Biden has defended the departure from 'forever war.' He has defended the Kabul exit amid mounting criticism.

WION Live Broadcast: 'Not done with you yet', Biden warns ISIS

More than seven months into the Biden administration, American businesses say they are growing increasingly frustrated by the White House’s approach to China, with confrontational policies imposed during the Trump era still in place and President Joe Biden offering little clarity about economic engagement with the world’s second-largest economy.

The relationship between the two economic superpowers remains deeply fractured. US&nbsp;import duties still exist on roughly $360 billion worth of Chinese goods, and almost all of the exemptions that shielded more than 2,000 products from those tariffs have expired. A thicket of export controls and bans are still in place, leaving US&nbsp;technology giants such as Qualcomm, Intel and Google in the lurch over how to approach the Chinese market and offering little hope that the decoupling of the world’s two largest economies will be reversed anytime soon.

To the dismay of some American business leaders, Biden has amplified some of the Trump administration’s punitive moves. In July, the Biden administration expanded the list of Chinese officials under sanctions by the United States for their role in undermining Hong Kong’s democratic institutions. In June, the president issued an executive order adding more Chinese companies to a prohibition on US investments in Chinese firms that have links to the country’s military or that sell surveillance technology used to repress dissent or religious minorities.

Yet Biden and his top advisers have yet to elucidate how they view economic relations with Beijing, saying they will make the administration’s approach known once a broad review of China trade policy concludes. But the review has stretched on for months with no public timeline for its conclusion.

As a result, businesses are lobbying heavily for the tariffs to be removed, which would make it easier for them to rely on factories in China instead of making investments in the United States or elsewhere. And they want assurances that they can do business with a financially important market.

“There has been frustration for the business community at the lack of concrete China economic policy,” said Charles Freeman, senior vice president for Asia at the US Chamber of Commerce. “It’s not as if this crowd came in without any experience or any preconceived thinking about China.”

The future of the US trade relationship with China is one of the biggest global economic questions confronting Biden and his advisers. China has thrown huge resources behind its economic ambitions and plans to dominate cutting-edge industries like artificial intelligence and robotics by providing government subsidies to Chinese firms and using other tactics, including espionage. While the Trump administration signed an initial trade deal with China that included purchase commitments for agricultural and other goods, the agreement failed to address a number of major concerns, including China’s state-owned enterprises and industrial subsidies.

During his White House bid, Biden assailed President Donald Trump over his trade war and promised to enlist allies to counter China over its trade practices. Since taking office, Biden has resolved a long-standing trade spat with the European Union and persuaded European officials to adopt a more assertive trade policy toward China this year. And he has pitched his infrastructure plan as a way to counter Beijing, saying it would “put us in a position to win the global competition with China in the upcoming years.”

But the administration has said little about whether it intends to restart economic talks and address outstanding issues, including tariffs. At times, officials have offered somewhat discordant views.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told The New York Times this summer that tariffs had harmed US consumers, but she has also warned that Chinese subsidies for exporters pose a challenge for the United States. The US trade representative, Katherine Tai, has described the tariffs as providing leverage.

Asked Wednesday about the administration’s review of the tariffs, Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said, “I don’t have any timeline for you on when that review will be completed.”

Business impatience with the administration’s approach is mounting. Corporate leaders say they need clarity about whether American companies will be able to do business with China, which is one of the biggest and fastest-growing markets. Business groups say their members are being put at a competitive disadvantage by the tariffs, which have raised costs for US importers.

“We should be doing everything we can to increase China’s use and dependence on American technology products,” Patrick Gelsinger, chief executive of Intel, said in an interview last week. The administration is “struggling to lay out a framework for how they have a policy-driven engagement with China,” he said.

“To me, just saying, ‘Let’s be tough on China,’ that’s not a policy, that’s a campaign slogan,” he added. “It’s time to get to the real work of having a real policy of trade relationships and engagement around business exports and technology with China.”

In early August, a group of influential US business groups sent a letter to Yellen and Tai urging the administration to restart trade talks with China and cut tariffs on imported Chinese goods.

“The main kind of dilemma that companies face right now is just uncertainty,” said Craig Allen, president of the US-China Business Council, which organized the letter. “Will the tariffs remain in place? Are they in place in perpetuity? What is the exclusion process to request an exemption from the tariffs? Nobody knows.”

Allen said his group had organized the letter because it wanted to make sure that businesses’ views, in addition to those of labor and environmental groups, would be taken into account during the Biden administration’s China review.

“Many find it ironic that the Biden administration is following so closely the playbook laid down by the Trump administration on China,” he said.

Other organizations that signed the letter included the US&nbsp;Chamber of Commerce and the Business Roundtable as well as groups representing sectors of the economy with close business ties to China, such as the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the Semiconductor Industry Association and the American Farm Bureau Federation.

“We’re now dealing with all these other supply chain disruption issues that are costing companies millions of dollars,” said Jonathan Gold, vice president for supply chain and customs policy at the National Retail Federation, which also signed the letter and represents a sector that has become heavily dependent on imports from China. “To have the tariffs on top of that is difficult for planning purposes.”

Business groups are not uniformly in favor of lifting tariffs. The National Council of Textile Organizations, which represents the US textile industry, wants the administration to keep tariffs on finished apparel and home textile products from China.

“We have been pretty strong in our message to the administration saying please continue this approach on getting tough on China,” said Kimberly Glas, the textile group’s president and chief executive.

Any decision on rolling back tariffs could also have domestic political implications in the United States, where a tough-on-China mentality has permeated both major parties. Any steps by the Biden administration to roll back Trump-era policies toward Beijing could be seized on by political opponents seeking to paint Biden as insufficiently tough on China at a time when the country is engaged in a rapid military buildup.

When asked about the administration’s review of China trade policy, Tai has responded by saying she was aware that “time is of the essence.” However, she has refrained from offering a preview of what steps the administration may seek to take.

“In terms of how we need to approach this trade relationship,” Tai said at a virtual event last week, “we need to approach it with deliberation.”

More than seven months into the Biden administration, American businesses say they are growing increasingly frustrated by the White House’s approach to China, with confrontational policies imposed during the Trump era still in place and President Joe Biden offering little clarity about economic engagement with the world’s second-largest economy.

More than seven months into the Biden administration, American businesses say they are growing increasingly frustrated by the White House’s approach to China, with confrontational policies imposed during the Trump era still in place and President Joe Biden offering little clarity about economic engagement with the world’s second-largest economy. The relationship between the two economic superpowers remains deeply fractured. US import duties still exist on roughly $360 billion worth of Chinese goods, and almost all of the exemptions that shielded more than 2,000 products from those tariffs have expired. A thicket of export controls and bans are still in place, leaving US technology giants such as Qualcomm, Intel and Google in the lurch over how to approach the Chinese market and offering little hope that the decoupling of the world’s two largest economies will be reversed anytime soon. To the dismay of some American business leaders, Biden has amplified some of the Trump administration’s punitive moves. In July, the Biden administration expanded the list of Chinese officials under sanctions by the United States for their role in undermining Hong Kong’s democratic institutions. In June, the president issued an executive order adding more Chinese companies to a prohibition on US investments in Chinese firms that have links to the country’s military or that sell surveillance technology used to repress dissent or religious minorities. Yet Biden and his top advisers have yet to elucidate how they view economic relations with Beijing, saying they will make the administration’s approach known once a broad review of China trade policy concludes. But the review has stretched on for months with no public timeline for its conclusion. As a result, businesses are lobbying heavily for the tariffs to be removed, which would make it easier for them to rely on factories in China instead of making investments in the United States or elsewhere. And they want assurances that they can do business with a financially important market. “There has been frustration for the business community at the lack of concrete China economic policy,” said Charles Freeman, senior vice president for Asia at the US Chamber of Commerce. “It’s not as if this crowd came in without any experience or any preconceived thinking about China.” The future of the US trade relationship with China is one of the biggest global economic questions confronting Biden and his advisers. China has thrown huge resources behind its economic ambitions and plans to dominate cutting-edge industries like artificial intelligence and robotics by providing government subsidies to Chinese firms and using other tactics, including espionage. While the Trump administration signed an initial trade deal with China that included purchase commitments for agricultural and other goods, the agreement failed to address a number of major concerns, including China’s state-owned enterprises and industrial subsidies. During his White House bid, Biden assailed President Donald Trump over his trade war and promised to enlist allies to counter China over its trade practices. Since taking office, Biden has resolved a long-standing trade spat with the European Union and persuaded European officials to adopt a more assertive trade policy toward China this year. And he has pitched his infrastructure plan as a way to counter Beijing, saying it would “put us in a position to win the global competition with China in the upcoming years.” But the administration has said little about whether it intends to restart economic talks and address outstanding issues, including tariffs. At times, officials have offered somewhat discordant views. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told The New York Times this summer that tariffs had harmed US consumers, but she has also warned that Chinese subsidies for exporters pose a challenge for the United States. The US trade representative, Katherine Tai, has described the tariffs as providing leverage. Asked Wednesday about the administration’s review of the tariffs, Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said, “I don’t have any timeline for you on when that review will be completed.” Business impatience with the administration’s approach is mounting. Corporate leaders say they need clarity about whether American companies will be able to do business with China, which is one of the biggest and fastest-growing markets. Business groups say their members are being put at a competitive disadvantage by the tariffs, which have raised costs for US importers. “We should be doing everything we can to increase China’s use and dependence on American technology products,” Patrick Gelsinger, chief executive of Intel, said in an interview last week. The administration is “struggling to lay out a framework for how they have a policy-driven engagement with China,” he said. “To me, just saying, ‘Let’s be tough on China,’ that’s not a policy, that’s a campaign slogan,” he added. “It’s time to get to the real work of having a real policy of trade relationships and engagement around business exports and technology with China.” In early August, a group of influential US business groups sent a letter to Yellen and Tai urging the administration to restart trade talks with China and cut tariffs on imported Chinese goods. “The main kind of dilemma that companies face right now is just uncertainty,” said Craig Allen, president of the US-China Business Council, which organized the letter. “Will the tariffs remain in place? Are they in place in perpetuity? What is the exclusion process to request an exemption from the tariffs? Nobody knows.” Allen said his group had organized the letter because it wanted to make sure that businesses’ views, in addition to those of labor and environmental groups, would be taken into account during the Biden administration’s China review. “Many find it ironic that the Biden administration is following so closely the playbook laid down by the Trump administration on China,” he said. Other organizations that signed the letter included the US Chamber of Commerce and the Business Roundtable as well as groups representing sectors of the economy with close business ties to China, such as the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the Semiconductor Industry Association and the American Farm Bureau Federation. “We’re now dealing with all these other supply chain disruption issues that are costing companies millions of dollars,” said Jonathan Gold, vice president for supply chain and customs policy at the National Retail Federation, which also signed the letter and represents a sector that has become heavily dependent on imports from China. “To have the tariffs on top of that is difficult for planning purposes.” Business groups are not uniformly in favor of lifting tariffs. The National Council of Textile Organizations, which represents the US textile industry, wants the administration to keep tariffs on finished apparel and home textile products from China. “We have been pretty strong in our message to the administration saying please continue this approach on getting tough on China,” said Kimberly Glas, the textile group’s president and chief executive. Any decision on rolling back tariffs could also have domestic political implications in the United States, where a tough-on-China mentality has permeated both major parties. Any steps by the Biden administration to roll back Trump-era policies toward Beijing could be seized on by political opponents seeking to paint Biden as insufficiently tough on China at a time when the country is engaged in a rapid military buildup. When asked about the administration’s review of China trade policy, Tai has responded by saying she was aware that “time is of the essence.” However, she has refrained from offering a preview of what steps the administration may seek to take. “In terms of how we need to approach this trade relationship,” Tai said at a virtual event last week, “we need to approach it with deliberation.”

Businesses push US President Joe Biden to develop China trade policy

Joe Biden has not won any praise for the way he handled the Afghan crisis. 49% people said that US military should have stayed in Afghanistan and not withdrawn.

Majority of Americans disapprove Joe Biden's stand on Afghan Crisis

Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid on Wednesday called the US plan to reopen its consulate in Jerusalem a “bad idea” and said the move could destabilise the fragile coalition government of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

“We think it’s a bad idea, and we’ve told the Americans we think it’s a bad idea,” Yair Lapid said in a speech Wednesday. “We think this might destabilize this government, and I don’t think the American administration wants this to happen.”

“Jerusalem is the sovereign capital of Israel and Israel alone, and therefore we don't think it's a good idea, Lapid said. "We know that the (Biden) administration has a different way of looking at this, but sin

President Joe Biden had vowed to rebuild contacts with the Palestinians and reopen the consulate.

The consulate has been closed since 2019 after the erstwhile Trump administration had signalled support for Israel's claim on Jerusalem as its capital by moving the US embassy there from Tel Aviv.

It was among the several moves that drew the ire of the Palestinians, who want East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.

Israel considers all of Jerusalem a part of its undivided capital, which is yet to get recognition globally.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid on Wednesday called the US plan to reopen its consulate in Jerusalem a “bad idea” and said the move could destabilise the fragile coalition government of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid on Wednesday called the US plan to reopen its consulate in Jerusalem a “bad idea” and said the move could destabilise the fragile coalition government of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. “We think it’s a bad idea, and we’ve told the Americans we think it’s a bad idea,” Yair Lapid said in a speech Wednesday. “We think this might destabilize this government, and I don’t think the American administration wants this to happen.” “Jerusalem is the sovereign capital of Israel and Israel alone, and therefore we don't think it's a good idea, Lapid said. "We know that the (Biden) administration has a different way of looking at this, but sin President Joe Biden had vowed to rebuild contacts with the Palestinians and reopen the consulate. The consulate has been closed since 2019 after the erstwhile Trump administration had signalled support for Israel's claim on Jerusalem as its capital by moving the US embassy there from Tel Aviv. It was among the several moves that drew the ire of the Palestinians, who want East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. Israel considers all of Jerusalem a part of its undivided capital, which is yet to get recognition globally. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel slams US plan to reopen embassy in Jerusalem, calls it ‘bad idea’

As the US forces left Afghanistan, reports have been coming in about people who have been left behind by the Biden administration.<o:p></o:p>

The latest addition to this growing list of allies left in Afghanistan is an old interpreter of US President Joe Biden, according to local media house Wall Street Journal.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-appoint-governor-of-panjshir-urge-resistance-to-avoid-conflict-409978">Taliban appoint governor of Panjshir, urge resistance to avoid conflict</a></o:p>

Mohammed (a name used by Wall Street Journal&nbsp;to protect his identity) had helped rescue Biden in a 2008 Afghan snowstorm. Back then, Biden was a senator who was stuck with two other lawmakers while visiting Afghanistan. A snowstorm had interfered their plans and forced their helicopter to land in a remote are where Mohammed had helped the US officials.<o:p></o:p>

He was closely involved with the US Army at that time and had also been participating in combat missions. Mohammed had joined a small military Quick Reaction Force that recued Biden and other lawmakers from mountains after driving from Bagram airbase.<o:p></o:p>

However, Mohammed failed to get a spot on the recue flights that were run by the US Army. Apparently, he failed to get his application sorted on time due to the hectic process, which led to him getting stuck in Kabul.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghans-left-to-fend-for-themselves-after-taliban-seizes-afghanistan-410007">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghans-left-to-fend-for-themselves-after-taliban-seizes-afghanistan-410007/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Hello Mr. President: Save me and my family,” Mohammed was quoted saying by the media house. "Don't forget me here."<o:p></o:p>

Mohammed, along with his wife and four children, is now in hiding to ensure his family’s safety under the Taliban rule.<o:p></o:p>

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said she is aware about Mohammed and the administration is trying to get him out of Afghanistan at the earliest. <o:p></o:p>

"Our message to him is thank you for fighting by our side in the last 20 years,"&nbsp;Psaki said. "We will get you out. We will honour your service."<o:p></o:p>

As the US forces left Afghanistan, reports have been coming in about people who have been left behind by the Biden administration. The latest addition to this growing list of allies left in Afghanistan is an old interpreter of US President Joe Biden, according to local media house Wall Street Journal.

As the US forces left Afghanistan, reports have been coming in about people who have been left behind by the Biden administration. The latest addition to this growing list of allies left in Afghanistan is an old interpreter of US President Joe Biden, according to local media house Wall Street Journal. Also read | Taliban appoint governor of Panjshir, urge resistance to avoid conflict Mohammed (a name used by Wall Street Journal to protect his identity) had helped rescue Biden in a 2008 Afghan snowstorm. Back then, Biden was a senator who was stuck with two other lawmakers while visiting Afghanistan. A snowstorm had interfered their plans and forced their helicopter to land in a remote are where Mohammed had helped the US officials. He was closely involved with the US Army at that time and had also been participating in combat missions. Mohammed had joined a small military Quick Reaction Force that recued Biden and other lawmakers from mountains after driving from Bagram airbase. However, Mohammed failed to get a spot on the recue flights that were run by the US Army. Apparently, he failed to get his application sorted on time due to the hectic process, which led to him getting stuck in Kabul. WATCH | "Hello Mr. President: Save me and my family,” Mohammed was quoted saying by the media house. "Don't forget me here." Mohammed, along with his wife and four children, is now in hiding to ensure his family’s safety under the Taliban rule. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said she is aware about Mohammed and the administration is trying to get him out of Afghanistan at the earliest. "Our message to him is thank you for fighting by our side in the last 20 years," Psaki said. "We will get you out. We will honour your service."

'Don't forget me here': Biden's former interpreter left in Afghanistan

In 2020, hate crimes in the United States rose to the highest level in more than a decade, largely driven by a spike in assaults against people of Asian and African heritage, an FBI report has stated.

According to the annual report released on Monday, more than 15,000 law enforcement agencies across the country identified 7,759 hate crimes in 2020, a 6 per cent rise than 2019—the highest tally since 2008.

In a year that saw huge Black Lives Matter protests highlighting problems of racism in the country, reports of hate crimes against Black Americans rose 40 per cent, from 1,972 in the year 2019 to 2,755 in the year 2020, the data showed.

Meanwhile, attacks against Asian Americans surged 70 per cent with 274 incidents in 2020 against 161 in 2019—a trend that has been linked to the rhetoric that blames Asian people for the spread of Covid-19.

Of the 7,426 hate crime offences classified as crimes against people, as opposed to crimes against property, 53.4 per cent were for intimidation, 27.6 per cent were for simple assault and 18.1 per cent were for aggravated assault. Twenty-two murders and 19 rapes were reported as hate crimes.

While crimes against black Americans did not see as large a spike from 2019, there were 2,755 reported incidents, making African Americans the largest victim category.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-men-executed-in-1951-rape-granted-posthumous-pardons-409967">Black men executed in 1951 rape granted posthumous pardons</a>

The FBI said nearly 62 per cent of victims were attacked due to race or ethnicity biases. Offences based on religion and sexual orientation were the next most common, at around 13 per cent and 20 per cent.

The offences were often were classified as intimidation. Of the over 6,400 known offenders, 55% were white.&nbsp;

The US Justice Department has warned that white supremacist groups represent a rising security threat after the deadly January 6 assault on the US Capitol.

In May this year, United States President Joe Biden signed a law that aims to address a rising number of anti-Asian attacks.

The legislation made the reporting of hate crimes more accessible at the local and state levels by boosting public outreach and ensuring reporting resources are available online in multiple languages.

It also directs the Department of Justice to designate a point person to expedite the review of hate crimes related to COVID-19 and authorizes grants to state and local governments to conduct crime-reduction programs to prevent and respond to hate crimes.

(With inputs from agencies)

In 2020, hate crimes in the United States rose to the highest level in more than a decade, largely driven by a spike in assaults against people of Asian and African heritage, an FBI report has stated.

In 2020, hate crimes in the United States rose to the highest level in more than a decade, largely driven by a spike in assaults against people of Asian and African heritage, an FBI report has stated. According to the annual report released on Monday, more than 15,000 law enforcement agencies across the country identified 7,759 hate crimes in 2020, a 6 per cent rise than 2019—the highest tally since 2008. In a year that saw huge Black Lives Matter protests highlighting problems of racism in the country, reports of hate crimes against Black Americans rose 40 per cent, from 1,972 in the year 2019 to 2,755 in the year 2020, the data showed. Meanwhile, attacks against Asian Americans surged 70 per cent with 274 incidents in 2020 against 161 in 2019—a trend that has been linked to the rhetoric that blames Asian people for the spread of Covid-19. Of the 7,426 hate crime offences classified as crimes against people, as opposed to crimes against property, 53.4 per cent were for intimidation, 27.6 per cent were for simple assault and 18.1 per cent were for aggravated assault. Twenty-two murders and 19 rapes were reported as hate crimes. While crimes against black Americans did not see as large a spike from 2019, there were 2,755 reported incidents, making African Americans the largest victim category. Also read | Black men executed in 1951 rape granted posthumous pardons The FBI said nearly 62 per cent of victims were attacked due to race or ethnicity biases. Offences based on religion and sexual orientation were the next most common, at around 13 per cent and 20 per cent. The offences were often were classified as intimidation. Of the over 6,400 known offenders, 55% were white. The US Justice Department has warned that white supremacist groups represent a rising security threat after the deadly January 6 assault on the US Capitol. In May this year, United States President Joe Biden signed a law that aims to address a rising number of anti-Asian attacks. The legislation made the reporting of hate crimes more accessible at the local and state levels by boosting public outreach and ensuring reporting resources are available online in multiple languages. It also directs the Department of Justice to designate a point person to expedite the review of hate crimes related to COVID-19 and authorizes grants to state and local governments to conduct crime-reduction programs to prevent and respond to hate crimes. (With inputs from agencies)

Hate crimes in US spiked 6% in 2020, highest in 12 years: FBI report

The Joe Biden administration claims that U.S. aircraft left behind in Afghanistan are 'inoperable'. The Taliban say their engineers can fix all aircraft. But, how will they operate the Kabul airport & will they let Afghans leave? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Taliban claims it can fix 'dismantled' U.S. Aircraft

President Joe Biden on Tuesday defended his decision to end the Afghan conflict, calling it a 'wise decision' a day after the last US troops left Afghanistan. "I was not going to extend this forever war," Biden said in remarks from the White House, "and I was not extending a forever exit."

Joe Biden declares end to 'forever war', defends decision to end Afghan conflict

Four deaths and multiple severe injuries have been confirmed as crews began fanning out in boats and off-road vehicles to search communities cut off by Hurricane Ida.

Ida, one of the most powerful hurricanes ever to hit the US Gulf Coast, had weakened to a tropical depression by as it churned over Mississippi, where the system brought heavy rains overnight.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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The crew got the blades turning a little early to be able to make two passes through the eye as Hurricane <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ida?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ida</a> made landfall. Here’s what we saw: <a href="https://t.co/BrwKwFVQiB">pic.twitter.com/BrwKwFVQiB</a>
— Hurricane Hunters (@53rdWRS) <a href="https://twitter.com/53rdWRS/status/1432081399570444288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Louisiana and Mississippi took stock of the disaster inflicted by Hurricane Ida, as receding floodwaters began to reveal the full extent of the damage.

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Flood defenses hold, 16 years after Katrina failure

New Orleans was still mostly without power nearly two days after Ida slammed into the Louisiana coast as a Category 4 storm, exactly 16 years after devastating Hurricane Katrina,&nbsp;which killed more than 1,800 people in 2005,&nbsp;made landfall.

But a $14.5 billion system of levees, flood gates, and pumps designed in the wake of Katrina's devastation largely worked as designed during Ida, officials said, sparing New Orleans from the catastrophic flooding that devastated the area 16 years ago.

The state's healthcare systems also appeared to have largely escaped catastrophic damage at a time when Louisiana is reeling from a resurgence of COVID-19 infections that has strained hospitals.

With water treatment plants overwhelmed by floodwaters or crippled by power outages, some places were also facing shortages of drinking water. About 441,000 people in 17 parishes had no water, and an additional 319,000 were under boil-water advisories, federal officials said.

President Joe Biden declared a major disaster for Louisiana and Mississippi, which gives the states access to federal aid.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said his state had deployed more than 1,600 personnel for search and rescue operations, while the Pentagon said over 5,200 personnel from the military, federal emergency management, and National Guard had been activated across several southern states.

Climate change is fueling deadly and disastrous weather across the globe, including stronger and more damaging hurricanes.

Scientists have warned of a rise in cyclone activity as the ocean surface warms due to climate change, posing an increasing threat to the world's coastal communities.

(With inputs from agencies)

Four deaths and multiple severe injuries have been confirmed as crews began fanning out in boats and off-road vehicles to search communities cut off by Hurricane Ida.

Four deaths and multiple severe injuries have been confirmed as crews began fanning out in boats and off-road vehicles to search communities cut off by Hurricane Ida. Ida, one of the most powerful hurricanes ever to hit the US Gulf Coast, had weakened to a tropical depression by as it churned over Mississippi, where the system brought heavy rains overnight. The crew got the blades turning a little early to be able to make two passes through the eye as Hurricane #Ida made landfall. Here’s what we saw: pic.twitter.com/BrwKwFVQiB — Hurricane Hunters (@53rdWRS) August 29, 2021 × Louisiana and Mississippi took stock of the disaster inflicted by Hurricane Ida, as receding floodwaters began to reveal the full extent of the damage. Flood defenses hold, 16 years after Katrina failure New Orleans was still mostly without power nearly two days after Ida slammed into the Louisiana coast as a Category 4 storm, exactly 16 years after devastating Hurricane Katrina, which killed more than 1,800 people in 2005, made landfall. But a $14.5 billion system of levees, flood gates, and pumps designed in the wake of Katrina's devastation largely worked as designed during Ida, officials said, sparing New Orleans from the catastrophic flooding that devastated the area 16 years ago. The state's healthcare systems also appeared to have largely escaped catastrophic damage at a time when Louisiana is reeling from a resurgence of COVID-19 infections that has strained hospitals. With water treatment plants overwhelmed by floodwaters or crippled by power outages, some places were also facing shortages of drinking water. About 441,000 people in 17 parishes had no water, and an additional 319,000 were under boil-water advisories, federal officials said. President Joe Biden declared a major disaster for Louisiana and Mississippi, which gives the states access to federal aid. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said his state had deployed more than 1,600 personnel for search and rescue operations, while the Pentagon said over 5,200 personnel from the military, federal emergency management, and National Guard had been activated across several southern states. Climate change is fueling deadly and disastrous weather across the globe, including stronger and more damaging hurricanes. Scientists have warned of a rise in cyclone activity as the ocean surface warms due to climate change, posing an increasing threat to the world's coastal communities. (With inputs from agencies)

Four dead, multiple injured in sweltering aftermath of Hurricane Ida

In the last call between US President Joe Biden and his Afghanistan counterpart before the Taliban seized control of the country, the leaders discussed military aid, political strategy and messaging tactics, but neither Biden nor&nbsp;Ashraf&nbsp;Ghani&nbsp;appeared aware of or prepared for the immediate danger of the entire country falling to insurgents, a transcript reviewed by Reuters shows.

The men spoke for roughly 14 minutes on July 23. On August 15,&nbsp;Ghani&nbsp;fled the presidential palace, and the Taliban entered Kabul.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/americas-20-year-presence-in-afghanistan-only-resulted-in-tragedies-says-putin-409946" hreflang="en">America's 20-year presence in Afghanistan only resulted in tragedies, says Putin</a>

Since then, tens of thousands of desperate Afghans have fled, and 13 US troops and scores of Afghan civilians were killed in a suicide bombing at the Kabul airport during the frenetic US military evacuation.

Reuters reviewed a transcript of the presidential phone call and has listened to the audio to authenticate the conversation. The materials were provided on condition of anonymity by a source who was not authorized to distribute it.

In the call, Biden offered aid if&nbsp;Ghani&nbsp;could publicly project he had a plan to control the spiralling situation in Afghanistan. “We will continue to provide close air support, if we know what the plan is,” Biden said. Days before the call, the US carried out airstrikes to support Afghan security forces, a move the Taliban said was in violation of the Doha peace agreement.

The US president also advised&nbsp;Ghani&nbsp;to get buy-in from powerful Afghans for a military strategy going forward, and then to put a “warrior” in charge of the effort, a reference to Defense Minister General Bismillah Khan Mohammadi.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/the-last-holdout-in-afghanistans-panjshir-anti-taliban-forces-fight-on-409936" hreflang="en">The last holdout: In Afghanistan's Panjshir, anti-Taliban forces fight on&nbsp;</a>

Biden lauded the Afghan armed forces, which were trained and funded by the US government. “You clearly have the best military,” he told&nbsp;Ghani. “You have 300,000 well-armed forces versus 70-80,000 and they’re clearly capable of fighting well.” Days later, the Afghan military started folding across provincial capitals in the country with little fight against the Taliban.

In much of the call, Biden focused on what he called the Afghan government’s “perception” problem. “I need not tell you the perception around the world and in parts of Afghanistan, I believe, is that things are not going well in terms of the fight against the Taliban,” Biden said. “And there is a need, whether it is true or not, there is a need to project a different picture.”

Biden told&nbsp;Ghani&nbsp;that if Afghanistan’s prominent political figures were to give a press conference together, backing a new military strategy, “that will change perception, and that will change an awful lot I think.”

The American leader’s words indicated he didn’t anticipate the massive insurrection and collapse to come 23 days later. “We are going to continue to fight hard, diplomatically, politically, economically, to make sure your government not only survives, but is sustained and grows,” said Biden.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fact-check-in-viral-video-man-dangling-from-helicopter-was-fixing-flag-in-kandahar-says-report-409951" hreflang="en">Fact Check: In viral video, man dangling from helicopter was fixing flag in Kandahar, says report&nbsp;</a>

The White House Tuesday declined to comment on the call.

After the call, the White House released a statement that focused on Biden’s commitment to supporting Afghan security forces and the administration seeking funds for Afghanistan from Congress.

Ghani&nbsp;told Biden, he believed there could be peace if he could “rebalance the military solution.” But he added, “We need to move with speed.”

“We are facing a full-scale invasion, composed of Taliban, full Pakistani planning and logistical support, and at least 10-15,000 international terrorists, predominantly Pakistanis thrown into this,”&nbsp;Ghani&nbsp;said. Afghan government officials, and US experts, have consistently pointed to Pakistani support for the Taliban as key to the group’s resurgence.

The Pakistani Embassy in Washington denies those allegations. “Clearly the myth of Taliban fighters crossing from Pakistan is unfortunately an excuse and an afterthought peddled by Mr.&nbsp;Ashraf&nbsp;Ghani&nbsp;to justify his failure to lead and govern,” an embassy spokesman told Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/al-qaeda-congratulates-taliban-mentions-kashmir-palestine-in-letter-409880" hreflang="en">Al Qaeda 'congratulates' Taliban; mentions Kashmir, Palestine in letter</a>

Reuters tried to reach&nbsp;Ghani’s staff for this story, in calls and texts, with no success. The last public statement from&nbsp;Ghani, who is believed to be in the United Arab Emirates, came on August 18. He said he fled Afghanistan to prevent bloodshed.

By the time of the call, the United States was well into its planned withdrawal from Afghanistan, which Biden had postponed from the May date set by his predecessor, Donald Trump. The US military had closed its main Afghanistan airbase, at Bagram, in early July.

As the two presidents spoke, Taliban insurgents controlled about half of Afghanistan's district centres, indicating a rapidly deteriorating security situation.

Afghanistan was promising a shift in its military strategy, to start focusing on protecting “population centers” – major cities – rather than fighting to protect rural territories. Biden referred approvingly to that strategy. He said that doing so would help not just on the ground but in the “perception” internationally that was required to shore up world support for the Afghan government.

“I’m not a military guy, so I’m not telling you what a plan should precisely look like, you’re going to get not only more help, but you’re going to get a perception that is going to change …,” Biden said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-dawn-in-afghanistan-start-of-a-new-era-for-afghans-under-the-taliban-409911/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ghani, for his part, assured Biden that “your assurance of support goes a very long way to enable us, to really mobilize us in earnest.”

In a little over two weeks after Biden’s call with&nbsp;Ghani, the Taliban captured several provincial Afghan capitals and the United States said it was up to the Afghan security forces to defend the country. “These are their military forces, these are their provincial capitals, their people to defend,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on August 9.

On August 11, US intelligence reports indicated Taliban fighters could isolate Afghanistan’s capital in 30 days and possibly take it over within 90. Instead, the fall happened in less than a week.

The Biden-Ghani&nbsp;call also underscored persistent political infighting that plagued the Afghan government.

When Biden asked him to include former Afghan President Hamid Karzai in a press conference,&nbsp;Ghani&nbsp;pushed back. “Karzai would not be helpful,” he said. “He is contrary, and time is of the essence, we cannot bring every single individual … We have tried for months with President Karzai. Last time we met for 110 minutes; he was cursing me and he was accusing me of being a US lackey.”

Biden paused before responding: “I’m going to reserve judgment on that.”

Karzai could not be reached for comment, despite calls and texts to one of his aides.

Second call with top staff

In a follow-up call, later that day that did not include the US president, Biden’s National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, General Mark Milley and US Central Command commander General Frank McKenzie spoke to&nbsp;Ghani. Reuters also obtained a transcript of that call.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-afghanistan-cost-the-us-300-million-a-day-for-two-decades-409894/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In this call, too, an area of focus was the global perception of events on the ground in Afghanistan. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told&nbsp;Ghani&nbsp;“the perception in the United States, in Europe and the media sort of thing is a narrative of Taliban momentum, and a narrative of Taliban victory. And we need to collectively demonstrate and try to turn that perception, that narrative around.”

“I do not believe time is our friend here. We need to move quickly,” McKenzie added.

A spokesperson for McKenzie declined to comment. A spokesman for Milley did not respond by publication time

In the last call between US President Joe Biden and his Afghanistan counterpart before the Taliban seized control of the country, the leaders discussed military aid, political strategy and messaging tactics, but neither Biden nor Ashraf Ghani appeared aware of or prepared for the immediate danger of the entire country falling to insurgents, a transcript reviewed by Reuters shows.

In the last call between US President Joe Biden and his Afghanistan counterpart before the Taliban seized control of the country, the leaders discussed military aid, political strategy and messaging tactics, but neither Biden nor Ashraf Ghani appeared aware of or prepared for the immediate danger of the entire country falling to insurgents, a transcript reviewed by Reuters shows. The men spoke for roughly 14 minutes on July 23. On August 15, Ghani fled the presidential palace, and the Taliban entered Kabul. Also read | America's 20-year presence in Afghanistan only resulted in tragedies, says Putin Since then, tens of thousands of desperate Afghans have fled, and 13 US troops and scores of Afghan civilians were killed in a suicide bombing at the Kabul airport during the frenetic US military evacuation. Reuters reviewed a transcript of the presidential phone call and has listened to the audio to authenticate the conversation. The materials were provided on condition of anonymity by a source who was not authorized to distribute it. In the call, Biden offered aid if Ghani could publicly project he had a plan to control the spiralling situation in Afghanistan. “We will continue to provide close air support, if we know what the plan is,” Biden said. Days before the call, the US carried out airstrikes to support Afghan security forces, a move the Taliban said was in violation of the Doha peace agreement. The US president also advised Ghani to get buy-in from powerful Afghans for a military strategy going forward, and then to put a “warrior” in charge of the effort, a reference to Defense Minister General Bismillah Khan Mohammadi. Also read | The last holdout: In Afghanistan's Panjshir, anti-Taliban forces fight on Biden lauded the Afghan armed forces, which were trained and funded by the US government. “You clearly have the best military,” he told Ghani. “You have 300,000 well-armed forces versus 70-80,000 and they’re clearly capable of fighting well.” Days later, the Afghan military started folding across provincial capitals in the country with little fight against the Taliban. In much of the call, Biden focused on what he called the Afghan government’s “perception” problem. “I need not tell you the perception around the world and in parts of Afghanistan, I believe, is that things are not going well in terms of the fight against the Taliban,” Biden said. “And there is a need, whether it is true or not, there is a need to project a different picture.” Biden told Ghani that if Afghanistan’s prominent political figures were to give a press conference together, backing a new military strategy, “that will change perception, and that will change an awful lot I think.” The American leader’s words indicated he didn’t anticipate the massive insurrection and collapse to come 23 days later. “We are going to continue to fight hard, diplomatically, politically, economically, to make sure your government not only survives, but is sustained and grows,” said Biden. Also read | Fact Check: In viral video, man dangling from helicopter was fixing flag in Kandahar, says report The White House Tuesday declined to comment on the call. After the call, the White House released a statement that focused on Biden’s commitment to supporting Afghan security forces and the administration seeking funds for Afghanistan from Congress. Ghani told Biden, he believed there could be peace if he could “rebalance the military solution.” But he added, “We need to move with speed.” “We are facing a full-scale invasion, composed of Taliban, full Pakistani planning and logistical support, and at least 10-15,000 international terrorists, predominantly Pakistanis thrown into this,” Ghani said. Afghan government officials, and US experts, have consistently pointed to Pakistani support for the Taliban as key to the group’s resurgence. The Pakistani Embassy in Washington denies those allegations. “Clearly the myth of Taliban fighters crossing from Pakistan is unfortunately an excuse and an afterthought peddled by Mr. Ashraf Ghani to justify his failure to lead and govern,” an embassy spokesman told Reuters. Also read | Al Qaeda 'congratulates' Taliban; mentions Kashmir, Palestine in letter Reuters tried to reach Ghani’s staff for this story, in calls and texts, with no success. The last public statement from Ghani, who is believed to be in the United Arab Emirates, came on August 18. He said he fled Afghanistan to prevent bloodshed. By the time of the call, the United States was well into its planned withdrawal from Afghanistan, which Biden had postponed from the May date set by his predecessor, Donald Trump. The US military had closed its main Afghanistan airbase, at Bagram, in early July. As the two presidents spoke, Taliban insurgents controlled about half of Afghanistan's district centres, indicating a rapidly deteriorating security situation. Afghanistan was promising a shift in its military strategy, to start focusing on protecting “population centers” – major cities – rather than fighting to protect rural territories. Biden referred approvingly to that strategy. He said that doing so would help not just on the ground but in the “perception” internationally that was required to shore up world support for the Afghan government. “I’m not a military guy, so I’m not telling you what a plan should precisely look like, you’re going to get not only more help, but you’re going to get a perception that is going to change …,” Biden said. Ghani, for his part, assured Biden that “your assurance of support goes a very long way to enable us, to really mobilize us in earnest.” In a little over two weeks after Biden’s call with Ghani, the Taliban captured several provincial Afghan capitals and the United States said it was up to the Afghan security forces to defend the country. “These are their military forces, these are their provincial capitals, their people to defend,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on August 9. On August 11, US intelligence reports indicated Taliban fighters could isolate Afghanistan’s capital in 30 days and possibly take it over within 90. Instead, the fall happened in less than a week. The Biden-Ghani call also underscored persistent political infighting that plagued the Afghan government. When Biden asked him to include former Afghan President Hamid Karzai in a press conference, Ghani pushed back. “Karzai would not be helpful,” he said. “He is contrary, and time is of the essence, we cannot bring every single individual … We have tried for months with President Karzai. Last time we met for 110 minutes; he was cursing me and he was accusing me of being a US lackey.” Biden paused before responding: “I’m going to reserve judgment on that.” Karzai could not be reached for comment, despite calls and texts to one of his aides. Second call with top staff In a follow-up call, later that day that did not include the US president, Biden’s National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, General Mark Milley and US Central Command commander General Frank McKenzie spoke to Ghani. Reuters also obtained a transcript of that call. In this call, too, an area of focus was the global perception of events on the ground in Afghanistan. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told Ghani “the perception in the United States, in Europe and the media sort of thing is a narrative of Taliban momentum, and a narrative of Taliban victory. And we need to collectively demonstrate and try to turn that perception, that narrative around.” “I do not believe time is our friend here. We need to move quickly,” McKenzie added. A spokesperson for McKenzie declined to comment. A spokesman for Milley did not respond by publication time

In call before his govt's collapse, Ghani warned Biden of thousands of terrorists from Pakistan entering Afghanistan

President Joe Biden on Tuesday defended his decision to end the Afghan conflict, calling it a "success". "I was not going to extend this forever war," Biden said in remarks from the White House. WION's Susan Tehrani tells you more.

US President Joe Biden defends departure from 'forever war' in Afghanistan

President Joe Biden said that the US has spent $300 million a day for 20 years in Afghanistan for two decades. He also added that he refuses to open another decade of warfare in Afghanistan.

Biden: Afghanistan cost the US $300 million a day for two decades

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. 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 an "arbitrary deadline."

August 31 deadline was set to "save American lives": US President Joe Biden

President Joe Biden said that the US will continue to support Afghanistan through diplomacy, international influence, and humanitarian crisis. He also said, "after 20 years of war in Afghanistan, I refuse to send another generation of America on war".

Biden: Will continue to support Afghans through diplomacy & humanitarian aid

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

During his first address after troops pull out, President Joe Biden said 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 delivers remark after military withdrawal, says America's Afghan war comes to an end

US President Joe Biden said that 90% of Americans in Afghan who wanted to leave have been evacuated. He also added that "there is no deadline for Afghan Americans, we remain committed to get them out if they want".

Biden: 90% of Americans in Afghan were able to leave, we remain committed  to get rest out

During his first address after troops pull out, President Joe Biden said that the best path to guard our safety and security lies the tough, unforgiving, targeted, precise strategy. He also warned those who wish any harm to America.

Biden: Our safety and security lies in a tough, unforgiving, targeted, precise strategy

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>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1432792664014000134?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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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'

Speaking about the US' hasty exit from Afghanistan, President Joe Biden has said that it was the "best available option to end both US' longest war as well as fruitless nation-building". WION's Anas Mallick tells you more.

Biden: Leaving Afghanistan a wise decision, don't want to send another generation to war

According to the White House, top US military generals have been instructed by the president that they should stop at nothing to make Afghanistan's ISIS affiliate pay for 13 US service members' deaths.

White House: Biden told top US military generals to 'stop at nothing' to go after ISIS

US President Joe Biden is facing criticism over 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.

Biden faces heat online for checking time while honouring fallen troops

20-year-old US military presence in Afghanistan has come to an end and the US troops have taken an exit from the country.

WION Live Broadcast: America's Longest War Ends

US President has not won any praise on his stance on Afghanistan. The majority of Americans did not support Biden's stance. In the poll completed just before the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan, 49% said the US military should have stayed in Afghanistan.

Americans disapprove US President's stance on Afghanistan

Joe Biden stood hand over his heart, on Sunday, to pay tribute as the remains of the US service members killed in the Kabul bombing attack were transferred to a row of gray hearses. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and other military officers and dignitaries were part of this event.

Joe Biden pays tribute to US service members killed in Kabul bombing attack

President Joe Biden has warned that another terrorist attack on the Kabul airport is “highly likely” in the next 24 to 36 hours, as the US rushed to evacuate the few remaining Americans and Afghan allies ahead of the August 31 deadline to withdraw from Afghanistan.

Biden: Another terrorist attack on Kabul airport 'highly likely' soon

Days after a deadly attack at the Kabul airport killed scores of civilians, America has warned of another terror attack that is likely to hit the Kabul airport. US President Joe Biden has issued a statement where he has warned that the situation on the ground continues to be extremely dangerous and a new attack on Kabul airport is highly likely in 24 to 36 hours.

US President Joe Biden: Kabul airport attack 'highly likely' soon

''US President Joe Biden made the wrong call in Afghanistan,'' says Fred Fleitz, President of Center For Security Policy & Former NSC Chief of Staff in a conversation with WION's. He also added that Biden chose to withdraw abruptly without working with the Afghan army.

'Biden chose to withdraw abruptly without working with Afghan army', says Fred Fleitz

President Joe Biden said Friday that China was withholding "critical information" on the origins of COVID-19 after the US intelligence community said it did not believe the virus was a bioweapon —&nbsp;but remained split on whether it escaped from a lab.

The United States, however, does not believe Chinese officials had foreknowledge of the virus before the initial outbreak of the pandemic that has now claimed 4.5 million lives, according to the unclassified summary of an eagerly awaited intelligence report.

"Critical information about the origins of this pandemic exists in the People's Republic of China, yet from the beginning, government officials in China have worked to prevent international investigators and members of the global public health community from accessing it," Biden said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-men-die-after-second-dose-of-modernas-covid-vaccine-japan-government-409002">Two men die after second dose of Moderna's Covid vaccine: Japan government</a>

"To this day, the PRC continues to reject calls for transparency and withhold information, even as the toll of this pandemic continues to rise."

US intelligence has ruled out that the coronavirus was developed as a weapon, and most agencies assess with "low confidence" it was not genetically engineered.

But the community remains divided on the pathogen's origins, with four agencies and the National Intelligence Council judging in favor of natural exposure to an animal as the likely explanation, and one agency favoring the lab leak theory.

Analysts at three agencies were unable to reach a conclusion.

"Variations in analytic views largely stem from differences in how agencies weigh intelligence reporting and scientific publications, and intelligence and scientific gaps," the summary said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/republicans-want-biden-to-pay-a-political-price-for-the-crisis-409027">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/republicans-want-biden-to-pay-a-political-price-for-the-crisis-409027/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The intelligence community and global scientists lack clinical samples or epidemiological data from the earliest COVID-19 cases, it added.

Biden said the United States would continue to work with allies to press Beijing to share more information and cooperate with the World Health Organization.

"We must have a full and transparent accounting of this global tragedy. Nothing less is acceptable," he said.

The office of the director of national intelligence said it was reviewing de-classifying parts of the report in the near future, in light of the historic nature of the pandemic and the importance of informing the public, while protecting its sources and methods.

Lab leak fading

Beijing has rejected calls from the United States and other countries for a renewed origin probe after a heavily politicised visit by a WHO team in January also proved inconclusive, and faced criticism for lacking transparency and access.

In a statement Friday, the Chinese embassy in Washington slammed the US intelligence community's findings, defending its handling of the pandemic and the WHO investigation.

"The report by the US intelligence community shows that the US is bent on going down the wrong path of political manipulation," the embassy said in a statement.&nbsp;

"The report by the intelligence community is based on the presumption of guilt on the part of China, and it is only for scapegoating China."

At the outset of the pandemic, the natural origin hypothesis —&nbsp;that the virus emerged in bats and then passed to humans, likely via an intermediary species — was widely accepted.

But as time wore on and scientists were unable to find a virus in either bats or another animal that matches the genetic signature of SARS-CoV-2, investigators said they were more open to considering a leak involving the Wuhan Institute of Virology, which carried out bat coronavirus research.

Recent scientific papers, however, are tilting the debate back towards a zoonotic origin.

Researchers in China and the University of Glasgow published a paper in the journal Science that found "animal-to-human transmission associated with infected live animals is the most likely cause of the COVID-19 pandemic."

Additionally, a paper by 21 top virologists in the journal Cell bluntly concluded: "There is currently no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 has a laboratory origin."

President Joe Biden said Friday that China was withholding "critical information" on the origins of COVID-19 after the US intelligence community said it did not believe the virus was a bioweapon — but remained split on whether it escaped from a lab.

President Joe Biden said Friday that China was withholding "critical information" on the origins of COVID-19 after the US intelligence community said it did not believe the virus was a bioweapon — but remained split on whether it escaped from a lab. The United States, however, does not believe Chinese officials had foreknowledge of the virus before the initial outbreak of the pandemic that has now claimed 4.5 million lives, according to the unclassified summary of an eagerly awaited intelligence report. "Critical information about the origins of this pandemic exists in the People's Republic of China, yet from the beginning, government officials in China have worked to prevent international investigators and members of the global public health community from accessing it," Biden said in a statement. Also read | Two men die after second dose of Moderna's Covid vaccine: Japan government "To this day, the PRC continues to reject calls for transparency and withhold information, even as the toll of this pandemic continues to rise." US intelligence has ruled out that the coronavirus was developed as a weapon, and most agencies assess with "low confidence" it was not genetically engineered. But the community remains divided on the pathogen's origins, with four agencies and the National Intelligence Council judging in favor of natural exposure to an animal as the likely explanation, and one agency favoring the lab leak theory. Analysts at three agencies were unable to reach a conclusion. "Variations in analytic views largely stem from differences in how agencies weigh intelligence reporting and scientific publications, and intelligence and scientific gaps," the summary said. WATCH | The intelligence community and global scientists lack clinical samples or epidemiological data from the earliest COVID-19 cases, it added. Biden said the United States would continue to work with allies to press Beijing to share more information and cooperate with the World Health Organization. "We must have a full and transparent accounting of this global tragedy. Nothing less is acceptable," he said. The office of the director of national intelligence said it was reviewing de-classifying parts of the report in the near future, in light of the historic nature of the pandemic and the importance of informing the public, while protecting its sources and methods. Lab leak fading Beijing has rejected calls from the United States and other countries for a renewed origin probe after a heavily politicised visit by a WHO team in January also proved inconclusive, and faced criticism for lacking transparency and access. In a statement Friday, the Chinese embassy in Washington slammed the US intelligence community's findings, defending its handling of the pandemic and the WHO investigation. "The report by the US intelligence community shows that the US is bent on going down the wrong path of political manipulation," the embassy said in a statement. "The report by the intelligence community is based on the presumption of guilt on the part of China, and it is only for scapegoating China." At the outset of the pandemic, the natural origin hypothesis — that the virus emerged in bats and then passed to humans, likely via an intermediary species — was widely accepted. But as time wore on and scientists were unable to find a virus in either bats or another animal that matches the genetic signature of SARS-CoV-2, investigators said they were more open to considering a leak involving the Wuhan Institute of Virology, which carried out bat coronavirus research. Recent scientific papers, however, are tilting the debate back towards a zoonotic origin. Researchers in China and the University of Glasgow published a paper in the journal Science that found "animal-to-human transmission associated with infected live animals is the most likely cause of the COVID-19 pandemic." Additionally, a paper by 21 top virologists in the journal Cell bluntly concluded: "There is currently no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 has a laboratory origin."

Biden says China still withholding 'critical' info on Covid origins

In the face of growing demands of US President Joe Biden's resignation, a group of 69 Lawmakers from the US Senate and House of Representatives have put forth several crucial questions.

News Alert: United States Lawmakers question President Joe Biden

US lawmakers have written a letter to President Joe Biden over the current situation in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, asking a range of questions related to terrorism, nuclear weapon, infrastructure, military, women safety, China's ties with Taliban, Pakistan-Taliban relations etc.

US lawmakers have written a letter to President Joe Biden over the current situation in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, asking a range of questions related to terrorism, nuclear weapon, infrastructure, military, women safety, China's ties with Taliban, Pakistan-Taliban relations etc. The details of the letter dated August 24 and signed by the group of 68 lawmakers from the Senate and the House of Representatives have emerged. The lawmakers demanded that Biden should answer critical questions on what happened during the evacuation phase in Afghanistan and what are his plans to move forward. ALSO READ | Heart wrenching details of some of the 13 US troops killed in Afghan bombings As per the letter, lawmakers said, "The situation in Afghanistan has rapidly metastasized into Taliban rule with reinstated oppression of women and girls, the repression of civil society, the displacement of countless Afghans from their homes who the Taliban then use force to prevent from fleeing Afghanistan, and a power vacuum that China seeks to fill by increasing its ties to the Taliban." "The consequences of withdrawal from Afghanistan are not isolated to that country, or even to the Middle East region. The withdrawal carried geopolitical and strategic consequences that have already begun to unfold and will reverberate for decades," it added. ALSO READ | UN issues urgent appeal to help drought-hit Afghan farmers In the latest development, the US attacked an Islamic State "planner" in Afghanistan in retaliation for a deadly bombing outside Kabul airport on Thursday (August 26) that heightened the already tense situation. The US also said that there was a high risk of further blasts. Among the scores killed in the suicide bomb blast, claimed by an Islamic State affiliate in the country, were 13 US service members, the most lethal incident for US troops in Afghanistan in a decade. Details of the letter In a letter to Biden, the lawmakers said the world has watched with utter shock as the Taliban took over Afghanistan with astonishing speed, "the result of unforced errors made by withdrawing completely the small remaining footprint of our main military force from Afghanistan, and by unnecessarily delaying the evacuation of US personnel and its Afghan partners". Here are some of the prominent questions asked by the US lawmakers: Q1) What is your plan to evacuate Afghan SIVs and other vulnerable Afghans like women, girls, and former Afghan civil service employees from Afghanistan? The lawmakers have asked Biden's plans to protect women journalists, scholars and employees of prominent non-government organisations and they also asked about the protection of religious and ethnic minorities, like the Hazaras. Q2) Will you commit to abandoning the arbitrary August 31 withdrawal deadline and continuing Noncombatant Evacuation Operation until all Americans, allies, and at-risk Afghans are processed for evacuation? The US and allies are hurrying to evacuate as many people from Afghanistan as possible before an Aug. 31 deadline. The US will continue evacuating people from Kabul airport until Aug 31 if needed but will prioritise the removal of US troops and military equipment on the last couple of days, the Pentagon has said. The lawmakers are, however, asking what will happen if the evacuations are not completed before the deadline. IN PICS | Shocking images of children trapped at Kabul airport amid evacuation Q3) What is your plan to counter the Chinese Communist Party's growing relationship with the Taliban? Experts have weighed in on the possible Taliban and China ties as Beijing might look to cement its grip on the region. China has held out an olive branch to the Taliban, enticed by the country's mineral wealth, including its large reserves of lithium, a key component for electric vehicles. Q4) What is your plan to help to ensure that the Taliban does not destabilise its nuclear neighbour, Pakistan? Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, there are reports that Islamabad had allowed a porous border to give Taliban access in Pakistan, hiding from US forces. When the Taliban captured Kabul, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said Afghans had broken the "shackles of slavery". The lawmakers asked is Biden prepared to support regional allies militarily in the event that the Taliban militarise the Afghanistan border. Watch: × Q5) What is your plan to ensure that Al Qaida does not resurge and regain a foothold in Afghanistan? As the NATO allies withdrew their troops from Afghanistan, several intelligence communities have warned that terror groups like Al Qaida and ISIS-K will dominate in the region. Some of the reports have also said that they will be given complete freedom to act by the Taliban. The lawmakers have asked what operations are prepared to counter this threat. Q6) What is your plan to ensure that more US and Afghan military equipment does not end up in the hands of the Taliban? One of the various questions was related to US-owned weapons, which have been asked prominently since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. From Humvee vehicles to Blackhawk helicopters, reports revealed the Taliban had seized most of the country, as well as any weapons and equipment left behind by fleeing Afghan forces. Pictures and videos showed the advancing insurgents inspecting long lines of vehicles and opening crates of new firearms, communications gear and even military drones. Taliban are believed to control more than 2,000 armoured vehicles, including US Humvees, and up to 40 aircraft potentially including UH-60 Black Hawks, scout attack helicopters, and ScanEagle military drones. The lawmakers have asked what are Biden's plans to disable any air forces that operate under orders from the Taliban. Other points were made over Afghan refugees in the US, plans to support Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA)'s air traffic control, plans to support any free Afghanistan resistance, etc.

US lawmakers write to Joe Biden demanding answers over Afghanistan, China, terrorism, nuclear weapon and more

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