Uganda’s Army Chief has revived his very public pursuit of Beyoncé, and the internet lost it. Posts saying “I’M HERE BEYONCÉ” were quickly deleted, but not before they went viral. It’s a bizarre mix of politics, pop culture, and protest — people are sharing memes, debating free speech, and asking why a top general is making headlines for a pop star instead of the army. The obsession returned, and so did the backlash.


Ugandan General’s Beyoncé obsession is back again

Bangladesh’s Attorney General calls to remove "secular" from the constitution amid growing attacks on religious minorities. Protesters demand action as the country grapples with political unrest and violence.

Bangladesh’s Secularism Under Attack? Attorney General Pushes for Change

Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto has been elected president of the world's third-biggest democracy, the elections commission said Wednesday, beating two rivals who have vowed to file legal complaints about the vote.

Former general Prabowo Subianto confirmed as Indonesia’s next president

The Pakistan election body rejected former Prime Minister Imran Khan's nomination to run in the 2024 parliamentary elections. Khan's Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has accused authorities of stopping its candidates from participating in the February elections. Pakistan's rights body has said there is little chance of fair polls.

Pakistan Elections 2024: Election panel faces flak ahead of polls

The army of Ukraine crossed the Russian lines in southern Ukraine, said the general who is leading the counteroffensive while speaking to the US media this weekend amid the latest claims made by Ukraine that it is making progress in the Zaporizhzhia area. 
 
The counteroffensive was launched by Ukraine to take back territory from Russian forces in June. 
 
The progress of the Ukrainian army has been slower than expected because of the heavily mined territory, however, in recent weeks Kyiv reported making strategic advances in the Zaporizhzhia region. 
 
"On the left flank (near the village of Verbove) we have a breakthrough and we continue to advance further," said General Oleksandr Tarnavskiy, while speaking to CNN. 
 
He further acknowledged that the army's advance has been slower than what was hoped by Ukraine.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-senior-leadership-among-dead-injured-in-ukraine-strike-on-black-sea-fleet-638887">Russian senior leadership among dead, injured in Black Sea fleet headquarters strike: Ukraine</a> 
 
"Not as fast as it was expected, not like in the movies about the Second World War," he stated in the CNN interview. 
 
However, he stated that it is important "not to lose this initiative". A strategic victory was declared by Kyiv last month when it successfully recaptured the southern village of Robotyne. 
 
Tarnavskiy stated that the counteroffensive's major breakthrough will be when Kyiv recaptures the city of Tokmak, around 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the front line.

He added that retaking Tokmak would help Ukrainian forces in pushing towards occupied Melitopol and annexed Crimea. 
 
"I think it (a breakthrough) would happen after Tokmak," he stated, further warning, "At the moment (Russian forces) are relying on the depth of their defensive line there." 
 
Tarnavskiy then disagreed with a few predictions that the push by Ukraine could sloe down more in the coming months due to winter. 
 
"The weather can be a serious obstacle during the advance, but considering how we move forward, mostly without vehicles, I don't think (it) will heavily influence the counteroffensive," he stated.

<h2>Ukraine's heavy artillery inflicting 'hell'</h2>

The heavy weapons, which were supplied by the West, in the battle taking place on the outskirts of Bakhmut, has led to a significant toll on Russia's lines, said Ukrainian commanders while speaking to Reuters.

WATCH |&nbsp;Are Ukraine's allies abandoning Zelensky?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/are-ukraines-allies-abandoning-zelensky-638676/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Unit commander Oleksandr said that the armed forces of Ukraine "very much rely" on heavy artillery, which includes the U.S.-made M109 self-propelled howitzer and the Polish-made Krab gun. 
 
"Even one gun can completely turn the situation around. An attack can be stopped with one such gun. The main thing is to aim where needed. They (the Russians) hate our hardware. That's what we gather from our intercepts. We hear that we keep giving them hell and they keep wondering how much ammunition we have left,” he said.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The army of Ukraine crossed the Russian lines in southern Ukraine, said the general who is leading the counteroffensive while speaking to the US media this weekend amid the latest claims made by Ukraine that it is making progress in the Zaporizhzhia area.

The army of Ukraine crossed the Russian lines in southern Ukraine, said the general who is leading the counteroffensive while speaking to the US media this weekend amid the latest claims made by Ukraine that it is making progress in the Zaporizhzhia area. The counteroffensive was launched by Ukraine to take back territory from Russian forces in June. The progress of the Ukrainian army has been slower than expected because of the heavily mined territory, however, in recent weeks Kyiv reported making strategic advances in the Zaporizhzhia region. "On the left flank (near the village of Verbove) we have a breakthrough and we continue to advance further," said General Oleksandr Tarnavskiy, while speaking to CNN. He further acknowledged that the army's advance has been slower than what was hoped by Ukraine. ALSO READ | Russian senior leadership among dead, injured in Black Sea fleet headquarters strike: Ukraine "Not as fast as it was expected, not like in the movies about the Second World War," he stated in the CNN interview. However, he stated that it is important "not to lose this initiative". A strategic victory was declared by Kyiv last month when it successfully recaptured the southern village of Robotyne. Tarnavskiy stated that the counteroffensive's major breakthrough will be when Kyiv recaptures the city of Tokmak, around 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the front line. He added that retaking Tokmak would help Ukrainian forces in pushing towards occupied Melitopol and annexed Crimea. "I think it (a breakthrough) would happen after Tokmak," he stated, further warning, "At the moment (Russian forces) are relying on the depth of their defensive line there." Tarnavskiy then disagreed with a few predictions that the push by Ukraine could sloe down more in the coming months due to winter. "The weather can be a serious obstacle during the advance, but considering how we move forward, mostly without vehicles, I don't think (it) will heavily influence the counteroffensive," he stated. Ukraine's heavy artillery inflicting 'hell' The heavy weapons, which were supplied by the West, in the battle taking place on the outskirts of Bakhmut, has led to a significant toll on Russia's lines, said Ukrainian commanders while speaking to Reuters. WATCH | Are Ukraine's allies abandoning Zelensky? Unit commander Oleksandr said that the armed forces of Ukraine "very much rely" on heavy artillery, which includes the U.S.-made M109 self-propelled howitzer and the Polish-made Krab gun. "Even one gun can completely turn the situation around. An attack can be stopped with one such gun. The main thing is to aim where needed. They (the Russians) hate our hardware. That's what we gather from our intercepts. We hear that we keep giving them hell and they keep wondering how much ammunition we have left,” he said. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukrainian army breaks through Russian lines in south, claims general

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un replaced the military's top general and called for more preparations for the possibility of war, a boost in weapons production, and an expansion of military drills, state media reported on Thursday.

North Korea's Kim dismisses top general, calls for war preparations

After India gained independence in 1947, it took the country five years to hold the first Lok Sabha elections. It was a momentous occasion for the young democracy and it further solidified Congress and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s position at the helm of power.

India@75: The first general elections after Independence

In what was the first-ever military trial of an Air Force general in the US, the accused has been convicted by the court for one of three specifications of abusive sexual contact. &nbsp;

The major general of air force faced a week-long court martial at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, an AP report said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Maj Gen William Cooley faced the charge, which had three specifications. One was a forcible kiss and two alleged forcible touching. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-childrens-evil-abuse-us-judge-sends-28-year-old-man-to-jail-for-life-473443" hreflang="en">For children’s 'evil' abuse, US judge sends 28-year-old man to jail for life &nbsp;</a>

The general was convicted of forcible kissing and acquitted of the other two. &nbsp;

In the US Air Force's 75-year history, it was the first court-martial trial and conviction of a general officer, the officials said. &nbsp;

Cooley is a former commander of Air Force Research Laboratory. He was charged with abusive sexual contact after an encounter with a civilian woman, who offered him a ride in New Mexico in 2018. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Today marks the first time an Air Force general officer has been held responsible for his heinous actions. Hopefully, this will not be as difficult for the next survivor," Ryan Guilds, attorney of the woman said in a statement, as per a Dayton Daily News report. &nbsp;

Watch | US Secretaries to visit Kyiv today: Zelensky seeks heavy weapons from US

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-secretaries-to-visit-kyiv-today-zelensky-seeks-heavy-weapons-from-us-473426/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On Monday morning, Cooley will be sentenced. He may face seven years in jail and loss of rank, pay and benefits.&nbsp; &nbsp;

In a statement, Col Eric Mejia, staff judge advocate for Air Force Materiel Command, said, "This case clearly demonstrates the commitment of Air Force leaders to fully investigate the facts and hold Airmen of any rank accountable for their actions when they fail to uphold Air Force standards." &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In what was the first-ever military trial of an Air Force general in the US, the accused has been convicted by the court for one of three specifications of abusive sexual contact.

In what was the first-ever military trial of an Air Force general in the US, the accused has been convicted by the court for one of three specifications of abusive sexual contact. The major general of air force faced a week-long court martial at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, an AP report said. Maj Gen William Cooley faced the charge, which had three specifications. One was a forcible kiss and two alleged forcible touching. Also Read: For children’s 'evil' abuse, US judge sends 28-year-old man to jail for life The general was convicted of forcible kissing and acquitted of the other two. In the US Air Force's 75-year history, it was the first court-martial trial and conviction of a general officer, the officials said. Cooley is a former commander of Air Force Research Laboratory. He was charged with abusive sexual contact after an encounter with a civilian woman, who offered him a ride in New Mexico in 2018. "Today marks the first time an Air Force general officer has been held responsible for his heinous actions. Hopefully, this will not be as difficult for the next survivor," Ryan Guilds, attorney of the woman said in a statement, as per a Dayton Daily News report. Watch | US Secretaries to visit Kyiv today: Zelensky seeks heavy weapons from US × On Monday morning, Cooley will be sentenced. He may face seven years in jail and loss of rank, pay and benefits. In a statement, Col Eric Mejia, staff judge advocate for Air Force Materiel Command, said, "This case clearly demonstrates the commitment of Air Force leaders to fully investigate the facts and hold Airmen of any rank accountable for their actions when they fail to uphold Air Force standards." (With inputs from agencies)

For first time, US Air Force general undergoes military trial, gets convicted; sentencing on Monday

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan informed the federal cabinet that he had told Pakistan Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa that he wanted Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed to continue as Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) director general for some time due to the critical situation in neighbouring Afghanistan, Dawn reported.

Reports about lack of consensus between the civil and military leadership over the matter had been making rounds on social media for the last few days, but after it appeared on regular media on Tuesday, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry was compelled to clarify the government's point of view.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pandora-papers-leak-pakistan-govt-to-probe-all-citizens-exposed-says-pm-imran-khan-418153">Pandora Papers leak: Pakistan govt to probe all citizens exposed, says PM Imran Khan</a>

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief whip in the National Assembly Amir Dogar said Prime Minister Khan and Gen Bajwa held a detailed meeting late Monday night on the matter.

The meeting was also confirmed by Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry during his presser after the cabinet meeting, stating that the issue of appointment of new ISI DG Lt. Gen. Nadeem Ahmed Anjum had been resolved and that the PM enjoyed the authority to appoint the chief of the country's premier spy agency in accordance with law and Constitution.

Also sharing details of the meeting, Pak PM's aide on political affairs Amir Dogar said the premier wanted Lt. Gen. Hameed to stay as DG ISI in view of the situation in Afghanistan, adding that Prime Minister Khan and Gen. Bajwa enjoyed relation of respect and dignity, the report said.

Khan was of the opinion that the government wanted to take all institutions on board, Dogar said. "The body language of the prime minister was quite positive and he seemed confident," he added.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-talks-about-peace-while-imran-khan-glorifies-osama-bin-laden-as-a-martyr-india-at-un-418290">Pakistan talks about peace while Imran Khan glorifies Osama Bin Laden as a martyr: India at UN</a>

The PTI's chief whip said the prime minister had told the cabinet that he was an elected prime minister and chief executive of the country.

"The prime minister has the authority to appoint the DG ISI and he held a detailed meeting with Chief of the Army Staff Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa in this regard," Chaudhry told the press conference.

"The federal government will follow a legal and constitutional procedure on the appointment of the Inter-Services Intelligence director general," he said.

The minister categorically stated there would be no step taken from the PM Office or the military setup that damaged the repute of one another, the report said.

Referring to rumours circulating about the matter, the minister said: "I see on social media, there are many who have wishes; I want to tell them that the Prime Minister's Office will never undermine the respect of the Pakistan Army and army chief. And the COAS and the army will never take any step that will undermine the respect of Pakistan`s prime minister or civil setup."

He stressed that both the prime minister and the military leadership were in close coordination, and the DG ISI would be appointed after fulfilling all legal requirements. "Both (PM Khan and Gen Bajwa) are in agreement over this and the prime minister has the authority over it," he added

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan informed the federal cabinet that he had told Pakistan Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa that he wanted Lt.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan informed the federal cabinet that he had told Pakistan Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa that he wanted Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed to continue as Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) director general for some time due to the critical situation in neighbouring Afghanistan, Dawn reported. Reports about lack of consensus between the civil and military leadership over the matter had been making rounds on social media for the last few days, but after it appeared on regular media on Tuesday, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry was compelled to clarify the government's point of view. Also Read | Pandora Papers leak: Pakistan govt to probe all citizens exposed, says PM Imran Khan Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief whip in the National Assembly Amir Dogar said Prime Minister Khan and Gen Bajwa held a detailed meeting late Monday night on the matter. The meeting was also confirmed by Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry during his presser after the cabinet meeting, stating that the issue of appointment of new ISI DG Lt. Gen. Nadeem Ahmed Anjum had been resolved and that the PM enjoyed the authority to appoint the chief of the country's premier spy agency in accordance with law and Constitution. Also sharing details of the meeting, Pak PM's aide on political affairs Amir Dogar said the premier wanted Lt. Gen. Hameed to stay as DG ISI in view of the situation in Afghanistan, adding that Prime Minister Khan and Gen. Bajwa enjoyed relation of respect and dignity, the report said. Khan was of the opinion that the government wanted to take all institutions on board, Dogar said. "The body language of the prime minister was quite positive and he seemed confident," he added. Also Read | Pakistan talks about peace while Imran Khan glorifies Osama Bin Laden as a martyr: India at UN The PTI's chief whip said the prime minister had told the cabinet that he was an elected prime minister and chief executive of the country. "The prime minister has the authority to appoint the DG ISI and he held a detailed meeting with Chief of the Army Staff Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa in this regard," Chaudhry told the press conference. "The federal government will follow a legal and constitutional procedure on the appointment of the Inter-Services Intelligence director general," he said. The minister categorically stated there would be no step taken from the PM Office or the military setup that damaged the repute of one another, the report said. Referring to rumours circulating about the matter, the minister said: "I see on social media, there are many who have wishes; I want to tell them that the Prime Minister's Office will never undermine the respect of the Pakistan Army and army chief. And the COAS and the army will never take any step that will undermine the respect of Pakistan`s prime minister or civil setup." He stressed that both the prime minister and the military leadership were in close coordination, and the DG ISI would be appointed after fulfilling all legal requirements. "Both (PM Khan and Gen Bajwa) are in agreement over this and the prime minister has the authority over it," he added

Imran Khan wants ISI chief Faiz Hameed to continue amid differences with Pakistan Army

None of the data on coronavirus vaccines so far provides credible evidence in support of boosters for the general population, according to a review published Monday by an international group of scientists, including some at the Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization.

The 18 authors include Dr. Philip Krause and Marion Gruber, FDA scientists who announced last month that they will be leaving the agency, at least in part because they disagreed with the Biden administration’s push for boosters before federal scientists could review the evidence and make recommendations.

The administration has proposed administering vaccine boosters eight months after the initial shots. But many scientists have opposed the plan, saying the vaccines continue to be powerfully protective against severe illness and hospitalization. A committee of advisers to the FDA is scheduled to meet Friday to review the data.

In the new review, published in The Lancet, experts said that whatever advantage boosters provide would not outweigh the benefit of using those doses to protect the billions of people who remain unvaccinated worldwide. Boosters may be useful in some people with weak immune systems, they said, but are not yet needed for the general population.

Several studies published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including three Friday, suggest that while efficacy against infection with the delta variant seems to wane slightly over time, the vaccines hold steady against severe illness in all age groups. Only in people older than 75 do the vaccines show some weakening in protection against hospitalization.

Immunity conferred by vaccines relies on protection both from antibodies and from immune cells. Although the levels of antibodies may wane over time — and raise the risk of infection — the body’s memory of the virus is long-lived.

The vaccines are slightly less effective against infection with the delta variant than with the alpha variant, but the virus has not yet evolved to evade the sustained responses from immune cells, the experts said. Boosters may eventually be needed even for the general population if a variant emerges that sidesteps the immune response.

The experts cautioned that promoting boosters before they are needed, as well as any reports of side effects from booster shots such as heart problems or Guillain-Barre syndrome, may undermine confidence in the primary vaccination.

Data from Israel suggest that booster doses enhance protection against infection. But that evidence was collected just a week or so after the third dose and may not hold up over time, the experts said.

None of the data on coronavirus vaccines so far provides credible evidence in support of boosters for the general population, according to a review published Monday by an international group of scientists, including some at the Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization.

None of the data on coronavirus vaccines so far provides credible evidence in support of boosters for the general population, according to a review published Monday by an international group of scientists, including some at the Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization. The 18 authors include Dr. Philip Krause and Marion Gruber, FDA scientists who announced last month that they will be leaving the agency, at least in part because they disagreed with the Biden administration’s push for boosters before federal scientists could review the evidence and make recommendations. The administration has proposed administering vaccine boosters eight months after the initial shots. But many scientists have opposed the plan, saying the vaccines continue to be powerfully protective against severe illness and hospitalization. A committee of advisers to the FDA is scheduled to meet Friday to review the data. In the new review, published in The Lancet, experts said that whatever advantage boosters provide would not outweigh the benefit of using those doses to protect the billions of people who remain unvaccinated worldwide. Boosters may be useful in some people with weak immune systems, they said, but are not yet needed for the general population. Several studies published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including three Friday, suggest that while efficacy against infection with the delta variant seems to wane slightly over time, the vaccines hold steady against severe illness in all age groups. Only in people older than 75 do the vaccines show some weakening in protection against hospitalization. Immunity conferred by vaccines relies on protection both from antibodies and from immune cells. Although the levels of antibodies may wane over time — and raise the risk of infection — the body’s memory of the virus is long-lived. The vaccines are slightly less effective against infection with the delta variant than with the alpha variant, but the virus has not yet evolved to evade the sustained responses from immune cells, the experts said. Boosters may eventually be needed even for the general population if a variant emerges that sidesteps the immune response. The experts cautioned that promoting boosters before they are needed, as well as any reports of side effects from booster shots such as heart problems or Guillain-Barre syndrome, may undermine confidence in the primary vaccination. Data from Israel suggest that booster doses enhance protection against infection. But that evidence was collected just a week or so after the third dose and may not hold up over time, the experts said.

Scientists say boosters aren’t needed for general population

The&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;appear to have the "strategic&nbsp;momentum" in their sweeping offensives across&nbsp;Afghanistan, but their victory is far from assured, the chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff&nbsp;General&nbsp;Mark Milley said Wednesday.

Nearly 20 years after the US toppled the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;regime in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, and with the withdrawal of American-led foreign forces all but complete, the resurgent militants now control about half of&nbsp;Afghanistan's roughly 400 districts.

But they have none of the country's densely populated main cities, Milley told a press conference.

With the militants putting pressure on around half of the country's provincial capitals, Afghan troops are "consolidating their forces" to protect those major urban centres, he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-taliban-says-it-doesnt-have-ties-with-pak-based-terror-groups-like-let-jem-398814">Also read |&nbsp;Exclusive:&nbsp;Taliban says it doesn't have ties with Pak-based terror groups like&nbsp;LeT,&nbsp;JeM&nbsp;</a>

"They're taking an approach to protect the population, and most of the population lives in the provincial capitals and capital city of Kabul," Milley said.

"A&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;automatic military takeover is not a foregone conclusion."

The&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;are surging across&nbsp;Afghanistan, snapping up territory, seizing border crossings and encircling cities.&nbsp;

Their success has tested the morale of the Afghan army, already battered by years of shockingly high casualties and, more recently, the decision by international troops to leave.

Though the Afghan army has been trained and equipped by international forces, and estimates show it vastly outnumbers the&nbsp;Taliban's ranks, Milley said numbers are not all it takes to win a war.

"The two most important combat multipliers actually are will and leadership. And this is going to be a test now of the will and leadership of the Afghan people, the Afghan security forces and the government of&nbsp;Afghanistan," he said.

US President Joe Biden has also said that a&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;takeover is "not inevitable."

But earlier this month he also warned that Afghans must come together against the insurgents, and admitted it was "highly unlikely" that one unified government would end up controlling the entire country.

End game 'not yet written'

The US has insisted it will continue supporting the Afghan army.&nbsp;

Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said the United States handed over three Blackhawk helicopter gunships to the Afghan army on Friday and that more equipment would follow.&nbsp;

He added that US units had been positioned in Qatar to keep fighting jihadists in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;after the withdrawal.&nbsp;

"We remain committed to helping the Afghan security forces and the Afghan government going forward," he said.

The State Department also said a first group of around 700 Afghans who worked for the US army -- making them targets for the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;-- will arrive in the United States next week with their immediate families.

Another 4,000 workers and their families, totalling some 20,000 people, have been cleared to receive immigrant visas, State Department official Tracey Jacobson said.&nbsp;

Milley said US withdrawal is 95 percent complete, with the evacuation of equipment equivalent to the cargo of 984 C-17 aircraft.

His comments came hours after the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;said Wednesday they would fight only to defend themselves over the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, but stopped short of declaring a formal ceasefire.&nbsp;

The militants have said they "strenuously favour" a political settlement to end the war with the government in Kabul.

But their push to capitalise on the&nbsp;withdrawal has left many Afghans sceptical.

President Ashraf Ghani said Tuesday the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;had proved "they have no will and intention for peace," and more than a dozen diplomatic missions in Kabul this week called for "an urgent end" to the offensive.

Afghan civilians, who have long taken the brunt of the fighting, are also watching the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;advance in fear.

Many -- especially women and minorities -- stand to lose hard-won rights and freedoms if the militants return to any form of power.

Even if Kabul can hold them off, civilians face the possibility of a protracted and bloody civil war or the country fracturing along ethnic lines.

Milley said the chance of a negotiated political settlement is "still out there."

"There's a possibility of a complete&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;takeover or possibility of any number of other scenarios -- breakdowns, warlordism, all kinds of other scenarios out there," he said.

"We're monitoring very closely. I don't think the end game is yet written."

The Taliban appear to have the "strategic momentum" in their sweeping offensives across Afghanistan, but their victory is far from assured, the chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff General Mark Milley said Wednesday.

The Taliban appear to have the "strategic momentum" in their sweeping offensives across Afghanistan, but their victory is far from assured, the chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff General Mark Milley said Wednesday. Nearly 20 years after the US toppled the Taliban regime in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, and with the withdrawal of American-led foreign forces all but complete, the resurgent militants now control about half of Afghanistan's roughly 400 districts. But they have none of the country's densely populated main cities, Milley told a press conference. With the militants putting pressure on around half of the country's provincial capitals, Afghan troops are "consolidating their forces" to protect those major urban centres, he added. Also read | Exclusive: Taliban says it doesn't have ties with Pak-based terror groups like LeT, JeM "They're taking an approach to protect the population, and most of the population lives in the provincial capitals and capital city of Kabul," Milley said. "A Taliban automatic military takeover is not a foregone conclusion." The Taliban are surging across Afghanistan, snapping up territory, seizing border crossings and encircling cities. Their success has tested the morale of the Afghan army, already battered by years of shockingly high casualties and, more recently, the decision by international troops to leave. Though the Afghan army has been trained and equipped by international forces, and estimates show it vastly outnumbers the Taliban's ranks, Milley said numbers are not all it takes to win a war. "The two most important combat multipliers actually are will and leadership. And this is going to be a test now of the will and leadership of the Afghan people, the Afghan security forces and the government of Afghanistan," he said. US President Joe Biden has also said that a Taliban takeover is "not inevitable." But earlier this month he also warned that Afghans must come together against the insurgents, and admitted it was "highly unlikely" that one unified government would end up controlling the entire country. End game 'not yet written' The US has insisted it will continue supporting the Afghan army. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said the United States handed over three Blackhawk helicopter gunships to the Afghan army on Friday and that more equipment would follow. He added that US units had been positioned in Qatar to keep fighting jihadists in Afghanistan after the withdrawal. "We remain committed to helping the Afghan security forces and the Afghan government going forward," he said. The State Department also said a first group of around 700 Afghans who worked for the US army -- making them targets for the Taliban -- will arrive in the United States next week with their immediate families. Another 4,000 workers and their families, totalling some 20,000 people, have been cleared to receive immigrant visas, State Department official Tracey Jacobson said. Milley said US withdrawal is 95 percent complete, with the evacuation of equipment equivalent to the cargo of 984 C-17 aircraft. His comments came hours after the Taliban said Wednesday they would fight only to defend themselves over the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, but stopped short of declaring a formal ceasefire. The militants have said they "strenuously favour" a political settlement to end the war with the government in Kabul. But their push to capitalise on the withdrawal has left many Afghans sceptical. President Ashraf Ghani said Tuesday the Taliban had proved "they have no will and intention for peace," and more than a dozen diplomatic missions in Kabul this week called for "an urgent end" to the offensive. Afghan civilians, who have long taken the brunt of the fighting, are also watching the Taliban advance in fear. Many -- especially women and minorities -- stand to lose hard-won rights and freedoms if the militants return to any form of power. Even if Kabul can hold them off, civilians face the possibility of a protracted and bloody civil war or the country fracturing along ethnic lines. Milley said the chance of a negotiated political settlement is "still out there." "There's a possibility of a complete Taliban takeover or possibility of any number of other scenarios -- breakdowns, warlordism, all kinds of other scenarios out there," he said. "We're monitoring very closely. I don't think the end game is yet written."

Taliban seem to have 'strategic momentum' in Afghanistan: top US general

The US&nbsp;general leading the war in Afghanistan, Austin Miller, relinquished command at a ceremony on Monday and quietly left the country, a symbolic end to America's longest conflict while Taliban insurgents gain momentum.

Miller, America's last four-star commander to serve on the ground in Afghanistan, climbed aboard a helicopter and lifted off from the military base in Kabul that long had been the nerve center for the two-decade-old war effort.

President Joe Biden has set a formal end to the US&nbsp;military mission for August&nbsp;31 as he looks to disengage from a conflict triggered by al Qaeda's attacks on the United States on September&nbsp;11, 2001.

About 2,400 US&nbsp;service members have been killed in Afghanistan and many thousands have been wounded.

Addressing a small group of US&nbsp;and Afghan officials, Miller vowed to remember lives lost in the fighting and called on the Taliban to halt attacks that have given them control of more territory than at any time since the conflict began. 
"What I tell the Taliban is they're responsible too. The violence that's going on is against the will of the Afghan people, and it needs to stop," Miller said.

US&nbsp;Marine General Kenneth McKenzie, whose Florida-based Central Command oversees US&nbsp;forces in hot spots including Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, flew into Kabul to underscore America's future assistance to Afghan security forces, albeit mostly from overseas.

"You can count on our support in the dangerous and difficult days ahead. We will be with you," McKenzie said in his address.

Speaking separately to a small group of reporters, McKenzie cautioned that the Taliban, in his view, were seeking 'a military solution' to a war that the United States has unsuccessfully tried to end with a peace agreement between the Taliban and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's government.

"We need to see some gesture from the Taliban here that they're not just completely intent on winning the military victory," McKenzie said.

"We're at a crossroads period right now in the history of Afghanistan." He said provincial capitals were at risk and added the Taliban appeared interested in taking Kandahar, Afghanistan's second-largest city and the Taliban birthplace. While voicing confidence in Afghan forces, he also warned of the consequences a Taliban victory could have for the people of Afghanistan.

"If this government is overthrown, if the Taliban prevail, I think we're going to expect a return to medieval standards here in Afghanistan, particularly in the domain of women's rights, human rights, education and so many other things," he said.

Afghan national security adviser Hamdullah Mohib acknowledged problems resupplying over-stretched Afghan troops but told reporters that planning was under way to focus the war effort on "where we needed to defend the most."

McKenzie will be able to authorise US&nbsp;air strikes against the Taliban through August&nbsp;31 in support of Ghani's Western-backed government.&nbsp;But after that, the Marine general said that when it comes to US&nbsp;strikes in Afghanistan, his focus will shift squarely to counter-terrorism operations against al Qaeda and Islamic State.

The US general leading the war in Afghanistan, Austin Miller, relinquished command at a ceremony on Monday and quietly left the country, a symbolic end to America's longest conflict while Taliban insurgents gain momentum.

The US general leading the war in Afghanistan, Austin Miller, relinquished command at a ceremony on Monday and quietly left the country, a symbolic end to America's longest conflict while Taliban insurgents gain momentum. Miller, America's last four-star commander to serve on the ground in Afghanistan, climbed aboard a helicopter and lifted off from the military base in Kabul that long had been the nerve center for the two-decade-old war effort. President Joe Biden has set a formal end to the US military mission for August 31 as he looks to disengage from a conflict triggered by al Qaeda's attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. About 2,400 US service members have been killed in Afghanistan and many thousands have been wounded. Addressing a small group of US and Afghan officials, Miller vowed to remember lives lost in the fighting and called on the Taliban to halt attacks that have given them control of more territory than at any time since the conflict began. "What I tell the Taliban is they're responsible too. The violence that's going on is against the will of the Afghan people, and it needs to stop," Miller said. US Marine General Kenneth McKenzie, whose Florida-based Central Command oversees US forces in hot spots including Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, flew into Kabul to underscore America's future assistance to Afghan security forces, albeit mostly from overseas. "You can count on our support in the dangerous and difficult days ahead. We will be with you," McKenzie said in his address. Speaking separately to a small group of reporters, McKenzie cautioned that the Taliban, in his view, were seeking 'a military solution' to a war that the United States has unsuccessfully tried to end with a peace agreement between the Taliban and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's government. "We need to see some gesture from the Taliban here that they're not just completely intent on winning the military victory," McKenzie said. "We're at a crossroads period right now in the history of Afghanistan." He said provincial capitals were at risk and added the Taliban appeared interested in taking Kandahar, Afghanistan's second-largest city and the Taliban birthplace. While voicing confidence in Afghan forces, he also warned of the consequences a Taliban victory could have for the people of Afghanistan. "If this government is overthrown, if the Taliban prevail, I think we're going to expect a return to medieval standards here in Afghanistan, particularly in the domain of women's rights, human rights, education and so many other things," he said. Afghan national security adviser Hamdullah Mohib acknowledged problems resupplying over-stretched Afghan troops but told reporters that planning was under way to focus the war effort on "where we needed to defend the most." McKenzie will be able to authorise US air strikes against the Taliban through August 31 in support of Ghani's Western-backed government. But after that, the Marine general said that when it comes to US strikes in Afghanistan, his focus will shift squarely to counter-terrorism operations against al Qaeda and Islamic State.

In symbolic end to war, US general departs Afghanistan

Chinese President Xi Jinping has promoted Xu Qiling, Commander of the People's Liberation Army's Western Theatre Command which oversees the borders with India, to the rank of a General, amid the continued standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

Xi, who is also Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the overall high command of the PLA, promoted 58-year-old Xu to the rank of General, the highest rank for officers in active service in China.

The other officers, who were promoted to the rank of General included Commander of the Southern Theatre Command Wang Xiubin, Commander of the PLA Army Liu Zhenli, and Commander of the PLA Strategic Support (Missile) Force Ju Qiansheng, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Xi presented certificates of the orders he signed to them at a ceremony held by the CMC in Beijing on Monday. 
Xu, who held the rank of Lt&nbsp;Gen&nbsp;previously, was appointed to head Western Theatre Command ground in June last year.

Xinhua in its report referred to Xu as the Commander of the PLA's Western Theatre Command.&nbsp;Regarded as the rising star in the PLA, Xu was one of the young generals promoted by Xi after he took the helm of the PLA in late 2012.

India and China were locked in a military standoff at multiple friction points in eastern Ladakh since early May last year.&nbsp;However, the two sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the North and South banks of Pangong Lake in February following a series of military and diplomatic talks.

The two sides are now engaged in talks to extend the disengagement process to the remaining friction points. 
India has been particularly pressing for disengagement of troops in Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang.

According to military officials, each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the LAC in the sensitive high altitude sector.&nbsp;There was no visible forward movement in disengagement of troops in the remaining friction points as the Chinese side did not show flexibility in their approach to this issue at the 11th round of military talks.

On June 25, India and China held a virtual meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on border affairs during which they had agreed to hold the next round of military talks at an early date to achieve the objective of complete disengagement in remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh.

The two sides had a 'frank exchange' of views and decided to maintain dialogue to reach a mutually acceptable solution for withdrawal of troops in all friction points to enable progress in the overall ties, according to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has promoted Xu Qiling, Commander of the People's Liberation Army's Western Theatre Command which oversees the borders with India, to the rank of a General, amid the continued standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has promoted Xu Qiling, Commander of the People's Liberation Army's Western Theatre Command which oversees the borders with India, to the rank of a General, amid the continued standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Xi, who is also Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the overall high command of the PLA, promoted 58-year-old Xu to the rank of General, the highest rank for officers in active service in China. The other officers, who were promoted to the rank of General included Commander of the Southern Theatre Command Wang Xiubin, Commander of the PLA Army Liu Zhenli, and Commander of the PLA Strategic Support (Missile) Force Ju Qiansheng, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Xi presented certificates of the orders he signed to them at a ceremony held by the CMC in Beijing on Monday. Xu, who held the rank of Lt Gen previously, was appointed to head Western Theatre Command ground in June last year. Xinhua in its report referred to Xu as the Commander of the PLA's Western Theatre Command. Regarded as the rising star in the PLA, Xu was one of the young generals promoted by Xi after he took the helm of the PLA in late 2012. India and China were locked in a military standoff at multiple friction points in eastern Ladakh since early May last year. However, the two sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the North and South banks of Pangong Lake in February following a series of military and diplomatic talks. The two sides are now engaged in talks to extend the disengagement process to the remaining friction points. India has been particularly pressing for disengagement of troops in Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang. According to military officials, each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the LAC in the sensitive high altitude sector. There was no visible forward movement in disengagement of troops in the remaining friction points as the Chinese side did not show flexibility in their approach to this issue at the 11th round of military talks. On June 25, India and China held a virtual meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on border affairs during which they had agreed to hold the next round of military talks at an early date to achieve the objective of complete disengagement in remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh. The two sides had a 'frank exchange' of views and decided to maintain dialogue to reach a mutually acceptable solution for withdrawal of troops in all friction points to enable progress in the overall ties, according to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi.

President Xi promotes PLA Commander overseeing India border to rank of General 

Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane on Sunday urged the United Nations to enhance the budget for its peacekeeping missions and emphasised the need to provide appropriate logistics and improved technological support for the blue helmet missions in view of the emerging challenges. &nbsp;

Gen Naravane, who is here on a five-day official tour, delivered a keynote address on ‘Changing Nature of Global Conflicts: Role of UN Peacekeepers' during the "Army Chiefs Conclave" hosted by his Bangladeshi counterpart General Aziz Ahmed, the Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) tweeted.&nbsp;

Gen Naravane laid emphasis on enhanced budget for UN peacekeeping activities, Bangladesh defence ministry's Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) directorate quoted him as saying at the conclave. &nbsp;

Bangladesh Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen was the chief guest at the event.&nbsp;

The Indian Army chief also called for providing appropriate logistics and improved technological support for the UN blue helmet missions, pointing out their emerging challenges. He said the UN peacekeeping missions should run on a participatory basis.&nbsp;

The Bangladesh Army hosted the conclave coinciding with the celebrations of the birth centenary of the country's ‘Father of the Nation' Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of its 1971 independence.&nbsp;

Force commander of UN multidimensional integrated stabilisation mission in Mali Lieutenant General Dennis Gyllensporree, force commander of UN multidimensional integrated stabilisation mission in the Central African region Lieutenant General Sidki Daniel Traore and Bhutan army's deputy chief of operation Brigadier General Darji Rinchen, among others attended the conclave.&nbsp;

Senior diplomats, security strategists and police officers also attended the seminar.&nbsp;

During the event, the Indian Army chief interacted with the senior officers of the participating nations and military observers from the other nations.&nbsp;

Momen told the conclave that the nature of peacekeeping operations in recent periods transformed both in terms of scale and scope for what "peacekeeping missions today are more than truce supervising operation".&nbsp;

The changing situation further expanded the missions' responsibility taking into account "other dimensions of peace, such as establishing rule of law, protection of human rights, protection of women and children, support to political process, managing elections, reintegration and socio-economic development," he said.&nbsp;

The conclave was held as part of a multilateral UN-mandated counter-terrorism exercise, Shantir Ogroshena (Frontrunners of Peace) that commenced on April 4. An Indian Army contingent of 30 personnel are participating along with the Royal Bhutan Army, Sri Lankan Army and Bangladesh Army in the exercise that will conclude on Monday.&nbsp;

Military observers from the US, UK, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Singapore are also attending the exercise. The aim of the exercise is to strengthen the procedures and enhance interoperability amongst neighbourhood countries to ensure robust peacekeeping operations in the region. The armies of all the participating nations shared their valuable experiences and refined their drills and procedures in peacekeeping operations.&nbsp;

The visit of Gen Naravane, who is here at the invitation of his Bangladeshi counterpart Gen Aziz Ahmed, comes less than two weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to the neighbouring country and met the top leadership here to strengthen the strategic ties.&nbsp;

The year 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh, the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan and the birth centenary of 'Bangabandhu' Mujibur Rahman. &nbsp;

Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane on Sunday urged the United Nations to enhance the budget for its peacekeeping missions and emphasised the need to provide appropriate logistics and improved technological support for the blue helmet missions in view of the emerging challenges.

Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane on Sunday urged the United Nations to enhance the budget for its peacekeeping missions and emphasised the need to provide appropriate logistics and improved technological support for the blue helmet missions in view of the emerging challenges. Gen Naravane, who is here on a five-day official tour, delivered a keynote address on ‘Changing Nature of Global Conflicts: Role of UN Peacekeepers' during the "Army Chiefs Conclave" hosted by his Bangladeshi counterpart General Aziz Ahmed, the Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) tweeted. Gen Naravane laid emphasis on enhanced budget for UN peacekeeping activities, Bangladesh defence ministry's Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) directorate quoted him as saying at the conclave. Bangladesh Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen was the chief guest at the event. The Indian Army chief also called for providing appropriate logistics and improved technological support for the UN blue helmet missions, pointing out their emerging challenges. He said the UN peacekeeping missions should run on a participatory basis. The Bangladesh Army hosted the conclave coinciding with the celebrations of the birth centenary of the country's ‘Father of the Nation' Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of its 1971 independence. Force commander of UN multidimensional integrated stabilisation mission in Mali Lieutenant General Dennis Gyllensporree, force commander of UN multidimensional integrated stabilisation mission in the Central African region Lieutenant General Sidki Daniel Traore and Bhutan army's deputy chief of operation Brigadier General Darji Rinchen, among others attended the conclave. Senior diplomats, security strategists and police officers also attended the seminar. During the event, the Indian Army chief interacted with the senior officers of the participating nations and military observers from the other nations. Momen told the conclave that the nature of peacekeeping operations in recent periods transformed both in terms of scale and scope for what "peacekeeping missions today are more than truce supervising operation". The changing situation further expanded the missions' responsibility taking into account "other dimensions of peace, such as establishing rule of law, protection of human rights, protection of women and children, support to political process, managing elections, reintegration and socio-economic development," he said. The conclave was held as part of a multilateral UN-mandated counter-terrorism exercise, Shantir Ogroshena (Frontrunners of Peace) that commenced on April 4. An Indian Army contingent of 30 personnel are participating along with the Royal Bhutan Army, Sri Lankan Army and Bangladesh Army in the exercise that will conclude on Monday. Military observers from the US, UK, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Singapore are also attending the exercise. The aim of the exercise is to strengthen the procedures and enhance interoperability amongst neighbourhood countries to ensure robust peacekeeping operations in the region. The armies of all the participating nations shared their valuable experiences and refined their drills and procedures in peacekeeping operations. The visit of Gen Naravane, who is here at the invitation of his Bangladeshi counterpart Gen Aziz Ahmed, comes less than two weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to the neighbouring country and met the top leadership here to strengthen the strategic ties. The year 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh, the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan and the birth centenary of 'Bangabandhu' Mujibur Rahman.

Indian Army chief Gen Naravane calls for enhancing budget for UN peacekeepers 

US attorney general Loretta Lynch, seeking to tamp down a firestorm over her meeting with former President Bill Clinton, said on Friday she will accept the recommendations of career prosecutors and the FBI director on whether to charge Hillary Clinton for mishandling emails. 
 
The United States&#39; top law enforcement officer, however, stopped short of saying she would recuse herself from the investigation of the Democratic presidential candidate. 
 
&quot;I will be informed of those findings, as opposed to never reading them or never seeing them, but I will be accepting their recommendations and their plan for going forward,&quot; Lynch said. 
 
She was responding to questions from a Washington Post journalist who was introducing a talk by Lynch at the Aspen Ideas Festival, a gathering of government, technology and other business leaders in Aspen, Colorado. 
 
Republicans, including presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, have said a political appointee like Lynch should not be involved in the email investigation and that the Monday night meeting with Bill Clinton shows Lynch is too close to the Clintons. 
 
With a regretful tone, Lynch said on Friday she would not privately meet with Bill Clinton again and that she understood how the meeting &quot;casts a shadow&quot; over the perception of the Justice Department&#39;s probe into Hillary Clinton&#39;s email use. 
 
The attorney general said she has received many questions about her role in the investigation and &quot;whether someone who was a political appointee would be involved in deciding how to investigate.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
Republican lawmakers have called for an independent investigation of Hillary Clinton&#39;s use of a private email server while secretary of state, saying the Obama administration&#39;s justice department could not be free of bias.&nbsp; 
 
In Washington, White House spokesman Josh Earnest told a daily news briefing that the investigation is being handled independently of the White House and President Barack Obama. 
 
Lynch was appointed by the Democratic president and sworn in on April 1, 2015, well after Hillary Clinton left Obama&#39;s Cabinet in 2013. 
 
Career prosecutors are not appointed by a president and may serve through different administrations. The FBI director is appointed by the president but is not part of his Cabinet and is considered apolitical.&nbsp; 
 
Lynch said on Friday that she had already decided to accept whatever recommendations prosecutors presented her before her meeting with Bill Clinton.&nbsp; 
 
The private meeting with the former president took place on Lynch&#39;s plane after she landed in Phoenix on Monday night. Bill Clinton was leaving the airport after a rally for his wife earlier that day. 
 
Lynch told reporters earlier this week that she did not discuss the email probe or other matters pending before the justice department with Bill Clinton, calling their meeting &quot;primarily social.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
The FBI is investigating Hillary Clinton&#39;s email use and whether laws were broken as a result of a personal email server kept in her Chappaqua, New York, home while she was secretary of state, an issue that has overshadowed her campaign. 
 
She apologized last year for using the server, saying that while she did nothing wrong, she should have used two email accounts: one for state department business and another for personal matters. 
 
Representatives for her campaign could not be reached immediately for comment on Friday.&nbsp; 
 
Trump on Thursday called Lynch&#39;s meeting &quot;a sneak&quot; and questioned the judgement of both Bill Clinton and the attorney general. 
 
In a tweet on Friday, the wealthy businessman said the meeting showed the US political system was &quot;totally rigged&quot; and that Hillary Clinton had bad judgment.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Bill&#39;s meeting was probably initiated and demanded by Hillary!&quot; Trump said on Twitter. 
 
The justice department, along with the White House, has said the probe should be free of political interference. 
 
(Reuters)

Loretta Lynch has faced questions over her private meeting with former president Bill Clinton which took place in Phoenix on Monday night

US attorney general Loretta Lynch, seeking to tamp down a firestorm over her meeting with former President Bill Clinton, said on Friday she will accept the recommendations of career prosecutors and the FBI director on whether to charge Hillary Clinton for mishandling emails. The United States' top law enforcement officer, however, stopped short of saying she would recuse herself from the investigation of the Democratic presidential candidate. "I will be informed of those findings, as opposed to never reading them or never seeing them, but I will be accepting their recommendations and their plan for going forward," Lynch said. She was responding to questions from a Washington Post journalist who was introducing a talk by Lynch at the Aspen Ideas Festival, a gathering of government, technology and other business leaders in Aspen, Colorado. Republicans, including presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, have said a political appointee like Lynch should not be involved in the email investigation and that the Monday night meeting with Bill Clinton shows Lynch is too close to the Clintons. With a regretful tone, Lynch said on Friday she would not privately meet with Bill Clinton again and that she understood how the meeting "casts a shadow" over the perception of the Justice Department's probe into Hillary Clinton's email use. The attorney general said she has received many questions about her role in the investigation and "whether someone who was a political appointee would be involved in deciding how to investigate." Republican lawmakers have called for an independent investigation of Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server while secretary of state, saying the Obama administration's justice department could not be free of bias. In Washington, White House spokesman Josh Earnest told a daily news briefing that the investigation is being handled independently of the White House and President Barack Obama. Lynch was appointed by the Democratic president and sworn in on April 1, 2015, well after Hillary Clinton left Obama's Cabinet in 2013. Career prosecutors are not appointed by a president and may serve through different administrations. The FBI director is appointed by the president but is not part of his Cabinet and is considered apolitical. Lynch said on Friday that she had already decided to accept whatever recommendations prosecutors presented her before her meeting with Bill Clinton. The private meeting with the former president took place on Lynch's plane after she landed in Phoenix on Monday night. Bill Clinton was leaving the airport after a rally for his wife earlier that day. Lynch told reporters earlier this week that she did not discuss the email probe or other matters pending before the justice department with Bill Clinton, calling their meeting "primarily social." The FBI is investigating Hillary Clinton's email use and whether laws were broken as a result of a personal email server kept in her Chappaqua, New York, home while she was secretary of state, an issue that has overshadowed her campaign. She apologized last year for using the server, saying that while she did nothing wrong, she should have used two email accounts: one for state department business and another for personal matters. Representatives for her campaign could not be reached immediately for comment on Friday. Trump on Thursday called Lynch's meeting "a sneak" and questioned the judgement of both Bill Clinton and the attorney general. In a tweet on Friday, the wealthy businessman said the meeting showed the US political system was "totally rigged" and that Hillary Clinton had bad judgment. "Bill's meeting was probably initiated and demanded by Hillary!" Trump said on Twitter. The justice department, along with the White House, has said the probe should be free of political interference. (Reuters)

US attorney general to accept FBI findings in Clinton email probe

Companies should be allowed to prohibit staff from wearing the Islamic headscarf but only as part of a general ban on religious and political symbols, an adviser to the European Court of Justice said today.

The Islamic headscarf is a contentious issue in some European countries, particularly in France which attaches importance to the separation of state and religious institutions.

This is the first time Europe&#39;s highest court is handling a case on banning the headscarf, referred to it by a Belgian court hearing a compensation claim from a woman who was dismissed from her job for wearing an Islamic headscarf.

The woman was working as a receptionist for Belgian company G4S Secure Solutions, which has a general ban on wearing visible religious or political symbols.

The Belgian court asked the European Court of Justice whether forbidding the headscarf violated an EU law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of religion.

&quot;While an employee cannot &#39;leave&#39; his sex, skin colour, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age or disability &#39;at the door&#39; upon entering his employer&#39;s premises, he may be expected to moderate the exercise of his religion in the workplace,&quot; Juliane Kokott, the EU court&#39;s advocate general, wrote in her opinion published today.&nbsp;

The advocate general&#39;s findings are not binding but the EU court typically follows the adviser&#39;s recommendation. A ruling from the European Court of Justice is expected later this year. The Belgian court will rule on the matter thereafter.

There are already some headscarf bans in schools and public institutions in France and Belgium. However, Germany&#39;s top court last year struck down a ban on teachers wearing headscarves in schools.

Companies should be allowed to prohibit staff from wearing headscarf but only under general ban on religious and political symbols

Companies should be allowed to prohibit staff from wearing the Islamic headscarf but only as part of a general ban on religious and political symbols, an adviser to the European Court of Justice said today. The Islamic headscarf is a contentious issue in some European countries, particularly in France which attaches importance to the separation of state and religious institutions. This is the first time Europe's highest court is handling a case on banning the headscarf, referred to it by a Belgian court hearing a compensation claim from a woman who was dismissed from her job for wearing an Islamic headscarf. The woman was working as a receptionist for Belgian company G4S Secure Solutions, which has a general ban on wearing visible religious or political symbols. The Belgian court asked the European Court of Justice whether forbidding the headscarf violated an EU law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of religion. "While an employee cannot 'leave' his sex, skin colour, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age or disability 'at the door' upon entering his employer's premises, he may be expected to moderate the exercise of his religion in the workplace," Juliane Kokott, the EU court's advocate general, wrote in her opinion published today. The advocate general's findings are not binding but the EU court typically follows the adviser's recommendation. A ruling from the European Court of Justice is expected later this year. The Belgian court will rule on the matter thereafter. There are already some headscarf bans in schools and public institutions in France and Belgium. However, Germany's top court last year struck down a ban on teachers wearing headscarves in schools.

Employers can forbid headscarf if general ban in place - EU court adviser

general

General, News on General, stories on General, articles on General, General stories at Wion, General news, General latest news