for the future of their country," he wrote. "Over the years Washington has been entrusting Pakistani military intelligence with the distribution of more than $2 billion in military and financial aid and with the allocation of Stinger missiles to the Afghan resistance." It is haunting to see how Ghani's words from that article might just be describing the chaos today. "In the absence of an interim government truly representative of the Afghan people, there is no incentive for the peaceful surrender of Kabul and other cities still in the hands of the Soviet-backed regime. Nearly 3 million civilians, locked in besieged Kabul and already on the brink of starvation, are sure to suffer tremendous losses should the encircling resistance groups attack the capital," he wrote at the time.

Blast from past: Ghani's 1989 article resurfaces, revealing irony of Afghan chaos repeat 

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