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 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

Pakistan's Prime Minister appears to be endorsing the Taliban as they take control of Afghanistan.

On Monday, a video surfaced on social media purporting to show Imran Khan praising the Taliban's takeover of the neighbouring nation.&nbsp;

The Pakistan PM appeared to praise the Taliban in a video broadcast on Pakistani television, saying that "they have freed the chains of mental slavery in Afghanistan." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-where-did-us-go-wrong-in-fight-against-taliban-406022">Also read | Afghanistan: Where did US go wrong in fight against Taliban?</a>

Khan made these statements while speaking at a ceremony to inaugurate the first phase of the Single National Curriculum (SNC), which is part of his ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party's platform and covers grades 1 to 5. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-kabul-airport-mobbed-as-afghans-make-a-desperate-dash-to-exit-406021#us-soldiers-guard-406014">Pictures | Kabul airport mobbed as Afghans make a desperate dash to exit</a>

The prime minister explained how Pakistan's parallel education system resulted in the establishment of "English medium" schools and the adoption of "someone else's culture."&nbsp;

When you accept someone's culture, you feel it is superior, and you become a slave to it, he said, adding that it creates a mental enslavement system that is worse than physical slavery.

In the same sentence, he compared Afghanistan's continuous turmoil to the country's people "breaking the chains of slavery." &nbsp; 
 
<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>

The longstanding war in Afghanistan reached a watershed moment on Sunday when the Taliban insurgents closed in on Kabul before entering the city and took over the presidential palace, forcing embattled President Ashraf Ghani to join fellow citizens and foreigners to flee the country.

Pakistan is accused of supporting the Taliban insurgency, which culminated in the country's capture 20 years after it was evicted.

Officially, Pakistan has stated that it wants a broad-based, inclusive administration in Afghanistan and that it is hosting Afghan officials to help them reach an agreement for a peaceful transition.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's Prime Minister appears to be endorsing the Taliban as they take control of Afghanistan. On Monday, a video surfaced on social media purporting to show Imran Khan praising the Taliban's takeover of the neighbouring nation.

Pakistan's Prime Minister appears to be endorsing the Taliban as they take control of Afghanistan. On Monday, a video surfaced on social media purporting to show Imran Khan praising the Taliban's takeover of the neighbouring nation. The Pakistan PM appeared to praise the Taliban in a video broadcast on Pakistani television, saying that "they have freed the chains of mental slavery in Afghanistan." Also read | Afghanistan: Where did US go wrong in fight against Taliban? Khan made these statements while speaking at a ceremony to inaugurate the first phase of the Single National Curriculum (SNC), which is part of his ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party's platform and covers grades 1 to 5. Pictures | Kabul airport mobbed as Afghans make a desperate dash to exit The prime minister explained how Pakistan's parallel education system resulted in the establishment of "English medium" schools and the adoption of "someone else's culture." When you accept someone's culture, you feel it is superior, and you become a slave to it, he said, adding that it creates a mental enslavement system that is worse than physical slavery. In the same sentence, he compared Afghanistan's continuous turmoil to the country's people "breaking the chains of slavery." LIVE: Afghanistan crisis The longstanding war in Afghanistan reached a watershed moment on Sunday when the Taliban insurgents closed in on Kabul before entering the city and took over the presidential palace, forcing embattled President Ashraf Ghani to join fellow citizens and foreigners to flee the country. Pakistan is accused of supporting the Taliban insurgency, which culminated in the country's capture 20 years after it was evicted. Officially, Pakistan has stated that it wants a broad-based, inclusive administration in Afghanistan and that it is hosting Afghan officials to help them reach an agreement for a peaceful transition. (With inputs from agencies)

'They have broken shackles of slavery': Pakistan PM Imran Khan endorses Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan

Confirming the imminent withdrawal of most embassy staff in the wake of a rapid Taliban offensive, Boris Johnson said the United Kingdom would not abandon Afghanistan.

"Nobody wants Afghanistan to be a breeding ground for terror...or to lapse back into the pre-2001 situation," he said.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-taliban-take-control-of-afghanistan-presidential-palace-as-ghani-exits-country-405579">LIVE: Taliban take control of Afghanistan presidential palace as Ghani exits country</a></h2>

With Islamists capturing more Afghan cities, Britain will be deploying around 600 troops to assist in evacuating its roughly 3,000 residents, and as per the PM, the majority of remaining embassy staff in Kabul will return to the UK.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said Joe Biden's decision to withdraw US troops, forcing NATO allies to follow suit, amounted to "a very big problem on the ground" and helped the Taliban gain momentum.

According to him, it would benefit Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, since the Taliban had provided a safe haven for them before the September 11 attacks, something that led to the West's 20-year involvement in Afghanistan.

In an interview with Sky News, Wallace said that Biden's predecessor Donald Trump's predecessor had struck a "rotten deal" with the Taliban allowing the US to end its longest war. This echoes the complaints of UK military chiefs who have strongly opposed the pullout.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ashraf-ghani-departing-afghan-president-who-failed-to-make-peace-with-taliban-405790" hreflang="en">Ashraf Ghani: Departing Afghan president who failed to make peace with Taliban</a>

After convening crisis talks with senior cabinet colleagues, Johnson noted that Britain and the West retain a strategic interest in supporting the beleaguered&nbsp;Kabul government.

I think we have got to be realistic about the power of the UK or any power to impose a military solution, a combat solution, in Afghanistan," he told reporters.

He added that "there is clearly a change of regime now happening" but "we don’t know exactly what kind of regime that will be".

"What we certainly can do is work with all our partners in the region, around the world, who share an interest with us in preventing Afghanistan once again becoming a breeding ground for terror.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-us-embassy-staff-haphazardly-removed-from-kabul-blinken-rejects-comparison-with-saigon-405781" hreflang="en">As US embassy staff haphazardly removed from Kabul, Blinken rejects comparison with Saigon</a>

"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 mustn't 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.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/boris-johnson-says-afghanistan-must-not-become-breeding-ground-for-terror-405818/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The prime minister said UK officials would be flying out to Kabul to assist Afghan interpreters that served with the UK military and seeking resettlement in the UK.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Confirming the imminent withdrawal of most embassy staff in the wake of a rapid Taliban offensive, Boris Johnson said the United Kingdom would not abandon Afghanistan.

Confirming the imminent withdrawal of most embassy staff in the wake of a rapid Taliban offensive, Boris Johnson said the United Kingdom would not abandon Afghanistan. "Nobody wants Afghanistan to be a breeding ground for terror...or to lapse back into the pre-2001 situation," he said. LIVE: Taliban take control of Afghanistan presidential palace as Ghani exits country With Islamists capturing more Afghan cities, Britain will be deploying around 600 troops to assist in evacuating its roughly 3,000 residents, and as per the PM, the majority of remaining embassy staff in Kabul will return to the UK. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said Joe Biden's decision to withdraw US troops, forcing NATO allies to follow suit, amounted to "a very big problem on the ground" and helped the Taliban gain momentum. According to him, it would benefit Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, since the Taliban had provided a safe haven for them before the September 11 attacks, something that led to the West's 20-year involvement in Afghanistan. In an interview with Sky News, Wallace said that Biden's predecessor Donald Trump's predecessor had struck a "rotten deal" with the Taliban allowing the US to end its longest war. This echoes the complaints of UK military chiefs who have strongly opposed the pullout. Also read | Ashraf Ghani: Departing Afghan president who failed to make peace with Taliban After convening crisis talks with senior cabinet colleagues, Johnson noted that Britain and the West retain a strategic interest in supporting the beleaguered Kabul government. I think we have got to be realistic about the power of the UK or any power to impose a military solution, a combat solution, in Afghanistan," he told reporters. He added that "there is clearly a change of regime now happening" but "we don’t know exactly what kind of regime that will be". "What we certainly can do is work with all our partners in the region, around the world, who share an interest with us in preventing Afghanistan once again becoming a breeding ground for terror. Also read | As US embassy staff haphazardly removed from Kabul, Blinken rejects comparison with Saigon "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 mustn't 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. The prime minister said UK officials would be flying out to Kabul to assist Afghan interpreters that served with the UK military and seeking resettlement in the UK. (With inputs from agencies)

'UK will deploy 600 troops': Boris Johnson vows not to turn back on Afghanistan

Ashraf Ghani, who left Afghanistan on Sunday following the Taliban's rapid advance through the country and into Kabul, was twice elected Afghan president, as well as being one of the country's best-known academics.

President Ghani left the country hours after the Taliban entered the capital, government officials said. It was not yet clear where he was headed, or how power would be transferred.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-president-ghani-leaves-afghanistan-as-taliban-enter-capital-kabul-405579">LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul</a></h2>

First elected president in 2014, Ghani took over from Hamid Karzai, who led Afghanistan after the US-led invasion in 2001, and oversaw the conclusion of the US&nbsp;combat mission, the near-complete withdrawal of foreign forces from the country, as well as a fractious peace process with the insurgent Taliban.

He made the effort to end decades of war his top priority, despite continuing attacks on his government and security forces by the Taliban, and began peace talks with the insurgents in the Qatari capital of Doha in 2020.

However, Ghani, known for his quick temper alongside his deep thinking, was never accepted by the Taliban and peace talks made little headway.

Foreign governments were frustrated by the slow progress of talks, and calls grew for an interim government to replace his administration.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dont-be-afraid-of-us-taliban-take-over-kabul-as-president-ghani-leaves-afghan-405780" hreflang="en">'Don't be afraid of us': Taliban take over Kabul as President Ghani leaves Afghan</a>

During his presidency, he managed to appoint a new generation of young, educated Afghans into leadership positions at a time the country's power corridors were occupied by a handful of elite figures and patronage networks.

He promised to fight rampant corruption, fix a crippled economy and transform the country into a regional trade hub between Central and South Asia - but was unable to deliver on most of these promises.

Long Road

A US-trained anthropologist, Ghani holds a doctorate from New York City's Columbia University and was named one of the "World's Top 100 Global Thinkers" by Foreign Policy magazine in 2010.

His road to the presidency was hard-fought.

He spent almost a quarter of century outside Afghanistan during the tumultuous decades of Soviet rule, civil war and the Taliban years in power.

During that period, he worked as an academic in the United States and later with the World Bank and the United Nations across East and South Asia.

Within months of the events of the US-led invasion of Afghanistan, he resigned from his international posts and returned to Kabul to become a senior advisor to newly-appointed President Karzai.

He served as Afghan finance minister in 2002, but fell out with Karzai, and, in 2004, was appointed chancellor of Kabul University, where he was seen as an effective reformer as well as forming a Washington-based thinktank that worked on policies to empower some of the world's most impoverished people.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-in-kabul-both-afghan-prez-and-vice-prez-have-left-the-country-405779/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In 2009, Ghani, who belongs to Afghanistan's majority Pashtun ethnicity like Karzai, ran for president but came in fourth, securing about 4% of the national vote.

He continued to work in important roles in Afghanistan, including as Afghanistan's "transition czar", chairing a body overseeing security transition from NATO to Afghans.

With Karzai barred by the Afghan constitution from standing for a third time, Ghani mounted a successful second campaign in 2014. He was re-elected in 2019.

His relationship with Washington and other Western capitals was uneasy.

He was a vocal critic of what he termed wasted international aid in Afghanistan and often did not see eye to eye with the West's Afghan strategy, particularly as they looked to fast-track a slow and painful peace process with the Taliban.

In an interview with the BBC, Ghani said: "the future will be determined by the people of Afghanistan, not by somebody sitting behind the desk, dreaming".

Ashraf Ghani, who left Afghanistan on Sunday following the Taliban's rapid advance through the country and into Kabul, was twice elected Afghan president, as well as being one of the country's best-known academics.

Ashraf Ghani, who left Afghanistan on Sunday following the Taliban's rapid advance through the country and into Kabul, was twice elected Afghan president, as well as being one of the country's best-known academics. President Ghani left the country hours after the Taliban entered the capital, government officials said. It was not yet clear where he was headed, or how power would be transferred. LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul First elected president in 2014, Ghani took over from Hamid Karzai, who led Afghanistan after the US-led invasion in 2001, and oversaw the conclusion of the US combat mission, the near-complete withdrawal of foreign forces from the country, as well as a fractious peace process with the insurgent Taliban. He made the effort to end decades of war his top priority, despite continuing attacks on his government and security forces by the Taliban, and began peace talks with the insurgents in the Qatari capital of Doha in 2020. However, Ghani, known for his quick temper alongside his deep thinking, was never accepted by the Taliban and peace talks made little headway. Foreign governments were frustrated by the slow progress of talks, and calls grew for an interim government to replace his administration. Also read | 'Don't be afraid of us': Taliban take over Kabul as President Ghani leaves Afghan During his presidency, he managed to appoint a new generation of young, educated Afghans into leadership positions at a time the country's power corridors were occupied by a handful of elite figures and patronage networks. He promised to fight rampant corruption, fix a crippled economy and transform the country into a regional trade hub between Central and South Asia - but was unable to deliver on most of these promises. Long Road A US-trained anthropologist, Ghani holds a doctorate from New York City's Columbia University and was named one of the "World's Top 100 Global Thinkers" by Foreign Policy magazine in 2010. His road to the presidency was hard-fought. He spent almost a quarter of century outside Afghanistan during the tumultuous decades of Soviet rule, civil war and the Taliban years in power. During that period, he worked as an academic in the United States and later with the World Bank and the United Nations across East and South Asia. Within months of the events of the US-led invasion of Afghanistan, he resigned from his international posts and returned to Kabul to become a senior advisor to newly-appointed President Karzai. He served as Afghan finance minister in 2002, but fell out with Karzai, and, in 2004, was appointed chancellor of Kabul University, where he was seen as an effective reformer as well as forming a Washington-based thinktank that worked on policies to empower some of the world's most impoverished people. In 2009, Ghani, who belongs to Afghanistan's majority Pashtun ethnicity like Karzai, ran for president but came in fourth, securing about 4% of the national vote. He continued to work in important roles in Afghanistan, including as Afghanistan's "transition czar", chairing a body overseeing security transition from NATO to Afghans. With Karzai barred by the Afghan constitution from standing for a third time, Ghani mounted a successful second campaign in 2014. He was re-elected in 2019. His relationship with Washington and other Western capitals was uneasy. He was a vocal critic of what he termed wasted international aid in Afghanistan and often did not see eye to eye with the West's Afghan strategy, particularly as they looked to fast-track a slow and painful peace process with the Taliban. In an interview with the BBC, Ghani said: "the future will be determined by the people of Afghanistan, not by somebody sitting behind the desk, dreaming".

Ashraf Ghani: Departing Afghan president who failed to make peace with Taliban

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that all the US embassy staff in Kabul are being moved to the airport as the Taliban attacked the Afghan capital.

Taliban fighters had been ordered to wait on the outskirts of Kabul, and the government admitted it was preparing for a "transfer of power."

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-president-ghani-leaves-afghanistan-as-taliban-enter-capital-kabul-405579">LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul</a></h2>

"It's why we had forces on hand to make sure we could do this in a safe and orderly fashion. The compound itself, folks are leaving there and going to the airport," said&nbsp;Blinken&nbsp;while talking to ABC.

Even with the sudden withdrawal, he rejected comparisons with the 1975 chaotic departure of Americans from Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War.

"This is not Saigon," said&nbsp;Blinken. "The fact of the matter is this: We went to Afghanistan 20 years ago with one mission in mind. That was to deal with the people that attacked us on 9/11. That mission has been successful."

"The US has succeeded in its mission to stop attacks on US."

"It's simply not in our interests to remain in Afghanistan," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-nato-eu-un-confirm-they-will-not-recognise-govt-formed-through-military-405223" hreflang="en">Afghanistan: NATO, EU, UN confirm they will not recognise govt formed through military</a>

In an astonishingly quick rout, the Taliban forced government forces to abandon Kabul, who, without US assistance, proved unable to hold onto territory.

As Afghan security forces left parts of Kabul city and their checkpoints, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the forces entered the city to prevent looting and chaos.

The Afghani leader has also advised locals not to be scared by the Taliban and not to panic about their entry into the city.

Kabul's fall will mark the return of the Taliban to power two decades after it was toppled by US-led forces after the September 11 attacks.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that all the US embassy staff in Kabul are being moved to the airport as the Taliban attacked the Afghan capital.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that all the US embassy staff in Kabul are being moved to the airport as the Taliban attacked the Afghan capital. Taliban fighters had been ordered to wait on the outskirts of Kabul, and the government admitted it was preparing for a "transfer of power." LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul "It's why we had forces on hand to make sure we could do this in a safe and orderly fashion. The compound itself, folks are leaving there and going to the airport," said Blinken while talking to ABC. Even with the sudden withdrawal, he rejected comparisons with the 1975 chaotic departure of Americans from Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War. "This is not Saigon," said Blinken. "The fact of the matter is this: We went to Afghanistan 20 years ago with one mission in mind. That was to deal with the people that attacked us on 9/11. That mission has been successful." "The US has succeeded in its mission to stop attacks on US." "It's simply not in our interests to remain in Afghanistan," he added. Also read | Afghanistan: NATO, EU, UN confirm they will not recognise govt formed through military In an astonishingly quick rout, the Taliban forced government forces to abandon Kabul, who, without US assistance, proved unable to hold onto territory. As Afghan security forces left parts of Kabul city and their checkpoints, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the forces entered the city to prevent looting and chaos. The Afghani leader has also advised locals not to be scared by the Taliban and not to panic about their entry into the city. Kabul's fall will mark the return of the Taliban to power two decades after it was toppled by US-led forces after the September 11 attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

As US embassy staff haphazardly removed from Kabul, Blinken rejects comparison with Saigon

The Taliban want to take control of&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;"in the next few days", a spokesman for the group told the BBC Sunday, as their fighters encircled the capital.

"In next few days, we want a peaceful transfer," Suhail Shaheen, based in Qatar as part of the group's negotiating team, told the BBC.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-president-ghani-leaves-afghanistan-as-taliban-enter-capital-kabul-405579">LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul</a></h2>

Shaheen laid out the policies of the Taliban ahead of an expected power transfer that would re-install the hardline Islamic group two decades after US-led forces toppled them in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

"We want an inclusive Islamic government... that means all Afghans will be part of that government," Shaheen said.&nbsp;

"We will see that in the future as the peaceful transfer is taking place."

He also said foreign embassies and workers would not be targeted by the group's fighters and they should remain in the country.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/back-to-harrowing-times-afghan-women-fear-taliban-rule-405547">Back to harrowing times: Afghan women fear Taliban rule</a>

"There will be no risk to diplomats, NGOs, to anyone. All should continue their work as they were continuing in the past. They won’t harm them, they should remain."

Rebuffing fears the country would be plunged back to the dark days of the group's ultra-conservative version of Islamic law, Shaheen said the Taliban will instead seek a "new chapter" of tolerance.

"We want to work with any Afghan, we want to open a new chapter of peace, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national unity for the country and for the people of&nbsp;Afghanistan," he said.

But many officials, soldiers and police have surrendered or abandoned their posts, fearing reprisals against anyone suspected of working with the Western-backed government or Western forces.

Shaheen said that would not happen.

"We reassure that there is no revenge on anyone. Any case will be investigated."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/reports-president-ashraf-ghani-leaves-afghanistan-as-taliban-take-control-405754/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Doha-based spokesman said the group would also review its relationship with the United States, which it has waged a deadly insurgency against for decades.

"Our relationship was in the past," he said. "In future, if it will touch our agenda no more, it will be a new chapter of cooperation."

The Taliban want to take control of Afghanistan "in the next few days", a spokesman for the group told the BBC Sunday, as their fighters encircled the capital. "In next few days, we want a peaceful transfer," Suhail Shaheen, based in Qatar as part of the group's negotiating team, told the BBC.

The Taliban want to take control of Afghanistan "in the next few days", a spokesman for the group told the BBC Sunday, as their fighters encircled the capital. "In next few days, we want a peaceful transfer," Suhail Shaheen, based in Qatar as part of the group's negotiating team, told the BBC. LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul Shaheen laid out the policies of the Taliban ahead of an expected power transfer that would re-install the hardline Islamic group two decades after US-led forces toppled them in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks. "We want an inclusive Islamic government... that means all Afghans will be part of that government," Shaheen said. "We will see that in the future as the peaceful transfer is taking place." He also said foreign embassies and workers would not be targeted by the group's fighters and they should remain in the country. Also read | Back to harrowing times: Afghan women fear Taliban rule "There will be no risk to diplomats, NGOs, to anyone. All should continue their work as they were continuing in the past. They won’t harm them, they should remain." Rebuffing fears the country would be plunged back to the dark days of the group's ultra-conservative version of Islamic law, Shaheen said the Taliban will instead seek a "new chapter" of tolerance. "We want to work with any Afghan, we want to open a new chapter of peace, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national unity for the country and for the people of Afghanistan," he said. But many officials, soldiers and police have surrendered or abandoned their posts, fearing reprisals against anyone suspected of working with the Western-backed government or Western forces. Shaheen said that would not happen. "We reassure that there is no revenge on anyone. Any case will be investigated." The Doha-based spokesman said the group would also review its relationship with the United States, which it has waged a deadly insurgency against for decades. "Our relationship was in the past," he said. "In future, if it will touch our agenda no more, it will be a new chapter of cooperation."

Taliban want peaceful transfer of power in 'next few days'

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was on Sunday to hold further crisis talks on&nbsp;Afghanistan, his office said, as he recalled parliament from its summer break.

A Downing Street spokesperson said Johnson had called a meeting of the COBR emergencies committee to discuss the situation, which follows the withdrawal of US-led forces, the second such meeting in three days.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-president-ghani-leaves-afghanistan-as-taliban-enter-capital-kabul-405579">LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul</a></h2>

Parliament on Sunday said it had approved Johnson's request to call back MPs on Wednesday for an urgent debate on what Britain, which lost 457 troops in the two-decade-long war, should do next.

Taliban fighters were on the outskirts of Kabul on Sunday and on the brink of a complete military takeover of&nbsp;Afghanistan, leading British politicians to call for a last-ditch intervention.

Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, urged Johnson to "think again" about stepping in.

"We have an ever-shrinking window of opportunity to recognise where this country is going as a failed state," he told Times Radio.

"Just because the Americans won't, does not mean to say that we should be tied to the thinking, the political judgement -- particularly when it is so wrong -- of our closest security ally.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-ban-covid-19-vaccine-in-eastern-afghanistans-paktia-province-report-405235" hreflang="en">Taliban ban COVID-19 vaccine in Eastern Afghanistan's Paktia province: Report</a>

"We could prevent this, otherwise history will judge us very, very harshly in not stepping in," he warned.

Ellwood said the government could deploy the Royal Navy's HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier strike group to provide air support.

He called the crisis "the biggest single policy disaster since Suez".

'Deeply shocking'&nbsp;

Johnson vowed on Friday that Britain will not "turn our backs" on&nbsp;Afghanistan, even as he confirmed the imminent withdrawal of most embassy staff in the face of a rapid Taliban onslaught.

However, he said that those calling for an intervention "have got to be realistic about the power of the UK or any power to impose a military solution -- a combat solution -- in&nbsp;Afghanistan".

With the Islamists seizing control of more Afghan cities, Britain is deploying around 600 troops to help evacuate its roughly 3,000 nationals from the country, and Johnson said the "vast bulk" of remaining embassy staff in Kabul would return to the UK.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-captures-mazar-e-sharif-fourth-largest-city-of-afghanistan-405447" hreflang="en">Taliban captures Mazar-e-Sharif, fourth largest city of Afghanistan</a>

The Foreign Office said on Sunday that Britain had "temporarily&nbsp;suspended most operations" at its embassy in Kabul and was doing "all we can to enable remaining British nationals, and those Afghans who have worked for us and who are eligible for relocation, to leave&nbsp;Afghanistan".

Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer backed the move to recall parliament, saying in a statement: "The situation in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;is deeply shocking and seems to be worsening by the hour.

"The government has been silent while&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;collapses, which, let's be clear will have ramifications for us here in the UK.

"We need parliament recalled so the government can update MPs on how it plans to work with allies to avoid a humanitarian crisis and a return to the days of&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;being a base for extremists."

Most of the remaining British troops assigned to the NATO mission in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;left last month, according to Johnson.

As well as the fallen troops, the conflict has cost Britain around £40 billion ($55 billion, 46.7 billion euros).

In 2014, the British mission in&nbsp;Afghanistan, centred on the restive southern province of Helmand, shifted from a combat operation to one focused on supporting Afghan national forces, with the help of around 750 troops.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was on Sunday to hold further crisis talks on Afghanistan, his office said, as he recalled parliament from its summer break.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was on Sunday to hold further crisis talks on Afghanistan, his office said, as he recalled parliament from its summer break. A Downing Street spokesperson said Johnson had called a meeting of the COBR emergencies committee to discuss the situation, which follows the withdrawal of US-led forces, the second such meeting in three days. LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul Parliament on Sunday said it had approved Johnson's request to call back MPs on Wednesday for an urgent debate on what Britain, which lost 457 troops in the two-decade-long war, should do next. Taliban fighters were on the outskirts of Kabul on Sunday and on the brink of a complete military takeover of Afghanistan, leading British politicians to call for a last-ditch intervention. Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, urged Johnson to "think again" about stepping in. "We have an ever-shrinking window of opportunity to recognise where this country is going as a failed state," he told Times Radio. "Just because the Americans won't, does not mean to say that we should be tied to the thinking, the political judgement -- particularly when it is so wrong -- of our closest security ally. Also read | Taliban ban COVID-19 vaccine in Eastern Afghanistan's Paktia province: Report "We could prevent this, otherwise history will judge us very, very harshly in not stepping in," he warned. Ellwood said the government could deploy the Royal Navy's HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier strike group to provide air support. He called the crisis "the biggest single policy disaster since Suez". 'Deeply shocking' Johnson vowed on Friday that Britain will not "turn our backs" on Afghanistan, even as he confirmed the imminent withdrawal of most embassy staff in the face of a rapid Taliban onslaught. However, he said that those calling for an intervention "have got to be realistic about the power of the UK or any power to impose a military solution -- a combat solution -- in Afghanistan". With the Islamists seizing control of more Afghan cities, Britain is deploying around 600 troops to help evacuate its roughly 3,000 nationals from the country, and Johnson said the "vast bulk" of remaining embassy staff in Kabul would return to the UK. Also read | Taliban captures Mazar-e-Sharif, fourth largest city of Afghanistan The Foreign Office said on Sunday that Britain had "temporarily suspended most operations" at its embassy in Kabul and was doing "all we can to enable remaining British nationals, and those Afghans who have worked for us and who are eligible for relocation, to leave Afghanistan". Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer backed the move to recall parliament, saying in a statement: "The situation in Afghanistan is deeply shocking and seems to be worsening by the hour. "The government has been silent while Afghanistan collapses, which, let's be clear will have ramifications for us here in the UK. "We need parliament recalled so the government can update MPs on how it plans to work with allies to avoid a humanitarian crisis and a return to the days of Afghanistan being a base for extremists." Most of the remaining British troops assigned to the NATO mission in Afghanistan left last month, according to Johnson. As well as the fallen troops, the conflict has cost Britain around £40 billion ($55 billion, 46.7 billion euros). In 2014, the British mission in Afghanistan, centred on the restive southern province of Helmand, shifted from a combat operation to one focused on supporting Afghan national forces, with the help of around 750 troops.

UK PM holds Afghanistan crisis talks, recalls parliament

Afghanistan women want more representation in peace talks. Women want a place in Afghanistan peace talks. Watch video to know more.

Afghan women demand strong voice in peace talks

Afghan and NATO forces are planning to launch more operations in Kandahar to clear it of the Taliban, said Afghanistan's acting Defence Minister Assadullah Khalid after touring the province along with NATO forces commander General Scott Miller.

Khalid, after a meeting with Scott Miller, said, "The purpose of our today’s (Friday) visit is to assess the security situation and the military operations which have been launched in Maiwand and Ghorak districts as well as the operations which will be launched in other areas in the near future."Khalid and Miller met Afghan National Army and Police force members as well as the provincial Police Chief Gen.

Tadeen Khan, Kandahar tribal elders and commanders leading the military operations against militants and discussed issues relating to security and the operations, reported TOLO NewsThis was Miller's second visit to Kandahar after being appointed on September 2.

The NATO chief first visited the province last October when former Kandahar police chief General Abdul Raziq was assassinated in an attack by an armed man.

Recently, the United States and Taliban agreed in principle to chalk out a framework for a deal that could eventually end the 17-year conflict in Afghanistan.

There are currently around 14,000 US troops and 16,000 personnel from NATO and its allies in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Afghan and NATO forces are planning to launch more operations in Kandahar to clear it of the Taliban, said Afghanistan's acting Defence Minister Assadullah Khalid after touring the province along with NATO forces commander General Scott Miller.

Afghan and NATO forces are planning to launch more operations in Kandahar to clear it of the Taliban, said Afghanistan's acting Defence Minister Assadullah Khalid after touring the province along with NATO forces commander General Scott Miller. Khalid, after a meeting with Scott Miller, said, "The purpose of our today’s (Friday) visit is to assess the security situation and the military operations which have been launched in Maiwand and Ghorak districts as well as the operations which will be launched in other areas in the near future."Khalid and Miller met Afghan National Army and Police force members as well as the provincial Police Chief Gen. Tadeen Khan, Kandahar tribal elders and commanders leading the military operations against militants and discussed issues relating to security and the operations, reported TOLO NewsThis was Miller's second visit to Kandahar after being appointed on September 2. The NATO chief first visited the province last October when former Kandahar police chief General Abdul Raziq was assassinated in an attack by an armed man. Recently, the United States and Taliban agreed in principle to chalk out a framework for a deal that could eventually end the 17-year conflict in Afghanistan. There are currently around 14,000 US troops and 16,000 personnel from NATO and its allies in Afghanistan.

More security operations in Kandahar planned to clear it of Taliban: Afghan acting Defence Minister

After a year of record bloodshed, Afghans are bracing for an even deadlier 2019 with the threat of a US drawdown and a looming presidential vote likely to fuel violence.

President Donald Trump's plan to slash the number of US soldiers in Afghanistan before negotiators have struck a peace deal with the Taliban has crushed hopes among many Afghans for an end to the 17-year conflict.

The news, which the White House has not confirmed, capped an annus horribilis for the war-weary country which by some estimates has overtaken Syria as the world's deadliest conflict zone this year.

Ordinary Afghans, who have long borne the brunt of the relentless fighting, told AFP they felt increasingly despondent about the future as the Taliban and the Islamic State group adapt to ramped up security to carry out almost daily attacks on civilians and security forces. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"It is getting worse every day," said electrical engineering student Mohammad Hussain in Kabul, one of the deadliest places in the country for civilians.&nbsp;

"The security we had four or five years back was better than now. Even when we don't have attacks in Kabul, we are waiting for something to happen."

Zabihullah Shirzad, who owns a garbage collecting company in the Afghan capital, said he could not remember a bloodier year than 2018 and predicted 2019 would be even deadlier.&nbsp;

"We will see more killing and bloodshed," the 42 year old said.

"I am not optimistic about the peace talks."&nbsp;

Their gloomy comments reflect the findings of a Gallup poll published in October, which showed an unprecedented level of pessimism among Afghans.

And an Asia Foundation study in December suggested more than 60 percent of Afghans thought the country was moving in the wrong direction -- unchanged from a year earlier.

'Very bad year'

Several key indicators show Afghan security locked in a downward spiral, underscoring their negativity.

Civilian deaths hit a record high in the first half of the year, while the Taliban are slaughtering Afghan forces in greater numbers than ever before.

This year was also marked by some of the deadliest suicide attacks since the start of the war in 2001, including an ambulance bomb blast that targeted a crowded street in Kabul in January, killing more than 100 people and wounding hundreds more.

The bloodshed was exacerbated by Trump's more aggressive strategy for Afghanistan, which he reluctantly announced in August 2017, putting thousands more US boots on the ground and giving its air units greater leeway to go after the Taliban and IS.

One estimate puts the number of conflict-related deaths at more than 40,000 this year -- almost equal to the combined total for Syria and Yemen -- according to data compiled by the US-based Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project.

Afghanistan also took the unenviable title of deadliest country in the world for journalists, with 15 media workers killed, including AFP chief photographer Shah Marai and AFP driver Mohammad Akhtar.

Adding to the misery was the worst drought in recent history, which forced more than 250,000 people to abandon their homes, overwhelming humanitarian agencies as they struggled to provide enough food and shelter.

Thousands of displaced families have set up makeshift tents on the edge of cities, and some are even selling their young daughters into marriage to repay debt or buy food.

"It was a very bad year -- the situation has not improved at all," said Thomas Ruttig, co-director of Afghanistan Analysts Network.

Pain of war

Some observers saw positive signs that, if the circumstances are right, could translate into good news in 2019.

An unprecedented three-day ceasefire in June was widely celebrated by Afghans taking selfies and sharing ice cream with Taliban fighters, seemingly underscoring the desire for peace on both sides.

And the insurgents' apparent willingness to meet with US officials as part of a push for peace talks in recent months could bode well for a deal, said Lotfullah Najafizada, director of Afghanistan's largest private broadcaster Tolo News.

"I think Afghanistan will pass 2019 with some success. I hope it will be a historic year," Najafizada said.

But slashing US troop numbers -- which many fear would be a harbinger for a full withdrawal -- before any deal is struck could trigger a civil war "with a regional dimension", warned Davood Moradian, director general of the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies.

Ruttig said Washington should put Afghanistan's need for peace ahead of its own desire to pull out troops and save money.

"They are as much a part of the problem as they could be the solution," he said, describing US policy in Afghanistan as "dysfunctional".

Another spoiler in 2019 could be Afghanistan's presidential election, originally scheduled for April 20 but now likely to be pushed back to the summer.

The vote, which President Ashraf Ghani plans to contest, could unleash a similar wave of violence that marred October's shambolic and bloody parliamentary election.

But after so many years of war, Afghans are "more resilient" and the country would survive, Moradian said.

"Many Afghans have learned to live with the chronic pain of war," he said.

"That pain does not stop them pursuing a normal life."

President Donald Trump's plan to slash the number of US soldiers in Afghanistan before negotiators have struck a peace deal with the Taliban has crushed hopes among many Afghans for an end to the 17-year conflict.

After a year of record bloodshed, Afghans are bracing for an even deadlier 2019 with the threat of a US drawdown and a looming presidential vote likely to fuel violence. President Donald Trump's plan to slash the number of US soldiers in Afghanistan before negotiators have struck a peace deal with the Taliban has crushed hopes among many Afghans for an end to the 17-year conflict. The news, which the White House has not confirmed, capped an annus horribilis for the war-weary country which by some estimates has overtaken Syria as the world's deadliest conflict zone this year. Ordinary Afghans, who have long borne the brunt of the relentless fighting, told AFP they felt increasingly despondent about the future as the Taliban and the Islamic State group adapt to ramped up security to carry out almost daily attacks on civilians and security forces. "It is getting worse every day," said electrical engineering student Mohammad Hussain in Kabul, one of the deadliest places in the country for civilians. "The security we had four or five years back was better than now. Even when we don't have attacks in Kabul, we are waiting for something to happen." Zabihullah Shirzad, who owns a garbage collecting company in the Afghan capital, said he could not remember a bloodier year than 2018 and predicted 2019 would be even deadlier. "We will see more killing and bloodshed," the 42 year old said. "I am not optimistic about the peace talks." Their gloomy comments reflect the findings of a Gallup poll published in October, which showed an unprecedented level of pessimism among Afghans. And an Asia Foundation study in December suggested more than 60 percent of Afghans thought the country was moving in the wrong direction -- unchanged from a year earlier. 'Very bad year' Several key indicators show Afghan security locked in a downward spiral, underscoring their negativity. Civilian deaths hit a record high in the first half of the year, while the Taliban are slaughtering Afghan forces in greater numbers than ever before. This year was also marked by some of the deadliest suicide attacks since the start of the war in 2001, including an ambulance bomb blast that targeted a crowded street in Kabul in January, killing more than 100 people and wounding hundreds more. The bloodshed was exacerbated by Trump's more aggressive strategy for Afghanistan, which he reluctantly announced in August 2017, putting thousands more US boots on the ground and giving its air units greater leeway to go after the Taliban and IS. One estimate puts the number of conflict-related deaths at more than 40,000 this year -- almost equal to the combined total for Syria and Yemen -- according to data compiled by the US-based Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project. Afghanistan also took the unenviable title of deadliest country in the world for journalists, with 15 media workers killed, including AFP chief photographer Shah Marai and AFP driver Mohammad Akhtar. Adding to the misery was the worst drought in recent history, which forced more than 250,000 people to abandon their homes, overwhelming humanitarian agencies as they struggled to provide enough food and shelter. Thousands of displaced families have set up makeshift tents on the edge of cities, and some are even selling their young daughters into marriage to repay debt or buy food. "It was a very bad year -- the situation has not improved at all," said Thomas Ruttig, co-director of Afghanistan Analysts Network. Pain of war Some observers saw positive signs that, if the circumstances are right, could translate into good news in 2019. An unprecedented three-day ceasefire in June was widely celebrated by Afghans taking selfies and sharing ice cream with Taliban fighters, seemingly underscoring the desire for peace on both sides. And the insurgents' apparent willingness to meet with US officials as part of a push for peace talks in recent months could bode well for a deal, said Lotfullah Najafizada, director of Afghanistan's largest private broadcaster Tolo News. "I think Afghanistan will pass 2019 with some success. I hope it will be a historic year," Najafizada said. But slashing US troop numbers -- which many fear would be a harbinger for a full withdrawal -- before any deal is struck could trigger a civil war "with a regional dimension", warned Davood Moradian, director general of the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies. Ruttig said Washington should put Afghanistan's need for peace ahead of its own desire to pull out troops and save money. "They are as much a part of the problem as they could be the solution," he said, describing US policy in Afghanistan as "dysfunctional". Another spoiler in 2019 could be Afghanistan's presidential election, originally scheduled for April 20 but now likely to be pushed back to the summer. The vote, which President Ashraf Ghani plans to contest, could unleash a similar wave of violence that marred October's shambolic and bloody parliamentary election. But after so many years of war, Afghans are "more resilient" and the country would survive, Moradian said. "Many Afghans have learned to live with the chronic pain of war," he said. "That pain does not stop them pursuing a normal life."

'Worse every day': Afghans expect 2019 to be even deadlier

Nearly half all children in Afghanistan are out of school due to conflict, poverty, child marriage and discrimination against girls, the number rising for the first time since 2002, humanitarian organisations said in a report on Sunday.

Spreading violence has forced many schools to close, undermining fragile gains in education for girls in a country where millions have never set foot in a class room.

Some 3.7 million children between the ages of seven and 17, or 44 per cent of all children, are out of school, 2.7 million of them girls, Education Minister Mirwais Balkhi told a seminar, explaining a study conducted by UNICEF, USAID and the independent Samuel Hall think-tank.

The Taliban, seeking to oust the U.S.-backed government and return the country to strict Islamic rule after their 2001 ouster, are adamantly opposed to education for girls and threats from Islamic State has forced the closure of dozens of schools.

Without mentioning the Taliban or Islamic State, Balkhi said there were "many reasons" for children not going to school.

"Education of children is the most important development in all human communities," he said. "It is the most important tool in fighting war, poverty and unemployment."

In the worst affected provinces, up to 85 per cent of girls are not going to school, the aid groups said. They did not give specific time periods or comparisons.

In April this year, militants set ablaze two schools and widespread violence had led to closure of hundreds of private schools.

"Business as usual is not an option for Afghanistan if we are to fulfil the right to edIucation for every child," said Adele Khodr of UNICEF in the report.

"When children are not in school, they are at increased danger of abuse, exploitation and recruitment."

One teenage girl, Ziwar, from central Daikundi, one of the safest provinces in the country, said she had been at school until she was 14.

"I can read and write. I can write a letter," she told seminar delegates. "I learn from books. I want to continue my studies. I want to become a doctor in the future."

Nearly half all children in Afghanistan are out of school due to conflict, poverty, child marriage and discrimination against girls, the number rising for the first time since 2002, humanitarian organisations said in a report on Sunday

Nearly half all children in Afghanistan are out of school due to conflict, poverty, child marriage and discrimination against girls, the number rising for the first time since 2002, humanitarian organisations said in a report on Sunday. Spreading violence has forced many schools to close, undermining fragile gains in education for girls in a country where millions have never set foot in a class room. Some 3.7 million children between the ages of seven and 17, or 44 per cent of all children, are out of school, 2.7 million of them girls, Education Minister Mirwais Balkhi told a seminar, explaining a study conducted by UNICEF, USAID and the independent Samuel Hall think-tank. The Taliban, seeking to oust the U.S.-backed government and return the country to strict Islamic rule after their 2001 ouster, are adamantly opposed to education for girls and threats from Islamic State has forced the closure of dozens of schools. Without mentioning the Taliban or Islamic State, Balkhi said there were "many reasons" for children not going to school. "Education of children is the most important development in all human communities," he said. "It is the most important tool in fighting war, poverty and unemployment." In the worst affected provinces, up to 85 per cent of girls are not going to school, the aid groups said. They did not give specific time periods or comparisons. In April this year, militants set ablaze two schools and widespread violence had led to closure of hundreds of private schools. "Business as usual is not an option for Afghanistan if we are to fulfil the right to edIucation for every child," said Adele Khodr of UNICEF in the report. "When children are not in school, they are at increased danger of abuse, exploitation and recruitment." One teenage girl, Ziwar, from central Daikundi, one of the safest provinces in the country, said she had been at school until she was 14. "I can read and write. I can write a letter," she told seminar delegates. "I learn from books. I want to continue my studies. I want to become a doctor in the future."

Nearly half Afghan children out of school, rising for first time since 2002