Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for a three-day visit to the US on Wednesday. Duringhis visit, he will address UN General Assembly, attend the Quad summit and also hold a bilateral meet with US President Joe Biden.

Biden will host PM Modi at the White House on September 24. This will be his first in-person meeting with Modi after he became president of theh US.

As per the statement issued by Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, PM Modi and President Biden are expected to discuss ways to stem radicalisation and combat terrorism. They are also expected to discuss ways to bolster defence, trade ties, security collaborations and clean energy partnership among others.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-bilateral-ties-destined-to-move-ahead-says-indias-envoy-to-us-taranjit-singh-sandhu-414790">Exclusive-Bilateral ties destined to move ahead, says India's envoy to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu</a>

PM Modi and Biden will discuss the current regional security situation following the recent developments in Afghanistan. PM Modi will also hold business interactions during his US visit from September 22-25. Prime Minister Modi will attend the first in-person summit of the Quad hosted by the US President on Friday, which will be attended by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga of Japan and Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia. PM Modi will address the General Debate of the High-Level Segment of 76th Session of UN General Assembly (UNGA) on September 25 in New York. The theme for this year`s general debate is building resilience through hope to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainability, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people and revitalise the United Nations.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-unga-sidelines-jaishankar-discusses-afghanistan-indo-pacific-in-bilateral-meetings-414763">On UNGA sidelines, Jaishankar discusses Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific in bilateral meetings&nbsp;</a> 
 
While addressing the UN General Assembly, the Prime Minister will dwell on the important issues, including the regional situation, cross border terrorism, global efforts to combat COVID-19 and climate change and the need to reform multilateral institutions.&nbsp;

Another element of the Prime Minister`s visit would be bilateral meetings with Japan and Australia. He will hold several bilateral meetings with US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-biden-pm-modis-meeting-will-strengthen-deep-ties-says-us-ahead-of-unga-414562">President Biden, PM Modi's meeting will strengthen deep ties, says US ahead of UNGA</a>

PM Modi is accompanied by a high-level delegation consisting of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and senior officials including Shringla. This is Prime Minister Modi`s first visit abroad beyond the neighbourhood since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for a three-day visit to the US on Wednesday. Duringhis visit, he will address UN General Assembly, attend the Quad summit and also hold a bilateral meet with US President Joe Biden.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for a three-day visit to the US on Wednesday. Duringhis visit, he will address UN General Assembly, attend the Quad summit and also hold a bilateral meet with US President Joe Biden. Biden will host PM Modi at the White House on September 24. This will be his first in-person meeting with Modi after he became president of theh US. As per the statement issued by Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, PM Modi and President Biden are expected to discuss ways to stem radicalisation and combat terrorism. They are also expected to discuss ways to bolster defence, trade ties, security collaborations and clean energy partnership among others. Also Read: Exclusive-Bilateral ties destined to move ahead, says India's envoy to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu PM Modi and Biden will discuss the current regional security situation following the recent developments in Afghanistan. PM Modi will also hold business interactions during his US visit from September 22-25. Prime Minister Modi will attend the first in-person summit of the Quad hosted by the US President on Friday, which will be attended by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga of Japan and Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia. PM Modi will address the General Debate of the High-Level Segment of 76th Session of UN General Assembly (UNGA) on September 25 in New York. The theme for this year`s general debate is building resilience through hope to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainability, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people and revitalise the United Nations. Also Read: On UNGA sidelines, Jaishankar discusses Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific in bilateral meetings While addressing the UN General Assembly, the Prime Minister will dwell on the important issues, including the regional situation, cross border terrorism, global efforts to combat COVID-19 and climate change and the need to reform multilateral institutions. Another element of the Prime Minister`s visit would be bilateral meetings with Japan and Australia. He will hold several bilateral meetings with US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Also Read: President Biden, PM Modi's meeting will strengthen deep ties, says US ahead of UNGA PM Modi is accompanied by a high-level delegation consisting of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and senior officials including Shringla. This is Prime Minister Modi`s first visit abroad beyond the neighbourhood since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi leaves for three-day visit to US

In his first address to the to the United Nations General Assembly, US president Joe Biden focus the importance of working together as a single major alliance. The US prez emphasized the importance of allies at a time when US has strained diplomatic ties with some of its allies.

Joe Biden declares world at 'inflection point', emphasizes importance of allies

A look back at Indo-US relations as Modi-Biden prep to meet at UNGA

India and the US Are the world's two largest democracies. The collaboration between the two extends from intelligence to maritime ties, and even to cyber cooperation. In the last couple of years, the two countries have grown closer, to combat a common enemy - China.

In October 1949, India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru went on a goodwill tour of the United States. He addressed the US House of Representatives and the US Senate and met with US President Harry Truman.

Despite failing to reap any economic benefits for India, the trip managed to lay the groundwork for America's relationship with India.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-biden-pm-modis-meeting-will-strengthen-deep-ties-says-us-ahead-of-unga-414562">President Biden, PM Modi's meeting will strengthen deep ties, says US ahead of UNGA</a>

In December 1959, President Dwight Eisenhower became the first serving US President to visit New Delhi.

Eisenhower's visit helped India acquire adequate financial assistance, and achieve reasonable stability during the Cold War.

Since then, 7 US Presidents have visited India, and 9 Indian Prime Ministers have visited the US. But a strategic partnership between the two countries, emerged only in 2010.

In June 2010, the United States and India formally convened the first US-India strategic dialogue.

A high-ranking delegation of Indian officials visited Washington DC, the US Secretary of state Hillary Clinton called India 'an indispensable partner'.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-general-assembly-2021-heres-what-to-watch-for-414439">United Nations General Assembly 2021: Here's what to watch for</a>

US President Barack Obama called the relationship 'a defining partnership in the 21st century'.

In November 2010, President Barack Obama visited India for the first time.

He addressed the Indian parliament, and backed India's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Obama also announced 14.9 billion dollars in trade deals.

In 2014, the newly-elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited by President Obama to the White House.

Prime minister Modi's first visit included a sold-out event in New York’s Madison Square Garden and meetings with US business executives.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-unga-jinping-claimed-china-is-not-expansionist-these-facts-tell-otherwise-329724">At UNGA, Jinping claimed China is not 'expansionist'. These facts tell otherwise!</a>

The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding between the export-import bank and an Indian energy agency.

In 2015, President Obama made his second visit to India as head of state for India’s Republic Day celebrations.

He heralded the relationship between the two largest democracies, saying, 'America can be India’s best partner.'

In 2017, US President Donald Trump welcomed Prime Minister Modi to the White House for their first face-to-face meeting.

The joint statement emphasized on strengthening their defence partnership, cooperating on counterterrorism efforts, and boosting economic ties.

Though Trump had raised sharp disagreements with India over trade, Climate Change, and H-1B visas, these issues were sidelined during the leaders’ summit.

In 2018, during a two-plus-two dialogue in New Delhi, India &amp; US signed the COMCASA - Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement.

This gave India access to advanced defence technology in America. The agreement had been under negotiation for nearly a decade.

In 2020, Donald Trump made his first &amp; last visit to India as US President. New Delhi agreed to purchase US military equipment worth 3 billion dollars.

In July this year, US Defence Secretary Austin visited India to boost partnership and discuss challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

Austin's visit aimed to expand cooperation between the two sides amidst China's growing assertiveness in the region.

Austin also called on Prime Minister Modi and discussed international, regional and bilateral issues of mutual interest.

The upcoming Quad summit and the UNGA come close on the heels of US Withdrawal from Afghanistan and the takeover by Taliban.

The implications of a Taliban-led Afghanistan particularly from India’s national security perspective is likely to figure high on the Quad’s agenda.

Equally important would be the discussions on developments in the Indo-Pacific, as both the US And India aim to counter Beijing's aggression.

A look back at Indo-US relations as Modi-Biden prep to meet at UNGA India and the US Are the world's two largest democracies. The collaboration between the two extends from intelligence to maritime ties, and even to cyber cooperation.

A look back at Indo-US relations as Modi-Biden prep to meet at UNGA India and the US Are the world's two largest democracies. The collaboration between the two extends from intelligence to maritime ties, and even to cyber cooperation. In the last couple of years, the two countries have grown closer, to combat a common enemy - China. In October 1949, India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru went on a goodwill tour of the United States. He addressed the US House of Representatives and the US Senate and met with US President Harry Truman. Despite failing to reap any economic benefits for India, the trip managed to lay the groundwork for America's relationship with India. Also Read | President Biden, PM Modi's meeting will strengthen deep ties, says US ahead of UNGA In December 1959, President Dwight Eisenhower became the first serving US President to visit New Delhi. Eisenhower's visit helped India acquire adequate financial assistance, and achieve reasonable stability during the Cold War. Since then, 7 US Presidents have visited India, and 9 Indian Prime Ministers have visited the US. But a strategic partnership between the two countries, emerged only in 2010. In June 2010, the United States and India formally convened the first US-India strategic dialogue. A high-ranking delegation of Indian officials visited Washington DC, the US Secretary of state Hillary Clinton called India 'an indispensable partner'. Also Read | United Nations General Assembly 2021: Here's what to watch for US President Barack Obama called the relationship 'a defining partnership in the 21st century'. In November 2010, President Barack Obama visited India for the first time. He addressed the Indian parliament, and backed India's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Obama also announced 14.9 billion dollars in trade deals. In 2014, the newly-elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited by President Obama to the White House. Prime minister Modi's first visit included a sold-out event in New York’s Madison Square Garden and meetings with US business executives. Also Read | At UNGA, Jinping claimed China is not 'expansionist'. These facts tell otherwise! The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding between the export-import bank and an Indian energy agency. In 2015, President Obama made his second visit to India as head of state for India’s Republic Day celebrations. He heralded the relationship between the two largest democracies, saying, 'America can be India’s best partner.' In 2017, US President Donald Trump welcomed Prime Minister Modi to the White House for their first face-to-face meeting. The joint statement emphasized on strengthening their defence partnership, cooperating on counterterrorism efforts, and boosting economic ties. Though Trump had raised sharp disagreements with India over trade, Climate Change, and H-1B visas, these issues were sidelined during the leaders’ summit. In 2018, during a two-plus-two dialogue in New Delhi, India & US signed the COMCASA - Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement. This gave India access to advanced defence technology in America. The agreement had been under negotiation for nearly a decade. In 2020, Donald Trump made his first & last visit to India as US President. New Delhi agreed to purchase US military equipment worth 3 billion dollars. In July this year, US Defence Secretary Austin visited India to boost partnership and discuss challenges in the Indo-Pacific. Austin's visit aimed to expand cooperation between the two sides amidst China's growing assertiveness in the region. Austin also called on Prime Minister Modi and discussed international, regional and bilateral issues of mutual interest. The upcoming Quad summit and the UNGA come close on the heels of US Withdrawal from Afghanistan and the takeover by Taliban. The implications of a Taliban-led Afghanistan particularly from India’s national security perspective is likely to figure high on the Quad’s agenda. Equally important would be the discussions on developments in the Indo-Pacific, as both the US And India aim to counter Beijing's aggression.

A look back at Indo-US relations as Modi-Biden prep to meet at UNGA

On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden delivered his first address to the United Nations General Assembly. He discussed issues of global importance like climate change and the coronavirus.

Challenges that require a united response include “ending this pandemic, addressing the climate crisis, managing shifts in global power dynamics, shaping the role of the world on vital issues like trade, cyber and emerging technologies and facing the threat of terrorism as it stands today,” Biden said.

Biden told that the US would "double" its contribution to climate finance.

<a href="'We are not seeking a new cold war': US President Joe Biden at UNGA">Also read |&nbsp;'We are not seeking a new cold war': US President Joe Biden at UNGA</a>

"This will make the United States a leader in public climate finance," Biden told world leaders in New York, saying he would work with Congress to achieve the goal.

The president urged the world to turn from conflict toward cooperation against the urgent threats of climate change and disease.

He described climate change and the continuing coronavirus pandemic as “urgent and looming crises wherein lie enormous opportunities,” if the globe can “work together to seize” them.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, he also spoke about tensions with China as he said that the US is “not seeking a new Cold War.”&nbsp;

Biden highlighted growing concerns about rising tensions between the two countries without directly addressing China. 
“We are not seeking a new Cold War or a world divided into rigid blocks,” he clarified.

On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden delivered his first address to the United Nations General Assembly. He discussed issues of global importance like climate change and the coronavirus.

On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden delivered his first address to the United Nations General Assembly. He discussed issues of global importance like climate change and the coronavirus. Challenges that require a united response include “ending this pandemic, addressing the climate crisis, managing shifts in global power dynamics, shaping the role of the world on vital issues like trade, cyber and emerging technologies and facing the threat of terrorism as it stands today,” Biden said. Biden told that the US would "double" its contribution to climate finance. Also read | 'We are not seeking a new cold war': US President Joe Biden at UNGA "This will make the United States a leader in public climate finance," Biden told world leaders in New York, saying he would work with Congress to achieve the goal. The president urged the world to turn from conflict toward cooperation against the urgent threats of climate change and disease. He described climate change and the continuing coronavirus pandemic as “urgent and looming crises wherein lie enormous opportunities,” if the globe can “work together to seize” them. Meanwhile, he also spoke about tensions with China as he said that the US is “not seeking a new Cold War.” Biden highlighted growing concerns about rising tensions between the two countries without directly addressing China. “We are not seeking a new Cold War or a world divided into rigid blocks,” he clarified.

Biden urges action on climate during his address at UNGA

On Tuesday, US&nbsp;President Joe Biden delivered his first address to the United Nations General Assembly, declaring that the world is at a "inflection point in history" and that the world must act quickly and cooperatively to address the lingering issues of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and human rights violations.

In the midst of rising tensions with China, Biden also stated that the US is “not seeking a new Cold War.”&nbsp;

Biden highlighted growing concerns about rising tensions between the two countries without directly addressing China.

“We are not seeking a new Cold War or a world divided into rigid blocks,” he clarified. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-general-assembly-2021-alarm-to-wake-up-world-key-points-from-strong-speech-by-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-414680">Also read | Alarm to wake up world: Key points from strong speech by Secretary General Antonio Guterres</a>

With no lack of issues facing the world, the president emphasised his decision to end America's longest war, in Afghanistan, last month, and set the stage for his administration to shift its focus to intensive diplomacy.

He is motivated by the notion that "to deliver for our own people, we must also engage deeply with the rest of the world," according to him.&nbsp;

He said&nbsp;that the pandemic has been a time of "great grief and incredible possibilities," but that the world now has a chance to make a difference.&nbsp; 
 
WION-USA Direct: Biden to host Modi at White House, counter terrorism &amp; Afghan situation on agenda

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He asserted that at the "beginning of a pivotal decade for our globe," there is a "clear and urgent choice" to "define our futures." 
 
The US president stated that powerful countries will not be able to dominate weaker countries.

Countries must work together to face important challenges such as climate change and COVID-19, he said, "even if we have great disagreement in other areas."&nbsp;

Biden said that countries must now address climate change and prepare for the next pandemic, which he predicts will occur.&nbsp; 
 
WATCH:&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden delivered his first address to the United Nations General Assembly, declaring that the world is at a "inflection point in history" and that the world must act quickly and cooperatively to address the lingering issues of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and human rights violations.

On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden delivered his first address to the United Nations General Assembly, declaring that the world is at a "inflection point in history" and that the world must act quickly and cooperatively to address the lingering issues of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and human rights violations. In the midst of rising tensions with China, Biden also stated that the US is “not seeking a new Cold War.” Biden highlighted growing concerns about rising tensions between the two countries without directly addressing China. “We are not seeking a new Cold War or a world divided into rigid blocks,” he clarified. Also read | Alarm to wake up world: Key points from strong speech by Secretary General Antonio Guterres With no lack of issues facing the world, the president emphasised his decision to end America's longest war, in Afghanistan, last month, and set the stage for his administration to shift its focus to intensive diplomacy. He is motivated by the notion that "to deliver for our own people, we must also engage deeply with the rest of the world," according to him. He said that the pandemic has been a time of "great grief and incredible possibilities," but that the world now has a chance to make a difference. WION-USA Direct: Biden to host Modi at White House, counter terrorism & Afghan situation on agenda He asserted that at the "beginning of a pivotal decade for our globe," there is a "clear and urgent choice" to "define our futures." The US president stated that powerful countries will not be able to dominate weaker countries. Countries must work together to face important challenges such as climate change and COVID-19, he said, "even if we have great disagreement in other areas." Biden said that countries must now address climate change and prepare for the next pandemic, which he predicts will occur. WATCH: ×

UN General Assembly 2021 | 'We are not seeking a new cold war': US President Joe Biden

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden are expected to hold bilateral talks on trade, investment and defence and security during their meet in Washington on September 24, states Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.

WION USA Direct: Indian Foreign secretary Harsh Shringla speaks ahead of UNGA

US President Joe Biden will push back against the idea that the United States is plunging into a new Cold War with key rivals in his address to the UN General Assembly this week, a senior official said Monday.

"President Biden will communicate tomorrow that he does not believe in the notion of a new Cold War with the world divided into blocks. He believes in vigorous, intensive, principled competition," the official said, previewing the speech.

"The president will essentially drive home the message that ending the war in Afghanistan closed the chapter focused on war and opens a chapter focused on personal, purposeful, effective American diplomacy," the official said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-elections-few-things-that-you-need-to-know-about-the-campaign-414449">Also read |&nbsp;Canada elections: Few things that you need to know about the campaign</a>

He further added that in his first address to the United Nations as president, Biden will stress that Washington will work with allies and partners "to solve problems that can't be solved by military force."

Biden will also issue an "all hands on deck" call for global cooperation to end the deadly pandemic that has ravaged the world.

US President Joe Biden will push back against the idea that the United States is plunging into a new Cold War with key rivals in his address to the UN General Assembly this week, a senior official said Monday.

US President Joe Biden will push back against the idea that the United States is plunging into a new Cold War with key rivals in his address to the UN General Assembly this week, a senior official said Monday. "President Biden will communicate tomorrow that he does not believe in the notion of a new Cold War with the world divided into blocks. He believes in vigorous, intensive, principled competition," the official said, previewing the speech. "The president will essentially drive home the message that ending the war in Afghanistan closed the chapter focused on war and opens a chapter focused on personal, purposeful, effective American diplomacy," the official said. Also read | Canada elections: Few things that you need to know about the campaign He further added that in his first address to the United Nations as president, Biden will stress that Washington will work with allies and partners "to solve problems that can't be solved by military force." Biden will also issue an "all hands on deck" call for global cooperation to end the deadly pandemic that has ravaged the world.

Biden to tell UN he does not believe in a 'New Cold War': US official

Former Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu mocked Joe Biden on Sunday as he repeated a previously debunked claim that the US president had dozed off during a meeting with new Israeli leader Naftali Bennett last month. Watch this report for more details.

Israel's  former PM Netanyahu appears to mock Biden

The roughly 15% of the population living in rural America includes some of the oldest and sickest patients in the country — a disparity that has grown more stark during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Biden administration is investing more in telemedicine, whose use has grown sharply during the pandemic, as a way to improve their access to care.

Last month, the Department of Health and Human Services announced that it was distributing nearly $20 million to strengthen telehealth services — usually medical appointments that take place by video or phone — in rural and underserved communities across the country. While the amount is relatively modest, it is part of a broader push to address the long-neglected health care infrastructure in those areas.

The spending includes about $4 million to help bring primary, acute and behavioral health care directly to patients via telehealth in 11 states, including Arkansas, Arizona and Maine.

The money will update technology in rural health care clinics, train doctors and nurses how to conduct telehealth appointments and teach patients how to take advantage of virtual appointments when they cannot see a doctor in person.

An additional $4.3 million will help specialists at academic medical centers provide training and support to primary care providers in rural and other underserved areas via “tele-mentoring,” so that they can treat patients in their communities with complex conditions, such as long COVID or substance use disorders.

“Telehealth expands access to care and is a vital tool for improving health equity,” said Diana Espinosa, the acting administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency within the department that is distributing the money. “This funding will help drive the innovation necessary to build clinical networks, educational opportunities and trusted resources to further advance telehealth.”

Rural Americans are at greater risk of dying from heart disease, cancer, accidental injury, chronic respiratory illnesses and strokes than their urban counterparts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The pandemic, too, has hit them disproportionately: ICU beds have been sparse in rural Idaho during virus surges. Navajo Nation in rural Arizona once had a higher virus death rate than New York City.

In August, the Biden administration provided billions of dollars to rural communities through the American Rescue Plan — separate from the $20 million — to address virus concerns, including by expanding telehealth, and to help rebuild crumbling health care infrastructure.

Other investments in rural health during the pandemic have included improving training for clinicians working at rural Veterans Affairs hospitals; more than $8 billion to help hospitals and doctors’ offices make up for lost revenues and increased expenses during that time; and $350 million to rural communities for food, medical supplies and vaccines.

Even though telehealth has become more mainstream during the pandemic, challenges persist. It remains inaccessible in areas without internet or proper speeds. And there is still a lot of uncertainty about how using telemedicine more would affect insurers’ and hospitals’ bottom lines over time, not to mention patient outcomes.

A large body of research supports the use of telehealth for communication and counselling, and for monitoring patients with chronic conditions, but more evidence is needed on its broader use.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center will receive more than $3.5 million of the $20 million from the Health Resources and Services Administration, through two grant programs to improve health care in rural, medically underserved areas of the state that have widespread chronic disease and high poverty rates.

The coronavirus pandemic increased not only the need for telehealth but also the amount that doctors and nurses get paid to use it. Early in the pandemic, Congress and the Trump administration expanded Medicare’s coverage of telehealth services for the duration of the public health emergency, although it is unclear whether the coverage will continue indefinitely.

“There is now momentum; telehealth is now considered part of the mainstream of health care delivery,” said Dr. Saurabh Chandra, the chief telehealth officer at the Center for Telehealth at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. “There were lots of loosening of regulations that allowed us to expand telehealth and do telehealth in a very short period of time.”

Telehealth is not just for rural areas, Chandra said. It can be used in schools and correctional facilities, as well as in patients’ homes, nursing homes, doctors’ offices and hospitals. Among other things, telehealth technology has been crucial to stabilizing rural COVID-19 patients as they await transfer, through a program commonly called “tele-ICU.”

The University of Mississippi Medical Center plans to start such a program — essentially a two-way video system that connects critically ill patients in rural hospital ICU beds with teams of doctors and nurses who specialize in caring for patients from a distance.

Angela Turner-Ford, a Democratic state senator in Mississippi who is the chairwoman of the state’s legislative Black caucus, said that increasing access to telehealth would also help medical providers combat misinformation that had been circulating among the state’s Black residents and creating high vaccine hesitancy.

If it were easier to connect with doctors regularly, many of the hesitant might change their minds, she said.

“They are left to themselves and what someone may have told them that may not be reliable information,” Turner-Ford said. “If you don’t have that existing relationship with a practitioner, someone in that instance may have known who to call just to have a simple conversation.”

Jennifer Yturriondobeitia, CEO of Cornerstone Whole Healthcare Organization, a nonprofit in Boise, Idaho, focused on improving rural health care, said the $350,000 it received will go toward telehealth for mental and substance abuse disorders. Idaho lacks treatment for these conditions, especially in rural areas, she said.

Yturriondobeitia said her group had used telehealth in Idaho since 2015. Back then, patients drove to doctors’ offices to connect with distant specialized providers. Now the focus is on connecting patients with those providers from their own homes.

In Oregon, the funding will help residents primarily in the Columbia River Gorge region. Five of the six counties that will benefit are in the vast rural area where mountain ranges form the boundary between Oregon and Washington. Poverty levels are high, and for some, a visit to the doctor can be an hour’s drive away. Nearly one-third of the population is Hispanic.

“They don’t have enough primary care doctors, they don’t have enough mental health professionals, they don’t have enough anybody there,” said Dr. Nancy Elder, director of the Oregon Rural Practice-Based Research Network, which received $475,000.

Chronic diabetes is also pervasive in the region. Elder said one way she believed the quality of care could be improved was by increasing the skills of the doctors and nurses already based there.

The region’s award will be used for Project ECHO, a program that allows rural primary care clinicians to learn from specialists by video. The meetings begin with an educational presentation, followed by a discussion of real-life clinical obstacles the providers are facing.

“They get access to expertise that they wouldn’t have,” said Maggie McLain McDonnell, director of the Oregon ECHO Network and Health Education Initiatives, “but they also get support so that they feel less alone in the challenges that they’re facing treating these patients.”

The roughly 15% of the population living in rural America includes some of the oldest and sickest patients in the country — a disparity that has grown more stark during the coronavirus pandemic.

The roughly 15% of the population living in rural America includes some of the oldest and sickest patients in the country — a disparity that has grown more stark during the coronavirus pandemic. The Biden administration is investing more in telemedicine, whose use has grown sharply during the pandemic, as a way to improve their access to care. Last month, the Department of Health and Human Services announced that it was distributing nearly $20 million to strengthen telehealth services — usually medical appointments that take place by video or phone — in rural and underserved communities across the country. While the amount is relatively modest, it is part of a broader push to address the long-neglected health care infrastructure in those areas. The spending includes about $4 million to help bring primary, acute and behavioral health care directly to patients via telehealth in 11 states, including Arkansas, Arizona and Maine. The money will update technology in rural health care clinics, train doctors and nurses how to conduct telehealth appointments and teach patients how to take advantage of virtual appointments when they cannot see a doctor in person. An additional $4.3 million will help specialists at academic medical centers provide training and support to primary care providers in rural and other underserved areas via “tele-mentoring,” so that they can treat patients in their communities with complex conditions, such as long COVID or substance use disorders. “Telehealth expands access to care and is a vital tool for improving health equity,” said Diana Espinosa, the acting administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency within the department that is distributing the money. “This funding will help drive the innovation necessary to build clinical networks, educational opportunities and trusted resources to further advance telehealth.” Rural Americans are at greater risk of dying from heart disease, cancer, accidental injury, chronic respiratory illnesses and strokes than their urban counterparts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The pandemic, too, has hit them disproportionately: ICU beds have been sparse in rural Idaho during virus surges. Navajo Nation in rural Arizona once had a higher virus death rate than New York City. In August, the Biden administration provided billions of dollars to rural communities through the American Rescue Plan — separate from the $20 million — to address virus concerns, including by expanding telehealth, and to help rebuild crumbling health care infrastructure. Other investments in rural health during the pandemic have included improving training for clinicians working at rural Veterans Affairs hospitals; more than $8 billion to help hospitals and doctors’ offices make up for lost revenues and increased expenses during that time; and $350 million to rural communities for food, medical supplies and vaccines. Even though telehealth has become more mainstream during the pandemic, challenges persist. It remains inaccessible in areas without internet or proper speeds. And there is still a lot of uncertainty about how using telemedicine more would affect insurers’ and hospitals’ bottom lines over time, not to mention patient outcomes. A large body of research supports the use of telehealth for communication and counselling, and for monitoring patients with chronic conditions, but more evidence is needed on its broader use. The University of Mississippi Medical Center will receive more than $3.5 million of the $20 million from the Health Resources and Services Administration, through two grant programs to improve health care in rural, medically underserved areas of the state that have widespread chronic disease and high poverty rates. The coronavirus pandemic increased not only the need for telehealth but also the amount that doctors and nurses get paid to use it. Early in the pandemic, Congress and the Trump administration expanded Medicare’s coverage of telehealth services for the duration of the public health emergency, although it is unclear whether the coverage will continue indefinitely. “There is now momentum; telehealth is now considered part of the mainstream of health care delivery,” said Dr. Saurabh Chandra, the chief telehealth officer at the Center for Telehealth at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. “There were lots of loosening of regulations that allowed us to expand telehealth and do telehealth in a very short period of time.” Telehealth is not just for rural areas, Chandra said. It can be used in schools and correctional facilities, as well as in patients’ homes, nursing homes, doctors’ offices and hospitals. Among other things, telehealth technology has been crucial to stabilizing rural COVID-19 patients as they await transfer, through a program commonly called “tele-ICU.” The University of Mississippi Medical Center plans to start such a program — essentially a two-way video system that connects critically ill patients in rural hospital ICU beds with teams of doctors and nurses who specialize in caring for patients from a distance. Angela Turner-Ford, a Democratic state senator in Mississippi who is the chairwoman of the state’s legislative Black caucus, said that increasing access to telehealth would also help medical providers combat misinformation that had been circulating among the state’s Black residents and creating high vaccine hesitancy. If it were easier to connect with doctors regularly, many of the hesitant might change their minds, she said. “They are left to themselves and what someone may have told them that may not be reliable information,” Turner-Ford said. “If you don’t have that existing relationship with a practitioner, someone in that instance may have known who to call just to have a simple conversation.” Jennifer Yturriondobeitia, CEO of Cornerstone Whole Healthcare Organization, a nonprofit in Boise, Idaho, focused on improving rural health care, said the $350,000 it received will go toward telehealth for mental and substance abuse disorders. Idaho lacks treatment for these conditions, especially in rural areas, she said. Yturriondobeitia said her group had used telehealth in Idaho since 2015. Back then, patients drove to doctors’ offices to connect with distant specialized providers. Now the focus is on connecting patients with those providers from their own homes. In Oregon, the funding will help residents primarily in the Columbia River Gorge region. Five of the six counties that will benefit are in the vast rural area where mountain ranges form the boundary between Oregon and Washington. Poverty levels are high, and for some, a visit to the doctor can be an hour’s drive away. Nearly one-third of the population is Hispanic. “They don’t have enough primary care doctors, they don’t have enough mental health professionals, they don’t have enough anybody there,” said Dr. Nancy Elder, director of the Oregon Rural Practice-Based Research Network, which received $475,000. Chronic diabetes is also pervasive in the region. Elder said one way she believed the quality of care could be improved was by increasing the skills of the doctors and nurses already based there. The region’s award will be used for Project ECHO, a program that allows rural primary care clinicians to learn from specialists by video. The meetings begin with an educational presentation, followed by a discussion of real-life clinical obstacles the providers are facing. “They get access to expertise that they wouldn’t have,” said Maggie McLain McDonnell, director of the Oregon ECHO Network and Health Education Initiatives, “but they also get support so that they feel less alone in the challenges that they’re facing treating these patients.”

Biden administration seeks to expand telehealth in rural America

All eyes are in New York where the world leaders will assemble for this year at UNGC . Watch this ground report for more details.

WION USA Direct: Afghanistan , Indo Pacific, pandemic, climate in focus

Former Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to suggest in a video that US President Joe Biden fell asleep while meeting current Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. Netanyahu was appearing in Facebook Live when he made this suggestion.

A video that was earlier being shared on social media showed US President Joe Biden looking down and nodding off as Bennett spoke in Oval Office.

A fact check carried out by Reuters found that the video was misleadingly cropped. The fact check debunked the idea that Biden had dozed off.

In a video Netanyahu posted on his Facebook page on Sunday, an off-camera voice says: "You know, Bennett met with Biden."

"I heard that Biden was very attentive at this meeting. He dropped his head in agreement," Netanyahu replied, letting his own head fall in a swift motion, as if to mimic someone falling asleep. He was speaking in Hebrew.

Netanyahu had been seen largely in alignment with former US President Donald Trump's policy towards West Asia.

Netanyahu's reference to the Biden meeting was a brief segment in a nearly 26-minute video that touched on a variety of political issues.

But it drew headlines on Israeli news websites, several of which accused Netanyahu of mocking Biden.

In June, a new government of left-wing, centrist, right-wing and Arab parties led by Bennett replaced Netanyahu's administration, ending the conservative politician's 12-year run as Israel's longest-serving leader.

Now in opposition, Netanyahu has promised to govern again.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to suggest in a video that US President Joe Biden fell asleep while meeting current Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

Former Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to suggest in a video that US President Joe Biden fell asleep while meeting current Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. Netanyahu was appearing in Facebook Live when he made this suggestion. A video that was earlier being shared on social media showed US President Joe Biden looking down and nodding off as Bennett spoke in Oval Office. A fact check carried out by Reuters found that the video was misleadingly cropped. The fact check debunked the idea that Biden had dozed off. In a video Netanyahu posted on his Facebook page on Sunday, an off-camera voice says: "You know, Bennett met with Biden." "I heard that Biden was very attentive at this meeting. He dropped his head in agreement," Netanyahu replied, letting his own head fall in a swift motion, as if to mimic someone falling asleep. He was speaking in Hebrew. Netanyahu had been seen largely in alignment with former US President Donald Trump's policy towards West Asia. Netanyahu's reference to the Biden meeting was a brief segment in a nearly 26-minute video that touched on a variety of political issues. But it drew headlines on Israeli news websites, several of which accused Netanyahu of mocking Biden. In June, a new government of left-wing, centrist, right-wing and Arab parties led by Bennett replaced Netanyahu's administration, ending the conservative politician's 12-year run as Israel's longest-serving leader. Now in opposition, Netanyahu has promised to govern again. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu appears to claim that Biden fell asleep when meeting new Israel PM

President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;will&nbsp;host&nbsp;a virtual&nbsp;summit&nbsp;with world leaders&nbsp;on&nbsp;the coronavirus pandemic next&nbsp;Wednesday. This comes a day after he addresses&nbsp;the United Nations General Assembly, the&nbsp;White&nbsp;House&nbsp;said Friday.

"This meeting is about expanding and enhancing our shared efforts to defeat&nbsp;Covid-19" and will seek to "align&nbsp;on&nbsp;a common vision" against the virus, Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement. The&nbsp;summit&nbsp;will be "on&nbsp;the margins of the UN General Assembly."

Biden, who is due to address the annual UN meeting&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tuesday, has pitched the United States as the global leader&nbsp;on&nbsp;the fight to get the world vaccinated. No details about participants were provided.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/aukus-angry-france-cancels-gala-event-in-washington-413759">Also read |&nbsp;Aukus: Angry France cancels gala event in Washington</a>

In her statement, Psaki said that the&nbsp;summit&nbsp;will build "from previous gatherings of world leaders and ministers in fora like the&nbsp;G7,&nbsp;G20, and Act Accelerator to rally civil society, NGOs, philanthropists, and industry along with world leaders and align&nbsp;on&nbsp;a common vision for defeating&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;together."

The statement further added that it will be asking participants to commit to a higher level of ambition across four themes- Vaccinate the world by enhancing equitable access to vaccines and getting shots in arms,&nbsp;save lives now by solving the oxygen crisis, and making tests, therapeutics and PPE more available, build back better by establishing a sustainable health security financing mechanism, and global leadership for emerging threats and calling the world to account by aligning around targets, tracking progress, and supporting one another in fulfilling our commitments.

US is by far the biggest donor of vaccines around the world, with&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;likening his government's efforts to the US military entry into World War II.

Meanwhile, in New York, which is home to the United Nations, strict safety measures have been announced, including a requirement for delegates to show proof of vaccination before entering the main hall.

President Joe Biden will host a virtual summit with world leaders on the coronavirus pandemic next Wednesday. This comes a day after he addresses the United Nations General Assembly, the White House said Friday.

President Joe Biden will host a virtual summit with world leaders on the coronavirus pandemic next Wednesday. This comes a day after he addresses the United Nations General Assembly, the White House said Friday. "This meeting is about expanding and enhancing our shared efforts to defeat Covid-19" and will seek to "align on a common vision" against the virus, Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement. The summit will be "on the margins of the UN General Assembly." Biden, who is due to address the annual UN meeting on Tuesday, has pitched the United States as the global leader on the fight to get the world vaccinated. No details about participants were provided. Also read | Aukus: Angry France cancels gala event in Washington In her statement, Psaki said that the summit will build "from previous gatherings of world leaders and ministers in fora like the G7, G20, and Act Accelerator to rally civil society, NGOs, philanthropists, and industry along with world leaders and align on a common vision for defeating COVID-19 together." The statement further added that it will be asking participants to commit to a higher level of ambition across four themes- Vaccinate the world by enhancing equitable access to vaccines and getting shots in arms, save lives now by solving the oxygen crisis, and making tests, therapeutics and PPE more available, build back better by establishing a sustainable health security financing mechanism, and global leadership for emerging threats and calling the world to account by aligning around targets, tracking progress, and supporting one another in fulfilling our commitments. US is by far the biggest donor of vaccines around the world, with Biden likening his government's efforts to the US military entry into World War II. Meanwhile, in New York, which is home to the United Nations, strict safety measures have been announced, including a requirement for delegates to show proof of vaccination before entering the main hall.

Biden to convene COVID-19 summit on Wednesday: White House

France&nbsp;accused US&nbsp;President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;on Thursday of stabbing it in the back and acting&nbsp;like&nbsp;his predecessor Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;after Paris was pushed aside from a lucrative&nbsp;defence&nbsp;deal&nbsp;that it had signed with&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;for submarines.

The United States, Britain and&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;said they would establish a security partnership for the Indo-Pacific that will help&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;acquire US&nbsp;nuclear-powered submarines and scrap the $40 billion French-designed submarine&nbsp;deal.

"This brutal, unilateral and unpredictable decision reminds me a lot of what Mr&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;used to do," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told&nbsp;franceinfo radio. "I am angry and bitter. This isn't done between allies."

In 2016,&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;had selected French shipbuilder Naval Group to build a new submarine fleet worth $40 billion to replace its more than two-decades-old Collins submarines.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-boris-johnson-reshuffles-his-cabinet-dominic-raab-ousted-for-afghan-crisis-413578">Also read |&nbsp;UK's Boris Johnson reshuffles his cabinet; Dominic Raab ousted for Afghan crisis</a>

Two weeks ago, the&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;defence&nbsp;and foreign ministers had reconfirmed the&nbsp;deal&nbsp;to&nbsp;France, and French President Emmanuel Macron lauded decades of future cooperation when hosting&nbsp;Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in June.

"It's a stab in the back. We created a relationship of trust with&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;and that trust has been broken," Le Drian said.

Relations between&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and Macron soured during&nbsp;Trump's presidency, and diplomats say there have been concerns in recent months that&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;is not being forthright with his European allies.

Washington's actions in&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;are&nbsp;likely to further strain Transatlantic ties. The European Union was due to roll out its Indo-Pacific strategy later on Thursday and Paris is preparing to take on the EU presidency.

"This is a clap of thunder and for many in Paris a Trafalgar moment," Bruno Tertrais, Deputy Director of the Paris-based think tank the Foundation of Strategic Research said on Twitter, referring to a French naval defeat in 1805 that was followed by British naval supremacy.

He said it would "complicate the transatlantic cooperation in and about the region. Beijing will benefit."

Biden&nbsp;said on Wednesday&nbsp;France&nbsp;remained a "key partner in the Indo-Pacific zone."

Morrison said in a statement that&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;looked forward to continuing to work "closely and positively" with&nbsp;France, adding: "France&nbsp;is a key friend and partner to&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;and the Indo-Pacific."

&nbsp;

France accused US President Joe Biden on Thursday of stabbing it in the back and acting like his predecessor Donald Trump after Paris was pushed aside from a lucrative defence deal that it had signed with Australia for submarines.

France accused US President Joe Biden on Thursday of stabbing it in the back and acting like his predecessor Donald Trump after Paris was pushed aside from a lucrative defence deal that it had signed with Australia for submarines. The United States, Britain and Australia said they would establish a security partnership for the Indo-Pacific that will help Australia acquire US nuclear-powered submarines and scrap the $40 billion French-designed submarine deal. "This brutal, unilateral and unpredictable decision reminds me a lot of what Mr Trump used to do," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told franceinfo radio. "I am angry and bitter. This isn't done between allies." In 2016, Australia had selected French shipbuilder Naval Group to build a new submarine fleet worth $40 billion to replace its more than two-decades-old Collins submarines. Also read | UK's Boris Johnson reshuffles his cabinet; Dominic Raab ousted for Afghan crisis Two weeks ago, the Australian defence and foreign ministers had reconfirmed the deal to France, and French President Emmanuel Macron lauded decades of future cooperation when hosting Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in June. "It's a stab in the back. We created a relationship of trust with Australia and that trust has been broken," Le Drian said. Relations between Trump and Macron soured during Trump's presidency, and diplomats say there have been concerns in recent months that Biden is not being forthright with his European allies. Washington's actions in Australia are likely to further strain Transatlantic ties. The European Union was due to roll out its Indo-Pacific strategy later on Thursday and Paris is preparing to take on the EU presidency. "This is a clap of thunder and for many in Paris a Trafalgar moment," Bruno Tertrais, Deputy Director of the Paris-based think tank the Foundation of Strategic Research said on Twitter, referring to a French naval defeat in 1805 that was followed by British naval supremacy. He said it would "complicate the transatlantic cooperation in and about the region. Beijing will benefit." Biden said on Wednesday France remained a "key partner in the Indo-Pacific zone." Morrison said in a statement that Australia looked forward to continuing to work "closely and positively" with France, adding: "France is a key friend and partner to Australia and the Indo-Pacific."

France says Biden acted like Trump to sink Australia defence deal

President Joe Biden warned on Tuesday that the United States had only a decade left to confront a global climate crisis, using his second day touring a wildfire-ravaged West to try to rally the public, and congressional Democrats, to support measures that his administration hopes will reduce the burning of fossil fuels.

Biden’s stops this week in Colorado; Boise, Idaho; and Long Beach and the Sacramento area in California amounted to more than an opportunity to call attention to the severe destruction of wildfires and other natural disasters that have been exacerbated by climate change. The visits were a last-ditch opportunity to sell the importance of measures aimed at mitigating climate change, some of which appear increasingly at risk in his spending packages.

“A drought or a fire doesn’t see a property line,” Biden said during remarks at a federal renewable energy laboratory. “It doesn’t give a damn for which party you belong to. Disasters aren’t going to stop. That’s the nature of the climate threat. But we know what we have to do. We just need to summon the courage and the creativity to do it.”

Underscoring the urgency, Biden added: “We don’t have much more than 10 years.”

Democratic leaders drafting a $3.5 trillion spending bill are struggling to match the urgency of Biden’s pleas with pushback from energy lobbyists and some key Democrats, who want a far less expansive effort than what Biden has in mind.

On Monday, during a visit to California’s Office of Emergency Services in the Sacramento area, Biden appeared to recognize that. Before he received a briefing on the wildfire damage, he reminded dozens of emergency workers in the conference room that he was not able to include all of his proposed investments to combat climate change in a bipartisan agreement that he reached this summer on infrastructure. He said he was focused on including them in the more sweeping $3.5 trillion package but acknowledged that it could fall short of his ambitions.

“Whether that passes or not, exactly how much, I don’t know. But we’re going to get it passed,” Biden said.

Tax writers in the House have already made a concession of sorts on climate. A bill released earlier this week omits any tax on carbon emissions, even though such revenue could help pay for the giant package, which Democrats plan to pass along party lines and without Republican support.

Many Senate Democrats have pushed to include either a direct tax on emissions or an indirect one, like a tariff on goods imported from high-emission countries such as China. But the party is not aligned, and given the slim majorities in the House and Senate, such a plan would probably have trouble gaining the 50 votes needed in the Senate.

Centrist concerns over the size and scope of some proposed tax increases could force party leaders to pare back incentives for low-carbon energy deployment in the plan. So could influential Democrats who have resisted the party’s previous climate legislation, like Sen. Joe Manchin III of West Virginia.

A coal-state moderate, Manchin is the committee chair charged with drafting the Senate version of the single largest effort to reduce emissions in the bill: a carrot-and-stick approach to push electric utilities to draw more power from low-carbon sources over the coming decade.

“The transition is happening,” Manchin said, speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday. “Now they’re wanting to pay companies to do what they’re already doing. Makes no sense to me at all for us to take billions of dollars and pay utilities for what they’re going to do as the market transitions.”

He declined to comment further on Tuesday, telling reporters he preferred to negotiate in private. Senate Democrats used a weekly caucus lunch to provide an update on efforts to cobble together pieces of the legislation during the annual summer break, though it was unclear how swiftly they would reconcile differences within and between both chambers.

Biden used his western swing to highlight what his aides hope will be a call to climate action for those who have not committed to a more aggressive plan.

Throughout the trip, Biden heard from emergency officials and governors — including those at odds with the administration on the pandemic and other issues — about the urgent need to address natural disasters. Biden told the emergency workers in California that he had recently spoken with Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas, a Republican, about emergency response.

“Some of my more conservative —” Biden said before stopping himself and resuming, “some of my less believing friends in this notion of global warming are all of a sudden having an altar call.”

“They’re seeing the Lord,” Biden said.

When Biden received his fire briefing later from officials at the Office of Emergency Services, a woman presenting a map of wildfires to him could be heard saying, “That’s why this is so important.”

On Tuesday, Biden watched a wind turbine demonstration at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Flatirons Campus in Arvada, Colorado, then recounted the damage from hurricanes and wildfires he had seen in trips across the United States this month. He called for tax credits to speed deployment of solar power and electric vehicles and for the creation of a Civilian Climate Corps to conserve public lands and help make them more resilient to climate change.

Biden’s economic team has not clarified whether the president would embrace an emissions tax as part of the package. He refused to agree to a Republican proposal to raise the federal gasoline tax to help pay for infrastructure, citing his pledge not to raise income taxes on anyone earning less than $400,000. But his administration has not objected to a tax increase on cigarettes, which the House included in its tax plan and which would disproportionately hit lower earners.

Administration officials have also not said how far a final agreement must go on emission reduction in order for Biden to accept it. Asked by a reporter in Arvada if he would sign the $3.5 trillion spending package if it included slimmed-down measures to address climate change, Biden pumped his fist. “I’m up for more climate measures,” he said.

Karine Jean-Pierre, the principal deputy press secretary, told reporters on Air Force One that Biden was strongly committed to the climate components of the bill. But, she said, “the Biden climate agenda doesn’t hinge on just reconciliation or infrastructure package alone.”

“We are looking at every sector of the economy for opportunities to grow clean-energy jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” she said, “especially in the decisive — in this decisive decade.”

President Joe Biden warned on Tuesday that the United States had only a decade left to confront a global climate crisis, using his second day touring a wildfire-ravaged West to try to rally the public, and congressional Democrats, to support measures that his administration hopes will reduce the burning of fossil fuels.

President Joe Biden warned on Tuesday that the United States had only a decade left to confront a global climate crisis, using his second day touring a wildfire-ravaged West to try to rally the public, and congressional Democrats, to support measures that his administration hopes will reduce the burning of fossil fuels. Biden’s stops this week in Colorado; Boise, Idaho; and Long Beach and the Sacramento area in California amounted to more than an opportunity to call attention to the severe destruction of wildfires and other natural disasters that have been exacerbated by climate change. The visits were a last-ditch opportunity to sell the importance of measures aimed at mitigating climate change, some of which appear increasingly at risk in his spending packages. “A drought or a fire doesn’t see a property line,” Biden said during remarks at a federal renewable energy laboratory. “It doesn’t give a damn for which party you belong to. Disasters aren’t going to stop. That’s the nature of the climate threat. But we know what we have to do. We just need to summon the courage and the creativity to do it.” Underscoring the urgency, Biden added: “We don’t have much more than 10 years.” Democratic leaders drafting a $3.5 trillion spending bill are struggling to match the urgency of Biden’s pleas with pushback from energy lobbyists and some key Democrats, who want a far less expansive effort than what Biden has in mind. On Monday, during a visit to California’s Office of Emergency Services in the Sacramento area, Biden appeared to recognize that. Before he received a briefing on the wildfire damage, he reminded dozens of emergency workers in the conference room that he was not able to include all of his proposed investments to combat climate change in a bipartisan agreement that he reached this summer on infrastructure. He said he was focused on including them in the more sweeping $3.5 trillion package but acknowledged that it could fall short of his ambitions. “Whether that passes or not, exactly how much, I don’t know. But we’re going to get it passed,” Biden said. Tax writers in the House have already made a concession of sorts on climate. A bill released earlier this week omits any tax on carbon emissions, even though such revenue could help pay for the giant package, which Democrats plan to pass along party lines and without Republican support. Many Senate Democrats have pushed to include either a direct tax on emissions or an indirect one, like a tariff on goods imported from high-emission countries such as China. But the party is not aligned, and given the slim majorities in the House and Senate, such a plan would probably have trouble gaining the 50 votes needed in the Senate. Centrist concerns over the size and scope of some proposed tax increases could force party leaders to pare back incentives for low-carbon energy deployment in the plan. So could influential Democrats who have resisted the party’s previous climate legislation, like Sen. Joe Manchin III of West Virginia. A coal-state moderate, Manchin is the committee chair charged with drafting the Senate version of the single largest effort to reduce emissions in the bill: a carrot-and-stick approach to push electric utilities to draw more power from low-carbon sources over the coming decade. “The transition is happening,” Manchin said, speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday. “Now they’re wanting to pay companies to do what they’re already doing. Makes no sense to me at all for us to take billions of dollars and pay utilities for what they’re going to do as the market transitions.” He declined to comment further on Tuesday, telling reporters he preferred to negotiate in private. Senate Democrats used a weekly caucus lunch to provide an update on efforts to cobble together pieces of the legislation during the annual summer break, though it was unclear how swiftly they would reconcile differences within and between both chambers. Biden used his western swing to highlight what his aides hope will be a call to climate action for those who have not committed to a more aggressive plan. Throughout the trip, Biden heard from emergency officials and governors — including those at odds with the administration on the pandemic and other issues — about the urgent need to address natural disasters. Biden told the emergency workers in California that he had recently spoken with Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas, a Republican, about emergency response. “Some of my more conservative —” Biden said before stopping himself and resuming, “some of my less believing friends in this notion of global warming are all of a sudden having an altar call.” “They’re seeing the Lord,” Biden said. When Biden received his fire briefing later from officials at the Office of Emergency Services, a woman presenting a map of wildfires to him could be heard saying, “That’s why this is so important.” On Tuesday, Biden watched a wind turbine demonstration at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Flatirons Campus in Arvada, Colorado, then recounted the damage from hurricanes and wildfires he had seen in trips across the United States this month. He called for tax credits to speed deployment of solar power and electric vehicles and for the creation of a Civilian Climate Corps to conserve public lands and help make them more resilient to climate change. Biden’s economic team has not clarified whether the president would embrace an emissions tax as part of the package. He refused to agree to a Republican proposal to raise the federal gasoline tax to help pay for infrastructure, citing his pledge not to raise income taxes on anyone earning less than $400,000. But his administration has not objected to a tax increase on cigarettes, which the House included in its tax plan and which would disproportionately hit lower earners. Administration officials have also not said how far a final agreement must go on emission reduction in order for Biden to accept it. Asked by a reporter in Arvada if he would sign the $3.5 trillion spending package if it included slimmed-down measures to address climate change, Biden pumped his fist. “I’m up for more climate measures,” he said. Karine Jean-Pierre, the principal deputy press secretary, told reporters on Air Force One that Biden was strongly committed to the climate components of the bill. But, she said, “the Biden climate agenda doesn’t hinge on just reconciliation or infrastructure package alone.” “We are looking at every sector of the economy for opportunities to grow clean-energy jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” she said, “especially in the decisive — in this decisive decade.”

Biden urges climate action: ‘We don’t have much more than 10 years’

On the eve of a vote which could remove the California governor from office, US President Joe Biden has thrown his support behind Gov Gavin Newsom. &nbsp;

This recall vote will decide the future for Newsom. If the Californians decide to approve Newsom, he stays and if not, then someone else will replace him. &nbsp;

In a rally in Long Beach, Biden said the result would "reverberate around the world". &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US President Joe Biden to host Quad summit

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The polls show a comfortable lead for the Democrat. Newsom’s main rival, Larry Elder, is a conservative radio host. &nbsp;

In 2019, Newsom was democratically elected and took office, but Republicans hope to unseat him early. It is only the second-ever recall vote for a governor to appear on the ballots of the Democratic state. &nbsp;

"The eyes of the nation are on you," Biden said, while urging the Long Beach crowd to vote "no" to the recall.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-nicholas-makes-landfall-on-texas-coast-may-unleash-flash-floods-413040" hreflang="en">Hurricane Nicholas makes landfall on Texas coast, may unleash flash floods</a>

"You either keep Gavin Newsom as your governor or you'll get Donald Trump," Biden added, while signifying Elder to be a "clone" of the former president. &nbsp;

After he took office in 2019, the governor has cemented California's status as progressive and free-spending state in the US. But frustration over the handling of the pandemic and rise in partisanship in politics has fuelled a Republican-led effort to supplant him before his term ends.&nbsp;

On the eve of a vote which could remove the California governor from office, US President Joe Biden has thrown his support behind Gov Gavin Newsom. This recall vote will decide the future for Newsom.

On the eve of a vote which could remove the California governor from office, US President Joe Biden has thrown his support behind Gov Gavin Newsom. This recall vote will decide the future for Newsom. If the Californians decide to approve Newsom, he stays and if not, then someone else will replace him. In a rally in Long Beach, Biden said the result would "reverberate around the world". Watch: US President Joe Biden to host Quad summit × The polls show a comfortable lead for the Democrat. Newsom’s main rival, Larry Elder, is a conservative radio host. In 2019, Newsom was democratically elected and took office, but Republicans hope to unseat him early. It is only the second-ever recall vote for a governor to appear on the ballots of the Democratic state. "The eyes of the nation are on you," Biden said, while urging the Long Beach crowd to vote "no" to the recall. Also Read: Hurricane Nicholas makes landfall on Texas coast, may unleash flash floods "You either keep Gavin Newsom as your governor or you'll get Donald Trump," Biden added, while signifying Elder to be a "clone" of the former president. After he took office in 2019, the governor has cemented California's status as progressive and free-spending state in the US. But frustration over the handling of the pandemic and rise in partisanship in politics has fuelled a Republican-led effort to supplant him before his term ends.

Biden supports California Governor Gavin Newsom on eve of crucial vote

A trade group representing some 2,000 consumer brands sent a letter to President Joe Biden on Monday asking for clarification about his announcement last week that all companies with more than 100 employees will soon need to require vaccination or weekly testing.

Biden said last week that the Department of Labor and its Occupational Safety and Health Administration would draft the rules, which would affect some 80 million workers.

But the mandate has raised vexing issues for employers as they deal with the practicalities of vaccination policies, said Geoff Freeman, president of the trade group, the Consumer Brands Association.

On Monday, Freeman called on Biden to “create immediate clarity” about how private businesses should carry out aspects of the White House’s plan to achieve “our shared goal of increased vaccination rates.”

He shared 19 questions that represented a “small sampling” of those raised by the trade group’s members. Among them:

— What proof-of-vaccination documentation will the companies need to collect and will booster shots also be required?

— Must employees be fully vaccinated?

— Will workers who have had the coronavirus still have to be vaccinated or get tested?

— Will the requirements apply only to vaccines that are fully approved by the Food and Drug Administration? (The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is currently the only shot with full approval.)

— Who is responsible for vaccination tracking — the government or the individual businesses?

— What are the consequences of falsifying a vaccination status?

Other questions, on testing and other policy details, covered similar ground, touching on how federal guidelines interact with state-level initiatives, who will be responsible for paying for testing and whether waivers would be allowed if employee absences or attrition resulted in supply chain disruptions.

Also of concern, Freeman said in an interview, is the slow pace at which government tends to move, compared with the quick decisions that private businesses are used to making. This has been a problem during the pandemic, he said.

“For 19 months, we’ve been working with either the Trump administration or the Biden administration and all of the agencies involved in this,” he said. “And the simple truth is that they have been slow to keep up with the pace of change.”

He added, “All of us want to get to the other side of this thing as quickly as possible. It’s not going to work in this scenario unless an entity like OSHA can move at the pace of the business environment.”

Major business trade groups have generally been supportive of the mandate, which gives otherwise wary businesses the cover to require inoculation.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the nation’s largest business lobbying group, has said that it “will work to ensure that employers have the resources, guidance and flexibility necessary to ensure the safety of their employees and customers and comply with public health requirements.” Another major business advocacy group, the Business Roundtable, has said it “welcomes” the Biden administration's actions.

But they have also been racing to understand the details and implications, which can vary depending on a company’s size. Does a company’s worker count include part-time employees? What is the deadline for compliance? Will potential lawsuits slow the process down?

The White House has said it will provide more guidance by Sept. 24.

At this point, “there are more questions than answers,” said Ian Schaefer, a partner at the law firm Loeb &amp;amp; Loeb who specializes in labor issues.

Even as companies are calling their lobbyists and lawyers for more insight, many are discussing at a senior level the realities of putting a mandate in place, despite not yet knowing exactly what that might entail, he said.

“In the absence of actionable intelligence that gives a little bit more guidance and direction, I think they’re sort of controlling for what they can control, which is a lot of internal politics at this point,” Schaefer said.

A trade group representing some 2,000 consumer brands sent a letter to President Joe Biden on Monday asking for clarification about his announcement last week that all companies with more than 100 employees will soon need to require vaccination or weekly testing.

A trade group representing some 2,000 consumer brands sent a letter to President Joe Biden on Monday asking for clarification about his announcement last week that all companies with more than 100 employees will soon need to require vaccination or weekly testing. Biden said last week that the Department of Labor and its Occupational Safety and Health Administration would draft the rules, which would affect some 80 million workers. But the mandate has raised vexing issues for employers as they deal with the practicalities of vaccination policies, said Geoff Freeman, president of the trade group, the Consumer Brands Association. On Monday, Freeman called on Biden to “create immediate clarity” about how private businesses should carry out aspects of the White House’s plan to achieve “our shared goal of increased vaccination rates.” He shared 19 questions that represented a “small sampling” of those raised by the trade group’s members. Among them: — What proof-of-vaccination documentation will the companies need to collect and will booster shots also be required? — Must employees be fully vaccinated? — Will workers who have had the coronavirus still have to be vaccinated or get tested? — Will the requirements apply only to vaccines that are fully approved by the Food and Drug Administration? (The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is currently the only shot with full approval.) — Who is responsible for vaccination tracking — the government or the individual businesses? — What are the consequences of falsifying a vaccination status? Other questions, on testing and other policy details, covered similar ground, touching on how federal guidelines interact with state-level initiatives, who will be responsible for paying for testing and whether waivers would be allowed if employee absences or attrition resulted in supply chain disruptions. Also of concern, Freeman said in an interview, is the slow pace at which government tends to move, compared with the quick decisions that private businesses are used to making. This has been a problem during the pandemic, he said. “For 19 months, we’ve been working with either the Trump administration or the Biden administration and all of the agencies involved in this,” he said. “And the simple truth is that they have been slow to keep up with the pace of change.” He added, “All of us want to get to the other side of this thing as quickly as possible. It’s not going to work in this scenario unless an entity like OSHA can move at the pace of the business environment.” Major business trade groups have generally been supportive of the mandate, which gives otherwise wary businesses the cover to require inoculation. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the nation’s largest business lobbying group, has said that it “will work to ensure that employers have the resources, guidance and flexibility necessary to ensure the safety of their employees and customers and comply with public health requirements.” Another major business advocacy group, the Business Roundtable, has said it “welcomes” the Biden administration's actions. But they have also been racing to understand the details and implications, which can vary depending on a company’s size. Does a company’s worker count include part-time employees? What is the deadline for compliance? Will potential lawsuits slow the process down? The White House has said it will provide more guidance by Sept. 24. At this point, “there are more questions than answers,” said Ian Schaefer, a partner at the law firm Loeb &amp; Loeb who specializes in labor issues. Even as companies are calling their lobbyists and lawyers for more insight, many are discussing at a senior level the realities of putting a mandate in place, despite not yet knowing exactly what that might entail, he said. “In the absence of actionable intelligence that gives a little bit more guidance and direction, I think they’re sort of controlling for what they can control, which is a lot of internal politics at this point,” Schaefer said.

Companies have questions for Biden about vaccine mandates

US Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton along with their wives stood somberly side by side at the National September 11 Memorial to mark the anniversary of the nation's worst terror attack. They all shared a moment of silence on the occasion. &nbsp;

These leaders gathered at the site where the World Trade Centre towers fell two decades ago. They also wore blue ribbons and held hands over hearts. &nbsp;

Watched by hundreds of Americans gathered at the remembrance, a procession also marched with a flag at the memorial. Some people also carried photos of loved ones lost in the attacks.

Watch |&nbsp;US: Moments of silence to commemorate timings of 9/11 terror attack

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A jet flew overhead in an eerie echo of the attacks before the event began. Biden marked the 9/11 anniversary for the first time as commander in chief. He is the fourth president to console the nation on the anniversary of that dreadful day. &nbsp;

At the trio of sites where the planes crashed, the president paid his respects. But he left the speech-making to others. &nbsp;

After the ceremony in New York City, the US president will visit the field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where a plane fell from the sky after heroic passengers fought terrorists to prevent it from reaching its Washington destination.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-leaders-remember-911-victims-and-survivors-412392" hreflang="en">World leaders remember 9/11 victims and survivors</a> &nbsp;

Finally, Biden will head to the Pentagon, where the world's mightiest military suffered an unthinkable blow to its very home. &nbsp;

The current US president now shoulders the responsibility borne by his predecessors to prevent future tragedy. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton along with their wives stood somberly side by side at the National September 11 Memorial to mark the anniversary of the nation's worst terror attack.

US Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton along with their wives stood somberly side by side at the National September 11 Memorial to mark the anniversary of the nation's worst terror attack. They all shared a moment of silence on the occasion. These leaders gathered at the site where the World Trade Centre towers fell two decades ago. They also wore blue ribbons and held hands over hearts. Watched by hundreds of Americans gathered at the remembrance, a procession also marched with a flag at the memorial. Some people also carried photos of loved ones lost in the attacks. Watch | US: Moments of silence to commemorate timings of 9/11 terror attack × A jet flew overhead in an eerie echo of the attacks before the event began. Biden marked the 9/11 anniversary for the first time as commander in chief. He is the fourth president to console the nation on the anniversary of that dreadful day. At the trio of sites where the planes crashed, the president paid his respects. But he left the speech-making to others. After the ceremony in New York City, the US president will visit the field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where a plane fell from the sky after heroic passengers fought terrorists to prevent it from reaching its Washington destination. Also Read: World leaders remember 9/11 victims and survivors Finally, Biden will head to the Pentagon, where the world's mightiest military suffered an unthinkable blow to its very home. The current US president now shoulders the responsibility borne by his predecessors to prevent future tragedy. (With inputs from agencies)

With display of unity, Biden, Obama, Clinton mark 9/11 anniversary in NYC

The White House has said that US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks for the first time in 7 months.

The discussion between the two leaders was to ensure that the ''competition'' between the two world powers does become the cause of ''conflict.''

''The dynamic remains competitive and that we don't have any situation in the future where we veer into unintended conflict," Biden said during the phone call.

In the ''candid'' and ''in-depth'' phone call, Jinping said&nbsp;"Whether China and the US can properly handle their relations... is critical for the future and destiny of the world," as per Chinese state media.

"And this is a question of the century that both countries must answer," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-lashes-out-deploys-fighter-jets-after-us-warship-sails-past-mischief-reef-in-south-china-sea-411697">China lashes out, deploys fighter jets after US warship sails past Mischief Reef in South China Sea</a>

This&nbsp;was only the second phone call between the two leaders since Biden took office in January. The relations between&nbsp;Washington and Beijing have been at the lowest point in decades.

Former US President Donald's trade war against the number two economy of the world was responsible for the nosedive in the US-China relationship.

From the origins of COVID-19 to human rights, the occasional high-level meetings since Xi and Biden's first call in February have yielded scant progress.

Urging&nbsp;multilateralism, Biden's administration has kept tariffs in place on Beijing and remains tough on other matters of contention.

The White House has said that US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks for the first time in 7 months. The discussion between the two leaders was to ensure that the ''competition'' between the two world powers does become the cause of ''conflict.

The White House has said that US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks for the first time in 7 months. The discussion between the two leaders was to ensure that the ''competition'' between the two world powers does become the cause of ''conflict.'' ''The dynamic remains competitive and that we don't have any situation in the future where we veer into unintended conflict," Biden said during the phone call. In the ''candid'' and ''in-depth'' phone call, Jinping said "Whether China and the US can properly handle their relations... is critical for the future and destiny of the world," as per Chinese state media. "And this is a question of the century that both countries must answer," he added. Also read | China lashes out, deploys fighter jets after US warship sails past Mischief Reef in South China Sea This was only the second phone call between the two leaders since Biden took office in January. The relations between Washington and Beijing have been at the lowest point in decades. Former US President Donald's trade war against the number two economy of the world was responsible for the nosedive in the US-China relationship. From the origins of COVID-19 to human rights, the occasional high-level meetings since Xi and Biden's first call in February have yielded scant progress. Urging multilateralism, Biden's administration has kept tariffs in place on Beijing and remains tough on other matters of contention.

White House says Biden, Jinping hold first phone call in seven months

The Biden administration on Wednesday released a plan to produce almost half of the nation’s electricity from the sun by 2050 as part of its effort to combat climate change.

Solar energy provided less than four&nbsp;per cent of the country’s electricity last year and the administration’s target of 45&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;would represent a huge leap and will most likely take a fundamental reshaping of the energy industry. In a new report, the Energy Department said the country needed to double the amount of solar energy installed every year over the next four years compared with last year. And then it will need to double annual installations again by 2030.

Adding that many solar panels, on rooftops and on open ground, will not be easy. In February, a division of the Energy Department projected that the share of electricity produced by all renewable sources, including solar, wind and hydroelectric dams, would reach 42&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;by 2050 based on current trends and policies.

The new department blueprint is in line with what most climate scientists say is needed. Those experts say that reducing net emissions of greenhouse gases to zero by 2050 is essential to limiting the worst effects of global warming — and much greater use of renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines will be needed to achieve that goal.

But administration officials have provided only a broad outline for how they hope to get there. Many of the details will ultimately be decided by lawmakers in Congress, which is working on a bipartisan infrastructure bill and a much larger Democratic measure that could authorise $3.5 trillion in federal spending.

One thing going for the administration is that the cost of solar panels has fallen substantially over the last decade, making them the cheapest source of energy in many parts of the country. The use of solar and wind energy has also grown much faster in recent years than most government and independent analysts had predicted.

“One of the things we’re hoping that people see and take from this report is that it is affordable to decarbonise the grid,” said Becca Jones-Albertus, director of the Solar Energy Technology Office in the Energy Department. “The grid will remain reliable. We just need to build.”

The administration is making the case that the United States needs to act quickly because not doing anything to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels also has significant costs, particularly from extreme weather linked to climate change. In a Tuesday visit to inspect damage from the intense rainfall caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida in New Jersey and New York, President Joe Biden said, “The nation and the world are in peril.”

Some recent natural disasters have been compounded by weaknesses in the energy system. Ida, for example, dealt a huge blow to the electric grid in Louisiana, where hundreds of thousands of people have been without power for days. Last winter, a storm left much of Texas without electricity for days, too. And in California, utility equipment has ignited several large wildfires, killing scores of people and destroying thousands of homes and businesses.

Even so, many analysts and even some in the solar industry are skeptical that the administration can achieve its green targets. In addition to the 45&nbsp;per cent solar target, Biden has said he wants to bring net planet-warming emissions from the power sector to zero by 2035. He also wants to add hundreds of offshore wind turbines to the seven currently in the waters off the nation’s coasts and have as many as half of all new cars sold be electric by 2030.

While renewable energy has grown fast, it contributes about 20 per cent of the country’s electricity. Natural gas and coal contribute about 60per cent.

“That kind of quick acceleration of deployment is only going to happen through smart policy decisions,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, president of the Solar Energy Industries Association. “That’s the part where having a goal is important, but having clear steps on how to get there is the issue.”

Challenges like trade disputes could also complicate Biden’s push for more solar power. China dominates the global supply chain for solar panels, and the administration recently began blocking imports connected with China’s Xinjiang region over concerns about the use of forced labor. While many solar companies say they are working to shift away from materials made in Xinjiang, energy experts say the import ban could slow the construction of solar projects throughout the country in the short term.

Biden wants to use tax credits to encourage the use of solar power systems and batteries at homes, businesses and utilities. The administration also wants local governments to make it quicker to obtain permits and build new solar projects — in some places it can take months to put panels on a single-family house, for example. And officials want to offer various incentives to utility companies to encourage the use of solar.

Jennifer Granholm, Biden’s energy secretary, said part of the administration’s strategy would focus on its Clean Electricity Payment Program, which would reward utilities for adding more renewable energy to the electric grid, including rooftop solar. Many utility companies have fought against rooftop solar panels because they see a threat to their business and would rather build large solar farms that they own and control.

“Both have to happen, and the utilities will be incentivised to take down the barriers,” Granholm said. “We’ve got to do a series of things.”

The Biden administration on Wednesday released a plan to produce almost half of the nation’s electricity from the sun by 2050 as part of its effort to combat climate change.

The Biden administration on Wednesday released a plan to produce almost half of the nation’s electricity from the sun by 2050 as part of its effort to combat climate change. Solar energy provided less than four per cent of the country’s electricity last year and the administration’s target of 45 per cent would represent a huge leap and will most likely take a fundamental reshaping of the energy industry. In a new report, the Energy Department said the country needed to double the amount of solar energy installed every year over the next four years compared with last year. And then it will need to double annual installations again by 2030. Adding that many solar panels, on rooftops and on open ground, will not be easy. In February, a division of the Energy Department projected that the share of electricity produced by all renewable sources, including solar, wind and hydroelectric dams, would reach 42 per cent by 2050 based on current trends and policies. The new department blueprint is in line with what most climate scientists say is needed. Those experts say that reducing net emissions of greenhouse gases to zero by 2050 is essential to limiting the worst effects of global warming — and much greater use of renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines will be needed to achieve that goal. But administration officials have provided only a broad outline for how they hope to get there. Many of the details will ultimately be decided by lawmakers in Congress, which is working on a bipartisan infrastructure bill and a much larger Democratic measure that could authorise $3.5 trillion in federal spending. One thing going for the administration is that the cost of solar panels has fallen substantially over the last decade, making them the cheapest source of energy in many parts of the country. The use of solar and wind energy has also grown much faster in recent years than most government and independent analysts had predicted. “One of the things we’re hoping that people see and take from this report is that it is affordable to decarbonise the grid,” said Becca Jones-Albertus, director of the Solar Energy Technology Office in the Energy Department. “The grid will remain reliable. We just need to build.” The administration is making the case that the United States needs to act quickly because not doing anything to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels also has significant costs, particularly from extreme weather linked to climate change. In a Tuesday visit to inspect damage from the intense rainfall caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida in New Jersey and New York, President Joe Biden said, “The nation and the world are in peril.” Some recent natural disasters have been compounded by weaknesses in the energy system. Ida, for example, dealt a huge blow to the electric grid in Louisiana, where hundreds of thousands of people have been without power for days. Last winter, a storm left much of Texas without electricity for days, too. And in California, utility equipment has ignited several large wildfires, killing scores of people and destroying thousands of homes and businesses. Even so, many analysts and even some in the solar industry are skeptical that the administration can achieve its green targets. In addition to the 45 per cent solar target, Biden has said he wants to bring net planet-warming emissions from the power sector to zero by 2035. He also wants to add hundreds of offshore wind turbines to the seven currently in the waters off the nation’s coasts and have as many as half of all new cars sold be electric by 2030. While renewable energy has grown fast, it contributes about 20 per cent of the country’s electricity. Natural gas and coal contribute about 60per cent. “That kind of quick acceleration of deployment is only going to happen through smart policy decisions,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, president of the Solar Energy Industries Association. “That’s the part where having a goal is important, but having clear steps on how to get there is the issue.” Challenges like trade disputes could also complicate Biden’s push for more solar power. China dominates the global supply chain for solar panels, and the administration recently began blocking imports connected with China’s Xinjiang region over concerns about the use of forced labor. While many solar companies say they are working to shift away from materials made in Xinjiang, energy experts say the import ban could slow the construction of solar projects throughout the country in the short term. Biden wants to use tax credits to encourage the use of solar power systems and batteries at homes, businesses and utilities. The administration also wants local governments to make it quicker to obtain permits and build new solar projects — in some places it can take months to put panels on a single-family house, for example. And officials want to offer various incentives to utility companies to encourage the use of solar. Jennifer Granholm, Biden’s energy secretary, said part of the administration’s strategy would focus on its Clean Electricity Payment Program, which would reward utilities for adding more renewable energy to the electric grid, including rooftop solar. Many utility companies have fought against rooftop solar panels because they see a threat to their business and would rather build large solar farms that they own and control. “Both have to happen, and the utilities will be incentivised to take down the barriers,” Granholm said. “We’ve got to do a series of things.”

From 4% to 45%: Biden sets an ambitious blueprint for solar energy

This Sept. 11, a diminished president will preside over a diminished nation.

We are a country that could not keep a demagogue from the White House; could not stop an insurrectionist mob from storming the Capitol; could not win (or at least avoid losing) a war against a morally and technologically retrograde enemy; cannot conquer a disease for which there are safe and effective vaccines; and cannot bring itself to trust the government, the news media, the scientific establishment, the police or any other institution meant to operate for the common good.

A civilisation “is born stoic and dies epicurean,” wrote historian Will Durant about the Babylonians. Our civilisation was born optimistic and enlightened, at least by the standards of the day. Now it feels as if it’s fading into paranoid senility.

Joe Biden was supposed to be the man of the hour: a calming presence exuding decency, moderation and trust. As a candidate, he sold himself as a transitional president, a fatherly figure in the mold of George H.W. Bush who would restore dignity and prudence to the Oval Office after the mendacity and chaos that came before. It’s why I voted for him, as did so many others who once tipped red.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/illnesses-associated-with-911-have-caused-more-deaths-than-the-attack-report-411514" hreflang="en">Illnesses associated with 9/11 have caused more deaths than the attack: Report</a>

Instead, Biden has become the emblem of the hour: headstrong but shaky, ambitious but inept. He seems to be the last person in America to realise that, whatever the theoretical merits of the decision to withdraw our remaining troops from Afghanistan, the military and intelligence assumptions on which it was built were deeply flawed, the manner in which it was executed was a national humiliation and a moral betrayal, and the timing was catastrophic.

We find ourselves commemorating the first great jihadi victory over America, in 2001, right after delivering the second great jihadi victory over America, in 2021. The Sept. 11 memorial at the World Trade Center — water cascading into one void, and then trickling, out of sight, into another — has never felt more fitting.

Now Biden proposes to follow this up with his $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill, which The Times’ Jonathan Weisman describes as “the most significant expansion of the nation’s safety net since the war on poverty in the 1960s.”

When Lyndon Johnson launched his War on Poverty, its associated legislation — from food stamps to Medicare — passed with bipartisan majorities in a lopsidedly Democratic Congress. Biden has similar ambitions without the same political means. This is not going to turn out well.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/911-attacks-bush-administrations-big-guns-where-they-are-now-411644" hreflang="en">9/11 attacks: Bush administration's big guns &amp; where they are now</a>

Last week, Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., published an essay in The Wall Street Journal in which he said, “I, for one, won’t support a $3.5 trillion bill, or anywhere near that level of additional spending, without greater clarity about why Congress chooses to ignore the serious effects inflation and debt have on existing government programs.”

Is the White House paying any more attention to Manchin’s message than it did to classified intelligence briefs over the summer warning of the prospect of a swift Taliban victory?

Maybe Biden supposes that the legislation, if passed, will prove increasingly popular over time, like Obamacare. That’s the optimistic scenario. Alternatively, he could suffer a legislative calamity like Hillary Clinton’s health care reform in 1994, which would have ended Bill Clinton’s presidency save for his sharp swing to the center, including ending “welfare as we know it” two years later.

Even the Obamacare/optimistic precedent was followed by a Democratic rout in 2010, when the party lost 63 House seats. If history repeats itself at the 2022 midterms, I doubt that even Joe Biden’s closest aides think he has the stamina to fight his way back in 2024. Has Kamala Harris shown the political talent to pick up the pieces?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-joe-biden-tours-hurricane-hit-areas-in-america-411607">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-joe-biden-tours-hurricane-hit-areas-in-america-411607/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Perhaps what will save the Democrats is that Biden’s weakness will tempt Donald Trump to seek (and almost certainly gain) the Republican nomination. But then there’s the chance he’d win the election.

There’s a way back from this cliff’s edge. It begins with Biden finding a way to acknowledge publicly the gravity of his administration’s blunders. The most shameful aspect of the Afghanistan withdrawal was the incompetence of the State Department when it came to expediting visas for thousands of people eligible to come to the United States. Accountability could start with Antony Blinken’s resignation.

The president might also seize the “strategic pause” Manchin has proposed and push House Democrats to pass the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill without holding it hostage to the $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill. Infrastructure is far more popular with middle-of-the-road voters than the Great Society reprise that was never supposed to be a part of the Biden brand.

My sense is that Biden will do neither. The last few months have told us something worrying about this president: He’s proud, inflexible, and thinks he’s much smarter than he really is. That’s bad news for the administration. It’s worse news for a country that desperately needs to avoid another failed presidency.

This Sept. 11, a diminished president will preside over a diminished nation. We are a country that could not keep a demagogue from the White House; could not stop an insurrectionist mob from storming the Capitol; could not win (or at least avoid losing) a war against a morally and technologically retrograde enemy; cannot conquer a disease for which there are safe and effective vaccines; and cannot bring itself to trust the government, the news media, the scientific establishment, the police or any other institution meant to operate for the common good.

This Sept. 11, a diminished president will preside over a diminished nation. We are a country that could not keep a demagogue from the White House; could not stop an insurrectionist mob from storming the Capitol; could not win (or at least avoid losing) a war against a morally and technologically retrograde enemy; cannot conquer a disease for which there are safe and effective vaccines; and cannot bring itself to trust the government, the news media, the scientific establishment, the police or any other institution meant to operate for the common good. A civilisation “is born stoic and dies epicurean,” wrote historian Will Durant about the Babylonians. Our civilisation was born optimistic and enlightened, at least by the standards of the day. Now it feels as if it’s fading into paranoid senility. Joe Biden was supposed to be the man of the hour: a calming presence exuding decency, moderation and trust. As a candidate, he sold himself as a transitional president, a fatherly figure in the mold of George H.W. Bush who would restore dignity and prudence to the Oval Office after the mendacity and chaos that came before. It’s why I voted for him, as did so many others who once tipped red. Also read | Illnesses associated with 9/11 have caused more deaths than the attack: Report Instead, Biden has become the emblem of the hour: headstrong but shaky, ambitious but inept. He seems to be the last person in America to realise that, whatever the theoretical merits of the decision to withdraw our remaining troops from Afghanistan, the military and intelligence assumptions on which it was built were deeply flawed, the manner in which it was executed was a national humiliation and a moral betrayal, and the timing was catastrophic. We find ourselves commemorating the first great jihadi victory over America, in 2001, right after delivering the second great jihadi victory over America, in 2021. The Sept. 11 memorial at the World Trade Center — water cascading into one void, and then trickling, out of sight, into another — has never felt more fitting. Now Biden proposes to follow this up with his $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill, which The Times’ Jonathan Weisman describes as “the most significant expansion of the nation’s safety net since the war on poverty in the 1960s.” When Lyndon Johnson launched his War on Poverty, its associated legislation — from food stamps to Medicare — passed with bipartisan majorities in a lopsidedly Democratic Congress. Biden has similar ambitions without the same political means. This is not going to turn out well. Also read | 9/11 attacks: Bush administration's big guns & where they are now Last week, Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., published an essay in The Wall Street Journal in which he said, “I, for one, won’t support a $3.5 trillion bill, or anywhere near that level of additional spending, without greater clarity about why Congress chooses to ignore the serious effects inflation and debt have on existing government programs.” Is the White House paying any more attention to Manchin’s message than it did to classified intelligence briefs over the summer warning of the prospect of a swift Taliban victory? Maybe Biden supposes that the legislation, if passed, will prove increasingly popular over time, like Obamacare. That’s the optimistic scenario. Alternatively, he could suffer a legislative calamity like Hillary Clinton’s health care reform in 1994, which would have ended Bill Clinton’s presidency save for his sharp swing to the center, including ending “welfare as we know it” two years later. Even the Obamacare/optimistic precedent was followed by a Democratic rout in 2010, when the party lost 63 House seats. If history repeats itself at the 2022 midterms, I doubt that even Joe Biden’s closest aides think he has the stamina to fight his way back in 2024. Has Kamala Harris shown the political talent to pick up the pieces? WATCH | Perhaps what will save the Democrats is that Biden’s weakness will tempt Donald Trump to seek (and almost certainly gain) the Republican nomination. But then there’s the chance he’d win the election. There’s a way back from this cliff’s edge. It begins with Biden finding a way to acknowledge publicly the gravity of his administration’s blunders. The most shameful aspect of the Afghanistan withdrawal was the incompetence of the State Department when it came to expediting visas for thousands of people eligible to come to the United States. Accountability could start with Antony Blinken’s resignation. The president might also seize the “strategic pause” Manchin has proposed and push House Democrats to pass the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill without holding it hostage to the $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill. Infrastructure is far more popular with middle-of-the-road voters than the Great Society reprise that was never supposed to be a part of the Biden brand. My sense is that Biden will do neither. The last few months have told us something worrying about this president: He’s proud, inflexible, and thinks he’s much smarter than he really is. That’s bad news for the administration. It’s worse news for a country that desperately needs to avoid another failed presidency.

Can Biden save his presidency?

As the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001 completes 20 years, focus is back on Afghanistan. The hasty withdrawal of American forces from the country has thrown up a challenging situation.

WION's New York Correspondent Susan Tehrani spoke with Bernard Kerik, former commissioner of New York City Police who was on ground when the terrorist attack took place.

WION: You were at the base of the twin towers when the second plane hit on September 11, 2001, and on the days that followed, you lead New York Police Department (NYPD) through the aftermath of 9/11 and so many lives depended on the decisions that you would make so you had really a bird’s eye view of what was happening on ground zero. And here we are 20 years on. Where do we stand now? Considering the fact that President Biden insists that the war in Afghanistan is over.

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Kerik: Well listen, he may think that the war in Afghanistan is over but the war between radical Islam and the West is not. And unfortunately for us, the president has made a decision of allowing close to 200,000 Afghans into the United States that I am confident cannot be valid. (They) cannot be monitored and tracked once they get here and melt into the community.&nbsp;

I was there on Sept 11, I watched dozens of people jumping to death, I had 23 members in my department that I lost. We lost 343 firefighters, 37 police officers and thousands of civilians in the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon, and we did so because 19 people got into this country. Now we are gonna have 200,000 people coming out of a country that we have been fighting in for last 20 years.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

You know I watched a press conference today where the commanders and the president said that we will be working with the Taliban to get whoever is left/what Americans left or first of all there should not be any Americans left in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Secondly, there is not negotiating with the Taliban, there is not coordinating with the Taliban, there is no diplomatic relationship with the Taliban and if you don't believe me turn on the news from yesterday and the day before, they were taking a round in Afghanistan with our equipment, our uniforms with flag-draped coffins calling for the death of America. These are the people that the president believes today that we can communicate with. That is the complete joke so you know I used to talk about the threat we face, in over the last 20 years I pretty much said my greatest fear was radical Islam.

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I am also afraid of this infusion of socialism coming into the United States right now. But I have never been worried about radical Islam on the inside of this country like I will be now as a result of the incompetence of this leadership and stupidity or a lack of common sense and logic over what has happened over the last two weeks.

WION: A lot of lawmakers also share same sentiments. They say that the president's strategy has been to basically set the condition for another 9/11. I would like to get your opinion on whether or not that is overblown first of all and second he recently said that he has never been worried.

Kerik: Well, listen I would disagree with them if one said that there is strategy because there is no strategy. They did things that were completely...there was a lack of common sense, there was lack of logic, there was lack of policy. What they did that pulling out of Afghanistan before there was a removal of diplomatic personnel, a lot of coordinators and co-operators, from the Afghan military or intrepreters who put their lives for us for 20 years, for this president. In fact, the interpreters that were with him were left in the country. So, there was no real plan. And although I don't always agree with Senator Graham, this time 100 percent I agree. We are now going to face a substantial threat as a result for what happened. And I heard within the last 2-3 hours now United States’ military equipment has been observed in Iran, this is outragious. This is completely outragious and stupid. It should have never happened. And it all lies on President Biden.

WION: There was a question now whether or not ISIS is the new Al-Qaeda

Kerik: There is a bottom line. I don't call them ISIS/ Al-Qaeda/ Hamas. I can give you 30 different names. There is a bottom line. There is a group of people in the Middle East that despises our freedom and they strongly believe that if we don't pray to their God the way they do than they actually have the right to kill us.&nbsp;

These are the same people who gonna blow off Israel off the map and they will like to do the same with our county as well. That is the threat we face. These days I don't care what their names are. I don't care if it is ISIS or Al-Qaeda or the Taliban or whatever. It doesn't make any difference to me. The bottom line is that the threat is still there. It is the threat that we going to face and now as a result of what happened in Afghanistan, it is going to be worse than we had to deal in last 20 years.

WION: I want to go back when you were there on ground zero when the planes hit the World Trade Centre 20 years ago and now we hear army general, for example, acknowledged the fact that the Taliban might be ruthless but we don't cooperate with them on counter-terrorism issues. What goes on your mind when you hear something like that?

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Kerik: General Milley can't believe that and if he does, he is a moron. And with his mind, his education, his experiences, his time in service, he cannot believe that. And if he does, he should not be in the job in the first place. He is basically echoing the radical that the White House is talking about. He is just repeating that the president, his press secretary is saying. But for God’s sake I cannot believe that General Milley actually believes that because if he does, we are in a lot of problem that I anticipate.

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WION: Do you think that the president is facing the crisis of confidence right now with the American public and the lawmakers on both sides criticising his policies?

Kerik: I think the president is facing lack of confidence from the first day he has taken over the office. This is in my opinion. And I think most people will agree with me. Take away the politics. I have been watching/ listening to him. There are two problems I have. One, he has a lack of mental and physical capabilities. He is not controlling his own destiny. And I know that we all know that. Because he tells us.&nbsp;

There are all these slips over the podium right. 'I was told I can't take questions; I was told not to answer that question, I was told we are not going to do this/that. I am not allowed to take that question'. This is my problem with him, this the President of the United States. I wanna know who is controlling him. Who tells him that you are not allowed to do that. Who told him who are not allowed ro take questions.&nbsp;

I promise you I want to see somebody telling President Trump you are not allowed to do that or you are not going to do that or don't do this. One, the person will be fired. Two, he is gonna do what he is supposed to do. This president gets on the podium and consistently, over and over again tells us he is not in charge. So okay I wanna know who he is.

WION: Commissioner, what went through your head, when you were present there on September 11, 2001? When you were there on ground zero at that moment?

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Kerik: Well, when the first plane hit, I was actually in my office. I got down to the streets in 7 to 8 minutes. And as I tried getting to World Trade Centre, I watched people jump to death from tower one.&nbsp;

While I was waiting for the mayor, the second plane slammed through the north side of the tower and at that point, I understood that we were under attack. And at that point the city’s response changed. It went through responding to a crisis. Accident to an attack on the United States of America. What went through my mind immediately after the second plane hit that how many planes were there. What are the buildings, targets will be (attacked). I remember closing down police headquarters, city hall, the United Nations, other places/ areas that could be on target and calling on the White House, asking for support so those are some of the things that went through my mind immediately in the aftermath when second plane hit.

WION: Your final thoughts on where do we go from here 20 years on from September 11th, 2021?

Kerik: We need to reflect back on the leadership. We have to reflect back on the leadership of (former) Mayor Rudy Giuliani, President Bush and what I try to do is remind there were people who did not leave New York City that day, remind them about the men and women of the New York City police dept etc. They affected the greatest rescue operation in the history for us. They took 20,000-25,000 people out of those buildings, out of those surrounding areas and they evacuated more than a million people. This feat has not been accomplished before. I hope this never happens again.&nbsp;

I would like to say this. We don't need four planes flying into country to create another threat like 9/11. There is a possibility people not liking this country to create the same amount of fear, same amount of economic damage to this country by doing another thing that can happen. And you know I am just hoping the intelligence community/ military is up to the task.

As the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001 completes 20 years, focus is back on Afghanistan. The hasty withdrawal of American forces from the country has thrown up a challenging situation.

As the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001 completes 20 years, focus is back on Afghanistan. The hasty withdrawal of American forces from the country has thrown up a challenging situation. WION's New York Correspondent Susan Tehrani spoke with Bernard Kerik, former commissioner of New York City Police who was on ground when the terrorist attack took place. WION: You were at the base of the twin towers when the second plane hit on September 11, 2001, and on the days that followed, you lead New York Police Department (NYPD) through the aftermath of 9/11 and so many lives depended on the decisions that you would make so you had really a bird’s eye view of what was happening on ground zero. And here we are 20 years on. Where do we stand now? Considering the fact that President Biden insists that the war in Afghanistan is over. Kerik: Well listen, he may think that the war in Afghanistan is over but the war between radical Islam and the West is not. And unfortunately for us, the president has made a decision of allowing close to 200,000 Afghans into the United States that I am confident cannot be valid. (They) cannot be monitored and tracked once they get here and melt into the community. I was there on Sept 11, I watched dozens of people jumping to death, I had 23 members in my department that I lost. We lost 343 firefighters, 37 police officers and thousands of civilians in the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon, and we did so because 19 people got into this country. Now we are gonna have 200,000 people coming out of a country that we have been fighting in for last 20 years. × You know I watched a press conference today where the commanders and the president said that we will be working with the Taliban to get whoever is left/what Americans left or first of all there should not be any Americans left in Afghanistan. Secondly, there is not negotiating with the Taliban, there is not coordinating with the Taliban, there is no diplomatic relationship with the Taliban and if you don't believe me turn on the news from yesterday and the day before, they were taking a round in Afghanistan with our equipment, our uniforms with flag-draped coffins calling for the death of America. These are the people that the president believes today that we can communicate with. That is the complete joke so you know I used to talk about the threat we face, in over the last 20 years I pretty much said my greatest fear was radical Islam. Also Read | China is our most important partner, says Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid I am also afraid of this infusion of socialism coming into the United States right now. But I have never been worried about radical Islam on the inside of this country like I will be now as a result of the incompetence of this leadership and stupidity or a lack of common sense and logic over what has happened over the last two weeks. WION: A lot of lawmakers also share same sentiments. They say that the president's strategy has been to basically set the condition for another 9/11. I would like to get your opinion on whether or not that is overblown first of all and second he recently said that he has never been worried. Kerik: Well, listen I would disagree with them if one said that there is strategy because there is no strategy. They did things that were completely...there was a lack of common sense, there was lack of logic, there was lack of policy. What they did that pulling out of Afghanistan before there was a removal of diplomatic personnel, a lot of coordinators and co-operators, from the Afghan military or intrepreters who put their lives for us for 20 years, for this president. In fact, the interpreters that were with him were left in the country. So, there was no real plan. And although I don't always agree with Senator Graham, this time 100 percent I agree. We are now going to face a substantial threat as a result for what happened. And I heard within the last 2-3 hours now United States’ military equipment has been observed in Iran, this is outragious. This is completely outragious and stupid. It should have never happened. And it all lies on President Biden. WION: There was a question now whether or not ISIS is the new Al-Qaeda Kerik: There is a bottom line. I don't call them ISIS/ Al-Qaeda/ Hamas. I can give you 30 different names. There is a bottom line. There is a group of people in the Middle East that despises our freedom and they strongly believe that if we don't pray to their God the way they do than they actually have the right to kill us. These are the same people who gonna blow off Israel off the map and they will like to do the same with our county as well. That is the threat we face. These days I don't care what their names are. I don't care if it is ISIS or Al-Qaeda or the Taliban or whatever. It doesn't make any difference to me. The bottom line is that the threat is still there. It is the threat that we going to face and now as a result of what happened in Afghanistan, it is going to be worse than we had to deal in last 20 years. WION: I want to go back when you were there on ground zero when the planes hit the World Trade Centre 20 years ago and now we hear army general, for example, acknowledged the fact that the Taliban might be ruthless but we don't cooperate with them on counter-terrorism issues. What goes on your mind when you hear something like that? Kerik: General Milley can't believe that and if he does, he is a moron. And with his mind, his education, his experiences, his time in service, he cannot believe that. And if he does, he should not be in the job in the first place. He is basically echoing the radical that the White House is talking about. He is just repeating that the president, his press secretary is saying. But for God’s sake I cannot believe that General Milley actually believes that because if he does, we are in a lot of problem that I anticipate. Also Read | Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar to lead new Afghan government: Sources WION: Do you think that the president is facing the crisis of confidence right now with the American public and the lawmakers on both sides criticising his policies? Kerik: I think the president is facing lack of confidence from the first day he has taken over the office. This is in my opinion. And I think most people will agree with me. Take away the politics. I have been watching/ listening to him. There are two problems I have. One, he has a lack of mental and physical capabilities. He is not controlling his own destiny. And I know that we all know that. Because he tells us. There are all these slips over the podium right. 'I was told I can't take questions; I was told not to answer that question, I was told we are not going to do this/that. I am not allowed to take that question'. This is my problem with him, this the President of the United States. I wanna know who is controlling him. Who tells him that you are not allowed to do that. Who told him who are not allowed ro take questions. I promise you I want to see somebody telling President Trump you are not allowed to do that or you are not going to do that or don't do this. One, the person will be fired. Two, he is gonna do what he is supposed to do. This president gets on the podium and consistently, over and over again tells us he is not in charge. So okay I wanna know who he is. WION: Commissioner, what went through your head, when you were present there on September 11, 2001? When you were there on ground zero at that moment? Kerik: Well, when the first plane hit, I was actually in my office. I got down to the streets in 7 to 8 minutes. And as I tried getting to World Trade Centre, I watched people jump to death from tower one. While I was waiting for the mayor, the second plane slammed through the north side of the tower and at that point, I understood that we were under attack. And at that point the city’s response changed. It went through responding to a crisis. Accident to an attack on the United States of America. What went through my mind immediately after the second plane hit that how many planes were there. What are the buildings, targets will be (attacked). I remember closing down police headquarters, city hall, the United Nations, other places/ areas that could be on target and calling on the White House, asking for support so those are some of the things that went through my mind immediately in the aftermath when second plane hit. WION: Your final thoughts on where do we go from here 20 years on from September 11th, 2021? Kerik: We need to reflect back on the leadership. We have to reflect back on the leadership of (former) Mayor Rudy Giuliani, President Bush and what I try to do is remind there were people who did not leave New York City that day, remind them about the men and women of the New York City police dept etc. They affected the greatest rescue operation in the history for us. They took 20,000-25,000 people out of those buildings, out of those surrounding areas and they evacuated more than a million people. This feat has not been accomplished before. I hope this never happens again. I would like to say this. We don't need four planes flying into country to create another threat like 9/11. There is a possibility people not liking this country to create the same amount of fear, same amount of economic damage to this country by doing another thing that can happen. And you know I am just hoping the intelligence community/ military is up to the task.

Exclusive: Blame for Afghanistan 'lies on President Biden', says 9/11-era NYPD commissioner 

Giant trees knocked sideways. Homes boarded up with plywood. Off-kilter street signs.&nbsp;Less than a week after Hurricane Ida battered the Gulf Coast, US President Joe Biden walked the streets of a hard-hit Louisiana neighbourhood on Friday and told local residents, "I know you're hurting, I know you're hurting."

Biden pledged robust federal assistance to get people back on their feet and said the government already had distributed USD 100 million directly to individuals in the state in USD 500 cheques to give them a first slice of critical help. Many people, he said, don't know what help is available because they can't get cellphone service.

Watch:&nbsp;Floods Batter United States financial capital New York

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Residents welcomed Biden's presence. They laughed and also posed for selfies.&nbsp;More formally, Biden met with state and local officials in LaPlace, a community between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain that suffered major wind and water damage and was left with sheared-off roofs and flooded homes.

"I promise we're going to have your back," Biden said.&nbsp;He also took a flyover tour of pummelled areas including Lafitte, Grand Isle, Port Fourchon and Lafourche Parish, where Parish President Archie Chaisson said 25 per cent of the homes in his community of 100,000 were gone or had catastrophic damage.

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The president later met privately with Governor&nbsp;John Bel Edwards, House Republican Whip Steve Scalise, who is from Louisiana, and local officials including Chaisson.

The devastation was clear even as Air Force One approached New Orleans, with uprooted trees and blue tarps covering shredded houses coming into view. The road to LaPlace exhibited power-line wood poles jutting from the ground at odd angles.

Giant trees knocked sideways. Homes boarded up with plywood. Off-kilter street signs. Less than a week after Hurricane Ida battered the Gulf Coast, US President Joe Biden walked the streets of a hard-hit Louisiana neighbourhood on Friday and told local residents, "I know you're hurting, I know you're hurting.

Giant trees knocked sideways. Homes boarded up with plywood. Off-kilter street signs. Less than a week after Hurricane Ida battered the Gulf Coast, US President Joe Biden walked the streets of a hard-hit Louisiana neighbourhood on Friday and told local residents, "I know you're hurting, I know you're hurting." Biden pledged robust federal assistance to get people back on their feet and said the government already had distributed USD 100 million directly to individuals in the state in USD 500 cheques to give them a first slice of critical help. Many people, he said, don't know what help is available because they can't get cellphone service. Watch: Floods Batter United States financial capital New York × Residents welcomed Biden's presence. They laughed and also posed for selfies. More formally, Biden met with state and local officials in LaPlace, a community between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain that suffered major wind and water damage and was left with sheared-off roofs and flooded homes. "I promise we're going to have your back," Biden said. He also took a flyover tour of pummelled areas including Lafitte, Grand Isle, Port Fourchon and Lafourche Parish, where Parish President Archie Chaisson said 25 per cent of the homes in his community of 100,000 were gone or had catastrophic damage. Also Read: Republicans in six states to adopt law similar to Texas anti-abortion law The president later met privately with Governor John Bel Edwards, House Republican Whip Steve Scalise, who is from Louisiana, and local officials including Chaisson. The devastation was clear even as Air Force One approached New Orleans, with uprooted trees and blue tarps covering shredded houses coming into view. The road to LaPlace exhibited power-line wood poles jutting from the ground at odd angles.

Biden walks through storm-ravaged Louisiana, pledges to get people back on feet 

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US President Joe Biden faced criticism from 9/11 era NYPD commissioner who said that blame for situation in Afghanistan lay with Biden. The former commissioner had an exclusive interaction with WION.

US President Joe Biden faced criticism from 9/11 era NYPD commissioner who said that blame for situation in Afghanistan lay with Biden. The former commissioner had an exclusive interaction with WION. Meanwhile, Taliban have praised China. Taliban spokesperson Zavihullah Mujahid called China Afghanistan's most important partner. Read this and more in Top 10 World News Exclusive: Blame for Afghanistan 'lies on President Biden', says 9/11-era NYPD commissioner The former commissioner of New York City Police had some strong words to offer on state of affairs China is our most important partner, says Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid With the help of China, the Taliban will fight for an economic comeback in Afghanistan, Zabihullah Mujahid tells Italian newspaper. Christ was first Communist, would have joined us: Russian Marxist leader Zyuganov In an interview with KP Radio on Thursday, Gennady Zyuganov, the leader of Russia's communist party, the KPRF, made the explosive remarks. "The first communist on the earth... was Jesus Christ," he claims. Hunted by the men they jailed, Afghanistan's women judges seek escape While some women judges were able to flee in recent weeks, most were left behind and are still trying to get out, said judges and activists working around the clock to help them escape. US no longer a superpower, suggests UK defence secretary The strong words from British Foreign Secretary Ben Wallace came just days after final withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan. Turkish Envoy Firat Sunel welcomes India-Taliban engagement; bats for furthering Ankara-Delhi ties Speaking to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, Turkey's Ambassador to India, Envoy Sunel explained, "We believe that steady and gradual engagement with the Taliban is one of the key factors for stability in Afghanistan." Shenandoah Valley women choose to not get vaccinated, here is why The nurses' employer, Valley Health, the parent company of Winchester Medical Center had given the nurses an ultimatum: Get the shot or face termination. EU and AstraZeneca settle vaccine supply dispute out of court Fake Banksy NFT sold for £244k through artist's website The auction ended early after the man offered 90 per cent more than rival bidders. Banksy's team told the BBC "any Banksy NFT auctions are not affiliated with the artist in any shape or form" UK to create new pet abduction offence after rise in dog thefts The offence is among the recommendations of a task force launched in May to tackle the reported rise in dog and other pet thefts, which have soared during the coronavirus crisis

Top 10 World News: Biden faces criticism, Taliban praise China, more

As the Taliban cements its position in Afghanistan, a top US General&nbsp;describe the Taliban as a "ruthless group" and has said that it's unclear whether they would change even as&nbsp;US defence secretary&nbsp;Lloyd Austin&nbsp;praised the American troops in Afghanistan and the massive evacuation mission undertaken by the forces.

Meanwhile, US President Biden offered Ukraine $60 million in new security aid including Javelin anti-armor systems and other "defensive lethal and nonlethal capabilities" amid threat from Russia.

Australia is experiencing prolonged lockdown as Sydney continues to record new cases. Melbourne has been under restrictions as Australian health officials battle the Delta variant.

Click on the headline to know more

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-a-ruthless-group-will-remain-focused-on-isis-k-says-us-410082">'Taliban a ruthless group': Will remain focused on ISIS-K, says US</a>

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US President&nbsp;Joe Biden&nbsp;had promised to hunt down ISIS-K fighters in retaliation against suicide bombing at the Kabul airport in which 13 US service members were killed

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-vows-support-to-ukraine-offers-60-million-in-new-security-aid-410078">Biden vows support to Ukraine, offers $60 million in new security aid</a>

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Ukraine and Russia have been at odds since Russia annexed the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine in 2014

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/permanent-cycle-of-crisis-australian-doctors-warn-against-easing-of-covid-19-curbs-410085">'Permanent cycle of crisis': Australian doctors warn against easing of COVID-19 curbs</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/permanent-cycle-of-crisis-australian-doctors-warn-against-easing-of-covid-19-curbs-410085"><img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="41d7ad26-8b85-4e03-b1a9-2c2c7bf21a4a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Sy1.jpg" /></a>

The Australian Medical Association (AMA)&nbsp;has said that even with a higher vaccination rate, the country's&nbsp;hospitals are not ready to cope with the government's reopening plans

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-england-2021-4th-test-pitch-conditions-at-kennington-oval-london-weather-report-and-stats-410094">India vs England 2021, 4th Test: Pitch conditions at Kennington Oval, London weather report and stats</a>

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India vs England, 4th Test: Ahead of the fourth and penultimate Test between both sides, here's a look at the pitch and weather conditions at Kennington Oval, London.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-al-qaeda-calls-for-liberation-of-kashmir-410074">Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas - Al Qaeda calls for liberation of Kashmir</a>

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As the Taliban cements its position in Afghanistan, a top US General describe the Taliban as a "ruthless group" and has said that it's unclear whether they would change even as US defence secretary Lloyd Austin praised the American troops in Afghanistan and the massive evacuation mission undertaken by the forces.

As the Taliban cements its position in Afghanistan, a top US General describe the Taliban as a "ruthless group" and has said that it's unclear whether they would change even as US defence secretary Lloyd Austin praised the American troops in Afghanistan and the massive evacuation mission undertaken by the forces. Meanwhile, US President Biden offered Ukraine $60 million in new security aid including Javelin anti-armor systems and other "defensive lethal and nonlethal capabilities" amid threat from Russia. Australia is experiencing prolonged lockdown as Sydney continues to record new cases. Melbourne has been under restrictions as Australian health officials battle the Delta variant. Click on the headline to know more 'Taliban a ruthless group': Will remain focused on ISIS-K, says US US President Joe Biden had promised to hunt down ISIS-K fighters in retaliation against suicide bombing at the Kabul airport in which 13 US service members were killed Biden vows support to Ukraine, offers $60 million in new security aid Ukraine and Russia have been at odds since Russia annexed the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 'Permanent cycle of crisis': Australian doctors warn against easing of COVID-19 curbs The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has said that even with a higher vaccination rate, the country's hospitals are not ready to cope with the government's reopening plans India vs England 2021, 4th Test: Pitch conditions at Kennington Oval, London weather report and stats India vs England, 4th Test: Ahead of the fourth and penultimate Test between both sides, here's a look at the pitch and weather conditions at Kennington Oval, London. Watch: Gravitas - Al Qaeda calls for liberation of Kashmir

Morning news brief: Australia lockdown woes, Biden vows support to Ukraine & more

Even as Taliban promises to be different this time, there are signs of terrorist organisations aligning themselves with the new de facto rulers of Afghanistan, with al Qaeda setting its sights on India's Kashmir in a 'congratulatory letter'.

Al&nbsp;Qaeda, &nbsp;the terror group at the heart of the 20-year US war in Afghanistan, "congratulated" the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-expect-us-to-reopen-embassy-in-kabul-have-trade-relations-taliban-409822">Taliban</a> for "defeating the Americans". It was the 9/11 terror attacks of 2001 orchestrated by Osama bin Laden that led to the invasion of Afghanistan by the US, and the killing of the al Qaeda chief&nbsp;in 2011 in Pakistan.

In a letter made available on social media, the group said it is the "third time that the Afghan nation within a span of less than two centuries has successfully expelled an invading force."

Significantly, it also mentioned Kashmir.

"Liberate the Levant, Somalia, Yemen, Kashmir and the rest of the Islamic lands" from the "clutches of the enemy", it exhorted the Taliban.

It asked the new de facto rulers of Afghanistan to "prepare for the next stage of struggle" as it called for the "liberation" of Palestine land from Israel, asserting that the "victory" of the Taliban in Afghanistan was a "prelude" to the liberation of Palestine.

Watch:

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"America and NATO's Afghan debacle marks the end of the dark era in Western hegemony," it said in the letter, while calling up the Afghan nation to abide by the "Sharia-based policies".

The letter addressed to the Taliban specifically mentions Taliban leader&nbsp;Hibbatullah Akhundzada while praising its late founder&nbsp;Mullah Muhammad Umar who it said&nbsp;"stood firm".

The letter also mentions former president George W Bush who "promised us defeat". Al-Qaida also mentioned Mullah Akhtar Mansour as a "defiant, uncompromising leader" while addressing Jalal ud Din Haqqani as a "mentor of Mujahideen" and "father of martyrs".

"Events proved the way of jihad is the only way that leads victory and empowerment," al Qaeda claimed in the letter.

The terror group made scathing remarks against America claiming that its global reputation was "tarnished" and it was "disgraced and humiliated".

The Taliban fighters had entered Kabul on August 15 as the US escalated its pullout effort. A suicide bomb attack had taken place amid the evacuation at Kabul airport which was claimed by ISIS-K. The attack had claimed the lives of 13 US service members including several Afghans.

The US on Monday night completed its military evacuation as the last C-17 cargo plane left Afghanistan&nbsp;at the stroke of midnight.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Even as Taliban promises to be different this time, there are signs of terrorist organisations aligning themselves with the new de facto rulers of Afghanistan, with al Qaeda setting its sights on India's Kashmir in a 'congratulatory letter'.

Even as Taliban promises to be different this time, there are signs of terrorist organisations aligning themselves with the new de facto rulers of Afghanistan, with al Qaeda setting its sights on India's Kashmir in a 'congratulatory letter'. Al Qaeda, the terror group at the heart of the 20-year US war in Afghanistan, "congratulated" the Taliban for "defeating the Americans". It was the 9/11 terror attacks of 2001 orchestrated by Osama bin Laden that led to the invasion of Afghanistan by the US, and the killing of the al Qaeda chief in 2011 in Pakistan. In a letter made available on social media, the group said it is the "third time that the Afghan nation within a span of less than two centuries has successfully expelled an invading force." Significantly, it also mentioned Kashmir. "Liberate the Levant, Somalia, Yemen, Kashmir and the rest of the Islamic lands" from the "clutches of the enemy", it exhorted the Taliban. It asked the new de facto rulers of Afghanistan to "prepare for the next stage of struggle" as it called for the "liberation" of Palestine land from Israel, asserting that the "victory" of the Taliban in Afghanistan was a "prelude" to the liberation of Palestine. Watch: "America and NATO's Afghan debacle marks the end of the dark era in Western hegemony," it said in the letter, while calling up the Afghan nation to abide by the "Sharia-based policies". The letter addressed to the Taliban specifically mentions Taliban leader Hibbatullah Akhundzada while praising its late founder Mullah Muhammad Umar who it said "stood firm". The letter also mentions former president George W Bush who "promised us defeat". Al-Qaida also mentioned Mullah Akhtar Mansour as a "defiant, uncompromising leader" while addressing Jalal ud Din Haqqani as a "mentor of Mujahideen" and "father of martyrs". "Events proved the way of jihad is the only way that leads victory and empowerment," al Qaeda claimed in the letter. The terror group made scathing remarks against America claiming that its global reputation was "tarnished" and it was "disgraced and humiliated". The Taliban fighters had entered Kabul on August 15 as the US escalated its pullout effort. A suicide bomb attack had taken place amid the evacuation at Kabul airport which was claimed by ISIS-K. The attack had claimed the lives of 13 US service members including several Afghans. The US on Monday night completed its military evacuation as the last C-17 cargo plane left Afghanistan at the stroke of midnight. (With inputs from Agencies)

Al Qaeda 'congratulates' Taliban; mentions Kashmir, Palestine in letter

The Islamic State-Khorasan, which killed 13 US troops in a suicide attack at Kabul airport, has been warned by US President Joe Biden that they will face increased retaliation from Washington.&nbsp;

These are the highlights of his address to the nation: 
 
‘It was time to end this war’

Hours after the last US jets left Afghanistan, President Joe Biden made his strongest defence yet for his administration's handling of the drawdown.

Biden said celebrating the end of the US occupation of Afghanistan that he was not ready to allow a "forever war" turn into a "forever exit," noting that the US managed to get the majority of Americans out before the final flights departed.&nbsp;

Biden warns ISIS-K: 'You will pay the ultimate price'

"We will continue the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and other countries," Biden said Tuesday.

"And to ISIS-K: We are not done with you yet," he said, using another acronym for the Afghan offshoot of the Islamic State jihadist group.

US remains ‘committed’ to getting out the remaining Americans from Afghanistan

The president said that "90 per cent of Americans in Afghanistan who wanted to leave were able to leave" while adding that for those who remained beyond the 31 August withdrawal deadline, "there is no deadline."

"We remain committed to getting them out, if they want to come out," he said.

Biden slams Trump’s withdrawal plan

Biden lambasted Trump's agreement with the Taliban to depart by 1 May without any cooperative governance agreements or promises to release hundreds of Taliban prisoners, claiming that the Taliban are in their best position in more than a decade.&nbsp; 
 
I take responsibility for the decision: Biden defends evacuation plan

He stated, "I accept responsibility for the decision."

“Imagine if we started evacuations in June or July, bringing in thousands of American forces and evacuating over 120,000 people in the midst of a civil war,” he continued.

"There would still have been a mad rush to the airport, a breakdown in government confidence and control, and a very difficult and risky mission.” 
 
“The simple truth is that there is no way to evacuate from the conclusion of a war without facing the types of complications, obstacles, and risks we did,” he said. "none.”&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Islamic State-Khorasan, which killed 13 US troops in a suicide attack at Kabul airport, has been warned by US President Joe Biden that they will face increased retaliation from Washington.

The Islamic State-Khorasan, which killed 13 US troops in a suicide attack at Kabul airport, has been warned by US President Joe Biden that they will face increased retaliation from Washington. These are the highlights of his address to the nation: ‘It was time to end this war’ Hours after the last US jets left Afghanistan, President Joe Biden made his strongest defence yet for his administration's handling of the drawdown. Biden said celebrating the end of the US occupation of Afghanistan that he was not ready to allow a "forever war" turn into a "forever exit," noting that the US managed to get the majority of Americans out before the final flights departed. Biden warns ISIS-K: 'You will pay the ultimate price' "We will continue the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and other countries," Biden said Tuesday. "And to ISIS-K: We are not done with you yet," he said, using another acronym for the Afghan offshoot of the Islamic State jihadist group. US remains ‘committed’ to getting out the remaining Americans from Afghanistan The president said that "90 per cent of Americans in Afghanistan who wanted to leave were able to leave" while adding that for those who remained beyond the 31 August withdrawal deadline, "there is no deadline." "We remain committed to getting them out, if they want to come out," he said. Biden slams Trump’s withdrawal plan Biden lambasted Trump's agreement with the Taliban to depart by 1 May without any cooperative governance agreements or promises to release hundreds of Taliban prisoners, claiming that the Taliban are in their best position in more than a decade. I take responsibility for the decision: Biden defends evacuation plan He stated, "I accept responsibility for the decision." “Imagine if we started evacuations in June or July, bringing in thousands of American forces and evacuating over 120,000 people in the midst of a civil war,” he continued. "There would still have been a mad rush to the airport, a breakdown in government confidence and control, and a very difficult and risky mission.” “The simple truth is that there is no way to evacuate from the conclusion of a war without facing the types of complications, obstacles, and risks we did,” he said. "none.” (With inputs from agencies)

Highlights of Biden's speech: The President discusses ‘tough decisions’ after US troops leave Afghanistan

US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that US military personnel enabled the 'extraordinary success of the mission' in Afghanistan. He said thousands of troops and diplomats "risked their lives" to get people on board planes and out of Afghanistan.

Biden hailed the success of the US airlift of more than 120,000 civilians from Afghanistan, a day after the last US troops left the nation.

"One of the largest airlifts in history was done," Biden remarked.

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"To those who wish America harm, we will hunt you down and you will pay the ultimate price," says US President <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> 
 
Watch LIVE: <a href="https://t.co/OxEFGlewjf">https://t.co/OxEFGlewjf</a> <a href="https://t.co/s88jLo92l3">pic.twitter.com/s88jLo92l3</a>
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"In all of history, no nation has ever done anything like it; only the United States had the talent, will, and ability to achieve it," he remarked.&nbsp; 
 
Joe Biden declared today at a White House press briefing that he would not continue a "forever war" or a "forever exit" by delaying the withdrawal deadline, which had already passed.

The president went on to say that the August 31 deadline was set to "save American lives," rather than being a "arbitrary deadline."

He also promised to continue assisting those in need, stating, "We are far from done."

"The basic conclusion is that there is no evacuation from the end of a conflict that can avoid the problems that we faced," Biden remarked. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that US military personnel enabled the 'extraordinary success of the mission' in Afghanistan. He said thousands of troops and diplomats "risked their lives" to get people on board planes and out of Afghanistan.

US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that US military personnel enabled the 'extraordinary success of the mission' in Afghanistan. He said thousands of troops and diplomats "risked their lives" to get people on board planes and out of Afghanistan. Biden hailed the success of the US airlift of more than 120,000 civilians from Afghanistan, a day after the last US troops left the nation. "One of the largest airlifts in history was done," Biden remarked. "To those who wish America harm, we will hunt you down and you will pay the ultimate price," says US President @JoeBiden Watch LIVE: https://t.co/OxEFGlewjf pic.twitter.com/s88jLo92l3 — WION (@WIONews) August 31, 2021 × "In all of history, no nation has ever done anything like it; only the United States had the talent, will, and ability to achieve it," he remarked. Joe Biden declared today at a White House press briefing that he would not continue a "forever war" or a "forever exit" by delaying the withdrawal deadline, which had already passed. The president went on to say that the August 31 deadline was set to "save American lives," rather than being a "arbitrary deadline." He also promised to continue assisting those in need, stating, "We are far from done." "The basic conclusion is that there is no evacuation from the end of a conflict that can avoid the problems that we faced," Biden remarked. (With inputs from agencies)

President Joe Biden calls US evacuation from Afghanistan 'extraordinary success'

With the US troop withdrawal finally over, former president Donald Trump said that never in history has a withdrawal from war been handled so badly or incompetently as by Americans from Afghanistan. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The United States flew its last military flight out of Kabul to bring back all of its armed forces from the war-torn country. The move marked the end of the America's longest war.

Watch | Gravitas: Thanks to America, Taliban now has an Air Force

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In the aftermath, the Taliban has regained control in the country, which they lost after the US invasion in retaliation for the 9/11 attacks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Never in history has a withdrawal from war been handled so badly or incompetently as the Biden administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan," Trump said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/major-general-chris-donahue-last-us-soldier-to-leave-afghanistan-409547" hreflang="en">Major General Chris Donahue: Last US soldier to leave Afghanistan</a> &nbsp;

"In addition to the obvious, ALL EQUIPMENT should be demanded to be immediately returned to the United States, and that includes every penny of the USD 85 billion dollars in cost," the former president said. &nbsp;

"If it is not handed back, we should either go in with unequivocal military force and get it, or at least bomb the hell out of it. Nobody ever thought such stupidity, as this feeble-brained withdrawal, was possible!" he added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

With the US troop withdrawal finally over, former president Donald Trump said that never in history has a withdrawal from war been handled so badly or incompetently as by Americans from Afghanistan.

With the US troop withdrawal finally over, former president Donald Trump said that never in history has a withdrawal from war been handled so badly or incompetently as by Americans from Afghanistan. The United States flew its last military flight out of Kabul to bring back all of its armed forces from the war-torn country. The move marked the end of the America's longest war. Watch | Gravitas: Thanks to America, Taliban now has an Air Force × In the aftermath, the Taliban has regained control in the country, which they lost after the US invasion in retaliation for the 9/11 attacks. "Never in history has a withdrawal from war been handled so badly or incompetently as the Biden administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan," Trump said. Also Read | Major General Chris Donahue: Last US soldier to leave Afghanistan "In addition to the obvious, ALL EQUIPMENT should be demanded to be immediately returned to the United States, and that includes every penny of the USD 85 billion dollars in cost," the former president said. "If it is not handed back, we should either go in with unequivocal military force and get it, or at least bomb the hell out of it. Nobody ever thought such stupidity, as this feeble-brained withdrawal, was possible!" he added. (With inputs from agencies)

With last US military flight out of Kabul, Trump slams worst withdrawal from war in history

As the 20-year military presence of the US in Afghanistan ends, President Joe Biden said Taliban must honour commitments on safe passage. There are 200 Americans still left, who want to move out. &nbsp;

Biden added the Secretary of State Antony Blinken will lead the continued coordination with international partners to ensure the safe passage for any US citizens, Afghan partners or foreign nationals, who still want to leave the war-torn country. &nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: American Defence firms exploits desperation of Afghans

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Blinken said less than 200 Americans remain in Afghanistan, who want to leave, and the US will make efforts to get them out. The US would work with the neighbours of Afghanistan to secure their departure either overland or by charter flight once the Kabul airport re-opens, Blinken added. &nbsp;

The US president also said the continued efforts also include the work to build on the UN Security Council resolution, which sent a clear message about the international community’s expectations from the Taliban that it would deliver on moving forward, notably freedom of travel. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-completes-military-withdrawal-from-afghanistan-409541" hreflang="en">US completes military withdrawal from Afghanistan</a>

President said, “The Taliban has made commitments on safe passage and the world will hold them to their commitments. It will include ongoing diplomacy in Afghanistan and coordination with partners in the region to reopen the airport allowing for continued departure for those who want to leave and delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As the 20-year military presence of the US in Afghanistan ends, President Joe Biden said Taliban must honour commitments on safe passage. There are 200 Americans still left, who want to move out.

As the 20-year military presence of the US in Afghanistan ends, President Joe Biden said Taliban must honour commitments on safe passage. There are 200 Americans still left, who want to move out. Biden added the Secretary of State Antony Blinken will lead the continued coordination with international partners to ensure the safe passage for any US citizens, Afghan partners or foreign nationals, who still want to leave the war-torn country. Watch | Gravitas: American Defence firms exploits desperation of Afghans × Blinken said less than 200 Americans remain in Afghanistan, who want to leave, and the US will make efforts to get them out. The US would work with the neighbours of Afghanistan to secure their departure either overland or by charter flight once the Kabul airport re-opens, Blinken added. The US president also said the continued efforts also include the work to build on the UN Security Council resolution, which sent a clear message about the international community’s expectations from the Taliban that it would deliver on moving forward, notably freedom of travel. Also Read | US completes military withdrawal from Afghanistan President said, “The Taliban has made commitments on safe passage and the world will hold them to their commitments. It will include ongoing diplomacy in Afghanistan and coordination with partners in the region to reopen the airport allowing for continued departure for those who want to leave and delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan." (With inputs from agencies)

Biden urges Taliban to honour commitments as under 200 Americans still left in Afghanistan  

US President Joe Biden is being attacked for appearing to look at his watch during a ceremony for the 13 US service members killed in an ISIS-K suicide bombing near the Kabul airport.

In a video that has gone viral on the internet, Biden appears to look down at his watch, sparking criticism from conservatives.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teachers-should-be-priority-group-for-covid-19-jabs-says-who-409369">Also read |&nbsp;Teachers should be priority group for COVID-19 jabs, says WHO</a>

Nicholas Fondacaro, a news analyst for the Media Research Center, tweeted the video, saying, "It's true. Joe Biden checked his watch during the dignified transfer of the servicemembers killing in Afghanistan at the airport. You can see him jerk his left hand to pull the watch out from under his sleeve, then look down at it".

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It's true. Joe Biden checked his watch during the dignified transfer of the servicemembers killing in Afghanistan at the airport. You can see him jerk his left hand to pull the watch out from under his sleeve, then look down at it. <a href="https://t.co/M3QVzJbTIm">pic.twitter.com/M3QVzJbTIm</a>
— Nicholas Fondacaro (@NickFondacaro) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickFondacaro/status/1432046273666895875?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Many of us remember Pres Bush 41 checking his watch during a debate and how awful it looked (even though we all felt same way about that debate.) But this is shocking and will be remembered," former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, a Republican wrote.

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Many of us remember Pres Bush 41 checking his watch during a debate and how awful it looked (even though we all felt same way about that debate.) But this is shocking and will be remembered. <a href="https://t.co/sFfW032JNm">https://t.co/sFfW032JNm</a>
— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovMikeHuckabee/status/1432051833606918152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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What is really sad is that he stood there with his hand over his heart. As Commander and Chief he should have showed proper respect and saluted the fallen!!!
— Eddie St Martin (@EddieStMartin1) <a href="https://twitter.com/EddieStMartin1/status/1432074349884985346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Disgusting <a href="https://t.co/wpmIiP2JpX">https://t.co/wpmIiP2JpX</a>
— Kelli Berry (@Berrykelli8) <a href="https://twitter.com/Berrykelli8/status/1432244915069603848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He’s so rude <a href="https://t.co/kwYQ4H6oBr">https://t.co/kwYQ4H6oBr</a>
— RERE (@RobinAu02766894) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobinAu02766894/status/1432131854686109701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Department of Defense&nbsp;identified the 13 members of the US&nbsp;military who were killed in the attack on the airport in Kabul, Afghanistan&nbsp;as they worked to evacuate people to safety.

They hailed from across the country,&nbsp;from California to Wyoming to Tennessee, and had an average age of just over 22. Eleven were Marines, one was a Navy medic and another was a member of the Army.

&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden is being attacked for appearing to look at his watch during a ceremony for the 13 US service members killed in an ISIS-K suicide bombing near the Kabul airport.

US President Joe Biden is being attacked for appearing to look at his watch during a ceremony for the 13 US service members killed in an ISIS-K suicide bombing near the Kabul airport. In a video that has gone viral on the internet, Biden appears to look down at his watch, sparking criticism from conservatives. Also read | Teachers should be priority group for COVID-19 jabs, says WHO Nicholas Fondacaro, a news analyst for the Media Research Center, tweeted the video, saying, "It's true. Joe Biden checked his watch during the dignified transfer of the servicemembers killing in Afghanistan at the airport. You can see him jerk his left hand to pull the watch out from under his sleeve, then look down at it". It's true. Joe Biden checked his watch during the dignified transfer of the servicemembers killing in Afghanistan at the airport. You can see him jerk his left hand to pull the watch out from under his sleeve, then look down at it. pic.twitter.com/M3QVzJbTIm — Nicholas Fondacaro (@NickFondacaro) August 29, 2021 × "Many of us remember Pres Bush 41 checking his watch during a debate and how awful it looked (even though we all felt same way about that debate.) But this is shocking and will be remembered," former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, a Republican wrote. Many of us remember Pres Bush 41 checking his watch during a debate and how awful it looked (even though we all felt same way about that debate.) But this is shocking and will be remembered. https://t.co/sFfW032JNm — Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) August 29, 2021 × What is really sad is that he stood there with his hand over his heart. As Commander and Chief he should have showed proper respect and saluted the fallen!!! — Eddie St Martin (@EddieStMartin1) August 29, 2021 × Disgusting https://t.co/wpmIiP2JpX — Kelli Berry (@Berrykelli8) August 30, 2021 × He’s so rude https://t.co/kwYQ4H6oBr — RERE (@RobinAu02766894) August 30, 2021 × The Department of Defense identified the 13 members of the US military who were killed in the attack on the airport in Kabul, Afghanistan as they worked to evacuate people to safety. They hailed from across the country, from California to Wyoming to Tennessee, and had an average age of just over 22. Eleven were Marines, one was a Navy medic and another was a member of the Army.

Biden slammed for appearing to look at his watch during Marine homage ceremony

US President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;traveled to the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Sunday morning&nbsp;to pay respects to the 13 service members who were killed in Kabul in an attack earlier in the week.

Biden&nbsp;and his wife, Jill, "will meet with the families of fallen American service members who gave their lives to save Americans, our partners, and our Afghan allies in Kabul," ahead of a transfer of the remains, according to the president's daily schedule.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-loud-explosion-heard-in-kabul-few-hours-after-bidens-warning-409224">Also read |&nbsp;Afghanistan: Loud explosion heard in Kabul few hours after Biden's warning</a>

Thursday's attack, which was claimed by ISIS-K,&nbsp;the Afghan affiliate of Islamic State, was the most lethal incident or&nbsp;US&nbsp;service members in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;in a decade.

The bombing took place just outside the gates of the airport, where thousands of people have gathered to try to get a flight out since the Taliban returned to power on August&nbsp;15..

Biden&nbsp;has vowed to punish those responsible for the airport bomb.

The&nbsp;US military said on Saturday that it had&nbsp;killed&nbsp;two ISIS-K militants in a drone attack in&nbsp;Afghanistan.

This comes in after a loud explosion was heard in the capital city of Afghanistan.

While it is not yet clear where exactly did the explosion happen, smoke was seen rising from the&nbsp;Khwaja Bugra area in PD15.

As per local reports, it is being believed by the locals that the source of the explosion was a rocket that has hit a house near the north gate of Kabul airport. However, the airport has not been hit.

US President Joe Biden traveled to the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Sunday morning to pay respects to the 13 service members who were killed in Kabul in an attack earlier in the week.

US President Joe Biden traveled to the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Sunday morning to pay respects to the 13 service members who were killed in Kabul in an attack earlier in the week. Biden and his wife, Jill, "will meet with the families of fallen American service members who gave their lives to save Americans, our partners, and our Afghan allies in Kabul," ahead of a transfer of the remains, according to the president's daily schedule. Also read | Afghanistan: Loud explosion heard in Kabul few hours after Biden's warning Thursday's attack, which was claimed by ISIS-K, the Afghan affiliate of Islamic State, was the most lethal incident or US service members in Afghanistan in a decade. The bombing took place just outside the gates of the airport, where thousands of people have gathered to try to get a flight out since the Taliban returned to power on August 15.. Biden has vowed to punish those responsible for the airport bomb. The US military said on Saturday that it had killed two ISIS-K militants in a drone attack in Afghanistan. This comes in after a loud explosion was heard in the capital city of Afghanistan. While it is not yet clear where exactly did the explosion happen, smoke was seen rising from the Khwaja Bugra area in PD15. As per local reports, it is being believed by the locals that the source of the explosion was a rocket that has hit a house near the north gate of Kabul airport. However, the airport has not been hit.

Biden visits US air base to pay tribute to service personnel killed in Kabul

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