Taliban stunned several global leaders as they easily took over the capital city of Kabul on Sunday after conquering Mazar-e-sharif and Jalalabad overnight on Saturday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/war-is-over-in-afghanistan-says-taliban-as-us-is-stunned-by-ghani-govts-collapse-405864" hreflang="en">'War is over in Afghanistan', says Taliban as US is stunned by Ghani govt’s collapse</a>

After Taliban militants&nbsp;entered Kabul on Sunday, President Ashraf Ghani left the country saying he wanted to avoid bloodshed. It brought the group close to taking over the country two decades after they were overthrown by a US-led invasion. &nbsp;

Many countries have spoken against the Taliban's takeover and are now sending military flights to rescue nationals from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden released a statement before the Taliban entered the city of Kabul. It read: "One more year, or five more years, of US military presence would not have made a difference if the Afghan military cannot or will not hold its own country."

"And an endless American presence in the middle of another country’s civil conflict was not acceptable to me."

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Full statement from President Biden on Afghanistan: <a href="https://t.co/vkcW5UCE4h">pic.twitter.com/vkcW5UCE4h</a>
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After the Taliban entered the capital city, the Biden administration was&nbsp;stunned at&nbsp;the&nbsp;pace of the group's advance. While referring to the Afghan military, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "We've seen that that force has been unable to defend the country, and that has happened more quickly than we anticipated." &nbsp;

European Union Commission's Vice President Margaritis Schina expressed his concerns on Afghanistan, saying: "The clock has run out on how long we can wait to adopt the complete overhaul of Europe’s migration and asylum rules we need."

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If there is one thing that the situation in Afghanistan and the actions of Belarus have shown, it is that the clock has run out on how long we can wait to adopt the complete overhaul of Europe’s migration and asylum rules we need. 
 
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India has decided not to shut its&nbsp;embassy in Kabul and as per sources close to PTI, the government has kept a fleet of C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft on standby to undertake evacuation missions.&nbsp;

"The government is closely monitoring fast-paced developments in Afghanistan. We will not put the lives of our staff at the Indian Embassy in Kabul at any risk," said a source told PTI.

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/taliban-have-won-rise-and-fall-of-afghan-president-ashraf-ghani-405867" hreflang="en">'Taliban have won': Rise and fall of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani</a>

British PM Boris Johnson vowed to never turn his back on Afghanistan.

"What we must do now is not turn our backs on Afghanistan," he stressed, adding that Britain could be "extremely proud" of its role in the country, especially in advancing girls' education, gains that are now imperilled by the Taliban advance.

We must not&nbsp;abandon Afghanistan, he stressed, adding that Britain can take great pride in its role in the country, particularly in the advancement of girls' education, gains now threatened by the Taliban's advance.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres expressed his concern "about the future of women and girls, whose hard-won rights must be protected" in a statement. The UNSC is set to meet on Monday and will discuss the situation in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Taliban stunned several global leaders as they easily took over the capital city of Kabul on Sunday after conquering Mazar-e-sharif and Jalalabad overnight on Saturday.

Taliban stunned several global leaders as they easily took over the capital city of Kabul on Sunday after conquering Mazar-e-sharif and Jalalabad overnight on Saturday. ALSO READ: 'War is over in Afghanistan', says Taliban as US is stunned by Ghani govt’s collapse After Taliban militants entered Kabul on Sunday, President Ashraf Ghani left the country saying he wanted to avoid bloodshed. It brought the group close to taking over the country two decades after they were overthrown by a US-led invasion. Many countries have spoken against the Taliban's takeover and are now sending military flights to rescue nationals from Afghanistan. US President Joe Biden released a statement before the Taliban entered the city of Kabul. It read: "One more year, or five more years, of US military presence would not have made a difference if the Afghan military cannot or will not hold its own country." "And an endless American presence in the middle of another country’s civil conflict was not acceptable to me." Full statement from President Biden on Afghanistan: pic.twitter.com/vkcW5UCE4h — Natasha Bertrand (@NatashaBertrand) August 14, 2021 × After the Taliban entered the capital city, the Biden administration was stunned at the pace of the group's advance. While referring to the Afghan military, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "We've seen that that force has been unable to defend the country, and that has happened more quickly than we anticipated." European Union Commission's Vice President Margaritis Schina expressed his concerns on Afghanistan, saying: "The clock has run out on how long we can wait to adopt the complete overhaul of Europe’s migration and asylum rules we need." If there is one thing that the situation in Afghanistan and the actions of Belarus have shown, it is that the clock has run out on how long we can wait to adopt the complete overhaul of Europe’s migration and asylum rules we need. Τoday ⁦@LaStampa⁩ https://t.co/1U3WV9jD7i — Margaritis Schinas (@MargSchinas) August 15, 2021 × India has decided not to shut its embassy in Kabul and as per sources close to PTI, the government has kept a fleet of C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft on standby to undertake evacuation missions. "The government is closely monitoring fast-paced developments in Afghanistan. We will not put the lives of our staff at the Indian Embassy in Kabul at any risk," said a source told PTI. IN PICS| 'Taliban have won': Rise and fall of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani British PM Boris Johnson vowed to never turn his back on Afghanistan. "What we must do now is not turn our backs on Afghanistan," he stressed, adding that Britain could be "extremely proud" of its role in the country, especially in advancing girls' education, gains that are now imperilled by the Taliban advance. We must not abandon Afghanistan, he stressed, adding that Britain can take great pride in its role in the country, particularly in the advancement of girls' education, gains now threatened by the Taliban's advance. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres expressed his concern "about the future of women and girls, whose hard-won rights must be protected" in a statement. The UNSC is set to meet on Monday and will discuss the situation in Afghanistan.

Shock and awe: World expresses concern as Taliban enter Kabul

Taking over Afghanistan by the Taliban represents a failure by the international community, according to British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, who is assessing the West's intervention was just half-done.&nbsp;

"All of us know that&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;is not finished. It's an unfinished problem for the world and the world needs to help it," he said talking to BBC television.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-crisis-china-says-embassy-operating-normally-405858">Live Afghanistan crisis: China says embassy 'operating normally'</a></h2>

According to the former British army officer, US President Joe Biden's predecessor, Donald Trump had secured a "rotten deal" with Islamist militants that allowed their return.

In his opinion, the 20-year US-led intervention in Afghanistan had not been a waste, " it wasn't for nothing," but he accused Western powers of being politically shortsighted.

"If it's a failure, it's a failure of the international community to not realise that you don't fix things overnight," he said.

"I'm afraid when you deal with a country like&nbsp;Afghanistan, that is 1,000 years of history effectively and civil war, you manage its problems and you might have to manage it for 100 years.

"It's not something that you just rock in, rock out and expect something to be fixed."

Former US national security adviser HR McMaster has blasted his government for ignoring the Taliban's ability to take over quickly, calling the lack of awareness "wilful ignorance."

The retired army lieutenant general told Times Radio it was "clear that this kind of collapse was going to happen", after the deal brokered by Trump, who sacked him in 2018.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/airlines-reroute-flights-to-avoid-afghanistan-airspace-as-taliban-enters-kabul-405906">Airlines reroute flights to avoid Afghanistan airspace as Taliban enters Kabul</a>

According to him, the deal weakened Afghanistan's government and security forces, strengthening the Taliban. He said, "We stood idly by and we turned a blind eye. This was utterly predictable."

Foreign policy 'disaster'

Britain's prime minister Boris Johnson has said Britain will assist 3,000 nationals with their departure, but questions are being raised as to why he didn't fight harder against Washington's withdrawal.

Last month, the United Kingdom withdrew the majority of its remaining 750 troops from Afghanistan but announced that 600 soldiers would be returning to assist with repatriations.

On Saturday and Sunday, 370 embassy employees and British citizens left the country, and 782 Afghans are expected to leave in the next 24 to 36 hours, Wallace told Sky News.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/willing-to-develop-friendly-relations-with-afghanistan-says-china-as-taliban-take-control-405990" hreflang="en">Willing to develop friendly relations with Afghanistan, says China as Taliban take control</a>

Each day, officials plan to evacuate 1,200 to 1,500 people from Afghanistan. His department reported that the first flight returned to a British air force base on Sunday night.

A report in The Times declared the pullout&nbsp;&nbsp;"unforced and unnecessary"&nbsp;and said it was&nbsp;becoming "the greatest disaster in American foreign policy for almost 50 years".

Tom Tugendhat, the head of the foreign affairs committee, compared the situation to the 1956 Suez crisis, which revealed Britain's limitations as a global influence.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taking over Afghanistan by the Taliban represents a failure by the international community, according to British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, who is assessing the West's intervention was just half-done.

Taking over Afghanistan by the Taliban represents a failure by the international community, according to British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, who is assessing the West's intervention was just half-done. "All of us know that Afghanistan is not finished. It's an unfinished problem for the world and the world needs to help it," he said talking to BBC television. Live Afghanistan crisis: China says embassy 'operating normally' According to the former British army officer, US President Joe Biden's predecessor, Donald Trump had secured a "rotten deal" with Islamist militants that allowed their return. In his opinion, the 20-year US-led intervention in Afghanistan had not been a waste, " it wasn't for nothing," but he accused Western powers of being politically shortsighted. "If it's a failure, it's a failure of the international community to not realise that you don't fix things overnight," he said. "I'm afraid when you deal with a country like Afghanistan, that is 1,000 years of history effectively and civil war, you manage its problems and you might have to manage it for 100 years. "It's not something that you just rock in, rock out and expect something to be fixed." Former US national security adviser HR McMaster has blasted his government for ignoring the Taliban's ability to take over quickly, calling the lack of awareness "wilful ignorance." The retired army lieutenant general told Times Radio it was "clear that this kind of collapse was going to happen", after the deal brokered by Trump, who sacked him in 2018. Also read | Airlines reroute flights to avoid Afghanistan airspace as Taliban enters Kabul According to him, the deal weakened Afghanistan's government and security forces, strengthening the Taliban. He said, "We stood idly by and we turned a blind eye. This was utterly predictable." Foreign policy 'disaster' Britain's prime minister Boris Johnson has said Britain will assist 3,000 nationals with their departure, but questions are being raised as to why he didn't fight harder against Washington's withdrawal. Last month, the United Kingdom withdrew the majority of its remaining 750 troops from Afghanistan but announced that 600 soldiers would be returning to assist with repatriations. On Saturday and Sunday, 370 embassy employees and British citizens left the country, and 782 Afghans are expected to leave in the next 24 to 36 hours, Wallace told Sky News. Also read | Willing to develop friendly relations with Afghanistan, says China as Taliban take control Each day, officials plan to evacuate 1,200 to 1,500 people from Afghanistan. His department reported that the first flight returned to a British air force base on Sunday night. A report in The Times declared the pullout "unforced and unnecessary" and said it was becoming "the greatest disaster in American foreign policy for almost 50 years". Tom Tugendhat, the head of the foreign affairs committee, compared the situation to the 1956 Suez crisis, which revealed Britain's limitations as a global influence. (With inputs from agencies)

UK accuses Western powers of being politically short-sighted

Chancellor Angela Merkel's government is planning to deploy soldiers to Afghanistan to help with the evacuation of&nbsp;German&nbsp;nationals and Afghans in danger from the Taliban, parliamentary sources said Monday.

The government will seek a mandate from parliament to allow the deployment of as many as "several hundred soldiers", the sources told AFP, citing a briefing by Merkel to leaders of parliamentary groups late Sunday.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-planes-grounded-amid-airport-chaos-thousands-attempt-to-flee-country-405858">LIVE: Afghanistan — Planes 'grounded' amid airport chaos, thousands attempt to flee country</a></h2>

"An 'air bridge' is to be set up from Kabul, to allow the evacuation of local staff, particularly vulnerable women, human rights activists and other employees from non-governmental organisations, for as long as that is possible," said a source.

The government thinks roughly 2,000 people will need evacuating.

Consultations with the United States suggest it may be possible to run the evacuation operation until August 31, but Berlin may end the deployment earlier, said the sources.

Germany had already begun ferrying out staff from its embassy on Sunday, after moving them to safety at a military section of Kabul airport.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/willing-to-develop-friendly-relations-with-afghanistan-says-china-as-taliban-take-control-405990" hreflang="en">Willing to develop friendly relations with Afghanistan, says China as Taliban take control</a>

The first&nbsp;German&nbsp;military aircraft left on Sunday night for the Afghan capital to help with the evacuation.

The military will fly passengers to an unnamed neighbouring country where they will then be put on civilian flights to Germany.

Germany had withdrawn its last troops by the end of June after almost two decades in the country as part of a NATO mission.

The 150,000 people sent by Germany at various points over the years made it the second biggest contributor of NATO troops there, after the United States.

Critics of Merkel's government had however said it had failed to get Afghans who worked for the&nbsp;German&nbsp;military out of the country quickly enough.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's government is planning to deploy soldiers to Afghanistan to help with the evacuation of German nationals and Afghans in danger from the Taliban, parliamentary sources said Monday.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's government is planning to deploy soldiers to Afghanistan to help with the evacuation of German nationals and Afghans in danger from the Taliban, parliamentary sources said Monday. The government will seek a mandate from parliament to allow the deployment of as many as "several hundred soldiers", the sources told AFP, citing a briefing by Merkel to leaders of parliamentary groups late Sunday. LIVE: Afghanistan — Planes 'grounded' amid airport chaos, thousands attempt to flee country "An 'air bridge' is to be set up from Kabul, to allow the evacuation of local staff, particularly vulnerable women, human rights activists and other employees from non-governmental organisations, for as long as that is possible," said a source. The government thinks roughly 2,000 people will need evacuating. Consultations with the United States suggest it may be possible to run the evacuation operation until August 31, but Berlin may end the deployment earlier, said the sources. Germany had already begun ferrying out staff from its embassy on Sunday, after moving them to safety at a military section of Kabul airport. Also read | Willing to develop friendly relations with Afghanistan, says China as Taliban take control The first German military aircraft left on Sunday night for the Afghan capital to help with the evacuation. The military will fly passengers to an unnamed neighbouring country where they will then be put on civilian flights to Germany. Germany had withdrawn its last troops by the end of June after almost two decades in the country as part of a NATO mission. The 150,000 people sent by Germany at various points over the years made it the second biggest contributor of NATO troops there, after the United States. Critics of Merkel's government had however said it had failed to get Afghans who worked for the German military out of the country quickly enough.

German forces to aid Afghan evacuations: Parliamentary sources

Taliban's Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar is likely to be declared as Afghanistan’s new president. Current President Ashraf Ghani and other top diplomats have already left the country after the Taliban seized control of Kabul and all the top provincial capitals of Afghanistan.

Taliban's Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar is likely to be declared as Afghanistan’s new president. Current President Ashraf Ghani and other top diplomats have already left the country after the Taliban seized control of Kabul and all the top provincial capitals of Afghanistan. With its victory, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar has emerged as the undisputed leader of the insurgent group. Baradar is one of the co-founders of the Taliban. However, he now heads the political office of the insurgent group and is part of the negotiating team that the group has in Doha, Qatar. Mullah Baradar to Taliban: “we have reached a victory that wasn’t expected…we should show humility in front of Allah…now it’s time of test — now it’s about how we serve and secure our people, and ensure their future/good life to best of ability” pic.twitter.com/EP6R8B5dot — Mujib Mashal (@MujMash) August 15, 2021 × Baradar, reported to have been one of the trusted commanders of Taliban founder Mullah Omar, was captured in 2010 by security forces in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi and released in 2018. Born in Uruzgan province in 1968, he is the second senior-most leader in the Taliban hierarchy after Haibatullah Akhundzada. Baradar was raised in Kandahar, which also happens to be the birthplace of the Taliban movement. Also read | At least 5 dead at Kabul airport as US officials leave Afghanistan: Report His life was forever altered by the Soviet invasion of the country in the late 1970s, transforming him into an insurgent. He was believed to have fought side-by-side with Mullah Omar. Baradar played a succession of military and administrative roles in the five-year Taliban regime in Afghanistan as deputy minister of defence till the militia was overthrown by the US and its Afghan allies back then. The Taliban, which has now become the dominant force in Afghanistan seeking to change the power equations in the country, ran one of the world's most repressive governments from 1996 to 2001. There were public executions, stonings, strict interpretations of Sharia, or Islamic religious law, women not being allowed to work, and girls not allowed to attend school. Women had to cover their faces and be accompanied by a male relative if they wanted to venture out of their homes. Men were not allowed to trim their beards. Now, the group is seeking to present a more moderate face. As the militant group seized the capital, it said all those who have previously worked and helped the invaders (Western troops), or are now standing in the ranks of the corrupt administration of Kabul, the Islamic Emirate "has opened its door for them and have announced for them amnesty." (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban leader who may become new Afghanistan president?

Kabul today is a very different place than it was just a few days ago.&nbsp;

The passage of time seems to have passed backwards, 20 years to be exact.&nbsp;

The Taliban are in the city, and the people are scrambling to flee. Governments have abandoned their offices, everyone just wants to get out of the godforsaken city.&nbsp;

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-crisis-china-says-embassy-operating-normally-405858">Live Afghanistan crisis: China says embassy 'operating normally'</a></h2>

Compared to the previous days, something has changed drastically. One of the most striking differences is that people on the street have changed their clothing, from jeans and T-shirts to traditional shalwar kameez, and no women are seen on the roads.

Traffic is backed up near the airport. People are engaged in&nbsp;a mad scramble for flights that have been cancelled - as well as for military flights to which civilians don't have access.

Eyewitness reports talk of American helicopters circling the air overhead for hours, with pilots looking down. The American pilots knew that the Taliban were in the city,&nbsp;nothing they did could now prevent the capture of the capital.&nbsp;

Shots ring out throughout the day. There's fear in the air, people are scared, what is going to happen.

Eyewitness account tells of US embassy staff being shuttled to the international airport by helicopters during the day as road travel was considered too dangerous.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/airlines-reroute-flights-to-avoid-afghanistan-airspace-as-taliban-enters-kabul-405906">Airlines reroute flights to avoid Afghanistan airspace as Taliban enters Kabul</a>

Taliban troops were seen marching through the heart of the country's government just outside the presidential palace.

For days now, tension has been at an all-time high in Kabul. The streets, which are usually crowded with people and cars, are now deserted.

Checkpoints for both the military and law enforcement remain unmanned, once again, Afghan troops seem to have vanished.

Many people are walking around with their belongings, looking for a place to stay. Many are from Mazar and have just arrived trying to escape battles throughout the country.

The day the Taliban returned - triumphant after 20 years - will be remembered by all.

Kabul today is a very different place than it was just a few days ago. The passage of time seems to have passed backwards, 20 years to be exact. The Taliban are in the city, and the people are scrambling to flee.

Kabul today is a very different place than it was just a few days ago. The passage of time seems to have passed backwards, 20 years to be exact. The Taliban are in the city, and the people are scrambling to flee. Governments have abandoned their offices, everyone just wants to get out of the godforsaken city. Live Afghanistan crisis: China says embassy 'operating normally' Compared to the previous days, something has changed drastically. One of the most striking differences is that people on the street have changed their clothing, from jeans and T-shirts to traditional shalwar kameez, and no women are seen on the roads. Traffic is backed up near the airport. People are engaged in a mad scramble for flights that have been cancelled - as well as for military flights to which civilians don't have access. Eyewitness reports talk of American helicopters circling the air overhead for hours, with pilots looking down. The American pilots knew that the Taliban were in the city, nothing they did could now prevent the capture of the capital. Shots ring out throughout the day. There's fear in the air, people are scared, what is going to happen. Eyewitness account tells of US embassy staff being shuttled to the international airport by helicopters during the day as road travel was considered too dangerous. Also read | Airlines reroute flights to avoid Afghanistan airspace as Taliban enters Kabul Taliban troops were seen marching through the heart of the country's government just outside the presidential palace. For days now, tension has been at an all-time high in Kabul. The streets, which are usually crowded with people and cars, are now deserted. Checkpoints for both the military and law enforcement remain unmanned, once again, Afghan troops seem to have vanished. Many people are walking around with their belongings, looking for a place to stay. Many are from Mazar and have just arrived trying to escape battles throughout the country. The day the Taliban returned - triumphant after 20 years - will be remembered by all.

On streets of Afghanistan, an air of despair surround the end of 20-year war

As the Taliban take over Afghanistan, China says it seeks ‘friendly and cooperative’ relations with the group. Beijing has sought to maintain unofficial ties with the Taliban throughout the entire withdrawal process.

China says it seeks ‘friendly and cooperative’ ties with Taliban after rout

After the Taliban took over Kabul, the residents are desperate to flee Afghanistan's beleaguered capital. A mass exodus is underway in the capital city. Amid all this chaos and mayhem at the Kabul airport, 5 people have lost their lives and the reason is yet to be ascertained.

Desperate Kabul residents try to flee the capital after Taliban take power

The chaos and utter collapse of Afghan government power in Afghanistan has strongly drawn attention to the way US fought its longest war and the apparent speedy exit that was followed by rapid gains by Taliban. The insurgent group entered Kabul on Sunday. It was believed that the national capital would hold on against Taliban for weeks but the matter came to a head in mere days and hours.

The rapid deterioration of Afghan situation has not only damaged US President's political stature but has also raised questions at US policies. The war against Taliban appears long lost an analysis has begun as to where things went wrong.

Where did Pentagon go wrong?

<h2>Wrong equipments in hands of not competent enough soldiers</h2>

<img alt="Afghanistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c891cf36-d97f-4f5d-80fd-c88db855c9b0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9J227X.jpg" />

After toppling the Taliban in the aftermath of 9/11 attacks in 2001, the US started building an Afghan army in its own image. USD 83 billion were spent to set up and arm the Afghan army

However, the US model meant huge dependence on air support and high-tech communication network. Such an approach was less likely to be effective in a country where only 30 per cent of population has access to reliable electricity supply.

Airplanes, helicopters, drones, armored vehicles, night-vision goggles: the United States spared no expense in equipping the Afghan army. It recently even provided the Afghans with the latest Black Hawk attack helicopters.&nbsp;

However, many Afghans who were part of the army were illiterate young men and the infrastructure in the country could not support the cutting edge military tech that was being used.

<h2>Pull out of US military contractors</h2>

<img alt="Afghanistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e2be3964-36b1-40b0-9beb-5203253926dc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_6U5BK.jpg" />

In addition to the pullout of US troops, it was also decided to withdraw US contractors who played a key role in supporting US logistics.

"We built an air force that depended on contractors for maintenance and then pulled the contractors," Ronald Neumann, a former US ambassador to Kabul under President George W. Bush, told NPR public radio

<h2>Unpaid and unfed</h2>

<img alt="Afghanistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b6c1e973-ade5-48c2-93ea-54a27b76bc21" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9J227Y.jpg" />

Worse, the salaries of the Afghan army had been paid for years by the Pentagon. But from the moment the American army announced its planned withdrawal in April, responsibility for those payments fell on the Kabul government.

Numerous Afghan soldiers have complained on social media that they not only have not been paid in months, in many instances their units were no longer receiving food or supplies -- not even ammunition.

The rapid US withdrawal provided a final blow.

"We profoundly shocked the Afghan army and morale by pulling out and pulling our air cover," said Neumann.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-crisis-taliban-has-broken-shackles-of-slavery-says-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-405858">CLICK HERE to see LIVE updates on Afghan crisis</a>

<h2>Overestmation of Afghan army capabilities</h2>

Capabilities of the Afghan army were seriously overestimated, according to John Sopko, the US special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction (SIGAR).

Each time he tried to evaluate the Afghan army, he said, "the US military changed the goalposts, and made it easier to show success. And then finally, when they couldn't even do that, they classified the assessment tool. 
"So they knew how bad the Afghan military was."

His office's latest report to Congress, filed last week, said that "advanced weapons systems, vehicles and logistics used by Western militaries were beyond the capabilities of the largely illiterate and uneducated Afghan force."

<h2>Exaggerated numbers</h2>

Pentagon repeatedly stressed on what it said was numerical advantage of the Afghan forces -- supposedly with 300,000 men in the army and the police -- over the Taliban, estimated to number some 70,000.

But those army numbers were greatly inflated, according to the Combating Terrorism Center at the prestigious US Military Academy at West Point, New York.&nbsp;

As of July 2020, by its own estimate, the 300,000 included only 185,000 army troops or special operations forces under Defense Ministry control, with police and other security personnel making up the rest.&nbsp;

And barely 60 percent of the Afghan army troops were trained fighters, the West Point analysts said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-an-air-of-despair-surrounding-the-end-of-20-year-war-405996">Afghanistan: An air of despair surrounding the end of 20-year war</a>

A more accurate estimate of the army's fighting strength -- once the 8,000 air force personnel are taken out of the equation -- is 96,000, they concluded.&nbsp;

The SIGAR report said desertions have always been a problem for the Afghan army.

It found that in 2020, the Afghan army had to replace 25 percent of its force each year -- largely because of desertions -- and that American soldiers working with the Afghans came to see this rate as "normal."

<h2>Unkept and half-hearted promises</h2>

In spite of USA's repeated assurances of support after the pullout, it was never explained how this would be done logistically.

In May, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke of helping Afghan air force through an approach he called "over the horizon" logistics.

That vague concept implied the use of virtual training sessions with video conferencing on the Zoom platform -- an approach that seems illusory given the need for the Afghans to have computers or smartphones with well-functioning wi-fi connections.

All these factors and more culminated into what is decisively appearing to be a Taliban victory in Afghanistan.

It is often said that keeping Kabul is tougher than winning it. But the Taliban appear to currently have a firm grip on power.

(With inputs from agencies)

The chaos and utter collapse of Afghan government power in Afghanistan has strongly drawn attention to the way US fought its longest war and the apparent speedy exit that was followed by rapid gains by Taliban.

The chaos and utter collapse of Afghan government power in Afghanistan has strongly drawn attention to the way US fought its longest war and the apparent speedy exit that was followed by rapid gains by Taliban. The insurgent group entered Kabul on Sunday. It was believed that the national capital would hold on against Taliban for weeks but the matter came to a head in mere days and hours. The rapid deterioration of Afghan situation has not only damaged US President's political stature but has also raised questions at US policies. The war against Taliban appears long lost an analysis has begun as to where things went wrong. Where did Pentagon go wrong? Wrong equipments in hands of not competent enough soldiers After toppling the Taliban in the aftermath of 9/11 attacks in 2001, the US started building an Afghan army in its own image. USD 83 billion were spent to set up and arm the Afghan army However, the US model meant huge dependence on air support and high-tech communication network. Such an approach was less likely to be effective in a country where only 30 per cent of population has access to reliable electricity supply. Airplanes, helicopters, drones, armored vehicles, night-vision goggles: the United States spared no expense in equipping the Afghan army. It recently even provided the Afghans with the latest Black Hawk attack helicopters. However, many Afghans who were part of the army were illiterate young men and the infrastructure in the country could not support the cutting edge military tech that was being used. Pull out of US military contractors In addition to the pullout of US troops, it was also decided to withdraw US contractors who played a key role in supporting US logistics. "We built an air force that depended on contractors for maintenance and then pulled the contractors," Ronald Neumann, a former US ambassador to Kabul under President George W. Bush, told NPR public radio Unpaid and unfed Worse, the salaries of the Afghan army had been paid for years by the Pentagon. But from the moment the American army announced its planned withdrawal in April, responsibility for those payments fell on the Kabul government. Numerous Afghan soldiers have complained on social media that they not only have not been paid in months, in many instances their units were no longer receiving food or supplies -- not even ammunition. The rapid US withdrawal provided a final blow. "We profoundly shocked the Afghan army and morale by pulling out and pulling our air cover," said Neumann. CLICK HERE to see LIVE updates on Afghan crisis Overestmation of Afghan army capabilities Capabilities of the Afghan army were seriously overestimated, according to John Sopko, the US special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction (SIGAR). Each time he tried to evaluate the Afghan army, he said, "the US military changed the goalposts, and made it easier to show success. And then finally, when they couldn't even do that, they classified the assessment tool. "So they knew how bad the Afghan military was." His office's latest report to Congress, filed last week, said that "advanced weapons systems, vehicles and logistics used by Western militaries were beyond the capabilities of the largely illiterate and uneducated Afghan force." Exaggerated numbers Pentagon repeatedly stressed on what it said was numerical advantage of the Afghan forces -- supposedly with 300,000 men in the army and the police -- over the Taliban, estimated to number some 70,000. But those army numbers were greatly inflated, according to the Combating Terrorism Center at the prestigious US Military Academy at West Point, New York. As of July 2020, by its own estimate, the 300,000 included only 185,000 army troops or special operations forces under Defense Ministry control, with police and other security personnel making up the rest. And barely 60 percent of the Afghan army troops were trained fighters, the West Point analysts said. Also Read: Afghanistan: An air of despair surrounding the end of 20-year war A more accurate estimate of the army's fighting strength -- once the 8,000 air force personnel are taken out of the equation -- is 96,000, they concluded. The SIGAR report said desertions have always been a problem for the Afghan army. It found that in 2020, the Afghan army had to replace 25 percent of its force each year -- largely because of desertions -- and that American soldiers working with the Afghans came to see this rate as "normal." Unkept and half-hearted promises In spite of USA's repeated assurances of support after the pullout, it was never explained how this would be done logistically. In May, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke of helping Afghan air force through an approach he called "over the horizon" logistics. That vague concept implied the use of virtual training sessions with video conferencing on the Zoom platform -- an approach that seems illusory given the need for the Afghans to have computers or smartphones with well-functioning wi-fi connections. All these factors and more culminated into what is decisively appearing to be a Taliban victory in Afghanistan. It is often said that keeping Kabul is tougher than winning it. But the Taliban appear to currently have a firm grip on power. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Where did US go wrong in fight against Taliban?

Pakistan's Prime Minister appears to be endorsing the Taliban as they take control of Afghanistan.

On Monday, a video surfaced on social media purporting to show Imran Khan praising the Taliban's takeover of the neighbouring nation.&nbsp;

The Pakistan PM appeared to praise the Taliban in a video broadcast on Pakistani television, saying that "they have freed the chains of mental slavery in Afghanistan." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-where-did-us-go-wrong-in-fight-against-taliban-406022">Also read | Afghanistan: Where did US go wrong in fight against Taliban?</a>

Khan made these statements while speaking at a ceremony to inaugurate the first phase of the Single National Curriculum (SNC), which is part of his ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party's platform and covers grades 1 to 5. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-kabul-airport-mobbed-as-afghans-make-a-desperate-dash-to-exit-406021#us-soldiers-guard-406014">Pictures | Kabul airport mobbed as Afghans make a desperate dash to exit</a>

The prime minister explained how Pakistan's parallel education system resulted in the establishment of "English medium" schools and the adoption of "someone else's culture."&nbsp;

When you accept someone's culture, you feel it is superior, and you become a slave to it, he said, adding that it creates a mental enslavement system that is worse than physical slavery.

In the same sentence, he compared Afghanistan's continuous turmoil to the country's people "breaking the chains of slavery." &nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-has-broken-shackles-of-slavery-says-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-405858">LIVE: Afghanistan crisis</a>

The longstanding war in Afghanistan reached a watershed moment on Sunday when the Taliban insurgents closed in on Kabul before entering the city and took over the presidential palace, forcing embattled President Ashraf Ghani to join fellow citizens and foreigners to flee the country.

Pakistan is accused of supporting the Taliban insurgency, which culminated in the country's capture 20 years after it was evicted.

Officially, Pakistan has stated that it wants a broad-based, inclusive administration in Afghanistan and that it is hosting Afghan officials to help them reach an agreement for a peaceful transition.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's Prime Minister appears to be endorsing the Taliban as they take control of Afghanistan. On Monday, a video surfaced on social media purporting to show Imran Khan praising the Taliban's takeover of the neighbouring nation.

Pakistan's Prime Minister appears to be endorsing the Taliban as they take control of Afghanistan. On Monday, a video surfaced on social media purporting to show Imran Khan praising the Taliban's takeover of the neighbouring nation. The Pakistan PM appeared to praise the Taliban in a video broadcast on Pakistani television, saying that "they have freed the chains of mental slavery in Afghanistan." Also read | Afghanistan: Where did US go wrong in fight against Taliban? Khan made these statements while speaking at a ceremony to inaugurate the first phase of the Single National Curriculum (SNC), which is part of his ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party's platform and covers grades 1 to 5. Pictures | Kabul airport mobbed as Afghans make a desperate dash to exit The prime minister explained how Pakistan's parallel education system resulted in the establishment of "English medium" schools and the adoption of "someone else's culture." When you accept someone's culture, you feel it is superior, and you become a slave to it, he said, adding that it creates a mental enslavement system that is worse than physical slavery. In the same sentence, he compared Afghanistan's continuous turmoil to the country's people "breaking the chains of slavery." LIVE: Afghanistan crisis The longstanding war in Afghanistan reached a watershed moment on Sunday when the Taliban insurgents closed in on Kabul before entering the city and took over the presidential palace, forcing embattled President Ashraf Ghani to join fellow citizens and foreigners to flee the country. Pakistan is accused of supporting the Taliban insurgency, which culminated in the country's capture 20 years after it was evicted. Officially, Pakistan has stated that it wants a broad-based, inclusive administration in Afghanistan and that it is hosting Afghan officials to help them reach an agreement for a peaceful transition. (With inputs from agencies)

'They have broken shackles of slavery': Pakistan PM Imran Khan endorses Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan

Former US President Donald Trump called for his successor Joe Biden to resign over the swift takeover of Afghanistan by Taliban militants, as US troops withdrew from the country after nearly 20 years on the ground.

Trump blames Biden for Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, seeks his resignation

The United Nations has issued a statement on the situation unfolding in the war-ravaged country, Afghanistan. The UN chief Antonio Guterres has urged the Taliban to follow utmost restraint in order to protect rights and ensure humanitarian needs can be addressed. Antonio Guterres is particularly concerned about the future of women and girls in the country.

Antonio Guterres urges restraint as Taliban reach Kabul

The US military has secured the perimeter of Kabul airport as its diplomats were being evacuated from war-torn Afghanistan amid the Taliban takeover. Commercial flights have mostly been suspended, stranding hundreds of Afghans and other foreign nationals.

US secures Kabul airport to evacuate staff from country

Five people get killed inside Kabul airport following massive exodus of people. The exodus happened as a reult of Taliban's siege of Afghanistan.

Five people get killed in Kabul airport amid massive exodus

India is gearing up to evacuate its citizens after Taliban's beleaguerment in Afghanistan. Listen in to international affairs expert Dr. Kadira Pethiyagoda on the ongoing crisis in the war-torn nation that lead to evacuation of millions.

Intl Affairs Expert Dr. Kadira Pethiyagoda: Don't think Biden admin expected this move of Taliban

After Taliban laid their siege in Afghanistan Prez Ghani had fled to Oman. Tajikistan did not allow Ghani's flight to land. Former Afghan Envoy Amar Sinha speak to WION on the ongoing Afghan crisis.

Former Afghan Envoy Amar Sinha speak to WION on Afghan crisis, Prez Ghani fleeing country

The govt in Afghanistan collapsed without the support of US military. The President fled the country leaving millions to bear with the crisis. Kabul's streets are patrolled by Taliban now.

Govt in Afghanistan collapses after Taliban takes control of Kabul

According to latest reports, Tajikistan did not allow Former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's flight to land in the country and Ghani had to leave for Oman. Earlier reports mentioned that Ghani had left to Tajikistan following Taliban's capture of Kabul.

Tajikistan does not allow Ashraf Ghani's flight to land, Ghani leaves for Oman

Taliban have captured majority of provincial cities in Afghanistan including Kabul. They have laid their siege over most parts of the country. Reports have come from different parts of the country regarding incidents of violence in the war-torn country.

Taliban capture provincial cities, engage in violence against women

The Taliban have captured Kabul and many Afghans tried to flee the nation out of fear. 60 countries tried to evacuate their citizens from Kabul airport. Listen in to Andrew Whitehead on the events unfolding in Afghanistan after the siege of Taliban.

Biden's decision to pull out... is a disaster for US: Andrew Whitehead, former journalist

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

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

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the violence and said that Canada is 'heartbroken' at the situation the Afghan people find themselves in today. He also added that Canada remains committed to the Afghan people and to the country.

Canada ‘heartbroken’ over situation in Afghanistan says Justin Trudeau

Confirming the imminent withdrawal of most embassy staff in the wake of a rapid Taliban offensive, Boris Johnson said the United Kingdom would not abandon Afghanistan.

"Nobody wants Afghanistan to be a breeding ground for terror...or to lapse back into the pre-2001 situation," he said.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-taliban-take-control-of-afghanistan-presidential-palace-as-ghani-exits-country-405579">LIVE: Taliban take control of Afghanistan presidential palace as Ghani exits country</a></h2>

With Islamists capturing more Afghan cities, Britain will be deploying around 600 troops to assist in evacuating its roughly 3,000 residents, and as per the PM, the majority of remaining embassy staff in Kabul will return to the UK.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said Joe Biden's decision to withdraw US troops, forcing NATO allies to follow suit, amounted to "a very big problem on the ground" and helped the Taliban gain momentum.

According to him, it would benefit Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, since the Taliban had provided a safe haven for them before the September 11 attacks, something that led to the West's 20-year involvement in Afghanistan.

In an interview with Sky News, Wallace said that Biden's predecessor Donald Trump's predecessor had struck a "rotten deal" with the Taliban allowing the US to end its longest war. This echoes the complaints of UK military chiefs who have strongly opposed the pullout.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ashraf-ghani-departing-afghan-president-who-failed-to-make-peace-with-taliban-405790" hreflang="en">Ashraf Ghani: Departing Afghan president who failed to make peace with Taliban</a>

After convening crisis talks with senior cabinet colleagues, Johnson noted that Britain and the West retain a strategic interest in supporting the beleaguered&nbsp;Kabul government.

I think we have got to be realistic about the power of the UK or any power to impose a military solution, a combat solution, in Afghanistan," he told reporters.

He added that "there is clearly a change of regime now happening" but "we don’t know exactly what kind of regime that will be".

"What we certainly can do is work with all our partners in the region, around the world, who share an interest with us in preventing Afghanistan once again becoming a breeding ground for terror.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-us-embassy-staff-haphazardly-removed-from-kabul-blinken-rejects-comparison-with-saigon-405781" hreflang="en">As US embassy staff haphazardly removed from Kabul, Blinken rejects comparison with Saigon</a>

"What we must do now is not turn our backs on Afghanistan," he stressed, adding that Britain could be "extremely proud" of its role in the country, especially in advancing girls' education, gains that are now imperilled by the Taliban advance.

We mustn't abandon Afghanistan, he stressed, adding that Britain can take great pride in its role in the country, particularly in the advancement of girls' education, gains now threatened by the Taliban's advance.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/boris-johnson-says-afghanistan-must-not-become-breeding-ground-for-terror-405818/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The prime minister said UK officials would be flying out to Kabul to assist Afghan interpreters that served with the UK military and seeking resettlement in the UK.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Confirming the imminent withdrawal of most embassy staff in the wake of a rapid Taliban offensive, Boris Johnson said the United Kingdom would not abandon Afghanistan.

Confirming the imminent withdrawal of most embassy staff in the wake of a rapid Taliban offensive, Boris Johnson said the United Kingdom would not abandon Afghanistan. "Nobody wants Afghanistan to be a breeding ground for terror...or to lapse back into the pre-2001 situation," he said. LIVE: Taliban take control of Afghanistan presidential palace as Ghani exits country With Islamists capturing more Afghan cities, Britain will be deploying around 600 troops to assist in evacuating its roughly 3,000 residents, and as per the PM, the majority of remaining embassy staff in Kabul will return to the UK. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said Joe Biden's decision to withdraw US troops, forcing NATO allies to follow suit, amounted to "a very big problem on the ground" and helped the Taliban gain momentum. According to him, it would benefit Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, since the Taliban had provided a safe haven for them before the September 11 attacks, something that led to the West's 20-year involvement in Afghanistan. In an interview with Sky News, Wallace said that Biden's predecessor Donald Trump's predecessor had struck a "rotten deal" with the Taliban allowing the US to end its longest war. This echoes the complaints of UK military chiefs who have strongly opposed the pullout. Also read | Ashraf Ghani: Departing Afghan president who failed to make peace with Taliban After convening crisis talks with senior cabinet colleagues, Johnson noted that Britain and the West retain a strategic interest in supporting the beleaguered Kabul government. I think we have got to be realistic about the power of the UK or any power to impose a military solution, a combat solution, in Afghanistan," he told reporters. He added that "there is clearly a change of regime now happening" but "we don’t know exactly what kind of regime that will be". "What we certainly can do is work with all our partners in the region, around the world, who share an interest with us in preventing Afghanistan once again becoming a breeding ground for terror. Also read | As US embassy staff haphazardly removed from Kabul, Blinken rejects comparison with Saigon "What we must do now is not turn our backs on Afghanistan," he stressed, adding that Britain could be "extremely proud" of its role in the country, especially in advancing girls' education, gains that are now imperilled by the Taliban advance. We mustn't abandon Afghanistan, he stressed, adding that Britain can take great pride in its role in the country, particularly in the advancement of girls' education, gains now threatened by the Taliban's advance. The prime minister said UK officials would be flying out to Kabul to assist Afghan interpreters that served with the UK military and seeking resettlement in the UK. (With inputs from agencies)

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

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that Afghanistan must not "become a breeding ground for terror" and the west must work together to ensure this, as the Taliban enters capital Kabul.

Boris Johnson says Afghanistan must not 'become breeding ground for terror'

As the Taliban took control of Kabul on Sunday, the women across the country are now fearing for their own safety and rights.

While the Taliban claims the situation regarding women's safety and rights will be different this time, scenes from a few days ago narrate a different story.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-taliban-take-control-of-afghanistan-presidential-palace-as-ghani-exits-country-405579" hreflang="en">LIVE: Taliban take control of Afghan presidential palace as Ghani exits country</a></h2>

Women of Afghanistan recalled that a few days ago groups of Taliban insurgents marched in the&nbsp;Azizi Bank in the southern city of Kandahar and ordered all women working in the bank to leave the premises immediately.

A gunman was sent along with those women to escort them back home. These female employees of the bank were threatened to never return to their jobs again.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dont-be-afraid-of-us-taliban-take-over-kabul-as-president-ghani-leaves-afghan-405780">'Don't be afraid': Taliban take over Kabul as President Ghani leaves Afghan</a>

"It's really strange to not be allowed to get to work, but now this is what it is," Noor Khatera, a 43-year-old woman who had worked in the accounts department of the bank told Reuters. "I taught myself English and even learned how to operate a computer, but now I will have to look for a place where I can just work with more women around."

A similar incident took place in Herat a few days after the first incident. Three armed insurgents entered the&nbsp;Bank Milli and verbally attacked the female employees for showing their faces. All women in the bank were sent home and their male relatives were asked to report to duty instead.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-in-kabul-hcnr-head-abdullah-abdullah-addresses-ghani-as-former-president-405786">WATCH |</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-in-kabul-hcnr-head-abdullah-abdullah-addresses-ghani-as-former-president-405786/embed" width="560"></iframe>

On Sunday, as the Taliban took control of Kabul&nbsp;the social media went abuzz with images that showed Taliban members painting over advertisements that featured women, the Taliban claimed that women will be given more freedom this time.

"We will respect rights of women...our policy is that women will have access to education and work, to wear the hijab," Taliban Spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on a live BBC report.&nbsp;

However, the truth will only be revealed a few days after the Taliban has completely taken over the capital city. While the Taliban claim they will be more respectful towards women and minorities this time, whether or not that is the truth remains to be seen.

As the Taliban took control of Kabul on Sunday, the women across the country are now fearing for their own safety and rights. While the Taliban claims the situation regarding women's safety and rights will be different this time, scenes from a few days ago narrate a different story.

As the Taliban took control of Kabul on Sunday, the women across the country are now fearing for their own safety and rights. While the Taliban claims the situation regarding women's safety and rights will be different this time, scenes from a few days ago narrate a different story. LIVE: Taliban take control of Afghan presidential palace as Ghani exits country Women of Afghanistan recalled that a few days ago groups of Taliban insurgents marched in the Azizi Bank in the southern city of Kandahar and ordered all women working in the bank to leave the premises immediately. A gunman was sent along with those women to escort them back home. These female employees of the bank were threatened to never return to their jobs again. Also read | 'Don't be afraid': Taliban take over Kabul as President Ghani leaves Afghan "It's really strange to not be allowed to get to work, but now this is what it is," Noor Khatera, a 43-year-old woman who had worked in the accounts department of the bank told Reuters. "I taught myself English and even learned how to operate a computer, but now I will have to look for a place where I can just work with more women around." A similar incident took place in Herat a few days after the first incident. Three armed insurgents entered the Bank Milli and verbally attacked the female employees for showing their faces. All women in the bank were sent home and their male relatives were asked to report to duty instead. WATCH | On Sunday, as the Taliban took control of Kabul the social media went abuzz with images that showed Taliban members painting over advertisements that featured women, the Taliban claimed that women will be given more freedom this time. "We will respect rights of women...our policy is that women will have access to education and work, to wear the hijab," Taliban Spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on a live BBC report. However, the truth will only be revealed a few days after the Taliban has completely taken over the capital city. While the Taliban claim they will be more respectful towards women and minorities this time, whether or not that is the truth remains to be seen.

Insurgents send female bank employees home as Taliban take control of Kabul

As the Taliban took control of Kabul on Sunday, the women across the country are now fearing for their own safety and rights.

While the Taliban claims the situation regarding women's safety and rights will be different this time, scenes from a few days ago narrate a different story.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-taliban-take-control-of-afghanistan-presidential-palace-as-ghani-exits-country-405579" hreflang="en">LIVE: Taliban take control of Afghan presidential palace as Ghani exits country</a></h2>

Women of Afghanistan recalled that a few days ago groups of Taliban insurgents marched in the&nbsp;Azizi Bank in the southern city of Kandahar and ordered all women working in the bank to leave the premises immediately.

A gunman was sent along with those women to escort them back home. These female employees of the bank were threatened to never return to their jobs again.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dont-be-afraid-of-us-taliban-take-over-kabul-as-president-ghani-leaves-afghan-405780">'Don't be afraid': Taliban take over Kabul as President Ghani leaves Afghan</a>

"It's really strange to not be allowed to get to work, but now this is what it is," Noor Khatera, a 43-year-old woman who had worked in the accounts department of the bank told Reuters. "I taught myself English and even learned how to operate a computer, but now I will have to look for a place where I can just work with more women around."

A similar incident took place in Herat a few days after the first incident. Three armed insurgents entered the&nbsp;Bank Milli and verbally attacked the female employees for showing their faces. All women in the bank were sent home and their male relatives were asked to report to duty instead.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-in-kabul-hcnr-head-abdullah-abdullah-addresses-ghani-as-former-president-405786">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-in-kabul-hcnr-head-abdullah-abdullah-addresses-ghani-as-former-president-405786/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Sunday, as the Taliban took control of Kabul&nbsp;the social media went abuzz with images that showed Taliban members painting over advertisements that featured women, the Taliban claimed that women will be given more freedom this time.

"We will respect rights of women...our policy is that women will have access to education and work, to wear the hijab," Taliban Spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on a live BBC report.&nbsp;

However, the truth will only be revealed a few days after the Taliban has completely taken over the capital city. While the Taliban claim they will be more respectful towards women and minorities this time, whether or not that is the truth remains to be seen.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken blamed Afghan forces for the Taliban’s takeover. He forcefully defended the administration’s decision to withdraw the military from Afghanistan after 20 years of war.

US Secretary of State Blinken says Afghan troops haven't been able to defend country

Ashraf Ghani, who left Afghanistan on Sunday following the Taliban's rapid advance through the country and into Kabul, was twice elected Afghan president, as well as being one of the country's best-known academics.

President Ghani left the country hours after the Taliban entered the capital, government officials said. It was not yet clear where he was headed, or how power would be transferred.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-president-ghani-leaves-afghanistan-as-taliban-enter-capital-kabul-405579">LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul</a></h2>

First elected president in 2014, Ghani took over from Hamid Karzai, who led Afghanistan after the US-led invasion in 2001, and oversaw the conclusion of the US&nbsp;combat mission, the near-complete withdrawal of foreign forces from the country, as well as a fractious peace process with the insurgent Taliban.

He made the effort to end decades of war his top priority, despite continuing attacks on his government and security forces by the Taliban, and began peace talks with the insurgents in the Qatari capital of Doha in 2020.

However, Ghani, known for his quick temper alongside his deep thinking, was never accepted by the Taliban and peace talks made little headway.

Foreign governments were frustrated by the slow progress of talks, and calls grew for an interim government to replace his administration.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dont-be-afraid-of-us-taliban-take-over-kabul-as-president-ghani-leaves-afghan-405780" hreflang="en">'Don't be afraid of us': Taliban take over Kabul as President Ghani leaves Afghan</a>

During his presidency, he managed to appoint a new generation of young, educated Afghans into leadership positions at a time the country's power corridors were occupied by a handful of elite figures and patronage networks.

He promised to fight rampant corruption, fix a crippled economy and transform the country into a regional trade hub between Central and South Asia - but was unable to deliver on most of these promises.

Long Road

A US-trained anthropologist, Ghani holds a doctorate from New York City's Columbia University and was named one of the "World's Top 100 Global Thinkers" by Foreign Policy magazine in 2010.

His road to the presidency was hard-fought.

He spent almost a quarter of century outside Afghanistan during the tumultuous decades of Soviet rule, civil war and the Taliban years in power.

During that period, he worked as an academic in the United States and later with the World Bank and the United Nations across East and South Asia.

Within months of the events of the US-led invasion of Afghanistan, he resigned from his international posts and returned to Kabul to become a senior advisor to newly-appointed President Karzai.

He served as Afghan finance minister in 2002, but fell out with Karzai, and, in 2004, was appointed chancellor of Kabul University, where he was seen as an effective reformer as well as forming a Washington-based thinktank that worked on policies to empower some of the world's most impoverished people.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-in-kabul-both-afghan-prez-and-vice-prez-have-left-the-country-405779/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In 2009, Ghani, who belongs to Afghanistan's majority Pashtun ethnicity like Karzai, ran for president but came in fourth, securing about 4% of the national vote.

He continued to work in important roles in Afghanistan, including as Afghanistan's "transition czar", chairing a body overseeing security transition from NATO to Afghans.

With Karzai barred by the Afghan constitution from standing for a third time, Ghani mounted a successful second campaign in 2014. He was re-elected in 2019.

His relationship with Washington and other Western capitals was uneasy.

He was a vocal critic of what he termed wasted international aid in Afghanistan and often did not see eye to eye with the West's Afghan strategy, particularly as they looked to fast-track a slow and painful peace process with the Taliban.

In an interview with the BBC, Ghani said: "the future will be determined by the people of Afghanistan, not by somebody sitting behind the desk, dreaming".

Ashraf Ghani, who left Afghanistan on Sunday following the Taliban's rapid advance through the country and into Kabul, was twice elected Afghan president, as well as being one of the country's best-known academics.

Ashraf Ghani, who left Afghanistan on Sunday following the Taliban's rapid advance through the country and into Kabul, was twice elected Afghan president, as well as being one of the country's best-known academics. President Ghani left the country hours after the Taliban entered the capital, government officials said. It was not yet clear where he was headed, or how power would be transferred. LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul First elected president in 2014, Ghani took over from Hamid Karzai, who led Afghanistan after the US-led invasion in 2001, and oversaw the conclusion of the US combat mission, the near-complete withdrawal of foreign forces from the country, as well as a fractious peace process with the insurgent Taliban. He made the effort to end decades of war his top priority, despite continuing attacks on his government and security forces by the Taliban, and began peace talks with the insurgents in the Qatari capital of Doha in 2020. However, Ghani, known for his quick temper alongside his deep thinking, was never accepted by the Taliban and peace talks made little headway. Foreign governments were frustrated by the slow progress of talks, and calls grew for an interim government to replace his administration. Also read | 'Don't be afraid of us': Taliban take over Kabul as President Ghani leaves Afghan During his presidency, he managed to appoint a new generation of young, educated Afghans into leadership positions at a time the country's power corridors were occupied by a handful of elite figures and patronage networks. He promised to fight rampant corruption, fix a crippled economy and transform the country into a regional trade hub between Central and South Asia - but was unable to deliver on most of these promises. Long Road A US-trained anthropologist, Ghani holds a doctorate from New York City's Columbia University and was named one of the "World's Top 100 Global Thinkers" by Foreign Policy magazine in 2010. His road to the presidency was hard-fought. He spent almost a quarter of century outside Afghanistan during the tumultuous decades of Soviet rule, civil war and the Taliban years in power. During that period, he worked as an academic in the United States and later with the World Bank and the United Nations across East and South Asia. Within months of the events of the US-led invasion of Afghanistan, he resigned from his international posts and returned to Kabul to become a senior advisor to newly-appointed President Karzai. He served as Afghan finance minister in 2002, but fell out with Karzai, and, in 2004, was appointed chancellor of Kabul University, where he was seen as an effective reformer as well as forming a Washington-based thinktank that worked on policies to empower some of the world's most impoverished people. In 2009, Ghani, who belongs to Afghanistan's majority Pashtun ethnicity like Karzai, ran for president but came in fourth, securing about 4% of the national vote. He continued to work in important roles in Afghanistan, including as Afghanistan's "transition czar", chairing a body overseeing security transition from NATO to Afghans. With Karzai barred by the Afghan constitution from standing for a third time, Ghani mounted a successful second campaign in 2014. He was re-elected in 2019. His relationship with Washington and other Western capitals was uneasy. He was a vocal critic of what he termed wasted international aid in Afghanistan and often did not see eye to eye with the West's Afghan strategy, particularly as they looked to fast-track a slow and painful peace process with the Taliban. In an interview with the BBC, Ghani said: "the future will be determined by the people of Afghanistan, not by somebody sitting behind the desk, dreaming".

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

&nbsp;Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani has left the country on Sunday as the Taliban started entering the capital city Kabul.

While the Interior Minister confirmed his move to news agency Reuters, the President’s office said it "cannot say anything about Ashraf Ghani's movement for security reasons".

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-president-ghani-leaves-afghanistan-as-taliban-enter-capital-kabul-405579" hreflang="en">LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul</a></h2>

Soon after Ghani left the country, Amrullah Saleh,&nbsp;the 1st Vice President of Afghanistan, also left the country, sources confirmed to WION.

Ghani left the country hours after the Taliban started entering the capital city on Sunday morning. The Taliban had earlier, in the morning, stated that the group does not want to take over the city by force and will wait for a 'peaceful transition of power'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/reports-president-ashraf-ghani-leaves-afghanistan-as-taliban-take-control-405754">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/reports-president-ashraf-ghani-leaves-afghanistan-as-taliban-take-control-405754/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Following the warning from the Taliban, Ghani immediately busied himself in talks with the NATO representatives.

However, soon after the President left the country, the Taliban was ordered to enter Kabul. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid says the forces were entering Kabul to make sure there is no&nbsp;looting and chaos as the Afghan security forces&nbsp;left parts of Kabul city and their checkpoints. He also urged locals not to be afraid of the Taliban and not&nbsp;to panic from their entrance into the city.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-declare-not-to-enter-kabul-for-now-wait-for-transition-405574" hreflang="en">Taliban declare not to&nbsp;enter Kabul for now, wait for transition</a>

Meanwhile, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken lashed out at critics and said, "this is not Saigon.&nbsp;The US has succeeded in its mission to stop attacks on US". He also added, "It's simply not in our interests to remain in Afghanistan."

Blinken also added that all staff members of the US embassy in Kabul are being moved to the Kabul International Airport.

Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani has left the country on Sunday as the Taliban started entering the capital city Kabul. While the Interior Minister confirmed his move to news agency Reuters, the President’s office said it "cannot say anything about Ashraf Ghani's movement for security reasons".

Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani has left the country on Sunday as the Taliban started entering the capital city Kabul. While the Interior Minister confirmed his move to news agency Reuters, the President’s office said it "cannot say anything about Ashraf Ghani's movement for security reasons". LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul Soon after Ghani left the country, Amrullah Saleh, the 1st Vice President of Afghanistan, also left the country, sources confirmed to WION. Ghani left the country hours after the Taliban started entering the capital city on Sunday morning. The Taliban had earlier, in the morning, stated that the group does not want to take over the city by force and will wait for a 'peaceful transition of power'. WATCH | Following the warning from the Taliban, Ghani immediately busied himself in talks with the NATO representatives. However, soon after the President left the country, the Taliban was ordered to enter Kabul. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid says the forces were entering Kabul to make sure there is no looting and chaos as the Afghan security forces left parts of Kabul city and their checkpoints. He also urged locals not to be afraid of the Taliban and not to panic from their entrance into the city. Also read | Taliban declare not to enter Kabul for now, wait for transition Meanwhile, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken lashed out at critics and said, "this is not Saigon. The US has succeeded in its mission to stop attacks on US". He also added, "It's simply not in our interests to remain in Afghanistan." Blinken also added that all staff members of the US embassy in Kabul are being moved to the Kabul International Airport.

Afghan's President Ashraf Ghani leaves country as Taliban enter Kabul

Taliban continued its surge across <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-address-to-nation-afghan-president-vows-to-prevent-further-instability-405337">Afghanistan</a> seizing Jalalabad early on Sunday morning after taking Mazar-e-Sharif.

Amid the rapid Taliban advance, US President announced up to 3,000 more troops will be sent to Afghanistan to ensure evacuation of US personnel&nbsp;in Afghanistan.

More American military personnel have already arrived in Kabul to evacuate&nbsp;embassy employees with the deadline for total troop withdrawal set for August 31.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-turmoil-ashraf-ghanis-message-to-the-nation-will-continue-to-fight-405489/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"When I came to office, I inherited a deal cut by my predecessor that left the Taliban in the strongest position militarily since 2001 and imposed a May 1, 2021, deadline on US forces," Biden said, adding, "I faced a choice - follow through on the deal, with a brief extension to get our forces and our allies' forces out safely, or ramp up our presence and send more American troops to fight once again in another country's civil conflict."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/seeking-asylum-for-siv-applicants-a-desperate-bid-by-the-biden-administration-405352">Biden's</a> comments come as the Taliban seized several provincial capitals in the last few weeks with US troops leaving the country this month.

"I was the fourth president to preside over an American troop presence in Afghanistan -&nbsp;two Republicans, two Democrats. I would not, and will not, pass this war onto a fifth," the US President asserted.

The Taliban's surge has left the Afghan troops to retreat from several areas with the militants currently just 50 kilometres away from capital Kabul as Biden ordered fresh troops to oversee evacuations.

Meanwhile, reports said warlord Abdul Rashid Dostum who was defending <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-captures-mazar-e-sharif-fourth-largest-city-of-afghanistan-405447">Mazar-e-Sharif </a>has fled to Uzbekistan even as President Ghani said that he won't let "war on people cause more deaths".

President Ghani spoke to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken as US embassy staff in Kabul have reportedly been ordered to begin burning sensitive material.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban continued its surge across Afghanistan seizing Jalalabad early on Sunday morning after taking Mazar-e-Sharif. Amid the rapid Taliban advance, US President announced up to 3,000 more troops will be sent to Afghanistan to ensure evacuation of US personnel in Afghanistan.

Taliban continued its surge across Afghanistan seizing Jalalabad early on Sunday morning after taking Mazar-e-Sharif. Amid the rapid Taliban advance, US President announced up to 3,000 more troops will be sent to Afghanistan to ensure evacuation of US personnel in Afghanistan. More American military personnel have already arrived in Kabul to evacuate embassy employees with the deadline for total troop withdrawal set for August 31. Watch: "When I came to office, I inherited a deal cut by my predecessor that left the Taliban in the strongest position militarily since 2001 and imposed a May 1, 2021, deadline on US forces," Biden said, adding, "I faced a choice - follow through on the deal, with a brief extension to get our forces and our allies' forces out safely, or ramp up our presence and send more American troops to fight once again in another country's civil conflict." Biden's comments come as the Taliban seized several provincial capitals in the last few weeks with US troops leaving the country this month. "I was the fourth president to preside over an American troop presence in Afghanistan - two Republicans, two Democrats. I would not, and will not, pass this war onto a fifth," the US President asserted. The Taliban's surge has left the Afghan troops to retreat from several areas with the militants currently just 50 kilometres away from capital Kabul as Biden ordered fresh troops to oversee evacuations. Meanwhile, reports said warlord Abdul Rashid Dostum who was defending Mazar-e-Sharif has fled to Uzbekistan even as President Ghani said that he won't let "war on people cause more deaths". President Ghani spoke to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken as US embassy staff in Kabul have reportedly been ordered to begin burning sensitive material. (With inputs from Agencies)

After Mazar-e-Sharif, Taliban captures Jalalabad as Biden orders more troops

Abdullah Abdullah, head of the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), has addressed Ashraf Ghani as the "former President" of Afghanistan after he left for Tajikistan. However, it is not yet clear whether Ghani has resigned as president.

Taliban in Kabul: HCNR head Abdullah Abdullah addresses Ghani as 'former President'

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that all the US embassy staff in Kabul are being moved to the airport as the Taliban attacked the Afghan capital.

Taliban fighters had been ordered to wait on the outskirts of Kabul, and the government admitted it was preparing for a "transfer of power."

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-president-ghani-leaves-afghanistan-as-taliban-enter-capital-kabul-405579">LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul</a></h2>

"It's why we had forces on hand to make sure we could do this in a safe and orderly fashion. The compound itself, folks are leaving there and going to the airport," said&nbsp;Blinken&nbsp;while talking to ABC.

Even with the sudden withdrawal, he rejected comparisons with the 1975 chaotic departure of Americans from Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War.

"This is not Saigon," said&nbsp;Blinken. "The fact of the matter is this: We went to Afghanistan 20 years ago with one mission in mind. That was to deal with the people that attacked us on 9/11. That mission has been successful."

"The US has succeeded in its mission to stop attacks on US."

"It's simply not in our interests to remain in Afghanistan," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-nato-eu-un-confirm-they-will-not-recognise-govt-formed-through-military-405223" hreflang="en">Afghanistan: NATO, EU, UN confirm they will not recognise govt formed through military</a>

In an astonishingly quick rout, the Taliban forced government forces to abandon Kabul, who, without US assistance, proved unable to hold onto territory.

As Afghan security forces left parts of Kabul city and their checkpoints, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the forces entered the city to prevent looting and chaos.

The Afghani leader has also advised locals not to be scared by the Taliban and not to panic about their entry into the city.

Kabul's fall will mark the return of the Taliban to power two decades after it was toppled by US-led forces after the September 11 attacks.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that all the US embassy staff in Kabul are being moved to the airport as the Taliban attacked the Afghan capital.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that all the US embassy staff in Kabul are being moved to the airport as the Taliban attacked the Afghan capital. Taliban fighters had been ordered to wait on the outskirts of Kabul, and the government admitted it was preparing for a "transfer of power." LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul "It's why we had forces on hand to make sure we could do this in a safe and orderly fashion. The compound itself, folks are leaving there and going to the airport," said Blinken while talking to ABC. Even with the sudden withdrawal, he rejected comparisons with the 1975 chaotic departure of Americans from Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War. "This is not Saigon," said Blinken. "The fact of the matter is this: We went to Afghanistan 20 years ago with one mission in mind. That was to deal with the people that attacked us on 9/11. That mission has been successful." "The US has succeeded in its mission to stop attacks on US." "It's simply not in our interests to remain in Afghanistan," he added. Also read | Afghanistan: NATO, EU, UN confirm they will not recognise govt formed through military In an astonishingly quick rout, the Taliban forced government forces to abandon Kabul, who, without US assistance, proved unable to hold onto territory. As Afghan security forces left parts of Kabul city and their checkpoints, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the forces entered the city to prevent looting and chaos. The Afghani leader has also advised locals not to be scared by the Taliban and not to panic about their entry into the city. Kabul's fall will mark the return of the Taliban to power two decades after it was toppled by US-led forces after the September 11 attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

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

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