About 1,000 people, including Americans and Afghans holding visas for the US and other countries, are still stuck in Afghanistan. 6 days after the US troops withdrawal many people await the Taliban clearance for flights out of the country.

Over 1,000 await Taliban clearance for flights out of Afghanistan

As the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001 completes 20 years, focus is back on Afghanistan. The hasty withdrawal of American forces from the country has thrown up a challenging situation.

WION's New York Correspondent Susan Tehrani spoke with Bernard Kerik, former commissioner of New York City Police who was on ground when the terrorist attack took place.

WION: You were at the base of the twin towers when the second plane hit on September 11, 2001, and on the days that followed, you lead New York Police Department (NYPD) through the aftermath of 9/11 and so many lives depended on the decisions that you would make so you had really a bird’s eye view of what was happening on ground zero. And here we are 20 years on. Where do we stand now? Considering the fact that President Biden insists that the war in Afghanistan is over.

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Kerik: Well listen, he may think that the war in Afghanistan is over but the war between radical Islam and the West is not. And unfortunately for us, the president has made a decision of allowing close to 200,000 Afghans into the United States that I am confident cannot be valid. (They) cannot be monitored and tracked once they get here and melt into the community.&nbsp;

I was there on Sept 11, I watched dozens of people jumping to death, I had 23 members in my department that I lost. We lost 343 firefighters, 37 police officers and thousands of civilians in the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon, and we did so because 19 people got into this country. Now we are gonna have 200,000 people coming out of a country that we have been fighting in for last 20 years.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

You know I watched a press conference today where the commanders and the president said that we will be working with the Taliban to get whoever is left/what Americans left or first of all there should not be any Americans left in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Secondly, there is not negotiating with the Taliban, there is not coordinating with the Taliban, there is no diplomatic relationship with the Taliban and if you don't believe me turn on the news from yesterday and the day before, they were taking a round in Afghanistan with our equipment, our uniforms with flag-draped coffins calling for the death of America. These are the people that the president believes today that we can communicate with. That is the complete joke so you know I used to talk about the threat we face, in over the last 20 years I pretty much said my greatest fear was radical Islam.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-is-our-most-important-partner-says-taliban-spokesperson-zabihullah-mujahid-410510">China is our most important partner, says Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid</a>

I am also afraid of this infusion of socialism coming into the United States right now. But I have never been worried about radical Islam on the inside of this country like I will be now as a result of the incompetence of this leadership and stupidity or a lack of common sense and logic over what has happened over the last two weeks.

WION: A lot of lawmakers also share same sentiments. They say that the president's strategy has been to basically set the condition for another 9/11. I would like to get your opinion on whether or not that is overblown first of all and second he recently said that he has never been worried.

Kerik: Well, listen I would disagree with them if one said that there is strategy because there is no strategy. They did things that were completely...there was a lack of common sense, there was lack of logic, there was lack of policy. What they did that pulling out of Afghanistan before there was a removal of diplomatic personnel, a lot of coordinators and co-operators, from the Afghan military or intrepreters who put their lives for us for 20 years, for this president. In fact, the interpreters that were with him were left in the country. So, there was no real plan. And although I don't always agree with Senator Graham, this time 100 percent I agree. We are now going to face a substantial threat as a result for what happened. And I heard within the last 2-3 hours now United States’ military equipment has been observed in Iran, this is outragious. This is completely outragious and stupid. It should have never happened. And it all lies on President Biden.

WION: There was a question now whether or not ISIS is the new Al-Qaeda

Kerik: There is a bottom line. I don't call them ISIS/ Al-Qaeda/ Hamas. I can give you 30 different names. There is a bottom line. There is a group of people in the Middle East that despises our freedom and they strongly believe that if we don't pray to their God the way they do than they actually have the right to kill us.&nbsp;

These are the same people who gonna blow off Israel off the map and they will like to do the same with our county as well. That is the threat we face. These days I don't care what their names are. I don't care if it is ISIS or Al-Qaeda or the Taliban or whatever. It doesn't make any difference to me. The bottom line is that the threat is still there. It is the threat that we going to face and now as a result of what happened in Afghanistan, it is going to be worse than we had to deal in last 20 years.

WION: I want to go back when you were there on ground zero when the planes hit the World Trade Centre 20 years ago and now we hear army general, for example, acknowledged the fact that the Taliban might be ruthless but we don't cooperate with them on counter-terrorism issues. What goes on your mind when you hear something like that?

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Kerik: General Milley can't believe that and if he does, he is a moron. And with his mind, his education, his experiences, his time in service, he cannot believe that. And if he does, he should not be in the job in the first place. He is basically echoing the radical that the White House is talking about. He is just repeating that the president, his press secretary is saying. But for God’s sake I cannot believe that General Milley actually believes that because if he does, we are in a lot of problem that I anticipate.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-co-founder-mullah-abdul-ghani-baradar-to-lead-new-afghan-government-sources-410403">Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar to lead new Afghan government: Sources</a>

WION: Do you think that the president is facing the crisis of confidence right now with the American public and the lawmakers on both sides criticising his policies?

Kerik: I think the president is facing lack of confidence from the first day he has taken over the office. This is in my opinion. And I think most people will agree with me. Take away the politics. I have been watching/ listening to him. There are two problems I have. One, he has a lack of mental and physical capabilities. He is not controlling his own destiny. And I know that we all know that. Because he tells us.&nbsp;

There are all these slips over the podium right. 'I was told I can't take questions; I was told not to answer that question, I was told we are not going to do this/that. I am not allowed to take that question'. This is my problem with him, this the President of the United States. I wanna know who is controlling him. Who tells him that you are not allowed to do that. Who told him who are not allowed ro take questions.&nbsp;

I promise you I want to see somebody telling President Trump you are not allowed to do that or you are not going to do that or don't do this. One, the person will be fired. Two, he is gonna do what he is supposed to do. This president gets on the podium and consistently, over and over again tells us he is not in charge. So okay I wanna know who he is.

WION: Commissioner, what went through your head, when you were present there on September 11, 2001? When you were there on ground zero at that moment?

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Kerik: Well, when the first plane hit, I was actually in my office. I got down to the streets in 7 to 8 minutes. And as I tried getting to World Trade Centre, I watched people jump to death from tower one.&nbsp;

While I was waiting for the mayor, the second plane slammed through the north side of the tower and at that point, I understood that we were under attack. And at that point the city’s response changed. It went through responding to a crisis. Accident to an attack on the United States of America. What went through my mind immediately after the second plane hit that how many planes were there. What are the buildings, targets will be (attacked). I remember closing down police headquarters, city hall, the United Nations, other places/ areas that could be on target and calling on the White House, asking for support so those are some of the things that went through my mind immediately in the aftermath when second plane hit.

WION: Your final thoughts on where do we go from here 20 years on from September 11th, 2021?

Kerik: We need to reflect back on the leadership. We have to reflect back on the leadership of (former) Mayor Rudy Giuliani, President Bush and what I try to do is remind there were people who did not leave New York City that day, remind them about the men and women of the New York City police dept etc. They affected the greatest rescue operation in the history for us. They took 20,000-25,000 people out of those buildings, out of those surrounding areas and they evacuated more than a million people. This feat has not been accomplished before. I hope this never happens again.&nbsp;

I would like to say this. We don't need four planes flying into country to create another threat like 9/11. There is a possibility people not liking this country to create the same amount of fear, same amount of economic damage to this country by doing another thing that can happen. And you know I am just hoping the intelligence community/ military is up to the task.

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

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

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

In Pics: Taliban fighters celebrate in Panjshir Valley

&nbsp;

Talking about plans in an interaction with media, a Taliban leader said Afghanistan will have an all-inclusive government soon. The group will also invite different countries for the government's formation ceremony.&nbsp;

The government also looks to begin the government's work with bringing reforms in the constitution. The statement comes as Afghanistan crisis continues after Taliban took over the country. &nbsp; &nbsp;

In the press briefing, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told reporters that the government’s formation is still ongoing. It will be an all-inclusive one. &nbsp;

When asked by WION about the details, the leader said, the group will also invite different countries for the ceremony of the government’s formation when it is finalised. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“We want to do a proper job in announcing the government. Don't know the details yet. Will share once the government is announced,” said Mujahid.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Taliban holds press briefing, says hopes to form an inclusive govt in Afghanistan

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Mujahid added the government’s work will start with the reforms in constitution. It should be Islamic and will be done in the future.&nbsp;

The spokesperson also said, former Afghanistan vice president&nbsp;Amrullah Saleh&nbsp;is in Tajikistan&nbsp;now.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, as the Taliban claimed it had captured Panjshir Valley, the spokesperson added there were no civilian casualties while "taking over Panjshir".

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/panjshir-under-control-claims-taliban-massouds-nrf-says-struggle-will-continue-411008" hreflang="en">Panjshir under control, claims Taliban; Massoud's NRF says 'struggle' will continue</a>

"There was a shortage of food during the fighting," the Taliban leader said, adding, "but we will fix that now." He added, "China should cooperate with us, there are so many projects awaited due to security concerns like roads and other infrastructure, they all will be implemented soon."

"The Taliban wants to negotiate this matter (Panjshir), the jihadi commanders were used in this to resolve the matters for negotiation and dialogue. When our delegation went there they did not get positive answers, so the Islamic Emirate sent their military," he added.

Talking about plans in an interaction with media, a Taliban leader said Afghanistan will have an all-inclusive government soon. The group will also invite different countries for the government's formation ceremony.

Talking about plans in an interaction with media, a Taliban leader said Afghanistan will have an all-inclusive government soon. The group will also invite different countries for the government's formation ceremony. The government also looks to begin the government's work with bringing reforms in the constitution. The statement comes as Afghanistan crisis continues after Taliban took over the country. In the press briefing, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told reporters that the government’s formation is still ongoing. It will be an all-inclusive one. When asked by WION about the details, the leader said, the group will also invite different countries for the ceremony of the government’s formation when it is finalised. “We want to do a proper job in announcing the government. Don't know the details yet. Will share once the government is announced,” said Mujahid. Watch: Taliban holds press briefing, says hopes to form an inclusive govt in Afghanistan × Mujahid added the government’s work will start with the reforms in constitution. It should be Islamic and will be done in the future. The spokesperson also said, former Afghanistan vice president Amrullah Saleh is in Tajikistan now. Meanwhile, as the Taliban claimed it had captured Panjshir Valley, the spokesperson added there were no civilian casualties while "taking over Panjshir". Also Read: Panjshir under control, claims Taliban; Massoud's NRF says 'struggle' will continue "There was a shortage of food during the fighting," the Taliban leader said, adding, "but we will fix that now." He added, "China should cooperate with us, there are so many projects awaited due to security concerns like roads and other infrastructure, they all will be implemented soon." "The Taliban wants to negotiate this matter (Panjshir), the jihadi commanders were used in this to resolve the matters for negotiation and dialogue. When our delegation went there they did not get positive answers, so the Islamic Emirate sent their military," he added.

Will invite countries at govt launch ceremony, work will start with reforms in constitution: Taliban

The Taliban has taken complete control of Panjshir province, the last area in Afghanistan held by resistance forces.

Taliban takes complete control of Panjshir province

Spokesperson of Afghanistan resistance leader Ahmad Massoud was reportedly killed on Sunday. Various Afghanistan media reports said that Fahim Dashti was killed. It was also reported that General Abdul Wudod Zara of the resistance forces was also dead.

"Regretfully, The National Resistance of Afghanistan lost two companions in the holy resistance against oppression and aggression today. Mr. Fahim Dashty, NRF spokesperson, and General Abdul Wudod Zara were martyred. May their memory be eternal," the Afghan resistance front was quoted as saying by the Samaa News.

A day earlier, Ahmad Massoud, the leader of the resistance forces in Afghanistan`s northeastern province of Panjshir said resistance forces are ready to cease fighting and start negotiations if the Taliban leave the province. The Panjshir Valley lies in the Hindu Kush mountains, approximately 90 miles north of Kabul. The Taliban have been unable to take this major holdout of resistance after steamrolling across pro-government troops in a matter of months. The war over Panjshir province escalated from Friday night.&nbsp;

Panjshir is considered to be akin to an impregnable fortress due to the geography that enables the defender to hold out for long against any attackers.

(With inputs from agencies)

Spokesperson of Afghanistan resistance leader Ahmad Massoud was reportedly killed on Sunday. Various Afghanistan media reports said that Fahim Dashti was killed.

Spokesperson of Afghanistan resistance leader Ahmad Massoud was reportedly killed on Sunday. Various Afghanistan media reports said that Fahim Dashti was killed. It was also reported that General Abdul Wudod Zara of the resistance forces was also dead. "Regretfully, The National Resistance of Afghanistan lost two companions in the holy resistance against oppression and aggression today. Mr. Fahim Dashty, NRF spokesperson, and General Abdul Wudod Zara were martyred. May their memory be eternal," the Afghan resistance front was quoted as saying by the Samaa News. A day earlier, Ahmad Massoud, the leader of the resistance forces in Afghanistan`s northeastern province of Panjshir said resistance forces are ready to cease fighting and start negotiations if the Taliban leave the province. The Panjshir Valley lies in the Hindu Kush mountains, approximately 90 miles north of Kabul. The Taliban have been unable to take this major holdout of resistance after steamrolling across pro-government troops in a matter of months. The war over Panjshir province escalated from Friday night. Panjshir is considered to be akin to an impregnable fortress due to the geography that enables the defender to hold out for long against any attackers. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Spokesman of Panjshir resistance leader Massoud killed, says report

A pregnant Afghan policewoman was shot dead by Taliban in front of her family, tweeted an Afghan journalist. The horrific incident took place in the country's Ghor province.

Nigara, the policewoman, was 6 months pregnant. The journalist said that she was killed in front of her husband and children.

Sputnik reported on Sunday that there was a rush to buy head and body coverings due to fear that Taliban would hunt and beat up women if they were seen without hijab or burqas. The Taliban regime in the 90s was marked by such atrocities.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-conducted-drone-strikes-in-panjshir-report-411027">Pakistan conducted drone strikes in Panjshir: Report</a>

These developments came a few days after dozens of Afghan women held protests in Herat demanding rights and female representation in the government formation after the Taliban took control of the war-ravaged country.

Protestors were carrying banners with slogans against the exclusion of women from the country`s political system under the regime of the Taliban, Tolo News reported.As the Taliban took control of Afghanistan once again after 20 years, experts believe that Afghan women are most likely to face an uncertain future under the group`s regime.

Sajjan Gohel, a security and terrorism analyst said that women are scared out of their (Taliban) minds."From the Afghan women I`ve spoken to, it`s incredibly traumatic. You`re looking at an entire generation who only read about the Taliban in books. Now, they`re having to live side-by-side with what is effectively a misogynistic cult." Dr Gohel added.

(With inputs from agencies)

A pregnant Afghan policewoman was shot dead by Taliban in front of her family, tweeted an Afghan journalist. The horrific incident took place in the country's Ghor province.

A pregnant Afghan policewoman was shot dead by Taliban in front of her family, tweeted an Afghan journalist. The horrific incident took place in the country's Ghor province. Nigara, the policewoman, was 6 months pregnant. The journalist said that she was killed in front of her husband and children. Sputnik reported on Sunday that there was a rush to buy head and body coverings due to fear that Taliban would hunt and beat up women if they were seen without hijab or burqas. The Taliban regime in the 90s was marked by such atrocities. Also Read | Pakistan conducted drone strikes in Panjshir: Report These developments came a few days after dozens of Afghan women held protests in Herat demanding rights and female representation in the government formation after the Taliban took control of the war-ravaged country. Protestors were carrying banners with slogans against the exclusion of women from the country`s political system under the regime of the Taliban, Tolo News reported.As the Taliban took control of Afghanistan once again after 20 years, experts believe that Afghan women are most likely to face an uncertain future under the group`s regime. Sajjan Gohel, a security and terrorism analyst said that women are scared out of their (Taliban) minds."From the Afghan women I`ve spoken to, it`s incredibly traumatic. You`re looking at an entire generation who only read about the Taliban in books. Now, they`re having to live side-by-side with what is effectively a misogynistic cult." Dr Gohel added. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban shoot pregnant Afghan policewoman dead in front of her family

Taliban held a press briefing amid the claims over the capture of Panjshir valley. The Taliban spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid said that they hope to form an inclusive govt through negotiations.

Taliban holds press briefing, says hopes to form an inclusive govt in Afghanistan

At least two people were killed and many injured during a celebratory firing on Friday in Kabul, local media said on Saturday, after Taliban sources claimed that they have seized control of Panjshir, the last province resisting&nbsp;the Islamist group.

According to TOLO news, the "aerial shooting" killed two people and wounded three&nbsp;last night.

The incident was heavily criticised by Taliban leader Zabihullah Mujahid.

"Avoid shooting in the air and thank God instead," Mujahid said on Twitter. "Bullets can harm civilians, so don't shoot unnecessarily."

Leaders of opposition to the Taliban, meanwhile, denied that the province has fallen. Ahmad Massoud, son of the late Ahmad Shah Massoud and leader of the Resistance Front which has been leading battles in several provinces, including Panjshir, said that the people will never give up the resistance or fighting for their rights.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-is-our-most-important-partner-says-taliban-spokesperson-zabihullah-mujahid-410510">&nbsp;China is our most important partner, says Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid</a>

On Saturday, Massoud wrote on Facebook that the Afghan people are fighting for freedom and justice and will never give up resistance.

According to Massoud, the resistance is not limited to Panjshir, but includes Afghan women who have also continued their struggle for their rights.

“The Panjshir resistance, which has stood firm until now, or our zealous sisters’ resistance in Herat who have raised their voice for their rights, shows that the people have not given up their legitimate demands and will not give up their legitimate resistance and will not be afraid of any threats,” the Facebook post reads.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least two people were killed and many injured during a celebratory firing on Friday in Kabul, local media said on Saturday, after Taliban sources claimed that they have seized control of Panjshir, the last province resisting the Islamist group.

At least two people were killed and many injured during a celebratory firing on Friday in Kabul, local media said on Saturday, after Taliban sources claimed that they have seized control of Panjshir, the last province resisting the Islamist group. According to TOLO news, the "aerial shooting" killed two people and wounded three last night. The incident was heavily criticised by Taliban leader Zabihullah Mujahid. "Avoid shooting in the air and thank God instead," Mujahid said on Twitter. "Bullets can harm civilians, so don't shoot unnecessarily." Leaders of opposition to the Taliban, meanwhile, denied that the province has fallen. Ahmad Massoud, son of the late Ahmad Shah Massoud and leader of the Resistance Front which has been leading battles in several provinces, including Panjshir, said that the people will never give up the resistance or fighting for their rights. Also read | China is our most important partner, says Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid On Saturday, Massoud wrote on Facebook that the Afghan people are fighting for freedom and justice and will never give up resistance. According to Massoud, the resistance is not limited to Panjshir, but includes Afghan women who have also continued their struggle for their rights. “The Panjshir resistance, which has stood firm until now, or our zealous sisters’ resistance in Herat who have raised their voice for their rights, shows that the people have not given up their legitimate demands and will not give up their legitimate resistance and will not be afraid of any threats,” the Facebook post reads. (With inputs from agencies)

2 killed, several injured in celebratory firing in Kabul

The situation in the Panjshir valley remains tense and there have been heavy casualties on both sides. In a dispatch from the frontlines, the former Vice President of Afghanistan and the so-called caretaker president of the country Amrullah Saleh has written a moving personal account on the overall situation.

Afghanistan: Under siege from Taliban, Amrullah Saleh writes from Panjshir

The leader of anti-Taliban force, also known as Afghan Resistance, has said he welcomes the proposals from the religious scholars and is open to a dialogue with the Taliban in order to out an end to the ongoing internal war.

Ahmad Massoud is the leader of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan (NRFA) and has been building his own army in the Panjshir Valley to fight Taliban. The group became active when Taliban took control over Afghanistan on August 15.

"The NRF in principle agree to solve the current problems and put an immediate end to the fighting and continue negotiations," Massoud said in the Facebook post. "To reach a lasting peace, the NRF is ready to stop fighting on condition that Taliban also stop their attacks and military movements on Panjshir and Andarab."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-how-america-benefits-from-wars-410726">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-how-america-benefits-from-wars-410726/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

His statement came a little after Taliban announced they have fought and captured the provincial capital of Panjshir Valley after capturing neighbouring districts.

However, Massoud has claimed that his fighters are still engaging with the Taliban militants and they will keep fighting for the rights of Afghans.

Massoud had earlier, too, asked the Taliban to negotiate peacefully. Taliban asked him to hand over the Panjshir Valley without any fight, or warned him of a bloodshed. When Massoud denied Taliban’s request of handing over the Valley, a fight broke out between the two groups, which has continued since then.

The leader of anti-Taliban force, also known as Afghan Resistance, has said he welcomes the proposals from the religious scholars and is open to a dialogue with the Taliban in order to out an end to the ongoing internal war.

The leader of anti-Taliban force, also known as Afghan Resistance, has said he welcomes the proposals from the religious scholars and is open to a dialogue with the Taliban in order to out an end to the ongoing internal war. Ahmad Massoud is the leader of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan (NRFA) and has been building his own army in the Panjshir Valley to fight Taliban. The group became active when Taliban took control over Afghanistan on August 15. "The NRF in principle agree to solve the current problems and put an immediate end to the fighting and continue negotiations," Massoud said in the Facebook post. "To reach a lasting peace, the NRF is ready to stop fighting on condition that Taliban also stop their attacks and military movements on Panjshir and Andarab." WATCH | His statement came a little after Taliban announced they have fought and captured the provincial capital of Panjshir Valley after capturing neighbouring districts. However, Massoud has claimed that his fighters are still engaging with the Taliban militants and they will keep fighting for the rights of Afghans. Massoud had earlier, too, asked the Taliban to negotiate peacefully. Taliban asked him to hand over the Panjshir Valley without any fight, or warned him of a bloodshed. When Massoud denied Taliban’s request of handing over the Valley, a fight broke out between the two groups, which has continued since then.

Anti-Taliban leader, Massoud, says he is ready to talk with Taliban

The Taliban takeover may have plunged&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/genocide-in-making-afghan-ex-vp-calls-on-un-to-end-talibans-onslaught-into-panjshir-province-410875">Afghanistan</a>&nbsp;into uncertainty and economic pain, but arms dealer Khan Mohammad is making the most of it.

Sandwiched between a pharmacy and a general store, his shop in the Panjwai district of southern Kandahar province -- the spiritual birthplace of the Taliban -- is flush with fresh inventory.

Camouflage combat vests and bandoliers hung from the walls as Mohammed showed off his wares, including US-made Smith &amp; Wesson pistols and ammunition belts.

More pistols, grenades, walkie-talkies and jars full of bullets lined the glass display in the front.

The end of the conflict has led many weapon-owners to conclude they no longer need them, Mohammad explained.

"People who have had guns at home for years bring us their weapons," he said.

Mohammad has a customer lined up too.

"We buy them and sell... to the Mujahideen," he said, referring to the Taliban.

"The Taliban don't let anyone else take (the weapons)."

Mohammad did not just have weapons -- there were accessories too.

White Taliban baseball caps with the Muslim proclamation of faith printed on them hung from the ceiling. The group's flags were also on sale.

Another dealer in the dusty Panjwai market, whose shop was adorned with large Taliban flags and pictures of the group's top leaders, had more potent offerings.

They included assault rifles -- variants of the AK-47 as well as the US-made M4 and M16 -- and even light machine guns.

The Taliban for years procured weapons and ammunition from the black market. They also captured arms and equipment from the battlefield and abandoned military posts, according to UN and Western monitors.

And the recent collapse of the Afghan military created an arms bonanza for the militants.

Alongside a large haul of American-made infantry weapons,&nbsp;Afghanistan's new rulers now possess equipment and vehicles -- including humvees, armoured personnel carriers, and at least one functioning Black Hawk helicopter.

The militants are also making the most of their spoils.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-is-our-most-important-partner-says-taliban-spokesperson-zabihullah-mujahid-410510">Taliban</a> are cashing in on a wide variety of items from abandoned Afghan and Western military bases.

They seized Panjwai district in July as the withdrawal of US-led troops from&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;gathered pace.

In the local market, everything from construction material to metal trays salvaged from the district's Afghan military base was for sale.

"We bought all these things from the Taliban after they conquered the Afghan army base," said vendor Murtaza, who gave only one name.

"Now we bring them to the market to sell."

The Taliban takeover may have plunged Afghanistan into uncertainty and economic pain, but arms dealer Khan Mohammad is making the most of it. Sandwiched between a pharmacy and a general store, his shop in the Panjwai district of southern Kandahar province -- the spiritual birthplace of the Taliban -- is flush with fresh inventory.

The Taliban takeover may have plunged Afghanistan into uncertainty and economic pain, but arms dealer Khan Mohammad is making the most of it. Sandwiched between a pharmacy and a general store, his shop in the Panjwai district of southern Kandahar province -- the spiritual birthplace of the Taliban -- is flush with fresh inventory. Camouflage combat vests and bandoliers hung from the walls as Mohammed showed off his wares, including US-made Smith & Wesson pistols and ammunition belts. More pistols, grenades, walkie-talkies and jars full of bullets lined the glass display in the front. The end of the conflict has led many weapon-owners to conclude they no longer need them, Mohammad explained. "People who have had guns at home for years bring us their weapons," he said. Mohammad has a customer lined up too. "We buy them and sell... to the Mujahideen," he said, referring to the Taliban. "The Taliban don't let anyone else take (the weapons)." Mohammad did not just have weapons -- there were accessories too. White Taliban baseball caps with the Muslim proclamation of faith printed on them hung from the ceiling. The group's flags were also on sale. Another dealer in the dusty Panjwai market, whose shop was adorned with large Taliban flags and pictures of the group's top leaders, had more potent offerings. They included assault rifles -- variants of the AK-47 as well as the US-made M4 and M16 -- and even light machine guns. The Taliban for years procured weapons and ammunition from the black market. They also captured arms and equipment from the battlefield and abandoned military posts, according to UN and Western monitors. And the recent collapse of the Afghan military created an arms bonanza for the militants. Alongside a large haul of American-made infantry weapons, Afghanistan's new rulers now possess equipment and vehicles -- including humvees, armoured personnel carriers, and at least one functioning Black Hawk helicopter. The militants are also making the most of their spoils. The Taliban are cashing in on a wide variety of items from abandoned Afghan and Western military bases. They seized Panjwai district in July as the withdrawal of US-led troops from Afghanistan gathered pace. In the local market, everything from construction material to metal trays salvaged from the district's Afghan military base was for sale. "We bought all these things from the Taliban after they conquered the Afghan army base," said vendor Murtaza, who gave only one name. "Now we bring them to the market to sell."

Boom time for Afghan arms dealers in Taliban heartland

Battle in Panjshir has intensified. The Taliban is inching closer to taking over the Panjshir valley. Five out of seven districts have fallen to the Taliban control.

Afghanistan: Taliban cut off the communication lines to Panjshir valley

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday called for a dialogue with the Taliban as the hardline Islamists finalise a new government that will set the tone for their rule in Afghanistan.

"We simply have to talk to the Taliban about how we can get people who have worked for Germany out of the country and bring them to safety," Merkel told a press conference in North Rhine-Westphalia state.

"They are the ones we have to talk to now. We want to get people out of the country who have worked for German development organisations in particular and who now feel threatened," Merkel said.

The Taliban swooped into power in Afghanistan three weeks ago, prompting a hurried effort by Western states to evacuate their citizens and Afghans who had worked for their armies and aid organisations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-how-america-benefits-from-wars-410726">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-how-america-benefits-from-wars-410726/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Facing the challenge of morphing from insurgents to rulers, the Taliban appear determined to snuff out fighting in the Panjshir valley before announcing who will lead the country in the aftermath of last week's US troop withdrawal.

Afghanistan's new rulers have promised a more "inclusive" government that represents Afghanistan's complex ethnic makeup — though women are unlikely to be included at the top levels.

While the West has adopted a wait-and-see approach to the group, there are some signs of engagement with the new leaders gathering pace.

Earlier on Sunday, Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid had told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper that the Taliban wanted "strong and official diplomatic relations with Germany".

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday called for a dialogue with the Taliban as the hardline Islamists finalise a new government that will set the tone for their rule in Afghanistan.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday called for a dialogue with the Taliban as the hardline Islamists finalise a new government that will set the tone for their rule in Afghanistan. "We simply have to talk to the Taliban about how we can get people who have worked for Germany out of the country and bring them to safety," Merkel told a press conference in North Rhine-Westphalia state. "They are the ones we have to talk to now. We want to get people out of the country who have worked for German development organisations in particular and who now feel threatened," Merkel said. The Taliban swooped into power in Afghanistan three weeks ago, prompting a hurried effort by Western states to evacuate their citizens and Afghans who had worked for their armies and aid organisations. WATCH | Facing the challenge of morphing from insurgents to rulers, the Taliban appear determined to snuff out fighting in the Panjshir valley before announcing who will lead the country in the aftermath of last week's US troop withdrawal. Afghanistan's new rulers have promised a more "inclusive" government that represents Afghanistan's complex ethnic makeup — though women are unlikely to be included at the top levels. While the West has adopted a wait-and-see approach to the group, there are some signs of engagement with the new leaders gathering pace. Earlier on Sunday, Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid had told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper that the Taliban wanted "strong and official diplomatic relations with Germany".

Talks with Taliban must continue to evacuate more people: Merkel

President Joe Biden’s job approval rating is on the downslope. As of Friday morning, he was at 45.8 per cent&nbsp;approval and 48.5 per cent disapproval — from a high of 54 per cent approval, 41 per cent disapproval at the end of his first 100 days.

There is a laundry list of reasons for this. Not only is the United States still in the grip of a pandemic, but also the delta variant of the coronavirus has led to record infections and deaths in Florida, Texas and other states with relatively low vaccination rates (and where officials have taken a stand against mitigation efforts). At the same time that delta took hold, Biden also faced a huge backlash from the news media and his partisan opponents over the US&nbsp;withdrawal from Afghanistan, which began in chaotic fashion with the collapse of the Afghan national army, the subsequent advance of the Taliban and, of course, the suicide bombing in Kabul that killed 13 US&nbsp;service members.

The administration quickly adjusted to the chaos, though, and by the time the last American soldiers left Monday, the US&nbsp;military and its allies had evacuated around 124,000 people, including thousands of US citizens and tens of thousands of Afghan nationals. And as seen in the latest jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the economy is growing at a slower rate than it did at the start of the summer.

Taken together, you have a pretty good explanation for why Biden is doing much worse with the public than he was at the beginning of the year.

With that said, there's another dynamic at work, one that should guide our expectations for how popular Biden is and how popular he could become. Put simply, we're still quite polarised.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-how-america-benefits-from-wars-410726">WATCH |</a>

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One of the most consistent findings from the past 20 years of public opinion research is that each new president is more divisive than the last. George W. Bush was more divisive than Bill Clinton; Barack Obama was more divisive than Bush; Donald Trump was more divisive than Obama; and Biden may well end up more divisive than Trump, at least in terms of approval rating by partisan affiliation. Some of this reflects circumstances, some of it reflects the individuals, but most of it is a function of partisan and ideological polarisation. Modern presidents have a high floor for public opinion but a low ceiling.

This is a major change from the 1970s and 1980s, when the public was less polarised and numbers could swing from the low 30s (even the 20s) to the high 60s and beyond. At the peak of his popularity, in the wake of the Persian Gulf War of 1991, George H.W. Bush had a job approval rating of 89 per cent, including 82 per cent&nbsp;among Democrats and 88 per cent&nbsp;among independents. Those numbers are just not possible in today’s environment.

Biden’s slide is noteworthy, but it is also exactly what we should expect given the structural conditions of American politics in the 21st century. But this cuts against the unstated assumption that a president should have an approval rating above 50 per cent. It’s an assumption that, as Sam Goldman, a professor of political science at George Washington University, observed, is "another example of how we’ve adopted the deeply exceptional midcentury interlude as our baseline — partly because it remains our vision of normality, and partly because that’s when reliable data start."

The "deeply exceptional midcentury interlude"&nbsp;— roughly speaking, the years between the end of World War II and the election of Richard Nixon in 1968 — is the source of a lot of our normative understandings of American politics, despite the fact that the conditions of that period are impossible to replicate. When politicians and political observers pine for an era of bipartisanship, they are pining for the 1950s and 1960s (and to an extent the 1970s).

If we were to look further back in time — to, say, the late 19th century — we might find an era that, for all of its indelible foreignness, is closer to ours in terms of the shape and structure of its politics, from its sharp partisan polarisation and closely contested national elections to its democratic backsliding and deep anxieties over immigration and demographic change.

American politics eventually broke out of its late-19th-century equilibrium of high polarisation and tightly contested elections. In the 1896 presidential election, William McKinley became the first candidate in decades to win more than 50 per cent&nbsp;of the popular vote, beating his Democratic opponent, William Jennings Bryan, by 4.3 per cent. He won reelection in 1900, and after his assassination the following year, his successor, Theodore Roosevelt, would win in 1904 by the most lopsided margin since Abraham Lincoln’s 1864 reelection victory.

What changed in American politics to produce more decisive national victories? Well, that’s not a happy story. Suffrage restrictions of immigrants in the North, the rise of Jim Crow in the South, and the success of capital in suppressing labor revolt and setting the terms of political contestation had removed millions of Americans from the electorate by the turn of the 20th century. Political power was concentrated and consolidated in a bourgeois class (mostly) represented by the Republican Party, which, with the exception of Woodrow Wilson’s twin victories in 1912 and 1916, held the White House from 1897 to 1933. It would take another catastrophe, the Great Depression, to change that landscape.

As for the tectonic force that might break our partisan and ideological stalemate? It is impossible to say. Oftentimes in history, things seem stable until, suddenly, they aren’t.

President Joe Biden’s job approval rating is on the downslope. As of Friday morning, he was at 45.8 per cent approval and 48.5 per cent disapproval — from a high of 54 per cent approval, 41 per cent disapproval at the end of his first 100 days.

President Joe Biden’s job approval rating is on the downslope. As of Friday morning, he was at 45.8 per cent approval and 48.5 per cent disapproval — from a high of 54 per cent approval, 41 per cent disapproval at the end of his first 100 days. There is a laundry list of reasons for this. Not only is the United States still in the grip of a pandemic, but also the delta variant of the coronavirus has led to record infections and deaths in Florida, Texas and other states with relatively low vaccination rates (and where officials have taken a stand against mitigation efforts). At the same time that delta took hold, Biden also faced a huge backlash from the news media and his partisan opponents over the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, which began in chaotic fashion with the collapse of the Afghan national army, the subsequent advance of the Taliban and, of course, the suicide bombing in Kabul that killed 13 US service members. The administration quickly adjusted to the chaos, though, and by the time the last American soldiers left Monday, the US military and its allies had evacuated around 124,000 people, including thousands of US citizens and tens of thousands of Afghan nationals. And as seen in the latest jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the economy is growing at a slower rate than it did at the start of the summer. Taken together, you have a pretty good explanation for why Biden is doing much worse with the public than he was at the beginning of the year. With that said, there's another dynamic at work, one that should guide our expectations for how popular Biden is and how popular he could become. Put simply, we're still quite polarised. WATCH | One of the most consistent findings from the past 20 years of public opinion research is that each new president is more divisive than the last. George W. Bush was more divisive than Bill Clinton; Barack Obama was more divisive than Bush; Donald Trump was more divisive than Obama; and Biden may well end up more divisive than Trump, at least in terms of approval rating by partisan affiliation. Some of this reflects circumstances, some of it reflects the individuals, but most of it is a function of partisan and ideological polarisation. Modern presidents have a high floor for public opinion but a low ceiling. This is a major change from the 1970s and 1980s, when the public was less polarised and numbers could swing from the low 30s (even the 20s) to the high 60s and beyond. At the peak of his popularity, in the wake of the Persian Gulf War of 1991, George H.W. Bush had a job approval rating of 89 per cent, including 82 per cent among Democrats and 88 per cent among independents. Those numbers are just not possible in today’s environment. Biden’s slide is noteworthy, but it is also exactly what we should expect given the structural conditions of American politics in the 21st century. But this cuts against the unstated assumption that a president should have an approval rating above 50 per cent. It’s an assumption that, as Sam Goldman, a professor of political science at George Washington University, observed, is "another example of how we’ve adopted the deeply exceptional midcentury interlude as our baseline — partly because it remains our vision of normality, and partly because that’s when reliable data start." The "deeply exceptional midcentury interlude" — roughly speaking, the years between the end of World War II and the election of Richard Nixon in 1968 — is the source of a lot of our normative understandings of American politics, despite the fact that the conditions of that period are impossible to replicate. When politicians and political observers pine for an era of bipartisanship, they are pining for the 1950s and 1960s (and to an extent the 1970s). If we were to look further back in time — to, say, the late 19th century — we might find an era that, for all of its indelible foreignness, is closer to ours in terms of the shape and structure of its politics, from its sharp partisan polarisation and closely contested national elections to its democratic backsliding and deep anxieties over immigration and demographic change. American politics eventually broke out of its late-19th-century equilibrium of high polarisation and tightly contested elections. In the 1896 presidential election, William McKinley became the first candidate in decades to win more than 50 per cent of the popular vote, beating his Democratic opponent, William Jennings Bryan, by 4.3 per cent. He won reelection in 1900, and after his assassination the following year, his successor, Theodore Roosevelt, would win in 1904 by the most lopsided margin since Abraham Lincoln’s 1864 reelection victory. What changed in American politics to produce more decisive national victories? Well, that’s not a happy story. Suffrage restrictions of immigrants in the North, the rise of Jim Crow in the South, and the success of capital in suppressing labor revolt and setting the terms of political contestation had removed millions of Americans from the electorate by the turn of the 20th century. Political power was concentrated and consolidated in a bourgeois class (mostly) represented by the Republican Party, which, with the exception of Woodrow Wilson’s twin victories in 1912 and 1916, held the White House from 1897 to 1933. It would take another catastrophe, the Great Depression, to change that landscape. As for the tectonic force that might break our partisan and ideological stalemate? It is impossible to say. Oftentimes in history, things seem stable until, suddenly, they aren’t.

How has Joe Biden become so unpopular?

Amid the escalating crisis, Kabul airport authorities have finally managed to partially reopen the airport. Watch this report to know more.

Reports: Domestic Flights resume between Kabul and 3 Provincial cities

Pakistan's ISI Chief, Faiz Hameed met Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul.

Pak ISI Chief meets top Taliban leader Baradar

Pakistan on Sunday hosted a virtual meeting of the special representatives and envoys of Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries, including China and Iran, indicating Islamabad’s growing influence in the Taliban-controlled region.

During the meeting, the Pakistan’s foreign office said, participants agreed that peace in the war-torn nation is crucial for security and stability of the region, it’s foreign office said in a statement.

The meeting&nbsp;was chaired by Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq and attended by representatives of China, Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

"During the meeting, views were exchanged on the latest situation in Afghanistan," it said.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-top-us-general-warns-of-civil-war-says-al-qaeda-isis-may-grow-410913">&nbsp;Afghanistan: Top US General warns of civil war, says al Qaeda, ISIS may grow</a>

Ambassador Sadiq highlighted the importance of evolving a regional approach to address common challenges and to realise the new opportunities arising from a stable Afghanistan, the foreign office said.

"Colleagues from Iran, China, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, were unanimous that peace in Afghanistan is vital for security, stability and prosperity of the entire region," Sadiq said.

The Special Representatives/Envoys of neighbours of Afghanistan agreed to remain in close contact.

The meeting comes a day after Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed meeting the Taliban leadership, which is struggling to form government, in Kabul.

Ever since Taliban took over Afghanistan on August 15, Pakistan has been taking series of steps to underscore their close relationship with the Islamist group.

Islamabad has long been accused of providing safe haven to Taliban insurgents and helping them to oust the Kabul government led by Ahsraf Ghani.

There also have been reports that in the last phone call between US President Joe Biden and Ghani on July 23, the latter informed Biden that Afghanistan was under full-scale invasion and that there was full support of Pakistan.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan on Sunday hosted a virtual meeting of the special representatives and envoys of Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries, including China and Iran, indicating Islamabad’s growing influence in the Taliban-controlled region.

Pakistan on Sunday hosted a virtual meeting of the special representatives and envoys of Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries, including China and Iran, indicating Islamabad’s growing influence in the Taliban-controlled region. During the meeting, the Pakistan’s foreign office said, participants agreed that peace in the war-torn nation is crucial for security and stability of the region, it’s foreign office said in a statement. The meeting was chaired by Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq and attended by representatives of China, Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. "During the meeting, views were exchanged on the latest situation in Afghanistan," it said. Also read | Afghanistan: Top US General warns of civil war, says al Qaeda, ISIS may grow Ambassador Sadiq highlighted the importance of evolving a regional approach to address common challenges and to realise the new opportunities arising from a stable Afghanistan, the foreign office said. "Colleagues from Iran, China, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, were unanimous that peace in Afghanistan is vital for security, stability and prosperity of the entire region," Sadiq said. The Special Representatives/Envoys of neighbours of Afghanistan agreed to remain in close contact. The meeting comes a day after Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed meeting the Taliban leadership, which is struggling to form government, in Kabul. Ever since Taliban took over Afghanistan on August 15, Pakistan has been taking series of steps to underscore their close relationship with the Islamist group. Islamabad has long been accused of providing safe haven to Taliban insurgents and helping them to oust the Kabul government led by Ahsraf Ghani. There also have been reports that in the last phone call between US President Joe Biden and Ghani on July 23, the latter informed Biden that Afghanistan was under full-scale invasion and that there was full support of Pakistan. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan holds virtual meet with Afghanistan’s neighbours

Taliban have allowed women to continue studying but a new law has dictated that wearing a niqab will be compulsory to attend university.<o:p></o:p>

All women attending private universities in Afghanistan will have to compulsorily wear an abaya robe and niqab. It is compulsory for women to cover most of their face, Taliban ordered.<o:p></o:p>

This order has been passed on in all private schools and universities.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-top-us-general-warns-of-civil-war-says-al-qaeda-isis-may-grow-410913">Afghanistan: Top US General warns of civil war, says al Qaeda, ISIS may grow</a></o:p>

In the recent past, burqas and niqabs had disappeared from streets of Kabul and only few women could be seen wearing it, especially in smaller cities. However, the new order by Taliban will, sadly, bring burqas and niqab back in the streets of Kabul.<o:p></o:p>

While the Taliban has not said that women have to cover their whole face, a niqab, by design, covers most of the face, leaving only eyes exposed.<o:p></o:p>

This order has come a little after Taliban declared that girls can attend schools and colleges but they will not be allowed to sit in the same room as boys.<o:p></o:p>

During their earlier rule, Taliban had never allowed women to sit in the same public room as men. Now, as they allowed women to study, authorities have been asked to segregate classes on basis of gender.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/everyone-is-coming-around-from-wars-to-support-from-developed-countries-taliban-seem-to-be-winning-everything-410860">Everyone is coming around: From wars to support from developed countries, Taliban seem to be winning everything</a></o:p>

Taliban have also ordered that girls can only be taught by women and if it is in some rare instance not a possibility, then universities "should try to hire old men teachers who have a good record of behaviour".<o:p></o:p>

"Universities are required to recruit female teachers for female students based on their facilities,"&nbsp;Taliban declared. <o:p></o:p>

Not just this, women’s lessons will also end five minutes prior to ensure they leave the building before boys step out and the two groups do not engage with each other.<o:p></o:p>

"Practically, it is a difficult plan -- we don't have enough female instructors or classes to segregate the girls, "a university professor, who asked not to be named told AFP. "But the fact that they are allowing girls to go to schools and universities is a big positive step."<o:p></o:p>

Taliban have allowed women to continue studying but a new law has dictated that wearing a niqab will be compulsory to attend university. All women attending private universities in Afghanistan will have to compulsorily wear an abaya robe and niqab.

Taliban have allowed women to continue studying but a new law has dictated that wearing a niqab will be compulsory to attend university. All women attending private universities in Afghanistan will have to compulsorily wear an abaya robe and niqab. It is compulsory for women to cover most of their face, Taliban ordered. This order has been passed on in all private schools and universities. Also read | Afghanistan: Top US General warns of civil war, says al Qaeda, ISIS may grow In the recent past, burqas and niqabs had disappeared from streets of Kabul and only few women could be seen wearing it, especially in smaller cities. However, the new order by Taliban will, sadly, bring burqas and niqab back in the streets of Kabul. While the Taliban has not said that women have to cover their whole face, a niqab, by design, covers most of the face, leaving only eyes exposed. This order has come a little after Taliban declared that girls can attend schools and colleges but they will not be allowed to sit in the same room as boys. During their earlier rule, Taliban had never allowed women to sit in the same public room as men. Now, as they allowed women to study, authorities have been asked to segregate classes on basis of gender. Also read | Everyone is coming around: From wars to support from developed countries, Taliban seem to be winning everything Taliban have also ordered that girls can only be taught by women and if it is in some rare instance not a possibility, then universities "should try to hire old men teachers who have a good record of behaviour". "Universities are required to recruit female teachers for female students based on their facilities," Taliban declared. Not just this, women’s lessons will also end five minutes prior to ensure they leave the building before boys step out and the two groups do not engage with each other. "Practically, it is a difficult plan -- we don't have enough female instructors or classes to segregate the girls, "a university professor, who asked not to be named told AFP. "But the fact that they are allowing girls to go to schools and universities is a big positive step."

Women who go to college have to wear niqab and cover their faces: Taliban

With the Taliban now in control Afghans and the capital of Kabul are left unsure about their futures as people adapt to the new regime.

Afghanistan: Afghans stare at uncertain future

The top Unites States Army General, Mark Milley, has warned of an imminent civil war in Afghanistan, saying that the conditions are ripe for the “resurgence of terrorist groups” in the country.

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said if the Taliban cannot consolidate power, then al Qaeda and the Islamic State will most likely take control of the region.

“My military estimate... is that the conditions are likely to develop of a civil war,” Milley told Fox News.

He raised doubts whether the Taliban, who are yet to declare a government, would be able to consolidate power and establish effective governance in the region.

"I think there's at least a very good probability of a broader civil war and that will then, in turn, lead to conditions that could, in fact, lead to a reconstitution of al-Qaida or a growth of ISIS or other ... terrorist groups," Milley said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/genocide-in-making-afghan-ex-vp-calls-on-un-to-end-talibans-onslaught-into-panjshir-province-410875">'Genocide in making': Afghan ex-VP calls on UN to end 'Taliban’s onslaught into Panjshir province'</a>

Giving a bleak assessment of what could transpire in the upcoming months, he said, “The conditions are very likely that you could see a resurgence of terrorism coming out of that general region within 12, 24, 36 months.”

The comments from the top military officer come even as the Taliban and the resistance forces are battling to control the Panjshir Valley north of Kabul, the last Afghan province resisting the&nbsp;Islamist group.

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/taliban-expected-to-announce-its-governing-council-in-the-coming-week-410857/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

There have been reports that 600 Taliban have been killed in Panjshir Valley while more than 1,000 Taliban have been captured. This comes after the Taliban claimed victory over the region.

A Taliban source said fighting was continuing in Panjshir but the advance had been slowed by landmines placed on the road to the capital Bazarak and the provincial governor's compound, reported Al Jazeera.

(With inputs from agencies)

The top Unites States Army General, Mark Milley, has warned of an imminent civil war in Afghanistan, saying that the conditions are ripe for the “resurgence of terrorist groups” in the country.

The top Unites States Army General, Mark Milley, has warned of an imminent civil war in Afghanistan, saying that the conditions are ripe for the “resurgence of terrorist groups” in the country. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said if the Taliban cannot consolidate power, then al Qaeda and the Islamic State will most likely take control of the region. “My military estimate... is that the conditions are likely to develop of a civil war,” Milley told Fox News. He raised doubts whether the Taliban, who are yet to declare a government, would be able to consolidate power and establish effective governance in the region. "I think there's at least a very good probability of a broader civil war and that will then, in turn, lead to conditions that could, in fact, lead to a reconstitution of al-Qaida or a growth of ISIS or other ... terrorist groups," Milley said. Also read | 'Genocide in making': Afghan ex-VP calls on UN to end 'Taliban’s onslaught into Panjshir province' Giving a bleak assessment of what could transpire in the upcoming months, he said, “The conditions are very likely that you could see a resurgence of terrorism coming out of that general region within 12, 24, 36 months.” The comments from the top military officer come even as the Taliban and the resistance forces are battling to control the Panjshir Valley north of Kabul, the last Afghan province resisting the Islamist group. Watch There have been reports that 600 Taliban have been killed in Panjshir Valley while more than 1,000 Taliban have been captured. This comes after the Taliban claimed victory over the region. A Taliban source said fighting was continuing in Panjshir but the advance had been slowed by landmines placed on the road to the capital Bazarak and the provincial governor's compound, reported Al Jazeera. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Top US General warns of civil war, says al Qaeda, ISIS may grow

Heavy fighting is underway in Afghanistan's Panjshir valley and according to the latest development, the Taliban has reportedly pushed deep into Afghanistan's last holdout.

Reports: Taliban push deep into Panjshir

Turbulence triggered by the Taliban in Afghanistan is right now the biggest evolving story. In Kabul the Taliban may announce their government anytime in the coming week.

Afghanistan: The Taliban's chain of command to have a supra council

Whether one likes it or not, the Taliban have come a long way in just a few weeks.

Formed in September 1994 in Afghanistan’s Kandahar, the militant group has managed to spread its roots by hook or by crook over the decades.

With soft presence in several neighbouring countries, Taliban have ruined lives, economies and the moral compass of many areas. However, as the group took over Afghanistan, some international organisations and government leaders seem to be giving up in&nbsp;front of these militants. They are adjusting to the new normal: the Taliban regime is here to stay.

The biggest change in opinion seen recently about the jihadist group has come from China. Xi Jinping's China, already under the scanner for&nbsp;lingering questions on the origins of the coronavirus&nbsp;pandemic in that country, is raising eyebrows again over its readiness to deepen “friendly and cooperative” relationship with the Taliban.

"The Taliban have repeatedly expressed their hope to develop good relations with China, and that they look forward to China's participation in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan," foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said recently. "We welcome this. China respects the right of the Afghan people to independently determine their own destiny and is willing to continue to develop... friendly and cooperative relations with Afghanistan."

<h2>Why the change of heart?</h2>

China shares nearly 70 kilometres of land border with Afghanistan where the Wakhan Corridor plays a huge strategic role. The Asian nation has always been worried about Taliban establishing a strong foothold in Afghanistan, which could become an important base for Uyghur separatists in China.

However, as soon as a top Taliban official promised Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi&nbsp;that they would not let Afghanistan become a staging point and a base for 'militants', China seemed to have no problem with the terrorist organisation ruling and torturing people under the guise of 'religion' and 'law'.

<img alt="Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi [R] met with Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar [L] in Tianjin, China on July 28, 2021" src="https://akm-img-a-in.tosshub.com/indiatoday/images/story/202109/china_taliban_reuters.jpg?WArLARu9mqPdO_oGxji9XKeBnVxXLo1_&amp;size=770:433" />

It is not just the melody of sweet words that seems to have changed China’s stance on Taliban. China, remember, is militarily one of the strongest countries of the world and has often been engaged with the US in a diplomatic war to get hold of the title of ‘superpower’.

China, therefore, must have&nbsp;minutely calculated the pros and cons of its future ties with the Taliban. Being on the opposite side of Taliban could have given China's tortured minority groups a chance to start a movement against the Xi government with the help of Taliban. But&nbsp;now, with Taliban considering China as one of the most 'important partners', the terrorist organisation would not let the 'militants of Xinjiang' — read the Uyghur community — form an alliance against their 'important partner'.

By befriending Taliban, China is also paving the way to extend its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) into Afghanistan and through the Central Asian republics. Whether or not&nbsp;BRI is a genuine effort of connecting China with Asia, Europe and Africa is debatable, and only time can prove the reasoning behind the huge lending game.

While China has stopped short of openly labelling and recognising it as a government, Taliban has not shied away from appreciating China’s support and declaring its future partnership.

"China is our most important partner and represents a fundamental and extraordinary opportunity for us because it is ready to invest and rebuild our country," Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said recently.&nbsp;"In addition, China is our pass to markets all over the world," he added, with the hope that the rich copper mines of the country can be modernised and exploited for a profit with the help of China.

<h1>Taliban's growing allies?</h1>

It is not just China, Vladimir Putin-led Russia and Imran Khan’s Pakistan have also maintained open, active, and might I say, friendly, interaction with the terror organisation.

<h3>Russia</h3>

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he is hopeful that Taliban will behave in a "civilised" manner in Afghanistan. Putin said he would like to see Taliban behave in such a way that the global community can maintain good diplomatic ties with Kabul.

"Russia is not interested in the disintegration of Afghanistan. If this happens, then there will be no one to talk to,” Putin said. “The sooner the Taliban will enter the family of civilised people, so to speak, the easier it will be to contact, communicate, and somehow influence and ask questions," he added.

<img alt="Russia signals it&amp;#39;s ready to engage with Taliban, experts say - ABC News" src="https://s.abcnews.com/images/International/russia-taliban-putin-01-gty-llr-210821_1629563018265_hpMain_16x9_1600.jpg" />

Putin's trial of adding Taliban to the 'family of civilised people' was a shocker, considering the controversial past of the terrorist organisation and its history with former Soviet Union.

While Putin extended an olive branch towards Taliban, predictably he did not do the same with the US as he accused America of causing this 'catastrophe'&nbsp;in Afghanistan. "The Americans, very pragmatic people, spent more than $1.5 trillion on this campaign over the years, and what is the result? Zero. If you look at the number of people who have been abandoned in Afghanistan, (who) have been working for the collective West, the US and their allies, then it’s a humanitarian catastrophe as well," Putin said.

It seems that Putin has learnt his lesson from the 10-year-long USSR war in Afghanistan, which ended with the Soviet troops' withdrawal in 1989. While Russia has played all his diplomatic moves in Afghanistan, Taliban is still labelled as a 'terrorist organisation' in Moscow.

<h3>Pakistan</h3>

Imran Khan-led Pakistan shares a very different and bittersweet relationship with Afghanistan. The two countries share a land border of nearly 2,500 km and have similar traditions, cultural and religious values. In addition to this, the two countries also share trade ties, and an overpowering shadow of terrorism.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/09/04/209713-isi-chief.jpg" />

A little after Afghanistan’s fall, Pakistan intelligence chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed visited Kabul. It is believed Hameed met with the top leadership of Taliban to discuss the formation of the new Taliban-controlled Afghan government.

Claiming to be working on bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan, he assured locals of two countries, "Don't worry, everything will be okay".

What lies ahead for US-Taliban relationship?

United States entered Afghanistan with the hope of getting justice for the thousands of people who lost their lives or their loved ones in the heinous 9/11 terror attack of 2001. Now, after putting resources, capital, troops and energy for several years, the American troops have been withdrawn from Afghanistan, which has led to rise of Taliban in the country.

<img alt="U.S. military days away from completing Afghan withdrawal - sources | Reuters" src="https://www.reuters.com/resizer/W7cynen-zVfhZ3w4PrAVq689OUA=/1920x1005/smart/filters:quality(80)/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/WRZHMSX6T5LRBKPBHL6HHV3ZAA.jpg" />

While people all around the world, including Americans, blame the Biden administration for bringing this 'catastrophe' in Afghanistan, US Secretary of States Anthony Blinken has said that 'channels of communication' are open with the Taliban.

Binken has assured that all important matters and problems will be discussed with Taliban and the new Afghan government.

However, whether or not the US will put down its weapons and make a soft relationship with Taliban is yet to be seen.

<h2>'Humanitarian crisis'</h2>

While the developed and developing countries seem to be changing their stance on Taliban, the United Nations is still, reportedly, worried about saving locals who are being tortured by the militants in Afghanistan.

United Nations' Secretary General António Guterres has vowed that the global body will not abandon Afghans who are now finding it more difficult to see a bright future as the developed countries are waving the white flag with Taliban.

"The world is following events in Afghanistan with a heavy heart and deep disquiet about what lies ahead," he said, urging everyone in the world to 'stand as one' against Taliban.

Interestingly enough, the global body's Security Council subtly deviated from its old stance on Taliban.

A statement issued after the recent suicide bombing near Kabul airport, the UNSC did not name Taliban and instead said 'no Afghan group or individual' should support terrorists operating on the territory of any country.

Seasoned former Indian diplomat&nbsp;Syed Akbaruddin, who also had a stint at the UN headquarters, was quick to note the difference.&nbsp;"In diplomacy, a fortnight is a long time…The ‘T’ word is gone" from the statement, he tweeted.

&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/09/04/209762-women-stir-new.jpg" />

Now, even as Taliban claim to have changed and assure the world they will behave more as a governing body, rather than a terrorist organisation, the reports coming from the country hint otherwise. There have been reports from local sources of women being sent back home and young girls not being allowed to study in the same room as boys. Initial reports also suggested that Taliban have collected names of all single (above 16) girls and widows in the country, with the aim of making them 'wives of Taliban'.

In addition to this, minority groups, individuals who have in the past helped the US and other western countries, and media personnel are also in hiding as Taliban have been conducting door-to-door searches to find these people and kill them mercilessly.

Taliban have also announced that if any individual is caught stealing, their hands will be chopped off — a practice that completely bypasses the belief of giving people a chance at redemption.

What happens next in Afghanistan under the rule of Taliban is yet to be seen. However, one thing seems is getting clearer with every passing day - the locals of Afghanistan will have to fend for themselves as the 'superpowers' of the world are ready to wave a white flag and share a cup of tea with the terrorist organisation.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Whether one likes it or not, the Taliban have come a long way in just a few weeks. Formed in September 1994 in Afghanistan’s Kandahar, the militant group has managed to spread its roots by hook or by crook over the decades.

Whether one likes it or not, the Taliban have come a long way in just a few weeks. Formed in September 1994 in Afghanistan’s Kandahar, the militant group has managed to spread its roots by hook or by crook over the decades. With soft presence in several neighbouring countries, Taliban have ruined lives, economies and the moral compass of many areas. However, as the group took over Afghanistan, some international organisations and government leaders seem to be giving up in front of these militants. They are adjusting to the new normal: the Taliban regime is here to stay. The biggest change in opinion seen recently about the jihadist group has come from China. Xi Jinping's China, already under the scanner for lingering questions on the origins of the coronavirus pandemic in that country, is raising eyebrows again over its readiness to deepen “friendly and cooperative” relationship with the Taliban. "The Taliban have repeatedly expressed their hope to develop good relations with China, and that they look forward to China's participation in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan," foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said recently. "We welcome this. China respects the right of the Afghan people to independently determine their own destiny and is willing to continue to develop... friendly and cooperative relations with Afghanistan." Why the change of heart? China shares nearly 70 kilometres of land border with Afghanistan where the Wakhan Corridor plays a huge strategic role. The Asian nation has always been worried about Taliban establishing a strong foothold in Afghanistan, which could become an important base for Uyghur separatists in China. However, as soon as a top Taliban official promised Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that they would not let Afghanistan become a staging point and a base for 'militants', China seemed to have no problem with the terrorist organisation ruling and torturing people under the guise of 'religion' and 'law'. It is not just the melody of sweet words that seems to have changed China’s stance on Taliban. China, remember, is militarily one of the strongest countries of the world and has often been engaged with the US in a diplomatic war to get hold of the title of ‘superpower’. China, therefore, must have minutely calculated the pros and cons of its future ties with the Taliban. Being on the opposite side of Taliban could have given China's tortured minority groups a chance to start a movement against the Xi government with the help of Taliban. But now, with Taliban considering China as one of the most 'important partners', the terrorist organisation would not let the 'militants of Xinjiang' — read the Uyghur community — form an alliance against their 'important partner'. By befriending Taliban, China is also paving the way to extend its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) into Afghanistan and through the Central Asian republics. Whether or not BRI is a genuine effort of connecting China with Asia, Europe and Africa is debatable, and only time can prove the reasoning behind the huge lending game. While China has stopped short of openly labelling and recognising it as a government, Taliban has not shied away from appreciating China’s support and declaring its future partnership. "China is our most important partner and represents a fundamental and extraordinary opportunity for us because it is ready to invest and rebuild our country," Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said recently. "In addition, China is our pass to markets all over the world," he added, with the hope that the rich copper mines of the country can be modernised and exploited for a profit with the help of China. Taliban's growing allies? It is not just China, Vladimir Putin-led Russia and Imran Khan’s Pakistan have also maintained open, active, and might I say, friendly, interaction with the terror organisation. Russia Russian President Vladimir Putin said he is hopeful that Taliban will behave in a "civilised" manner in Afghanistan. Putin said he would like to see Taliban behave in such a way that the global community can maintain good diplomatic ties with Kabul. "Russia is not interested in the disintegration of Afghanistan. If this happens, then there will be no one to talk to,” Putin said. “The sooner the Taliban will enter the family of civilised people, so to speak, the easier it will be to contact, communicate, and somehow influence and ask questions," he added. Putin's trial of adding Taliban to the 'family of civilised people' was a shocker, considering the controversial past of the terrorist organisation and its history with former Soviet Union. While Putin extended an olive branch towards Taliban, predictably he did not do the same with the US as he accused America of causing this 'catastrophe' in Afghanistan. "The Americans, very pragmatic people, spent more than $1.5 trillion on this campaign over the years, and what is the result? Zero. If you look at the number of people who have been abandoned in Afghanistan, (who) have been working for the collective West, the US and their allies, then it’s a humanitarian catastrophe as well," Putin said. It seems that Putin has learnt his lesson from the 10-year-long USSR war in Afghanistan, which ended with the Soviet troops' withdrawal in 1989. While Russia has played all his diplomatic moves in Afghanistan, Taliban is still labelled as a 'terrorist organisation' in Moscow. Pakistan Imran Khan-led Pakistan shares a very different and bittersweet relationship with Afghanistan. The two countries share a land border of nearly 2,500 km and have similar traditions, cultural and religious values. In addition to this, the two countries also share trade ties, and an overpowering shadow of terrorism. A little after Afghanistan’s fall, Pakistan intelligence chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed visited Kabul. It is believed Hameed met with the top leadership of Taliban to discuss the formation of the new Taliban-controlled Afghan government. Claiming to be working on bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan, he assured locals of two countries, "Don't worry, everything will be okay". What lies ahead for US-Taliban relationship? United States entered Afghanistan with the hope of getting justice for the thousands of people who lost their lives or their loved ones in the heinous 9/11 terror attack of 2001. Now, after putting resources, capital, troops and energy for several years, the American troops have been withdrawn from Afghanistan, which has led to rise of Taliban in the country. While people all around the world, including Americans, blame the Biden administration for bringing this 'catastrophe' in Afghanistan, US Secretary of States Anthony Blinken has said that 'channels of communication' are open with the Taliban. Binken has assured that all important matters and problems will be discussed with Taliban and the new Afghan government. However, whether or not the US will put down its weapons and make a soft relationship with Taliban is yet to be seen. 'Humanitarian crisis' While the developed and developing countries seem to be changing their stance on Taliban, the United Nations is still, reportedly, worried about saving locals who are being tortured by the militants in Afghanistan. United Nations' Secretary General António Guterres has vowed that the global body will not abandon Afghans who are now finding it more difficult to see a bright future as the developed countries are waving the white flag with Taliban. "The world is following events in Afghanistan with a heavy heart and deep disquiet about what lies ahead," he said, urging everyone in the world to 'stand as one' against Taliban. Interestingly enough, the global body's Security Council subtly deviated from its old stance on Taliban. A statement issued after the recent suicide bombing near Kabul airport, the UNSC did not name Taliban and instead said 'no Afghan group or individual' should support terrorists operating on the territory of any country. Seasoned former Indian diplomat Syed Akbaruddin, who also had a stint at the UN headquarters, was quick to note the difference. "In diplomacy, a fortnight is a long time…The ‘T’ word is gone" from the statement, he tweeted. Now, even as Taliban claim to have changed and assure the world they will behave more as a governing body, rather than a terrorist organisation, the reports coming from the country hint otherwise. There have been reports from local sources of women being sent back home and young girls not being allowed to study in the same room as boys. Initial reports also suggested that Taliban have collected names of all single (above 16) girls and widows in the country, with the aim of making them 'wives of Taliban'. In addition to this, minority groups, individuals who have in the past helped the US and other western countries, and media personnel are also in hiding as Taliban have been conducting door-to-door searches to find these people and kill them mercilessly. Taliban have also announced that if any individual is caught stealing, their hands will be chopped off — a practice that completely bypasses the belief of giving people a chance at redemption. What happens next in Afghanistan under the rule of Taliban is yet to be seen. However, one thing seems is getting clearer with every passing day - the locals of Afghanistan will have to fend for themselves as the 'superpowers' of the world are ready to wave a white flag and share a cup of tea with the terrorist organisation. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Everyone is coming around: From wars to support from developed countries, Taliban seem to be winning everything

A lot of Americans have criticised their President, Joe Biden, for withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and letting Taliban take control of the South Asian country. However, a restaurant owner has taken his disapproval to another level.<o:p></o:p>

A restaurant in Florida shot to fame as the owner declared that she will not be serving anyone who shares the same thought process as Biden on the issue of Afghanistan.<o:p></o:p>

DeBary Diner owner Angie Ugarte&nbsp;pasted a sign on the door of her restaurant that asks all pro-withdrawal customers to not come to the restaurant and eat at some other place.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/genocide-in-making-afghan-ex-vp-calls-on-un-to-end-talibans-onslaught-into-panjshir-province-410875">'Genocide in making': Afghan ex-VP calls on UN to end 'Taliban’s onslaught'</a></o:p>

"If you voted for and continue to support and stand behind the worthless, inept and corrupt administration currently inhabiting the White House that is complicit in the death of our servicemen and women in Afghanistan, please take your business elsewhere," the sign read.<o:p></o:p>

What started as a means of expressing displeasure soon became a popular hub to eat and discuss politics. Ugarte claims she has been receiving "indescribable outpouring of love and support"&nbsp;since she expressed her views.<o:p></o:p>

The fandom grew so much and so quickly that the restaurant runs out of food, and the owner had to close down the eatery for a day to re-stock resources.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghans-cautious-uneasy-under-taliban-rule-410859">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-cautious-uneasy-under-taliban-rule-410859/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I've gotten so many people calling me from all over the world, from Europe, trying to purchase meals for veterans, which I still haven't been able to organize," Ugarte said. "I think that the veterans will be fed for the rest of the year at the rate I'm getting donations."<o:p></o:p>

However, there are always two sides to every coin, and thus with such love Ugarte has also received immense backlash and hate messages.<o:p></o:p>

A lot of Americans have criticised their President, Joe Biden, for withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and letting Taliban take control of the South Asian country.

A lot of Americans have criticised their President, Joe Biden, for withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and letting Taliban take control of the South Asian country. However, a restaurant owner has taken his disapproval to another level. A restaurant in Florida shot to fame as the owner declared that she will not be serving anyone who shares the same thought process as Biden on the issue of Afghanistan. DeBary Diner owner Angie Ugarte pasted a sign on the door of her restaurant that asks all pro-withdrawal customers to not come to the restaurant and eat at some other place. Also read | 'Genocide in making': Afghan ex-VP calls on UN to end 'Taliban’s onslaught' "If you voted for and continue to support and stand behind the worthless, inept and corrupt administration currently inhabiting the White House that is complicit in the death of our servicemen and women in Afghanistan, please take your business elsewhere," the sign read. What started as a means of expressing displeasure soon became a popular hub to eat and discuss politics. Ugarte claims she has been receiving "indescribable outpouring of love and support" since she expressed her views. The fandom grew so much and so quickly that the restaurant runs out of food, and the owner had to close down the eatery for a day to re-stock resources. WATCH | "I've gotten so many people calling me from all over the world, from Europe, trying to purchase meals for veterans, which I still haven't been able to organize," Ugarte said. "I think that the veterans will be fed for the rest of the year at the rate I'm getting donations." However, there are always two sides to every coin, and thus with such love Ugarte has also received immense backlash and hate messages.

'Justice for Afghan': Restaurant runs out of food after it denies service to Biden's supporters

Qatar has flown humanitarian aid into Kabul and said it will operate daily aid flights to Afghanistan over the next few days, providing much-needed supplies following a hiatus in much Western aid due to Taliban`s takeover last month.

Qatar has emerged as a key interlocutor between western nations and the Taliban, after developing close ties with the militant group through hosting its political office since 2013.

A Qatari aid flight carrying medical supplies and food products arrived in Kabul on Saturday and Qatar Ambassador to Afghanistan Saeed bin Mubarak Al Khayareen was at the airport for its arrival, the Gulf State`s foreign ministry said.

Qatar has helped reopen the airport, which closed for several days after the United States-led airlift of its citizens, Afghans and other nationals ended last month.

Half of Afghanistan`s 40 million people, including 10 million children, required humanitarian assistance as of the start of this year, the International Organization for Migration said late last month, adding that needs were expected to rise.

Qatar has flown humanitarian aid into Kabul and said it will operate daily aid flights to Afghanistan over the next few days, providing much-needed supplies following a hiatus in much Western aid due to Taliban`s takeover last month.

Qatar has flown humanitarian aid into Kabul and said it will operate daily aid flights to Afghanistan over the next few days, providing much-needed supplies following a hiatus in much Western aid due to Taliban`s takeover last month. Qatar has emerged as a key interlocutor between western nations and the Taliban, after developing close ties with the militant group through hosting its political office since 2013. A Qatari aid flight carrying medical supplies and food products arrived in Kabul on Saturday and Qatar Ambassador to Afghanistan Saeed bin Mubarak Al Khayareen was at the airport for its arrival, the Gulf State`s foreign ministry said. Qatar has helped reopen the airport, which closed for several days after the United States-led airlift of its citizens, Afghans and other nationals ended last month. Half of Afghanistan`s 40 million people, including 10 million children, required humanitarian assistance as of the start of this year, the International Organization for Migration said late last month, adding that needs were expected to rise.

Qatar to operate daily aid flights to Afghanistan

Former vice president and the self-declared caretaker of Afghanistan, Amrullah Saleh, has called on the United Nations and the international community to “rapidly and generously” respond to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Panjshir Valley—the last province resisting&nbsp;the Taliban.

In a letter to the UN, Saleh, who is leading the resistance force against the militia group, said, “Around 2,50,000 people, including local women, children, elderly and 10,000 IDPs who arrived in Panjshir after the fall of Kabul and other large cities are stuck inside these Valleys and suffering from the consequences of this inhuman blocked. If no attention is paid to this situation, a full scale human rights and humanitarian catastrophe including starvation and mass killing, even genocide of these people are in the making.”

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From the office of the acting President <a href="https://twitter.com/AmrullahSaleh2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmrullahSaleh2</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Panjshir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Panjshir</a> <a href="https://t.co/y5ogsMS7Rt">pic.twitter.com/y5ogsMS7Rt</a>
— BILAL SARWARY (@bsarwary) <a href="https://twitter.com/bsarwary/status/1434256459295035393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Calling for help, Saleh said, “Two decades of conflicts, recurrent natural disasters, disease outbreaks and COVID-19 pandemic and recent takeover of most of the country by Taliban has plunged the country into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. We call on the United Nations and the international community to do its utmost to prevent Taliban’s onslaught into Panjshir province.”

Panjshir Valley, which is 150 kilometres north of Kabul near the Hindu Kush mountain range, is facing an intense battle between the Taliban and resistance forces. Both sides claimed to have the upper hand, but neither have conclusive evidence to prove it.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-600-taliban-fighters-killed-in-panjshir-clashes-against-resistance-forces-410830">At least 600 Taliban fighters killed in Panjshir clashes against resistance forces</a>

Taliban spokesman Bilal Karimi said Khinj and Unabah districts had been seized, giving the Taliban forces control of four of the province’s seven districts.

"The Mujahideen (Taliban fighters) are advancing toward the centre (of the province)," he said on Twitter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/heavy-fighting-in-panjshir-valley-an-hour-from-kabul-410714">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/heavy-fighting-in-panjshir-valley-an-hour-from-kabul-410714/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

But the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, led by Ahmad Massoud and Saleh, said it surrounded “thousands of terrorists” in Khawak pass and the Taliban had abandoned vehicles and equipment in the Dashte Rewak area.

Moreover, there are reports that at least 600 Taliban militants have been killed in clashes against the resistance forces.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former vice president and the self-declared caretaker of Afghanistan, Amrullah Saleh, has called on the United Nations and the international community to “rapidly and generously” respond to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Panjshir Valley—the last province resisting the Taliban.

Former vice president and the self-declared caretaker of Afghanistan, Amrullah Saleh, has called on the United Nations and the international community to “rapidly and generously” respond to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Panjshir Valley—the last province resisting the Taliban. In a letter to the UN, Saleh, who is leading the resistance force against the militia group, said, “Around 2,50,000 people, including local women, children, elderly and 10,000 IDPs who arrived in Panjshir after the fall of Kabul and other large cities are stuck inside these Valleys and suffering from the consequences of this inhuman blocked. If no attention is paid to this situation, a full scale human rights and humanitarian catastrophe including starvation and mass killing, even genocide of these people are in the making.” From the office of the acting President @AmrullahSaleh2 #Panjshir pic.twitter.com/y5ogsMS7Rt — BILAL SARWARY (@bsarwary) September 4, 2021 × Calling for help, Saleh said, “Two decades of conflicts, recurrent natural disasters, disease outbreaks and COVID-19 pandemic and recent takeover of most of the country by Taliban has plunged the country into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. We call on the United Nations and the international community to do its utmost to prevent Taliban’s onslaught into Panjshir province.” Panjshir Valley, which is 150 kilometres north of Kabul near the Hindu Kush mountain range, is facing an intense battle between the Taliban and resistance forces. Both sides claimed to have the upper hand, but neither have conclusive evidence to prove it. Also read | At least 600 Taliban fighters killed in Panjshir clashes against resistance forces Taliban spokesman Bilal Karimi said Khinj and Unabah districts had been seized, giving the Taliban forces control of four of the province’s seven districts. "The Mujahideen (Taliban fighters) are advancing toward the centre (of the province)," he said on Twitter. WATCH | But the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, led by Ahmad Massoud and Saleh, said it surrounded “thousands of terrorists” in Khawak pass and the Taliban had abandoned vehicles and equipment in the Dashte Rewak area. Moreover, there are reports that at least 600 Taliban militants have been killed in clashes against the resistance forces. (With inputs from agencies)

'Genocide in making': Afghan ex-VP calls on UN to end 'Taliban’s onslaught into Panjshir province'

Former vice president and the self-declared caretaker of Afghanistan, Amrullah Saleh, has called on the United Nations and the international community to “rapidly and generously” respond to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Panjshir Valley—the last province resisting&nbsp;the Taliban.

In a letter to the UN, Saleh, who is leading the resistance force against the militia group, said, “Around 2,50,000 people, including local women, children, elderly and 10,000 IDPs who arrived in Panjshir after the fall of Kabul and other large cities are stuck inside these Valleys and suffering from the consequences of this inhuman blocked. If no attention is paid to this situation, a full scale human rights and humanitarian catastrophe including starvation and mass killing, even genocide of these people are in the making.”

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From the office of the acting President <a href="https://twitter.com/AmrullahSaleh2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmrullahSaleh2</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Panjshir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Panjshir</a> <a href="https://t.co/y5ogsMS7Rt">pic.twitter.com/y5ogsMS7Rt</a>
— BILAL SARWARY (@bsarwary) <a href="https://twitter.com/bsarwary/status/1434256459295035393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Calling for help, Saleh said, “Two decades of conflicts, recurrent natural disasters, disease outbreaks and COVID-19 pandemic and recent takeover of most of the country by Taliban has plunged the country into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. We call on the United Nations and the international community to do its utmost to prevent Taliban’s onslaught into Panjshir province.”

Panjshir Valley, which is 150 kilometres north of Kabul near the Hindu Kush mountain range, is facing an intense battle between the Taliban and resistance forces. Both sides claimed to have the upper hand, but neither have conclusive evidence to prove it.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-600-taliban-fighters-killed-in-panjshir-clashes-against-resistance-forces-410830">At least 600 Taliban fighters killed in Panjshir clashes against resistance forces</a>

Taliban spokesman Bilal Karimi said Khinj and Unabah districts had been seized, giving the Taliban forces control of four of the province’s seven districts.

"The Mujahideen (Taliban fighters) are advancing toward the centre (of the province)," he said on Twitter.

But the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, led by Ahmad Massoud and Saleh, said it surrounded “thousands of terrorists” in Khawak pass and the Taliban had abandoned vehicles and equipment in the Dashte Rewak area.

Moreover, there are reports that at least 600 Taliban militants have been killed in clashes against the resistance forces.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former vice president and the self-declared caretaker of Afghanistan, Amrullah Saleh, has called on the United Nations and the international community to “rapidly and generously” respond to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Panjshir Valley—the last province resisting the Taliban. In a letter to the UN, Saleh, who is leading the resistance force against the militia group, said, “Around 2,50,000 people, including local women, children, elderly and 10,000 IDPs who arrived in Panjshir after the fall of Kabul and other large cities are stuck inside these Valleys and suffering from the consequences of this inhuman blocked. If no attention is paid to this situation, a full scale human rights and humanitarian catastrophe including starvation and mass killing, even genocide of these people are in the making.” From the office of the acting President @AmrullahSaleh2 #Panjshir pic.twitter.com/y5ogsMS7Rt — BILAL SARWARY (@bsarwary) September 4, 2021 × Calling for help, Saleh said, “Two decades of conflicts, recurrent natural disasters, disease outbreaks and COVID-19 pandemic and recent takeover of most of the country by Taliban has plunged the country into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. We call on the United Nations and the international community to do its utmost to prevent Taliban’s onslaught into Panjshir province.” Panjshir Valley, which is 150 kilometres north of Kabul near the Hindu Kush mountain range, is facing an intense battle between the Taliban and resistance forces. Both sides claimed to have the upper hand, but neither have conclusive evidence to prove it. Also read | At least 600 Taliban fighters killed in Panjshir clashes against resistance forces Taliban spokesman Bilal Karimi said Khinj and Unabah districts had been seized, giving the Taliban forces control of four of the province’s seven districts. "The Mujahideen (Taliban fighters) are advancing toward the centre (of the province)," he said on Twitter. But the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, led by Ahmad Massoud and Saleh, said it surrounded “thousands of terrorists” in Khawak pass and the Taliban had abandoned vehicles and equipment in the Dashte Rewak area. Moreover, there are reports that at least 600 Taliban militants have been killed in clashes against the resistance forces. (With inputs from agencies)

"Genocide": Afghan ex-VP calls on UN to end “Taliban’s onslaught into Panjshir province”

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