At least 22,000 civilians— and potentially over 40,000 civilians—have been killed by US-led drone and airstrikes across West Asia and Africa since the 9/11 terror attacks, according to an analysis done by UK-based monitoring group, Airwars.

Basing its findings on the declaration made by the US that it launched at least 91,340 strikes across seven major conflict zones, including Yemen, Somalia, Pakistan and Libya, the London-based group sought to find the number of civilian casualties linked to the ‘forever wars’, spanning two decades of conflict which formally ended on August 31 with the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.

Based on that total, Airwars concluded “US actions likely killed at least 22,679 civilians, with that number potentially as high as 48,308”.

According to research compiled by Airwars, the deadliest year in the past two decades for civilian victims of US airstrikes was 2003 when a minimum of 5,529 civilians were reported to have been killed, almost all during the invasion of Iraq that year.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-911-a-day-or-is-it-an-era-411151">&nbsp;Is 9/11 a day, or is it an Era?</a>

The next deadliest year was 2017 when at least 4,931 civilians were likely killed, the vast majority in coalition&nbsp;bombing of Iraq and Syria.

Since taking the office, Joe Biden—the fourth to manage the “forever wars” after his predecessors George W Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump—promised to reduce US reliance on airstrikes amid a formal review of the government's drone policy.&nbsp;

“The threat from terrorism continues, but it’s changed. Our strategy needs to change too,” Biden said, vowing action against the Daesh branch in Afghanistan (Daesh-K) after the group claimed responsibility for the August 26 attack at Kabul airport that killed over 160 Afghan civilians and 13 US service members.

The US military has not provided the official estimates of civilian deaths nor have they published such findings. Airwaves cited&nbsp;its data from sources like the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, The Iraq Body Count NGO and The Nation.

(With&nbsp;inputs from agencies)

At least 22,000 civilians— and potentially over 40,000 civilians—have been killed by US-led drone and airstrikes across West Asia and Africa since the 9/11 terror attacks, according to an analysis done by UK-based monitoring group, Airwars.

At least 22,000 civilians— and potentially over 40,000 civilians—have been killed by US-led drone and airstrikes across West Asia and Africa since the 9/11 terror attacks, according to an analysis done by UK-based monitoring group, Airwars. Basing its findings on the declaration made by the US that it launched at least 91,340 strikes across seven major conflict zones, including Yemen, Somalia, Pakistan and Libya, the London-based group sought to find the number of civilian casualties linked to the ‘forever wars’, spanning two decades of conflict which formally ended on August 31 with the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. Based on that total, Airwars concluded “US actions likely killed at least 22,679 civilians, with that number potentially as high as 48,308”. According to research compiled by Airwars, the deadliest year in the past two decades for civilian victims of US airstrikes was 2003 when a minimum of 5,529 civilians were reported to have been killed, almost all during the invasion of Iraq that year. Also read | Is 9/11 a day, or is it an Era? The next deadliest year was 2017 when at least 4,931 civilians were likely killed, the vast majority in coalition bombing of Iraq and Syria. Since taking the office, Joe Biden—the fourth to manage the “forever wars” after his predecessors George W Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump—promised to reduce US reliance on airstrikes amid a formal review of the government's drone policy. “The threat from terrorism continues, but it’s changed. Our strategy needs to change too,” Biden said, vowing action against the Daesh branch in Afghanistan (Daesh-K) after the group claimed responsibility for the August 26 attack at Kabul airport that killed over 160 Afghan civilians and 13 US service members. The US military has not provided the official estimates of civilian deaths nor have they published such findings. Airwaves cited its data from sources like the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, The Iraq Body Count NGO and The Nation. (With inputs from agencies)

US airstrikes potentially killed over 40,000 civilians since 9/11, says report

US President Joe Biden toured the hurricane hit areas in America. He declared climate change as an existential crisis.

US  President Joe Biden tours hurricane hit areas in America

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said that “nobody saw the endgame coming” in Afghanistan and called on the international community to “work in the collective interest” of Afghans.

These were the first public comments by the minister on the current situation in Afghanistan, which saw a surprise takeover from the Taliban of Kabul on August 15. Earlier, he only made a public statement&nbsp;on the Afghanistan evacuation process but didn't express his views on the Taliban seizing power.

Speaking at the JG Crawford Oration 2021, he pointed out, “All of us understood for some years that the presence of the United States and its allies would wind down eventually in Afghanistan... The fact was that for all the debate and deliberations on it, it would be a fair statement to assert that the endgame was not something that anybody saw it coming. It wasn't exactly the scenario anybody was prepared for.”

Ever since the fall of Kabul, India left no stones unturned to evacuate as many of the citizens it can. It has been coordinating with several countries like the US, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Oman and lifted more than 500 people, of which more than 200 are Afghans, mostly Sikhs and Hindus.&nbsp;

Highlighting New Delhi’s role in taking up the Afghanistan issue in the United Nations Security Council, he said, “I should emphasise that in the UNSC, in the month where we held the presidency, the members passed resolution 2593 on Taliban, demanding that Afghanistan’s territory should not be used for terrorism, and expecting them to live up to their promises of forming an inclusive government, and better treatment of minorities, women, children.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-will-the-taliban-govern-a-history-of-rebel-rule-offers-clues-410481">How will the Taliban govern? A history of rebel rule offers clues</a>

India is the non-permanent member of the council and it held the chair of the presidency in August, presiding over key meetings. Under its presidency, three meetings took place on Afghanistan—on August 6, August 16, and August 30—the last one saw a resolution being passed on the Afghanistan crisis. The resolution saw the backing of 13 countries, while the remaining two—Russia and China—abstained from voting.

Cautioning against some countries’ “natural temptation of diplomacy to score a point above the others and try to get ahead in the game", he said, “This is the time for the international community to actually come together and work in what is true for the collective interest.”

While heartbreaking visuals of Afghans fleeing the country via the Hamid Karzai International Airport emerged, there has been a deafening silence by the international community on the crisis. During the UNSC meeting, a divide emerged between the West, led by the US, and Russia and China on the issue of engaging with the Taliban.

Speaking on the role of the US in the aftermath of the Afghan crisis, the EAM said, “US is the US, it has deep strengths, an extraordinary capacity to re-invent itself, re-energize itself. We have seen that in history and that some variant of the debate would have also happened in the 1970s&nbsp;after Washington's Vietnam debacle.”

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said that “nobody saw the endgame coming” in Afghanistan and called on the international community to “work in the collective interest” of Afghans.

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said that “nobody saw the endgame coming” in Afghanistan and called on the international community to “work in the collective interest” of Afghans. These were the first public comments by the minister on the current situation in Afghanistan, which saw a surprise takeover from the Taliban of Kabul on August 15. Earlier, he only made a public statement on the Afghanistan evacuation process but didn't express his views on the Taliban seizing power. Speaking at the JG Crawford Oration 2021, he pointed out, “All of us understood for some years that the presence of the United States and its allies would wind down eventually in Afghanistan... The fact was that for all the debate and deliberations on it, it would be a fair statement to assert that the endgame was not something that anybody saw it coming. It wasn't exactly the scenario anybody was prepared for.” Ever since the fall of Kabul, India left no stones unturned to evacuate as many of the citizens it can. It has been coordinating with several countries like the US, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Oman and lifted more than 500 people, of which more than 200 are Afghans, mostly Sikhs and Hindus. Highlighting New Delhi’s role in taking up the Afghanistan issue in the United Nations Security Council, he said, “I should emphasise that in the UNSC, in the month where we held the presidency, the members passed resolution 2593 on Taliban, demanding that Afghanistan’s territory should not be used for terrorism, and expecting them to live up to their promises of forming an inclusive government, and better treatment of minorities, women, children.” Also read | How will the Taliban govern? A history of rebel rule offers clues India is the non-permanent member of the council and it held the chair of the presidency in August, presiding over key meetings. Under its presidency, three meetings took place on Afghanistan—on August 6, August 16, and August 30—the last one saw a resolution being passed on the Afghanistan crisis. The resolution saw the backing of 13 countries, while the remaining two—Russia and China—abstained from voting. Cautioning against some countries’ “natural temptation of diplomacy to score a point above the others and try to get ahead in the game", he said, “This is the time for the international community to actually come together and work in what is true for the collective interest.” While heartbreaking visuals of Afghans fleeing the country via the Hamid Karzai International Airport emerged, there has been a deafening silence by the international community on the crisis. During the UNSC meeting, a divide emerged between the West, led by the US, and Russia and China on the issue of engaging with the Taliban. Speaking on the role of the US in the aftermath of the Afghan crisis, the EAM said, “US is the US, it has deep strengths, an extraordinary capacity to re-invent itself, re-energize itself. We have seen that in history and that some variant of the debate would have also happened in the 1970s after Washington's Vietnam debacle.”

Endgame was not something that anybody saw coming: Jaishankar on Afghanistan

After the destruction caused by Hurricane Ida in the Louisiana United States, the area remains without power. The flood has led houses to submerge underwater. Hurricane Ida has destroyed 22,000 power poles so far. The cleanup work is still under progress by the authorities.

US: Long road to recovery after hurricane Ida

Welcoming possible US involvement in the reconstruction of the country, the Taliban says it is ready to have relations with Washington, the group’s spokesman Suhail Shaheen told Sputnik. &nbsp;

The group wants relations that can serve the interests of both Afghanistan and the United States. The spokesman said, "Yes, of course, in a new chapter if America wants to have a relation with us, which could be in the interest of both countries and both peoples, and if they want to participate in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, they are welcome."

Watch: Reports challenge prospect of Mullah Baradar leading new Afghanistan govt

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Shaheen added, the Taliban will not have any relations with Israel but wants to maintain a dialogue with all of its neighbours. &nbsp;

The leader said, "Of course, we won't have any relation with Israel. We want to have relations with other countries, Israel is not among these countries… We would like to have relations with all the regional countries and neighbouring countries as well as Asian countries." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-built-databases-a-potential-tool-of-taliban-repression-411368" hreflang="en">US-built databases a potential tool of Taliban repression</a>

Meanwhile, the Taliban has also invited former Afghan military men to join the new hardline leadership. &nbsp;

"Afghan soldiers, who have been trained over the last 20 years, will be requested to rejoin security departments alongside Taliban fighters," said spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid at a press conference in Kabul. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Welcoming possible US involvement in the reconstruction of the country, the Taliban says it is ready to have relations with Washington, the group’s spokesman Suhail Shaheen told Sputnik.

Welcoming possible US involvement in the reconstruction of the country, the Taliban says it is ready to have relations with Washington, the group’s spokesman Suhail Shaheen told Sputnik. The group wants relations that can serve the interests of both Afghanistan and the United States. The spokesman said, "Yes, of course, in a new chapter if America wants to have a relation with us, which could be in the interest of both countries and both peoples, and if they want to participate in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, they are welcome." Watch: Reports challenge prospect of Mullah Baradar leading new Afghanistan govt × Shaheen added, the Taliban will not have any relations with Israel but wants to maintain a dialogue with all of its neighbours. The leader said, "Of course, we won't have any relation with Israel. We want to have relations with other countries, Israel is not among these countries… We would like to have relations with all the regional countries and neighbouring countries as well as Asian countries." Also Read: US-built databases a potential tool of Taliban repression Meanwhile, the Taliban has also invited former Afghan military men to join the new hardline leadership. "Afghan soldiers, who have been trained over the last 20 years, will be requested to rejoin security departments alongside Taliban fighters," said spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid at a press conference in Kabul. (With inputs from agencies)

With reconstruction on mind, Taliban ready to have relations with US

The US evacuated four Americans from Afghanistan via an overland route. This is the first US extraction since pullout. Roughly, 124,000 people were evacuated by US from Kabul last month.

US evacuates Americans from Afghanistan after troop withdrawal

Over two decades, the United States and its allies spent hundreds of millions of dollars building databases for the Afghan people. The nobly stated goal: Promote law and order and government accountability and modernize a war-ravaged land.

But in the Taliban's lightning seizure of power, most of that digital apparatus,&nbsp;including biometrics for verifying identities,&nbsp;apparently fell into the Taliban hands. Built with few data-protection safeguards, it risks becoming the high-tech jackboots of a surveillance state. As the Taliban get their governing feet, there are worries it will be used for social control and to punish perceived foes.

Putting such data to work constructively boosting education, empowering women, battling corruption&nbsp;requires democratic stability, and these systems were not architected for the prospect of defeat.

"It is a terrible irony,"&nbsp;said Frank Pasquale, Brooklyn Law School scholar of surveillance technologies. "It's a real object lesson in The road to hell is paved with good intentions.'"

Since Kabul fell August&nbsp;15, indications have emerged that government data may have been used in Taliban efforts to identify and intimidate Afghans who worked with the US&nbsp;Forces.

People are getting ominous and threatening phone calls, texts and WhatsApp messages, said Neesha Suarez, constituent services director for Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, an Iraq War veteran whose office is trying to help stranded Afghans who worked with the U.S. Find a way out.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-open-fire-to-disperse-demonstrators-who-chant-anti-pakistan-slogans-in-kabul-411312">Taliban open fire to disperse demonstrators who chant anti-Pakistan slogans in Kabul</a>

A 27-year-old US&nbsp;Contractor in Kabul told The Associated Press he and co-workers who developed a US-funded database used to manage army and police payrolls got phone calls summoning them to the Defense Ministry. He is in hiding, changing his location daily, he said, asking not to be identified for his safety.

In victory, the Taliban's leaders say they are not interested in retribution. Restoring international aid and getting foreign-held assets unfrozen are a priority. There are few signs of the draconian restrictions "especially on women"&nbsp;they imposed when they ruled from 1996 to 2001. There are also no indications that Afghans who worked with Americans have been systematically persecuted.

Ali Karimi, a University of Pennsylvania scholar, is among Afghans unready to trust the Taliban. He worries the databases will give rigid fundamentalist theocrats, known during their insurgency for ruthlessly killing enemy collaborators, "the same capability as an average US&nbsp;Government agency when it comes to surveillance and interception.? The Taliban are on notice that the world will be watching how they wield the data.

Watch

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"All Afghans and their international partners have an obligation together to ensure sensitive government data only be used for development purposes&nbsp;and not for policing or social control by the Taliban or to serve other governments in the region, said Nader Nadery," a peace negotiator and head of the civil service commission in the former government.

Uncertain for the moment is the fate of one of the most sensitive databases, the one used to pay soldiers and police.

The Afghan Personnel and Pay System has data on more than 700,000 security forces members dating back 40 years, said a senior security official from the fallen government. Its more than 40 data fields include birth dates, phone numbers, fathers' and grandfathers' names, fingerprints and iris and face scans, said two Afghan contractors who worked on it, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution.

Only authorized users can access that system, so if the Taliban can't find one, they can be expected to try to hack it, said the former official, who asked not to be identified for fear of the safety of relatives in Kabul. He expected Pakistan's ISI intelligence service, long the Taliban's patron, to render technical assistance. US&nbsp;Analysts expect Chinese, Russian and Iranian intelligence also to offer such services.

Originally conceived to fight payroll fraud, that system was supposed to interface eventually with a powerful database at the Defense and Interior ministries modelled on one the Pentagon created in 2004 to achieve identity "dominance"&nbsp;by collecting fingerprints and iris and face scans in combat areas.

But the homegrown Afghanistan Automated Biometric Identification Database grew from a tool to vet army and police recruits for loyalty to contain 8.5 million records, including on government foes and the civilian population. When Kabul fell it was being upgraded, along with a similar database in Iraq, under a $75 million contract signed in 2018. 
US&nbsp;Officials say it was secured before the Taliban could access it.

Before the US&nbsp;pullout, the entire database was erased with military-grade data-wiping software, said William Graves, chief engineer at the Pentagon's biometrics project management office.

Similarly, 20 years of data collected from telecommunications and internet intercepts since 2001 by Afghanistan's intelligence agency were wiped clean, said the former Afghan security official.

Among crucial databases that remained are the Afghanistan Financial Management Information System, which held extensive details on foreign contractors, and an Economy Ministry database that compiled all international development and aid agency funding sources, the former security official said.

Then there is the data with iris scans and fingerprints for about 9 million Afghans&nbsp;controlled by the National Statistics and Information Agency. A biometric scan has been required in recent years to obtain a passport or a driver's license and to take a civil service or university entrance exam.

Western aid organizations led by the World Bank, one of the funders, praised the data's utility for empowering women, especially in registering land ownership and obtaining bank loans. The agency was working to create electronic national IDs, known as e-Tazkira, in an unfinished project somewhat modelled on India's biometrically enabled Aadhaar national ID.

"That's the treasure chest,"&nbsp;said a Western election assistance official, speaking on condition of anonymity so as not to jeopardize future missions.

"It is unclear whether voter registration databases&nbsp;records on more than 8 million Afghan"&nbsp;are in Taliban hands, the official said. Full printouts were made during the 2019 presidential elections, though the biometric records used then for anti-fraud voter verification were retained by the German technology provider. After the 2018 parliamentary elections, 5,000 portable biometric handhelds used for verification went inexplicably missing.

Yet another database the Taliban inherit contains iris and face scans and fingerprints on 420,000 government employees&nbsp;another anti-fraud measure&nbsp;which Nadery oversaw as civil service commissioner. It was eventually to have been merged with the e-Tazkira database, he said.

On August&nbsp;3, a government website touted the digital accomplishments of President Ashraf Ghani, who would soon flee into exile, saying biometric information on all civil servants, from every corner of the country" would allow them to them to be linked "under one umbrella"&nbsp;with banks and cellphone carriers for electronic payment. U.N. Agencies have also collected biometrics on Afghans for food distribution and refugee tracking.

The central agglomeration of such personal data is exactly what worries the 37 digital civil liberties groups who signed an Aug. 25 letter calling for the urgent shutdown and erasure, where possible, of Afghanistan's digital identity tool,&nbsp;among other measures. The letter said authoritarian regimes have exploited such data to target vulnerable people&nbsp;and digitized, searchable databases amplify the risks. Disputes over including ethnicity and religion in the e-Tazkira database&nbsp;for fear it could put digital bullseyes on minorities, as China has done in repressing its ethnic Uyghurs&nbsp;delayed its creation for most of a decade.

John Woodward, a Boston University professor and former CIA officer who pioneered the Pentagon's biometric collection, is worried about intelligence agencies hostile to the United States getting access to the data troves.

"ISI (Pakistani intelligence) would be interested to know who worked for the Americans,"&nbsp;said Woodward, and China, Russia and Iran have their own agendas. Their agents certainly have the technical chops to break into password-protected databases.

Over two decades, the United States and its allies spent hundreds of millions of dollars building databases for the Afghan people. The nobly stated goal: Promote law and order and government accountability and modernize a war-ravaged land.

Over two decades, the United States and its allies spent hundreds of millions of dollars building databases for the Afghan people. The nobly stated goal: Promote law and order and government accountability and modernize a war-ravaged land. But in the Taliban's lightning seizure of power, most of that digital apparatus, including biometrics for verifying identities, apparently fell into the Taliban hands. Built with few data-protection safeguards, it risks becoming the high-tech jackboots of a surveillance state. As the Taliban get their governing feet, there are worries it will be used for social control and to punish perceived foes. Putting such data to work constructively boosting education, empowering women, battling corruption requires democratic stability, and these systems were not architected for the prospect of defeat. "It is a terrible irony," said Frank Pasquale, Brooklyn Law School scholar of surveillance technologies. "It's a real object lesson in The road to hell is paved with good intentions.'" Since Kabul fell August 15, indications have emerged that government data may have been used in Taliban efforts to identify and intimidate Afghans who worked with the US Forces. People are getting ominous and threatening phone calls, texts and WhatsApp messages, said Neesha Suarez, constituent services director for Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, an Iraq War veteran whose office is trying to help stranded Afghans who worked with the U.S. Find a way out. Also read | Taliban open fire to disperse demonstrators who chant anti-Pakistan slogans in Kabul A 27-year-old US Contractor in Kabul told The Associated Press he and co-workers who developed a US-funded database used to manage army and police payrolls got phone calls summoning them to the Defense Ministry. He is in hiding, changing his location daily, he said, asking not to be identified for his safety. In victory, the Taliban's leaders say they are not interested in retribution. Restoring international aid and getting foreign-held assets unfrozen are a priority. There are few signs of the draconian restrictions "especially on women" they imposed when they ruled from 1996 to 2001. There are also no indications that Afghans who worked with Americans have been systematically persecuted. Ali Karimi, a University of Pennsylvania scholar, is among Afghans unready to trust the Taliban. He worries the databases will give rigid fundamentalist theocrats, known during their insurgency for ruthlessly killing enemy collaborators, "the same capability as an average US Government agency when it comes to surveillance and interception.? The Taliban are on notice that the world will be watching how they wield the data. Watch "All Afghans and their international partners have an obligation together to ensure sensitive government data only be used for development purposes and not for policing or social control by the Taliban or to serve other governments in the region, said Nader Nadery," a peace negotiator and head of the civil service commission in the former government. Uncertain for the moment is the fate of one of the most sensitive databases, the one used to pay soldiers and police. The Afghan Personnel and Pay System has data on more than 700,000 security forces members dating back 40 years, said a senior security official from the fallen government. Its more than 40 data fields include birth dates, phone numbers, fathers' and grandfathers' names, fingerprints and iris and face scans, said two Afghan contractors who worked on it, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. Only authorized users can access that system, so if the Taliban can't find one, they can be expected to try to hack it, said the former official, who asked not to be identified for fear of the safety of relatives in Kabul. He expected Pakistan's ISI intelligence service, long the Taliban's patron, to render technical assistance. US Analysts expect Chinese, Russian and Iranian intelligence also to offer such services. Originally conceived to fight payroll fraud, that system was supposed to interface eventually with a powerful database at the Defense and Interior ministries modelled on one the Pentagon created in 2004 to achieve identity "dominance" by collecting fingerprints and iris and face scans in combat areas. But the homegrown Afghanistan Automated Biometric Identification Database grew from a tool to vet army and police recruits for loyalty to contain 8.5 million records, including on government foes and the civilian population. When Kabul fell it was being upgraded, along with a similar database in Iraq, under a $75 million contract signed in 2018. US Officials say it was secured before the Taliban could access it. Before the US pullout, the entire database was erased with military-grade data-wiping software, said William Graves, chief engineer at the Pentagon's biometrics project management office. Similarly, 20 years of data collected from telecommunications and internet intercepts since 2001 by Afghanistan's intelligence agency were wiped clean, said the former Afghan security official. Among crucial databases that remained are the Afghanistan Financial Management Information System, which held extensive details on foreign contractors, and an Economy Ministry database that compiled all international development and aid agency funding sources, the former security official said. Then there is the data with iris scans and fingerprints for about 9 million Afghans controlled by the National Statistics and Information Agency. A biometric scan has been required in recent years to obtain a passport or a driver's license and to take a civil service or university entrance exam. Western aid organizations led by the World Bank, one of the funders, praised the data's utility for empowering women, especially in registering land ownership and obtaining bank loans. The agency was working to create electronic national IDs, known as e-Tazkira, in an unfinished project somewhat modelled on India's biometrically enabled Aadhaar national ID. "That's the treasure chest," said a Western election assistance official, speaking on condition of anonymity so as not to jeopardize future missions. "It is unclear whether voter registration databases records on more than 8 million Afghan" are in Taliban hands, the official said. Full printouts were made during the 2019 presidential elections, though the biometric records used then for anti-fraud voter verification were retained by the German technology provider. After the 2018 parliamentary elections, 5,000 portable biometric handhelds used for verification went inexplicably missing. Yet another database the Taliban inherit contains iris and face scans and fingerprints on 420,000 government employees another anti-fraud measure which Nadery oversaw as civil service commissioner. It was eventually to have been merged with the e-Tazkira database, he said. On August 3, a government website touted the digital accomplishments of President Ashraf Ghani, who would soon flee into exile, saying biometric information on all civil servants, from every corner of the country" would allow them to them to be linked "under one umbrella" with banks and cellphone carriers for electronic payment. U.N. Agencies have also collected biometrics on Afghans for food distribution and refugee tracking. The central agglomeration of such personal data is exactly what worries the 37 digital civil liberties groups who signed an Aug. 25 letter calling for the urgent shutdown and erasure, where possible, of Afghanistan's digital identity tool, among other measures. The letter said authoritarian regimes have exploited such data to target vulnerable people and digitized, searchable databases amplify the risks. Disputes over including ethnicity and religion in the e-Tazkira database for fear it could put digital bullseyes on minorities, as China has done in repressing its ethnic Uyghurs delayed its creation for most of a decade. John Woodward, a Boston University professor and former CIA officer who pioneered the Pentagon's biometric collection, is worried about intelligence agencies hostile to the United States getting access to the data troves. "ISI (Pakistani intelligence) would be interested to know who worked for the Americans," said Woodward, and China, Russia and Iran have their own agendas. Their agents certainly have the technical chops to break into password-protected databases.

US-built databases a potential tool of Taliban repression

American billionaire Marc Lore plans to build a city combining the best facilities from around the globe based on energy efficiency.

The name of the new town is&nbsp;"Telosa" meaning “highest purpose” in the ancient Greek language. The plan includes autonomous electric cars and high-speed transportation which is set to cost $400 billion.

The sprawling city high tech city is reportedly going to be built in the West or Appalachia on cheap land which will grow in value due to large scale investment. Lore believes in wealth creation in a "fair way" while creating a "new model for society".

The internet billionaire has also reportedly hired an architectural firm to turn his dream into reality. Lore, 50, was the former president &amp; CEO of Walmart. He had launched an e-commerce website Jet.com in 2014.

Lore was born in Staten Island, New York and has been an Internet entrepreneur for a long time having launched The Pit which was an Internet company meant to rival eBay in 1999. The Pit was eventually sold to&nbsp;Topps for $5.7 million in 2001.

Reports say the billionaire plans to fund the major part of the new city from his own funds while trying to rope in investors and federal grants. The billionaire believers "Telosa" has the capability to one day become the size of New York with the plan running far ahead into 2030.

The gigantic plan involves innovative water technology as he seeks to build his utopian plan. The city could be based in Arizona, Nevada, Utah or Idaho. The main thrust behind the plan is to fight "increasing inequality" while creating an "urban blueprint" with renewable sources of energy powering the new model city.

Lore is scouting for land currently to host an "inclusive city" with diverse housing options and natural,&nbsp;safe public spaces. The core of the plan is based on "Equitism" with an "economic system in which citizens have a stake in the land".

(With inputs from Agencies)

American billionaire Marc Lore plans to build a city combining the best facilities from around the globe based on energy efficiency. The name of the new town is "Telosa" meaning “highest purpose” in the ancient Greek language.

American billionaire Marc Lore plans to build a city combining the best facilities from around the globe based on energy efficiency. The name of the new town is "Telosa" meaning “highest purpose” in the ancient Greek language. The plan includes autonomous electric cars and high-speed transportation which is set to cost $400 billion. The sprawling city high tech city is reportedly going to be built in the West or Appalachia on cheap land which will grow in value due to large scale investment. Lore believes in wealth creation in a "fair way" while creating a "new model for society". The internet billionaire has also reportedly hired an architectural firm to turn his dream into reality. Lore, 50, was the former president & CEO of Walmart. He had launched an e-commerce website Jet.com in 2014. Lore was born in Staten Island, New York and has been an Internet entrepreneur for a long time having launched The Pit which was an Internet company meant to rival eBay in 1999. The Pit was eventually sold to Topps for $5.7 million in 2001. Reports say the billionaire plans to fund the major part of the new city from his own funds while trying to rope in investors and federal grants. The billionaire believers "Telosa" has the capability to one day become the size of New York with the plan running far ahead into 2030. The gigantic plan involves innovative water technology as he seeks to build his utopian plan. The city could be based in Arizona, Nevada, Utah or Idaho. The main thrust behind the plan is to fight "increasing inequality" while creating an "urban blueprint" with renewable sources of energy powering the new model city. Lore is scouting for land currently to host an "inclusive city" with diverse housing options and natural, safe public spaces. The core of the plan is based on "Equitism" with an "economic system in which citizens have a stake in the land". (With inputs from Agencies)

Telosa: American billionaire Marc Lore plans to build model city based on 'Equitism'

Four people, including a mother and her infant, were killed by a gunman wearing full body armour in Florida on early Sunday morning (according to US time zone).

Notably, this is the second mass shooting incident that has taken place in Florida in the last four months.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the suspect, who is yet to be identified, was dressed in full body armour, including a bulletproof vest, when he was found outside a Lakeland home that had been “booby-trapped."

While trying to nab the gunman, two rounds of gunfire with police, where dozens “if not hundreds of rounds” were exchanged, Judd said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Update?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Update</a> to quadruple homicide in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lakeland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lakeland</a> <a href="https://t.co/mkGx2uxojS">https://t.co/mkGx2uxojS</a> <a href="https://t.co/L5tb5kHomH">pic.twitter.com/L5tb5kHomH</a>
— Polk County Sheriff 🚔 (@PolkCoSheriff) <a href="https://twitter.com/PolkCoSheriff/status/1434542863963000834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The suspect escaped from the house at some point, then retreated back to surrender.

Inside the home, authorities found an 11-year-old girl who had been shot multiple times.

She told the cops that there were three dead people inside, Judd said during a news conference Sunday

The officers then searched the home to check for explosives and other traps. When it was clear, they found a mother with an infant in her arms, and another unidentified victim all dead from gunshot wounds.

They also found another woman fatally shot in a neighbouring home.

Although the authorities haven’t been able to find out the motive for the killing, the sheriff said the attacker confronted a witness roughly nine hours before the shooting and told her, “God sent me here to speak with one of your daughters.”

The police said they are finding the relationship between the shooter and the victims.

The shooter also told authorities that he was on methamphetamines—a powerful, highly addictive recreational drug.

The attacker vehicle had also been stocked with supplies for a gunfight, authorities said, including bleeding control kits.

“He was a coward...It’s easy to shoot innocent children and babies and people in the middle of the night when you've got the gun and they don’t,” the sheriff said.

The shooter has been hospitalized and is expected to recover.

There has been a surge in mass shootings across the United States, with President Joe Biden terming it an “epidemic.”

The first shooting took place on June 11, where two people, including a child, were shot dead in a grocery store in Florida. The gunman later killed himself.

(With inputs from agencies)

Four people, including a mother and her infant, were killed by a gunman wearing full body armour in Florida on early Sunday morning (according to US time zone). Notably, this is the second mass shooting incident that has taken place in Florida in the last four months.

Four people, including a mother and her infant, were killed by a gunman wearing full body armour in Florida on early Sunday morning (according to US time zone). Notably, this is the second mass shooting incident that has taken place in Florida in the last four months. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the suspect, who is yet to be identified, was dressed in full body armour, including a bulletproof vest, when he was found outside a Lakeland home that had been “booby-trapped." While trying to nab the gunman, two rounds of gunfire with police, where dozens “if not hundreds of rounds” were exchanged, Judd said. #Update to quadruple homicide in #Lakeland https://t.co/mkGx2uxojS pic.twitter.com/L5tb5kHomH — Polk County Sheriff 🚔 (@PolkCoSheriff) September 5, 2021 × The suspect escaped from the house at some point, then retreated back to surrender. Inside the home, authorities found an 11-year-old girl who had been shot multiple times. She told the cops that there were three dead people inside, Judd said during a news conference Sunday The officers then searched the home to check for explosives and other traps. When it was clear, they found a mother with an infant in her arms, and another unidentified victim all dead from gunshot wounds. They also found another woman fatally shot in a neighbouring home. Although the authorities haven’t been able to find out the motive for the killing, the sheriff said the attacker confronted a witness roughly nine hours before the shooting and told her, “God sent me here to speak with one of your daughters.” The police said they are finding the relationship between the shooter and the victims. The shooter also told authorities that he was on methamphetamines—a powerful, highly addictive recreational drug. The attacker vehicle had also been stocked with supplies for a gunfight, authorities said, including bleeding control kits. “He was a coward...It’s easy to shoot innocent children and babies and people in the middle of the night when you've got the gun and they don’t,” the sheriff said. The shooter has been hospitalized and is expected to recover. There has been a surge in mass shootings across the United States, with President Joe Biden terming it an “epidemic.” The first shooting took place on June 11, where two people, including a child, were shot dead in a grocery store in Florida. The gunman later killed himself. (With inputs from agencies)

Mother, her infant among 4 killed by gunman in Florida

US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, embarks on a two-day Qatar visit, as he looks to form a united front with allies following the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan. Blinken will also voice America's "deep gratitude" to Doha.

Antony Blinken to visit Qatar to hold ministerial meeting on Afghan crisis

The city of Mosul was the last bastion of ISIS in Iraq. It was retaken by the Iraqi army and a US-led coalition after the intense bombardment and fighting that left it in ruins. On The West Asia Post this week, Ghadi Francis tells you how Mosul is still struggling to rebuild.

The West Asia Post: Former ISIS stronghold mired in crisis

According to a survey conducted by Morning Consult/Politico polling,&nbsp;66 per cent of registered voters in the US have said that ISIS and other Islamist terrorist groups in foreign countries pose a “critical threat” to the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A total of 61 per cent of Americans said that Islamist extremism overall poses a threat to vital US interests over the next decade.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Antony Blinken to visit Qatar to hold ministerial meeting on Afghan crisis

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After the Islamic State (IS) attack at Afghanistan’s Kabul airport that killed 13 US troops and over 90 Afghans during the evacuation,&nbsp;these numbers have&nbsp;witnessed a double-digit rise in roughly a week.&nbsp;

At least&nbsp;54 per cent US citizens&nbsp;consider ISIS and other Islamist terrorist groups, a threat before the attack, the numbers were 49 per cent for those who saw Islamist extremism as an overall threat to the US.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-911-changed-air-travel-more-security-less-privacy-411141" hreflang="en">How 9/11 changed air travel: More security, less privacy</a>

Post the Kabul airport attack, roughly 67 per cent of Americans see terrorism in the US as a threat, up from 59 per cent between August 21 and 24.&nbsp;

The survey conducted by&nbsp;Morning Consult also showed that 26 per cent of registered American voters said security matters, including terrorism,&nbsp;foreign policy&nbsp;and border security were the most vital aspects for them when thinking about their votes for the federal office.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

According to a survey conducted by Morning Consult/Politico polling, 66 per cent of registered voters in the US have said that ISIS and other Islamist terrorist groups in foreign countries pose a “critical threat” to the country.

According to a survey conducted by Morning Consult/Politico polling, 66 per cent of registered voters in the US have said that ISIS and other Islamist terrorist groups in foreign countries pose a “critical threat” to the country. A total of 61 per cent of Americans said that Islamist extremism overall poses a threat to vital US interests over the next decade. Watch: Antony Blinken to visit Qatar to hold ministerial meeting on Afghan crisis × After the Islamic State (IS) attack at Afghanistan’s Kabul airport that killed 13 US troops and over 90 Afghans during the evacuation, these numbers have witnessed a double-digit rise in roughly a week. At least 54 per cent US citizens consider ISIS and other Islamist terrorist groups, a threat before the attack, the numbers were 49 per cent for those who saw Islamist extremism as an overall threat to the US. Also Read: How 9/11 changed air travel: More security, less privacy Post the Kabul airport attack, roughly 67 per cent of Americans see terrorism in the US as a threat, up from 59 per cent between August 21 and 24. The survey conducted by Morning Consult also showed that 26 per cent of registered American voters said security matters, including terrorism, foreign policy and border security were the most vital aspects for them when thinking about their votes for the federal office. (With inputs from agencies)

66% US citizens think terror groups pose threat to country 

Alexanda Kotey, 37, pleaded guilty to all eight counts against him at a plea hearing in US District Court. The charges include hostage-taking resulting in death and providing material support to the Islamic State group from 2012 through 2015.

Islamic State 'Beatle' pleads guilty over US hostage deaths

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

In more trouble for Boeing, Federal Aviation Administration has rejected company's recent proposal to inspect them.

Federal Aviation Administration rejects Boeing's recent proposal to inspect them

Migrants in Mexico set out to US defying immigration rules and challenging detentions. US-Mexico border is facing its worst migrant crisis.

US-Mexico border faces its worst migrant crisis

Spending less on food. Drawing down on retirement savings. Dropping out of the workforce altogether.

Last year, the United States massively expanded unemployment aid as Covid-19 broke out. But in the coming days those benefits will end, forcing millions of jobless Americans, some of whom haven't worked for the entire pandemic&nbsp; to make hard choices about how they will get by in an economy newly menaced by the Delta variant.

"I have no idea how we would survive, just on my daughter's income," said Deborah Lee, an unemployed phlebotomist in Arizona who is recovering from a Covid outbreak that affected her daughter and two of her three granddaughters.

The government-funded programs that increased weekly payments and gave aid to the long-term unemployed and freelancers were credited with keeping the United States from an even worse economic collapse last year.

In recent months they have become controversial, with some states ending them early and arguing they encouraged people not to return to jobs that Covid-19 vaccines made safe, though studies have disputed that contention.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/auckland-knife-attacker-was-on-deportation-notice-reveals-new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-410772">Also read | Auckland knife attacker was on deportation notice, reveals New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern</a>

From September 6 they will end nationwide, and while economists don't expect them to meaningfully dent the US economy's recovery from its 2020 debacle, they'll undoubtedly up the pressure on the unemployed.

"I think it's going to be an under appreciated event in the economy," said Andrew Stettner of progressive think tank The Century Foundation, predicting that 7.5 million people will be relying on the programs when they end.&nbsp;

"It'll be kind of a silent crisis."

'Screwed over'

The expansion of the unemployment safety net occurred in March 2020, when Congress rushed to blunt the emerging pandemic with $2.2 trillion in spending through the CARES Act rescue package.

While never meant to be permanent, the benefits were reauthorised twice, most recently in the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan enacted by President Joe Biden and his Democratic allies in Congress last March.

While many in the Republican Party at first backed the programs, by this year their lawmakers were arguing against them, and 26 states, most with Republican governors, moved to end them early in whole or in part.

A study published last month by researchers from American and Canadian universities found only modest improvements in hiring and earnings in some of those states that ended the aid early, while spending fell 20 percent.&nbsp;

Meanwhile the economy is far from healed, with 5.3 million jobs lost to the pandemic yet to be restored and employers adding a mere 235,000 positions in August, according to government data released Friday.

In Delaware, Ohio, Karen Coldwell says she sends out about 10 job applications weekly but has yet to be hired. All other openings she sees are for low-wage work, the kind of jobs she held when she was younger.

At age 64 she is not yet ready to retire, but worries she'll have to start dipping into her retirement savings once the long-term unemployment program ends.

"There's just nothing out there. There's jobs, but the money's not there anymore," Coldwell said.

Others can't return to the workforce, even though they know the benefits that make up their only income are ending. Brooke Ganieany of The Dalles, Oregon, said she has no one to care for her toddler son if she were to find employment.

"I feel kind of screwed over," the 21-year-old told AFP. "I feel like they're doing this to make us have a plan and get back to reality, which is not exactly the slogan they should be using."

Unequal damage

Those eligible will continue to receive benefits under states' regular unemployment programs -- but the end of a $300 extra weekly supplement means their checks are about to shrink.

"It's going to affect it so much. I'm going to have to cut back on food," said 58-year-old Karen Williams, an unemployed graphic designer in Pennsylvania.

Gregory Daco of Oxford Economics predicted the cut off in benefits would lower household income by $4.2 billion per week in September, or about $210 billion annualised for the month.

"It's not going to be the type of shock that puts the US economy into reverse," he said in an interview, but predicted that "lower-income families and minorities are more likely to be negatively impacted."

Fearful of further coronavirus variants and with her daughter missing badly needed pay from the family's battle with Covid-19, Lee said she is waiting to hear whether the government will grant her disability aid for a hand injury, conceding her days of employment are likely behind her, at least for now.

"I don't even know what the answer is," she said.

Spending less on food. Drawing down on retirement savings. Dropping out of the workforce altogether. Last year, the United States massively expanded unemployment aid as Covid-19 broke out.

Spending less on food. Drawing down on retirement savings. Dropping out of the workforce altogether. Last year, the United States massively expanded unemployment aid as Covid-19 broke out. But in the coming days those benefits will end, forcing millions of jobless Americans, some of whom haven't worked for the entire pandemic to make hard choices about how they will get by in an economy newly menaced by the Delta variant. "I have no idea how we would survive, just on my daughter's income," said Deborah Lee, an unemployed phlebotomist in Arizona who is recovering from a Covid outbreak that affected her daughter and two of her three granddaughters. The government-funded programs that increased weekly payments and gave aid to the long-term unemployed and freelancers were credited with keeping the United States from an even worse economic collapse last year. In recent months they have become controversial, with some states ending them early and arguing they encouraged people not to return to jobs that Covid-19 vaccines made safe, though studies have disputed that contention. Also read | Auckland knife attacker was on deportation notice, reveals New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern From September 6 they will end nationwide, and while economists don't expect them to meaningfully dent the US economy's recovery from its 2020 debacle, they'll undoubtedly up the pressure on the unemployed. "I think it's going to be an under appreciated event in the economy," said Andrew Stettner of progressive think tank The Century Foundation, predicting that 7.5 million people will be relying on the programs when they end. "It'll be kind of a silent crisis." 'Screwed over' The expansion of the unemployment safety net occurred in March 2020, when Congress rushed to blunt the emerging pandemic with $2.2 trillion in spending through the CARES Act rescue package. While never meant to be permanent, the benefits were reauthorised twice, most recently in the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan enacted by President Joe Biden and his Democratic allies in Congress last March. While many in the Republican Party at first backed the programs, by this year their lawmakers were arguing against them, and 26 states, most with Republican governors, moved to end them early in whole or in part. A study published last month by researchers from American and Canadian universities found only modest improvements in hiring and earnings in some of those states that ended the aid early, while spending fell 20 percent. Meanwhile the economy is far from healed, with 5.3 million jobs lost to the pandemic yet to be restored and employers adding a mere 235,000 positions in August, according to government data released Friday. In Delaware, Ohio, Karen Coldwell says she sends out about 10 job applications weekly but has yet to be hired. All other openings she sees are for low-wage work, the kind of jobs she held when she was younger. At age 64 she is not yet ready to retire, but worries she'll have to start dipping into her retirement savings once the long-term unemployment program ends. "There's just nothing out there. There's jobs, but the money's not there anymore," Coldwell said. Others can't return to the workforce, even though they know the benefits that make up their only income are ending. Brooke Ganieany of The Dalles, Oregon, said she has no one to care for her toddler son if she were to find employment. "I feel kind of screwed over," the 21-year-old told AFP. "I feel like they're doing this to make us have a plan and get back to reality, which is not exactly the slogan they should be using." Unequal damage Those eligible will continue to receive benefits under states' regular unemployment programs -- but the end of a $300 extra weekly supplement means their checks are about to shrink. "It's going to affect it so much. I'm going to have to cut back on food," said 58-year-old Karen Williams, an unemployed graphic designer in Pennsylvania. Gregory Daco of Oxford Economics predicted the cut off in benefits would lower household income by $4.2 billion per week in September, or about $210 billion annualised for the month. "It's not going to be the type of shock that puts the US economy into reverse," he said in an interview, but predicted that "lower-income families and minorities are more likely to be negatively impacted." Fearful of further coronavirus variants and with her daughter missing badly needed pay from the family's battle with Covid-19, Lee said she is waiting to hear whether the government will grant her disability aid for a hand injury, conceding her days of employment are likely behind her, at least for now. "I don't even know what the answer is," she said.

'Silent crisis' looms as US to end Covid aid for millions of jobless

Following Hurricane Ida, cleanup crews are making concerted efforts to respond to a sizable oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the US Coast Guard said on Saturday.

The ongoing spill appears to be coming from a underwater source at an offshore drilling lease, which is about three kilometers (two miles) south of Port Fourchon, Louisiana.

So far, the growing spill appears to have remained out to sea and has not impacted the Louisiana shoreline.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus : How America benefits from wars

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The officials have not yet been able to estimate for how much oil was in the water, but recent satellite images show the slick drifting more than 19 kilometers (more than a dozen miles) eastwards along the Gulf coast.

The source of the pollution is located in Bay Marchand, Block 4, and is believed to be crude oil from an undersea pipeline owned by Talos Energy, said&nbsp;Coast Guard spokesman Lt&nbsp;John Edwards.

Brian L Grove, spokesman, Houston-based energy company, said it had hired Clean Gulf Associates to respond to the spill even though the company believes it is not responsible for the oil in the water.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-walks-through-storm-ravaged-louisiana-pledges-to-get-people-back-on-feet-410693" hreflang="en">Biden walks through storm-ravaged Louisiana, pledges to get people back on feet</a>

Clean Gulf Associates is a nonprofit oil-spill response cooperative, which works with the energy exploration and production industry, responded to the scene on Wednesday. Its workers have placed a containment boom in the area to mitigate further spread of the oil.

The vessels of the company are also running skimmers, which&nbsp;can remove oil from the water.&nbsp;The Coast Guard said only about 160 liters (42 gallons) had been removed so far.

(With inputs from agencies)

Following Hurricane Ida, cleanup crews are making concerted efforts to respond to a sizable oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the US Coast Guard said on Saturday.

Following Hurricane Ida, cleanup crews are making concerted efforts to respond to a sizable oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the US Coast Guard said on Saturday. The ongoing spill appears to be coming from a underwater source at an offshore drilling lease, which is about three kilometers (two miles) south of Port Fourchon, Louisiana. So far, the growing spill appears to have remained out to sea and has not impacted the Louisiana shoreline. Watch | Gravitas Plus : How America benefits from wars × The officials have not yet been able to estimate for how much oil was in the water, but recent satellite images show the slick drifting more than 19 kilometers (more than a dozen miles) eastwards along the Gulf coast. The source of the pollution is located in Bay Marchand, Block 4, and is believed to be crude oil from an undersea pipeline owned by Talos Energy, said Coast Guard spokesman Lt John Edwards. Brian L Grove, spokesman, Houston-based energy company, said it had hired Clean Gulf Associates to respond to the spill even though the company believes it is not responsible for the oil in the water. Also Read: Biden walks through storm-ravaged Louisiana, pledges to get people back on feet Clean Gulf Associates is a nonprofit oil-spill response cooperative, which works with the energy exploration and production industry, responded to the scene on Wednesday. Its workers have placed a containment boom in the area to mitigate further spread of the oil. The vessels of the company are also running skimmers, which can remove oil from the water. The Coast Guard said only about 160 liters (42 gallons) had been removed so far. (With inputs from agencies)

Hurricane Ida: Cleanup boats look to check large oil spill in Gulf of Mexico

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 man was shot and killed while waiting in line at a Louisiana gas station on Friday, police said.

Gas supplies are low and long lines common at gas stations after&nbsp;Hurricane&nbsp;Ida&nbsp;made landfall on Sunday. More than two-thirds of stations were without fuel in Baton Rouge and New Orleans as of Friday, according to GasBuddy.com.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joseph Lopinto said the shooting was the second incident at a gas station on Friday involving a weapon.

"The gas station incidents that have been all day, this is at least the second time that guns have been pulled. This time we've got to have a person dead over it. It's unbelievable that people can't act like adults in this situation," Lopinto said.

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Police said they have a photograph of the shooter's car and urged him to come forward, local media reported.

Ida's severe winds knocked out power to more than one million homes and businesses, causing many to rely on gas-powered generators.

About 860,000 homes and businesses in the state still lacked power as of Friday.

Retail gasoline prices in New Orleans have risen by 6 cents in the last week, to $2.868 for a gallon of regular gasoline, American Automobile Association data showed.

A man was shot and killed while waiting in line at a Louisiana gas station on Friday, police said. Gas supplies are low and long lines common at gas stations after Hurricane Ida made landfall on Sunday.

A man was shot and killed while waiting in line at a Louisiana gas station on Friday, police said. Gas supplies are low and long lines common at gas stations after Hurricane Ida made landfall on Sunday. More than two-thirds of stations were without fuel in Baton Rouge and New Orleans as of Friday, according to GasBuddy.com. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joseph Lopinto said the shooting was the second incident at a gas station on Friday involving a weapon. "The gas station incidents that have been all day, this is at least the second time that guns have been pulled. This time we've got to have a person dead over it. It's unbelievable that people can't act like adults in this situation," Lopinto said. Also read | Auckland knife attacker was on deportation notice, reveals New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern Police said they have a photograph of the shooter's car and urged him to come forward, local media reported. Ida's severe winds knocked out power to more than one million homes and businesses, causing many to rely on gas-powered generators. About 860,000 homes and businesses in the state still lacked power as of Friday. Retail gasoline prices in New Orleans have risen by 6 cents in the last week, to $2.868 for a gallon of regular gasoline, American Automobile Association data showed.

Man shot and killed at Louisiana gas station amid shortages due to Hurricane Ida

The US death toll from Hurricane Ida rose towards 60. This comes a week after one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the US mainland made landfall in Louisiana.

Two more evacuated nursing home residents were confirmed to have died in the southern state.

In north-eastern states, many people started the Labor Day holiday weekend digging through debris left by floods and tornadoes on Wednesday and Thursday which killed at least 50 people.

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In New York, operators promised to restore some commuter lines before the start of the workweek.

In Louisiana, the confirmed storm-related death toll rose to nine.&nbsp;

However, there were more than 1 million without electricity, many were forced into long lines at gas stations to find fuel for generators.&nbsp;

Providers have said most but not all Louisiana residents affected will have power again by the middle of next week.

The US death toll from Hurricane Ida rose towards 60. This comes a week after one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the US mainland made landfall in Louisiana.

The US death toll from Hurricane Ida rose towards 60. This comes a week after one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the US mainland made landfall in Louisiana. Two more evacuated nursing home residents were confirmed to have died in the southern state. In north-eastern states, many people started the Labor Day holiday weekend digging through debris left by floods and tornadoes on Wednesday and Thursday which killed at least 50 people. Also read | Bangladesh MP proposes ban on marriages for working couples In New York, operators promised to restore some commuter lines before the start of the workweek. In Louisiana, the confirmed storm-related death toll rose to nine. However, there were more than 1 million without electricity, many were forced into long lines at gas stations to find fuel for generators. Providers have said most but not all Louisiana residents affected will have power again by the middle of next week.

Hurricane Ida death toll nears 60

There have been reports of large swaths of armyworms, specifically the fall armyworm, invading lawns, eating up grass and plants in an infestation, which experts say they have not seen in decades.

Rick Brandenburg, who works as an entomologist at North Carolina State University, said that the insects are laying siege to areas such as North Carolina, Texas, Michigan and northeastern states, which rarely see such significant armyworm populations.&nbsp;

"This year is like a perfect storm. In my 40 years, I have never seen the problem as widespread as it is this year,” Brandenburg told USA Today.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/second-afghan-boy-dies-of-mushroom-poisoning-in-poland-410687">Also read |&nbsp;Second Afghan boy dies of mushroom poisoning in Poland</a>

As per entomologist Thomas Kuhar, this was the largest infestation he has seen in 30 years, and “perhaps the most unique”.

The professor at Virginia Tech said that the armyworms are often found in crops such as corn, rice and sorghum, but this year’s outbreak is selectively targeting lawns and some hayfields.

Eric Rebek, an Oklahoma State University entomology professor highlighted that there are two kinds of armyworms, the true armyworm and the fall armyworm.&nbsp;

The fall armyworms are indigenous to the US and are the larval stage of the fall armyworm moth.&nbsp;

The caterpillars grow up to two inches long and can be green, brown or black in colour. Rebek said they can be identified by an inverted white "y" on their head capsules. A single female can lay as many as 1,500 eggs. 
&nbsp;

There have been reports of large swaths of armyworms, specifically the fall armyworm, invading lawns, eating up grass and plants in an infestation, which experts say they have not seen in decades.

There have been reports of large swaths of armyworms, specifically the fall armyworm, invading lawns, eating up grass and plants in an infestation, which experts say they have not seen in decades. Rick Brandenburg, who works as an entomologist at North Carolina State University, said that the insects are laying siege to areas such as North Carolina, Texas, Michigan and northeastern states, which rarely see such significant armyworm populations. "This year is like a perfect storm. In my 40 years, I have never seen the problem as widespread as it is this year,” Brandenburg told USA Today. Also read | Second Afghan boy dies of mushroom poisoning in Poland As per entomologist Thomas Kuhar, this was the largest infestation he has seen in 30 years, and “perhaps the most unique”. The professor at Virginia Tech said that the armyworms are often found in crops such as corn, rice and sorghum, but this year’s outbreak is selectively targeting lawns and some hayfields. Eric Rebek, an Oklahoma State University entomology professor highlighted that there are two kinds of armyworms, the true armyworm and the fall armyworm. The fall armyworms are indigenous to the US and are the larval stage of the fall armyworm moth. The caterpillars grow up to two inches long and can be green, brown or black in colour. Rebek said they can be identified by an inverted white "y" on their head capsules. A single female can lay as many as 1,500 eggs.

Armyworms are marching across the US, here is all you need to know

Former Commissioner of New York city police dept., Bernard Kerik spoke to WION on 9/11 attacks. 'Í lost 23 people from my dept during 9/11 attacks.' He also blamed President Biden for the present Afghan crisis.

Former Commissioner of New York city police dept., Bernard Kerik speaks on 9/11 attacks

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