Former Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, who fled Kabul as the Taliban took over the country, is now settled in UAE. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said that the country has welcomed President Ashraf Ghani and his family on humanitarian grounds.

UAE foreign ministry announces Ashraf Ghani in country

Ashraf Ghani's former deputy advisor Shafiq Hamdam told WION that the ex Afghan President betrayed his people. He also said that the responsibility of the current Afghan crisis lies both with the US and the Afghan leadership.

Ashraf Ghani's actions were very shameful: Former Deputy Advisor of Ashraf Ghani, Shafiq Hamdam

Former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said on Wednesday that he hopes to return home, after fleeing to the United Arab Emirates after the Taliban's capture of Afghanistan.

After fleeing from Afghanistan, Ashraf Ghani says he hopes to return

Afghanistan's former president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-ex-president-ashraf-ghani-is-in-uae-406635">Ashraf Ghani </a>&nbsp;said he was in the UAE, just days after leaving the country as the Taliban took control of capital Kabul.

Ghani said he left the country since his life was in danger and that the "Taliban gunmen were already at the Palace gates".&nbsp;

"There was not much of a choice. I either had to stay or go," Ghani said.

Watch:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/former-afghan-president-ashraf-ghani-says-he-hopes-to-return-to-afghanistan-406701/embed" width="560"></iframe>

Here are eight major takeaways&nbsp;from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-i-was-evicted-money-rumours-false-ashraf-ghani-defends-decisions-406670">Ghani's</a> video message:

Warning about being hanged

"All my colleagues in the West told me that if I didn't leave, things would be worse.&nbsp;I would be hanged in front of my people and the great shameful historical tragedy would happen again," Ghani said.

Didn't take anything

"Don't believe those who say your president sold you out and fled. I left Afghanistan in a vest, shoes and a T-shirt and I didn't take anything else with me," Ghani informed.

Foreigners entered presidential palace

"I had a responsibility to my people, and I didn't want to start a bloodbath like in Syria and Yemen. After I left the country, the Taliban and unknown persons who do not speak any of our country's languages entered the palace," Ghani informed.

Would have been executed

"If I had stayed, I would have been executed in front of the people like Najibullah," he said.

Didn't take money

"The headlines about me taking all the money out of Afghanistan are not true. The situation has not deteriorated in Kabul because I left my post," Ghani said in a Facebook video.

Media wants to defame me

"All the government valuables fell into the wrong hands. I had no management when I left Afghanistan," the former president said, adding," In the last few days, I've seen that the media wants to defame me."

Welcome peace talks

"I welcome the peace talks that Abdullah Abdullah and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/senior-taliban-leaders-meet-ex-afghan-president-hamid-karzai-report-406657">Hamid Karzai </a>are conducting and wish them success. &nbsp;I was saving the people as best I could," Ghani said in the video.

Wanting to go back to Afghanistan

"I am currently in the UAE to prevent and try to make decisions that would bring me back to Afghanistan without consequences," Ghani told his countrymen as several thousand Afghans prepared to leave the country amid the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Afghanistan's former president Ashraf Ghani said he was in the UAE, just days after leaving the country as the Taliban took control of capital Kabul. Ghani said he left the country since his life was in danger and that the "Taliban gunmen were already at the Palace gates".

Afghanistan's former president Ashraf Ghani said he was in the UAE, just days after leaving the country as the Taliban took control of capital Kabul. Ghani said he left the country since his life was in danger and that the "Taliban gunmen were already at the Palace gates". "There was not much of a choice. I either had to stay or go," Ghani said. Watch: Here are eight major takeaways from Ghani's video message: Warning about being hanged "All my colleagues in the West told me that if I didn't leave, things would be worse. I would be hanged in front of my people and the great shameful historical tragedy would happen again," Ghani said. Didn't take anything "Don't believe those who say your president sold you out and fled. I left Afghanistan in a vest, shoes and a T-shirt and I didn't take anything else with me," Ghani informed. Foreigners entered presidential palace "I had a responsibility to my people, and I didn't want to start a bloodbath like in Syria and Yemen. After I left the country, the Taliban and unknown persons who do not speak any of our country's languages entered the palace," Ghani informed. Would have been executed "If I had stayed, I would have been executed in front of the people like Najibullah," he said. Didn't take money "The headlines about me taking all the money out of Afghanistan are not true. The situation has not deteriorated in Kabul because I left my post," Ghani said in a Facebook video. Media wants to defame me "All the government valuables fell into the wrong hands. I had no management when I left Afghanistan," the former president said, adding," In the last few days, I've seen that the media wants to defame me." Welcome peace talks "I welcome the peace talks that Abdullah Abdullah and Hamid Karzai are conducting and wish them success. I was saving the people as best I could," Ghani said in the video. Wanting to go back to Afghanistan "I am currently in the UAE to prevent and try to make decisions that would bring me back to Afghanistan without consequences," Ghani told his countrymen as several thousand Afghans prepared to leave the country amid the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan. (With inputs from Agencies)

WATCH : 'I left in a vest, shoes and T-shirt': 8 stunning claims by Afghanistan's former president Ashraf Ghani from exile

Former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani says he hopes to return to Afghanistan

Self-proclaimed president of Afghanistan Amrullah Saleh on Thursday trained his guns at Pakistan and Taliban. Saleh said that Afghanistan was too big for Pakistan to swallow and too big for Taliban to govern.

"Nations must respect the rule of law, not violence. Afghanistan is too big for Pakistan to swallow and too big for Talibs to govern. Don't let your histories have a chapter on humiliation and bowing to terror groups," Saleh said in a tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Nations must respect the rule of law , not violence. Afghanistan is too big for Pakistan to swallow and too big for Talibs to govern. Don't let your histories have a chapter on humiliation and bowing to terror groups. <a href="https://t.co/nNo84Z7tEf">https://t.co/nNo84Z7tEf</a>
— Amrullah Saleh (@AmrullahSaleh2) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmrullahSaleh2/status/1428222636451061765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Amrullah's tweet came in response to tweet of Michael Johns, a former White House official who stated:&nbsp; "Afghanistan's constitution, adopted in 2004, addresses the nation's governance under circumstances such as those that have just unfolded. In such a case, first vice president @AmrullahSaleh2 assumes the role of the presidency. Nations must respect the rule of law, not violence."

Saleh had declared himself "legitimate caretaker President" on August 17 after president Ashraf Ghani fled the country in the wake of Taliban takeover.

The terror group took control over Afghanistan on Sunday after entering the presidential palace in Kabul.

Saleh, a native of Panjshir Valley, was a member of the Northern Alliance, which was formed when the Taliban came to power in 1996.

Recently he vowed to "never ever and under no circumstances" bow down to the Taliban.

"I will never, ever and under no circumstances bow to d Talib terrorists. I will never betray d soul and legacy of my hero Ahmad Shah Masoud, the commander, the legend and the guide. I won't disappoint millions who listened to me. I will never be under one ceiling with the Taliban. NEVER," tweeted Saleh.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Self-proclaimed president of Afghanistan Amrullah Saleh on Thursday trained his guns at Pakistan and Taliban. Saleh said that Afghanistan was too big for Pakistan to swallow and too big for Taliban to govern.

Self-proclaimed president of Afghanistan Amrullah Saleh on Thursday trained his guns at Pakistan and Taliban. Saleh said that Afghanistan was too big for Pakistan to swallow and too big for Taliban to govern. "Nations must respect the rule of law, not violence. Afghanistan is too big for Pakistan to swallow and too big for Talibs to govern. Don't let your histories have a chapter on humiliation and bowing to terror groups," Saleh said in a tweet. Nations must respect the rule of law , not violence. Afghanistan is too big for Pakistan to swallow and too big for Talibs to govern. Don't let your histories have a chapter on humiliation and bowing to terror groups. https://t.co/nNo84Z7tEf — Amrullah Saleh (@AmrullahSaleh2) August 19, 2021 × Amrullah's tweet came in response to tweet of Michael Johns, a former White House official who stated: "Afghanistan's constitution, adopted in 2004, addresses the nation's governance under circumstances such as those that have just unfolded. In such a case, first vice president @AmrullahSaleh2 assumes the role of the presidency. Nations must respect the rule of law, not violence." Saleh had declared himself "legitimate caretaker President" on August 17 after president Ashraf Ghani fled the country in the wake of Taliban takeover. The terror group took control over Afghanistan on Sunday after entering the presidential palace in Kabul. Saleh, a native of Panjshir Valley, was a member of the Northern Alliance, which was formed when the Taliban came to power in 1996. Recently he vowed to "never ever and under no circumstances" bow down to the Taliban. "I will never, ever and under no circumstances bow to d Talib terrorists. I will never betray d soul and legacy of my hero Ahmad Shah Masoud, the commander, the legend and the guide. I won't disappoint millions who listened to me. I will never be under one ceiling with the Taliban. NEVER," tweeted Saleh. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan too big for Pakistan to swallow, says self-proclaimed president Amarullah Saleh

Former Defence Minister of Afghanistan Bismillah Khan Mohammadi demanded that president Ashraf Ghani, who abdicated and departed Afghanistan, be arrested for "selling away the homeland."&nbsp;

"Those trading and selling out their motherland should be punished and arrested," Mohammadi wrote on Twitter, adding hashtag #InterpolArrestGhani.

On Wednesday, the Afghan embassy in Tajikistan also requested Interpol to detain Ghani on embezzlement charges.

At a news conference in Dushanbe, Afghan ambassador to Tajikistan Mohammad Zahir Aghbar accused Ghani of embezzling $169 million and acknowledged Amrullah Saleh, Ghani's vice president, as the rightful ruler of the Afghan state.&nbsp;

By conquering Kabul on Sunday, the Taliban finalised their control of Afghanistan.

According to the report, Ghani resigned and went overseas, accompanied by&nbsp;cars loaded with cash.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Defence Minister of Afghanistan Bismillah Khan Mohammadi demanded that president Ashraf Ghani, who abdicated and departed Afghanistan, be arrested for "selling away the homeland.

Former Defence Minister of Afghanistan Bismillah Khan Mohammadi demanded that president Ashraf Ghani, who abdicated and departed Afghanistan, be arrested for "selling away the homeland." "Those trading and selling out their motherland should be punished and arrested," Mohammadi wrote on Twitter, adding hashtag #InterpolArrestGhani. On Wednesday, the Afghan embassy in Tajikistan also requested Interpol to detain Ghani on embezzlement charges. At a news conference in Dushanbe, Afghan ambassador to Tajikistan Mohammad Zahir Aghbar accused Ghani of embezzling $169 million and acknowledged Amrullah Saleh, Ghani's vice president, as the rightful ruler of the Afghan state. By conquering Kabul on Sunday, the Taliban finalised their control of Afghanistan. According to the report, Ghani resigned and went overseas, accompanied by cars loaded with cash. (With inputs from agencies)

'Selling out the motherland': Afghan defence minister demands Ghani's arrest

Former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani addressed the world on his official Facebook page on Wednesday after fleeing the country.

Ghani, who is currently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 'humanitarian grounds,' left the nation shortly after surrendering to the Taliban as the Taliban advanced on Kabul, the capital city, to 'avoid more carnage.'&nbsp;

In a video message delivered in Pashto, Ghani stated that he had placed security in the hands of the country's troops and that the Taliban were looking for him.

He said he was obliged to escape to avoid a major tragedy.&nbsp;

"They were looking for me. What happened in Afghanistan 25 years ago was going to happen again. That was something that needed to be avoided. A shameful development like that needed to be avoided, "he said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="314" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fashrafghani.af%2Fvideos%2F1048125546018073%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Ghani also dismissed rumours that he had taken money with him. According to previous reports, Ghani escaped with two cars and a cash-laden chopper.&nbsp;

"I wanted to transfer power to the Taliban peacefully. But I was evicted from Afghanistan against my will. The allegation that I took money from Afghanistan is baseless. You can verify this with UAE Customs. I did not have time to change my shoes. My security asked me to leave as it was imminent to me as head of state, "said Ghani.

"The Taliban, I was told, were in Kabul. Even though we had agreed that the Taliban would not enter Kabul, they did it nonetheless. I didn't want to be hanged since I am the honour of Afghanistan as president. Death does not frighten me," he added.

He stated that he left the nation without his books, which he described as his "primary assets."

He went on to say that certain secret documents had been left at the Presidential Palace in Kabul.

"They (secret documents) are in the hands of others; I left with nothing except a salwar kameez and a waistcoat; I did not take anything," Ghani explained.&nbsp;

Ghani said that he is in the United Arab Emirates, where he is meeting with others to continue his "efforts to bring peace to Afghans."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani addressed the world on his official Facebook page on Wednesday after fleeing the country. Ghani, who is currently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 'humanitarian grounds,' left the nation shortly after surrendering to the Taliban as the Taliban advanced on Kabul, the capital city, to 'avoid more carnage.

Former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani addressed the world on his official Facebook page on Wednesday after fleeing the country. Ghani, who is currently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 'humanitarian grounds,' left the nation shortly after surrendering to the Taliban as the Taliban advanced on Kabul, the capital city, to 'avoid more carnage.' In a video message delivered in Pashto, Ghani stated that he had placed security in the hands of the country's troops and that the Taliban were looking for him. He said he was obliged to escape to avoid a major tragedy. "They were looking for me. What happened in Afghanistan 25 years ago was going to happen again. That was something that needed to be avoided. A shameful development like that needed to be avoided, "he said. × Ghani also dismissed rumours that he had taken money with him. According to previous reports, Ghani escaped with two cars and a cash-laden chopper. "I wanted to transfer power to the Taliban peacefully. But I was evicted from Afghanistan against my will. The allegation that I took money from Afghanistan is baseless. You can verify this with UAE Customs. I did not have time to change my shoes. My security asked me to leave as it was imminent to me as head of state, "said Ghani. "The Taliban, I was told, were in Kabul. Even though we had agreed that the Taliban would not enter Kabul, they did it nonetheless. I didn't want to be hanged since I am the honour of Afghanistan as president. Death does not frighten me," he added. He stated that he left the nation without his books, which he described as his "primary assets." He went on to say that certain secret documents had been left at the Presidential Palace in Kabul. "They (secret documents) are in the hands of others; I left with nothing except a salwar kameez and a waistcoat; I did not take anything," Ghani explained. Ghani said that he is in the United Arab Emirates, where he is meeting with others to continue his "efforts to bring peace to Afghans." (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | 'I was evicted, money rumours false': Ashraf Ghani defends decisions

The Afghan embassy in Tajikistan has replaced former Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani's picture with Amrullah Saleh, who on Tuesday declared himself as 'care taker' President of Afghanistan.

Afghan embassy in Tajikistan replaces Ghani's photo with Amrullah Saleh's

UAE: Welcome Ghani, family on humanitarian grounds

Former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani is in the UAE. This was confirmed by UAE in a brief statement. It said that the country is hosting Ghani on "humanitarian grounds". Ghani fled Afghanistan amid a Taliban takeover.

"The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation can confirm that the UAE has welcomed President Ashraf Ghani and his family into the country on humanitarian grounds," said UAE in a brief statement.

On Sunday (August 15), as Taliban closed in on Kabul, Ghani fled Afghanistan. The insurgent shortly walked into the Afghan capital without any resistance from Afghan National Army.

In a Facebook post, Ghani said the "Taliban have won" and that he fled to avoid a "flood of bloodshed".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-3-killed-dozens-injured-after-militants-open-fire-on-anti-taliban-protesters-406627">Watch: 3 killed, dozens injured after militants open fire on anti-Taliban protesters</a>

Till today, his whereabouts were unknown. There were speculations that he had fled to Tajikistan, Uzbekistan or Oman.

This would not be the first time that the oil-rich Gulf country opens its arms to former leaders and their relatives, now persona non grata in their country.

In 2017, the emirate of Dubai hosted former Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who was sentenced in absentia to five years in prison.

Spain's king Juan Carlos went into self-exile in the UAE in August last year as questions mounted over the origins of his fortune, and the UAE was Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto's home during her eight years in exile before she was assassinated in her home country in 2007.

The UAE is one of three nations, including Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, which recognised the previous Taliban regime, which ruled from 1996 to 2001.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani is in the UAE. This was confirmed by UAE in a brief statement. It said that the country is hosting Ghani on "humanitarian grounds".

Former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani is in the UAE. This was confirmed by UAE in a brief statement. It said that the country is hosting Ghani on "humanitarian grounds". Ghani fled Afghanistan amid a Taliban takeover. "The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation can confirm that the UAE has welcomed President Ashraf Ghani and his family into the country on humanitarian grounds," said UAE in a brief statement. On Sunday (August 15), as Taliban closed in on Kabul, Ghani fled Afghanistan. The insurgent shortly walked into the Afghan capital without any resistance from Afghan National Army. In a Facebook post, Ghani said the "Taliban have won" and that he fled to avoid a "flood of bloodshed". Also Read | Watch: 3 killed, dozens injured after militants open fire on anti-Taliban protesters Till today, his whereabouts were unknown. There were speculations that he had fled to Tajikistan, Uzbekistan or Oman. This would not be the first time that the oil-rich Gulf country opens its arms to former leaders and their relatives, now persona non grata in their country. In 2017, the emirate of Dubai hosted former Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who was sentenced in absentia to five years in prison. Spain's king Juan Carlos went into self-exile in the UAE in August last year as questions mounted over the origins of his fortune, and the UAE was Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto's home during her eight years in exile before she was assassinated in her home country in 2007. The UAE is one of three nations, including Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, which recognised the previous Taliban regime, which ruled from 1996 to 2001. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan ex-president Ashraf Ghani is in UAE

Taliban are racing to restore some form of normalcy in the capital Kabul asking the government staff to return to work. But on the streets of the Afghanistan capital, there is panic.

Afghanistan: Taliban race to restore normalcy in capital city Kabul

Kabul has fallen and most of Afghanistan is under the Taliban's control. Thousands of Afghans are making desperate attempts to leave the country. Top Afghan leaders have also fled. However, the big question is where is Ashraf Ghani? Earlier reports mentioned that Ghani had left for Tajikistan following the Taliban's capture of Kabul.

Reports: Tajikistan refused permission to Ashraf Ghani's aircraft

Russia's embassy in Kabul said that Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had fled the country with four cars and a chopper full of cash and some money was left lying on the tarmac.

Russian Embassy: Ashraf Ghani fled Afghanistan with four cars, chopper full of cash

According to reports, Taliban insurgents, who entered Kabul on Sunday have now taken control over the Presidential Palace, hours after President Ashraf Ghani fled the war-torn nation.

Reports: Taliban claims taking control over Presidential palace as Ashraf Ghani flees

The Taliban have taken control over majority of areas in Afghanistan including Kabul. Afghan President and VP have fled the country after Taliban's siege in Afghanistan. In his statement, Ashraf Ghani said that he left the country to avoid bloodshed.

Taliban take control over majority of areas in Afghanistan including Kabul

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

Former Afghan president Ashraf Ghani has put out his first statement after he fled Kabul on Sunday. Defending his stance to leave the country, Ghani said that he has resigned to prevent bloodshed in the county.

Ashraf Ghani speaks out after he fled Kabul, 'resigned to prevent bloodshed'

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

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani left for Afghanistan following the Taliban's advance into the capital Kabul. According to reports, Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh has also left the country.

Taliban in Kabul: Both Afghan Prez and Vice Prez have left the country

Amid rumours that Afghan President Ashraf Ghani might step down as the Taliban continues to make territorial advances. Ghani says that he will continue to fight the terror group.

Afghanistan Turmoil: Ashraf Ghani's message to the nation - Will continue to fight

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has left the capital for Tajikistan as the Taliban took control of Kabul on Sunday and are on their way to take control of the government.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani leaves for Tajikistan as Taliban enters Kabul

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

Taliban advances in Afghanistan shift the Central Asian playing field on which China, India and the United States compete with rival infrastructure-driven approaches. At first glance, a Taliban takeover of Kabul would give China a 2:0 advantage against the US and India, but that could prove to be a shaky head start.

The potential fall of the US-backed Afghan government of President Ashraf Ghani will shelve, if not kill Indian support for the Iranian port of Chabahar that was intended to facilitate Indian trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia.

Chabahar was also viewed by India as a counterweight to the Chinese-supported Pakistani port of Gwadar, a crown jewel of the People’s Republic’s transportation, telecommunications and energy-driven Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The United States facilitated Indian investment in Chabahar by exempting the port from harsh US sanctions against Iran. The exemption was intended to "support the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan".

However, with negotiations with Iran about a revival of the 2015 international nuclear agreement stalled, the United States announced in July together with Afghanistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan plan to create a platform that would foster regional trade, business ties and connectivity.

The connectivity end of the plan resembled an effort to cut off one's nose to spite one's face. It would have circumvented Iran and weakened Chabahar but potentially strengthened China’s Gwadar alongside the port of Karachi.

That has become a moot point with the plans certain to be shelved as the Taliban move to take over Kabul and form a government that would be denied recognition by at least the democratic parts of the international community.

Like other Afghan neighbours, neither Pakistan nor Uzbekistan or for that matter China are likely to join a boycott of the Taliban. On the contrary, China last month made a point of giving a visiting Taliban delegation a warm welcome.

Recognition by Iran, Central Asian states and China of a Taliban government is however unlikely to be enough to salvage the Chabahar project. "Changed circumstances and alternative connectivity routes are being conjured up by other countries to make Chabahar irrelevant," an Iranian source told Hard News and The Wire.

The Taliban have sought to reassure China, Iran, Uzbekistan and other Afghan neighbours that they will not allow Afghanistan to become an operational base for jihadist groups, including Al Qaeda and Uighur militants of the Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP).

The Taliban have positioned themselves as solely concerned with creating an Islamic emirate in Afghanistan and having no inclination to operate beyond the borders of the Central Asian state, but have been consistent in their refusal to expel Al Qaeda, even if the group is a shadow of what it was when it launched the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington 20 years ago.

The TIP has occasionally issued videos documenting its presence in Afghanistan but has, by and large, kept a low profile in the country and refrained from attacking Chinese targets in Afghanistan or across the border in Xinjiang, the north-western Chinese province in which authorities have brutally cracked down on ethnic Turkic Uighurs.

As a result, the Taliban reassurance was insufficient to stop China from repeatedly advising its citizens to leave Afghanistan as soon as possible.

"Currently, the security situation in Afghanistan has further deteriorated … If Chinese citizens insist on staying in Afghanistan, they will face extremely high-security risks, and all the consequences will be borne by themselves," the Chinese foreign ministry said.

The fallout of the Taliban's sweep across Afghanistan, despite the group's assurances, is likely to affect China beyond Afghan borders, perhaps no more so than in Pakistan, a major focus of the People's Republic's single largest Belt-and Road-related investment.

The investment has made China a target for attacks by militants primarily Baloch nationalists. However, the killing in July of nine Chinese nationals in an explosion on a bus transporting Chinese workers to the construction site of a dam in the northern mountains of Pakistan, a region more prone to attacks by religious militants, raises the specter of jihadists also targeting China. It was the highest loss of life of Chinese citizens in recent years in Pakistan.

The attack occurred amid fears that the Taliban will bolster ultra-conservative religious sentiment in Pakistan that celebrates the group as heroes whose success enhances the chances for austere religious rule in the world’s second-most populous Muslim-majority state.

"Our jihadis will be emboldened. They will say that ‘if America can be beaten, what is the Pakistan army to stand in our way?" said a senior Pakistani official.

Indicating Chinese concern, China has delayed the signing of a framework agreement on industrial cooperation that would have accelerated the implementation of projects that are part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Said scholar Kamran Bokhari: "Regime change is a terribly messy process. Weak regimes can be toppled; replacing them is the hard part. It is only a matter of time before the Afghan state collapses, unleashing chaos that will spill beyond its borders. All of Afghanistan's neighbours will be affected to varying degrees, but Pakistan and China have the most to lose."

The demise of Chabahar and/or the targeting by the Taliban of Hazara Shiites in Afghanistan could potentially turn Iran into a significant loser too.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Taliban advances in Afghanistan shift the Central Asian playing field on which China, India and the United States compete with rival infrastructure-driven approaches.

Taliban advances in Afghanistan shift the Central Asian playing field on which China, India and the United States compete with rival infrastructure-driven approaches. At first glance, a Taliban takeover of Kabul would give China a 2:0 advantage against the US and India, but that could prove to be a shaky head start. The potential fall of the US-backed Afghan government of President Ashraf Ghani will shelve, if not kill Indian support for the Iranian port of Chabahar that was intended to facilitate Indian trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia. Chabahar was also viewed by India as a counterweight to the Chinese-supported Pakistani port of Gwadar, a crown jewel of the People’s Republic’s transportation, telecommunications and energy-driven Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The United States facilitated Indian investment in Chabahar by exempting the port from harsh US sanctions against Iran. The exemption was intended to "support the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan". However, with negotiations with Iran about a revival of the 2015 international nuclear agreement stalled, the United States announced in July together with Afghanistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan plan to create a platform that would foster regional trade, business ties and connectivity. The connectivity end of the plan resembled an effort to cut off one's nose to spite one's face. It would have circumvented Iran and weakened Chabahar but potentially strengthened China’s Gwadar alongside the port of Karachi. That has become a moot point with the plans certain to be shelved as the Taliban move to take over Kabul and form a government that would be denied recognition by at least the democratic parts of the international community. Like other Afghan neighbours, neither Pakistan nor Uzbekistan or for that matter China are likely to join a boycott of the Taliban. On the contrary, China last month made a point of giving a visiting Taliban delegation a warm welcome. Recognition by Iran, Central Asian states and China of a Taliban government is however unlikely to be enough to salvage the Chabahar project. "Changed circumstances and alternative connectivity routes are being conjured up by other countries to make Chabahar irrelevant," an Iranian source told Hard News and The Wire. The Taliban have sought to reassure China, Iran, Uzbekistan and other Afghan neighbours that they will not allow Afghanistan to become an operational base for jihadist groups, including Al Qaeda and Uighur militants of the Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP). The Taliban have positioned themselves as solely concerned with creating an Islamic emirate in Afghanistan and having no inclination to operate beyond the borders of the Central Asian state, but have been consistent in their refusal to expel Al Qaeda, even if the group is a shadow of what it was when it launched the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington 20 years ago. The TIP has occasionally issued videos documenting its presence in Afghanistan but has, by and large, kept a low profile in the country and refrained from attacking Chinese targets in Afghanistan or across the border in Xinjiang, the north-western Chinese province in which authorities have brutally cracked down on ethnic Turkic Uighurs. As a result, the Taliban reassurance was insufficient to stop China from repeatedly advising its citizens to leave Afghanistan as soon as possible. "Currently, the security situation in Afghanistan has further deteriorated … If Chinese citizens insist on staying in Afghanistan, they will face extremely high-security risks, and all the consequences will be borne by themselves," the Chinese foreign ministry said. The fallout of the Taliban's sweep across Afghanistan, despite the group's assurances, is likely to affect China beyond Afghan borders, perhaps no more so than in Pakistan, a major focus of the People's Republic's single largest Belt-and Road-related investment. The investment has made China a target for attacks by militants primarily Baloch nationalists. However, the killing in July of nine Chinese nationals in an explosion on a bus transporting Chinese workers to the construction site of a dam in the northern mountains of Pakistan, a region more prone to attacks by religious militants, raises the specter of jihadists also targeting China. It was the highest loss of life of Chinese citizens in recent years in Pakistan. The attack occurred amid fears that the Taliban will bolster ultra-conservative religious sentiment in Pakistan that celebrates the group as heroes whose success enhances the chances for austere religious rule in the world’s second-most populous Muslim-majority state. "Our jihadis will be emboldened. They will say that ‘if America can be beaten, what is the Pakistan army to stand in our way?" said a senior Pakistani official. Indicating Chinese concern, China has delayed the signing of a framework agreement on industrial cooperation that would have accelerated the implementation of projects that are part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Said scholar Kamran Bokhari: "Regime change is a terribly messy process. Weak regimes can be toppled; replacing them is the hard part. It is only a matter of time before the Afghan state collapses, unleashing chaos that will spill beyond its borders. All of Afghanistan's neighbours will be affected to varying degrees, but Pakistan and China have the most to lose." The demise of Chabahar and/or the targeting by the Taliban of Hazara Shiites in Afghanistan could potentially turn Iran into a significant loser too. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

What starts in Afghanistan does not stay in Afghanistan: China, India, and Iran grapple with the fallout

Imran Khan is now playing spokesperson for the Taliban. Speaking on behalf of the terror group, the Pak PM said 'Taliban won't talk peace until Ashraf Ghani resigns. Palki Sharma gets you the story.

Gravitas: Imran Khan plays Taliban's Spokesperson

According to reports, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/erdogan-ready-to-receive-taliban-leader-as-us-backs-afghan-forces-404762">Taliban</a> have taken key areas in Ghazni city located just 150 kilometres from capital Kabul.

Ghazni located on the&nbsp;Kabul-Kandahar highway has now become the 10th provincial capital to fall in a few days as the Taliban continue its offensive.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-could-take-kabul-in-90-days-us-intelligence-404765/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Taliban stepped up their offensive in mid-May as the US troops began pulling out of Afghanistan even as the US State Department on Wednesday said the militant group was seeking "battlefield victory."

Reports say US defence officials believe the Taliban are seeking to isolate regions around Kabul and may take it over the next 90 days as the Afghan army suffers reserves across the country.

Amid the large scale fighting,&nbsp;US Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad and officials from China, Russia and other countries met in Doha with Taliban and Afghan government negotiators to ensure a ceasefire but it has failed to materialise so far.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said the Taliban has violated "the letter and the spirit" of the US-Taliban deal.

"Attacking provincial capitals and targeting civilians is inconsistent with the spirit of the agreement," Price said.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani visited Mazar-i-Sharif as the Taliban said its forces were targeting the city amid reports of mass surrender of Afghan soldiers in Kunduz.

Heavy fighting is also underway in Kandahar, Helmand and Herat between Afghan forces and the Taliban with just days left for American troops to leave the country after President Biden declared US troops will pull out by August 31.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

According to reports, the Taliban have taken key areas in Ghazni city located just 150 kilometres from capital Kabul. Ghazni located on the Kabul-Kandahar highway has now become the 10th provincial capital to fall in a few days as the Taliban continue its offensive.

According to reports, the Taliban have taken key areas in Ghazni city located just 150 kilometres from capital Kabul. Ghazni located on the Kabul-Kandahar highway has now become the 10th provincial capital to fall in a few days as the Taliban continue its offensive. Watch: The Taliban stepped up their offensive in mid-May as the US troops began pulling out of Afghanistan even as the US State Department on Wednesday said the militant group was seeking "battlefield victory." Reports say US defence officials believe the Taliban are seeking to isolate regions around Kabul and may take it over the next 90 days as the Afghan army suffers reserves across the country. Amid the large scale fighting, US Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad and officials from China, Russia and other countries met in Doha with Taliban and Afghan government negotiators to ensure a ceasefire but it has failed to materialise so far. State Department spokesman Ned Price said the Taliban has violated "the letter and the spirit" of the US-Taliban deal. "Attacking provincial capitals and targeting civilians is inconsistent with the spirit of the agreement," Price said. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani visited Mazar-i-Sharif as the Taliban said its forces were targeting the city amid reports of mass surrender of Afghan soldiers in Kunduz. Heavy fighting is also underway in Kandahar, Helmand and Herat between Afghan forces and the Taliban with just days left for American troops to leave the country after President Biden declared US troops will pull out by August 31. (With inputs from Agencies)

Another Afghan provincial capital falls: Taliban seize Ghazni near Kabul

The situation in Afghanistan is alarming. Taliban has surrounded another key city. A civil war seems 'inevitable'. President Ashraf Ghani wants to arm civilians to fight Taliban. Meanwhile, India has shut down all consulates. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Afghanistan: Civil war now 'inevitable'

ashraf-ghani

Ashraf Ghani, News on Ashraf Ghani, stories on Ashraf Ghani, articles on Ashraf Ghani, Ashraf Ghani stories at Wion, Ashraf Ghani news, Ashraf Ghani latest news

ashraf ghani

UAE foreign ministry announces Ashraf Ghani in country

Ashraf Ghani's actions were very shameful: Former Deputy Advisor of Ashraf Ghani, Shafiq Hamdam

After fleeing from Afghanistan, Ashraf Ghani says he hopes to return

WATCH : 'I left in a vest, shoes and T-shirt': 8 stunning claims by Afghanistan's former president Ashraf Ghani from exile

Former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani says he hopes to return to Afghanistan

Afghanistan too big for Pakistan to swallow, says self-proclaimed president Amarullah Saleh

'Selling out the motherland': Afghan defence minister demands Ghani's arrest

Watch | 'I was evicted, money rumours false': Ashraf Ghani defends decisions

Afghan embassy in Tajikistan replaces Ghani's photo with Amrullah Saleh's

UAE: Welcome Ghani, family on humanitarian grounds

Afghan ex-president Ashraf Ghani is in UAE

Afghanistan: Taliban race to restore normalcy in capital city Kabul

Reports: Tajikistan refused permission to Ashraf Ghani's aircraft

Russian Embassy: Ashraf Ghani fled Afghanistan with four cars, chopper full of cash

Reports: Tajikistan refused permission to Ashraf Ghani's aircraft

Reports: Taliban claims taking control over Presidential palace as Ashraf Ghani flees

Taliban take control over majority of areas in Afghanistan including Kabul

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

Ashraf Ghani speaks out after he fled Kabul, 'resigned to prevent bloodshed'

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

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

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

Taliban in Kabul: Both Afghan Prez and Vice Prez have left the country

Afghanistan Turmoil: Ashraf Ghani's message to the nation - Will continue to fight

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani leaves for Tajikistan as Taliban enters Kabul

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