The west may have exited the war-torn nation Afghanistan, but they continue to maintain close watch. Israel Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said that the US withdrawal from Afghanistan was the right move but was carried out poorly.

Israel says US Afghan withdrawal 'right move, badly done'

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for the way he handled the Afghan crisis. 49% people said that US military should have stayed in Afghanistan and not withdrawn.

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

The world's wealthiest military lost to the Taliban. The US wants the world to believe that we are dealing with the Taliban 2.0. But what is Taliban 2.0 and why is the world buying this marketing strategy of 2.0. Watch this report to know more.

Afghanistan Dialogues: Why is world buying the marketing strategy of Taliban 2.0

They came, they fought, they lost. As the United States ended its longest war by withdrawing all its troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban is back in power. Is this a defeat for the western world?

A defeat for the western world? Two superpowers bite the dust in Afghanistan

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

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

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

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

The financial outlook for Social Security is eroding more quickly than previously expected, as the coronavirus pandemic has drained government revenues and put additional strain on one of the nation’s most important social safety net programs. The overall finances for Medicare, however, are expected to hold steady, though the health program is still forecast to face financial pressure in the coming years.

Annual government reports released Tuesday on the solvency of the programs underscored the questions about their long-term viability at a time when a wave of baby boomers are retiring and the economy faces ongoing uncertainty as variants of the coronavirus surge. The US economy already faces soaring federal debt levels in the coming decades, but both Democrats and Republicans have been wary of making significant structural reforms to the popular programs.

"Having strong Social Security and Medicare programs is essential in order to ensure a secure retirement for all Americans, especially for our most vulnerable populations,"&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement. "The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to safeguarding these programs and ensuring they continue to deliver economic security and health care to older Americans."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hate-crimes-in-us-spiked-6-in-2020-highest-in-12-years-fbi-report-410022">Hate crimes in US spiked 6% in 2020, highest in 12 years: FBI report</a>

Senior administration officials said that the long-term effects of the pandemic on the programs are unclear. The actuaries were forced to make assumptions about how long Covid would continue to cause unusual patterns of hospitalisations and deaths and whether it would contribute to long-term disabilities among survivors.

The Social Security Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund will now be depleted in 2033, a year earlier than previously projected, according to the report. At that time, the trust fund will run out of reserves and the program will be insolvent, with new tax revenues failing to cover scheduled payments. The report estimated that 76 per cent&nbsp;of scheduled benefits will be able to be paid out unless Congress changes the rules to allow full payouts.

The Disability Insurance Trust Fund is now expected to be depleted by 2057, which is eight years earlier than previously thought, at which time 91 per cent of benefits will be paid.

Medicare’s finances are effectively holding steady. While tax revenue for the Medicare program did decline as a result of the COVID-related recession, Medicare also ended up spending less money than usual last year, as people avoided elective care.

Medicare’s hospital trust fund is projected to be unable to pay all of its bills beginning in 2026. This estimate is similar to those from Medicare’s trustees in recent years. Fixing that gap now could be achieved by increasing the Medicare payroll tax rate from 2.9 per cent&nbsp;to 3.67 per cent&nbsp;or by reducing Medicare spending by 16 per cent&nbsp;each year, the report notes.

But the report highlighted that the official estimate may be unrealistically optimistic. If certain policies set to expire in the next 10 years are extended, or if other expected policy changes occur, the projections would look substantially more worrying.

Long-term, the actuaries said they did not think COVID-19 itself would have substantial influence on Medicare spending on hospital care. On the one hand, the death of many vulnerable, older Americans from the virus may reduce future spending they would otherwise have received. On the other, the actuaries expect that some people may have additional health care needs from the syndrome known as long Covid.

The actuaries declined to make any estimates on the effect of Aduhelm, a very expensive Alzheimer’s treatment that was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The report said that officials were waiting for Medicare to issue guidance on how the drug will be covered before making any calculations. The drug could represent tens of billions of dollars in spending each year.

Democrats in Congress are considering a host of changes to the Medicare program, such as adding new benefits, including coverage for dental, hearing and vision care. While these changes are expected to influence Medicare’s overall finances, none of them are likely to have major effects on the trust fund, which covers only hospital care.

The financial outlook for Social Security is eroding more quickly than previously expected, as the coronavirus pandemic has drained government revenues and put additional strain on one of the nation’s most important social safety net programs.

The financial outlook for Social Security is eroding more quickly than previously expected, as the coronavirus pandemic has drained government revenues and put additional strain on one of the nation’s most important social safety net programs. The overall finances for Medicare, however, are expected to hold steady, though the health program is still forecast to face financial pressure in the coming years. Annual government reports released Tuesday on the solvency of the programs underscored the questions about their long-term viability at a time when a wave of baby boomers are retiring and the economy faces ongoing uncertainty as variants of the coronavirus surge. The US economy already faces soaring federal debt levels in the coming decades, but both Democrats and Republicans have been wary of making significant structural reforms to the popular programs. "Having strong Social Security and Medicare programs is essential in order to ensure a secure retirement for all Americans, especially for our most vulnerable populations," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement. "The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to safeguarding these programs and ensuring they continue to deliver economic security and health care to older Americans." Also read | Hate crimes in US spiked 6% in 2020, highest in 12 years: FBI report Senior administration officials said that the long-term effects of the pandemic on the programs are unclear. The actuaries were forced to make assumptions about how long Covid would continue to cause unusual patterns of hospitalisations and deaths and whether it would contribute to long-term disabilities among survivors. The Social Security Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund will now be depleted in 2033, a year earlier than previously projected, according to the report. At that time, the trust fund will run out of reserves and the program will be insolvent, with new tax revenues failing to cover scheduled payments. The report estimated that 76 per cent of scheduled benefits will be able to be paid out unless Congress changes the rules to allow full payouts. The Disability Insurance Trust Fund is now expected to be depleted by 2057, which is eight years earlier than previously thought, at which time 91 per cent of benefits will be paid. Medicare’s finances are effectively holding steady. While tax revenue for the Medicare program did decline as a result of the COVID-related recession, Medicare also ended up spending less money than usual last year, as people avoided elective care. Medicare’s hospital trust fund is projected to be unable to pay all of its bills beginning in 2026. This estimate is similar to those from Medicare’s trustees in recent years. Fixing that gap now could be achieved by increasing the Medicare payroll tax rate from 2.9 per cent to 3.67 per cent or by reducing Medicare spending by 16 per cent each year, the report notes. But the report highlighted that the official estimate may be unrealistically optimistic. If certain policies set to expire in the next 10 years are extended, or if other expected policy changes occur, the projections would look substantially more worrying. Long-term, the actuaries said they did not think COVID-19 itself would have substantial influence on Medicare spending on hospital care. On the one hand, the death of many vulnerable, older Americans from the virus may reduce future spending they would otherwise have received. On the other, the actuaries expect that some people may have additional health care needs from the syndrome known as long Covid. The actuaries declined to make any estimates on the effect of Aduhelm, a very expensive Alzheimer’s treatment that was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The report said that officials were waiting for Medicare to issue guidance on how the drug will be covered before making any calculations. The drug could represent tens of billions of dollars in spending each year. Democrats in Congress are considering a host of changes to the Medicare program, such as adding new benefits, including coverage for dental, hearing and vision care. While these changes are expected to influence Medicare’s overall finances, none of them are likely to have major effects on the trust fund, which covers only hospital care.

Social security is projected to be insolvent a year earlier than previously forecast

China has said that the US withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 years of conflict signals that the country has turned a new page. The statement comes a day after the US concluded its evacuation operation and withdrawal from Afghanistan.

China: US withdrawal signals Afghanistan has turned a new page

The Taliban have inherited a country that has all the makings of a failed state. Afghanistan's economy is a mess. Rival terrorist groups are getting active and those joining the Taliban's government have no experience in governance. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas | America's Afghanistan Exit: The 3 Priorities for Afghanistan

A new poll found that 51% of American citizens disapprove of Joe Biden's Afghan strategy. US allies are also losing confidence in his leadership. Will the world trust a Biden-led US to tackle climate change or China? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Biden's poll numbers plunge after Afghan debacle

Although ivermectin has not yet proven effective against the coronavirus, a judge in Ohio has ordered a hospital to treat a COVID-19 patient with the anti-parasitic drug. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The experts have given warnings that the ivermectin is yet to be proven effective against the deadly virus. It can also be dangerous in large doses. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Japan's COVID vaccine drive suffers blow

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In a judgement, Butler County judge Gregory Howard ordered doctors at West Chester hospital to administer ivermectin to 51-year-old Jeffrey Smith. Smith had contracted COVID-19 in July and was transferred to intensive care. &nbsp;

Butler County falls outside Cincinnati in the United States. &nbsp; &nbsp;

In court documents, Julie Smith said, “My husband is on death’s doorstep. He has no other options.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/who-warns-against-a-new-covid-variant-that-may-be-resistant-to-vaccines-409929" hreflang="en">WHO warns against a new Covid variant that may be resistant to vaccines</a>

Outside the hospital, a doctor was willing to prescribe the drug but the hospital had refused to administer it. The judge ordered the hospital to give 30mg of the medicine to Smith for three weeks. &nbsp;

The Ivermectin drug is generally used against parasites in livestock animals, which includes horses and cows. In humans, it is also used against some parasitic worms and external parasites like head lice. &nbsp;

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US has also warned that “taking large doses of this drug is dangerous and can cause serious harm”.&nbsp;

Although ivermectin has not yet proven effective against the coronavirus, a judge in Ohio has ordered a hospital to treat a COVID-19 patient with the anti-parasitic drug.

Although ivermectin has not yet proven effective against the coronavirus, a judge in Ohio has ordered a hospital to treat a COVID-19 patient with the anti-parasitic drug. The experts have given warnings that the ivermectin is yet to be proven effective against the deadly virus. It can also be dangerous in large doses. Watch: Japan's COVID vaccine drive suffers blow × In a judgement, Butler County judge Gregory Howard ordered doctors at West Chester hospital to administer ivermectin to 51-year-old Jeffrey Smith. Smith had contracted COVID-19 in July and was transferred to intensive care. Butler County falls outside Cincinnati in the United States. In court documents, Julie Smith said, “My husband is on death’s doorstep. He has no other options.” Also Read: WHO warns against a new Covid variant that may be resistant to vaccines Outside the hospital, a doctor was willing to prescribe the drug but the hospital had refused to administer it. The judge ordered the hospital to give 30mg of the medicine to Smith for three weeks. The Ivermectin drug is generally used against parasites in livestock animals, which includes horses and cows. In humans, it is also used against some parasitic worms and external parasites like head lice. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US has also warned that “taking large doses of this drug is dangerous and can cause serious harm”.

US Judge orders hospital to treat COVID-19 patient with ‘not yet proven effective’ ivermectin drug  

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

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

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

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

After the US left Afghanistan, the Taliban has reached out to India. The Indian Ambassador to Qatar met with the Head of the Taliban's political office in Doha today. Palki Sharma decodes the discussions in Doha.

Gravitas: After the US leaves Afghanistan, Taliban reaches out to India

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

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

This year seems to be a tough one for firefighters around the world. Be it Greece or California, several countries have faced the devastating wildfires this year. &nbsp;

From planes to water cannons, the firefighters have used numerous methods to douse or control the fires. In a unique attempt, a Lake Tahoe-area ski resort gave everything it got by using snowmaking equipment to protect the property when the flames of California’s Caldor fire approached. The staff actually used every tool they could. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US President Joe Biden defends departure from 'forever war' in Afghanistan

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The 2,000-acre Sierra-at-Tahoe's staff spent days preparing to defend the resort, which lies west of South Lake Tahoe, from the wildfire. It was rapidly advancing in the region. &nbsp;

They created defensible space around buildings, sealed air ducts to keep out embers and repurposed water hydrants, which were normally used to make snow, to douse buildings with water when the blaze may reach the property, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-report-despite-a-decline-in-deaths-from-weather-related-events-the-economic-cost-rises-410016" hreflang="en">UN report: Despite a decline in deaths from weather-related events, the economic cost rises</a>

John Rice, resort manager, told Chronicle, “It came in from the west side, almost a bullseye right towards us, this big wall of fire.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

Before reaching the Lake Tahoe basin on Monday, the wildfires bore down on the resort on Sunday evening. The hydrants were used to spray the buildings to save them. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The fire crews also used the snow-making machines to douse the ground later.&nbsp;

This year seems to be a tough one for firefighters around the world. Be it Greece or California, several countries have faced the devastating wildfires this year.

This year seems to be a tough one for firefighters around the world. Be it Greece or California, several countries have faced the devastating wildfires this year. From planes to water cannons, the firefighters have used numerous methods to douse or control the fires. In a unique attempt, a Lake Tahoe-area ski resort gave everything it got by using snowmaking equipment to protect the property when the flames of California’s Caldor fire approached. The staff actually used every tool they could. Watch: US President Joe Biden defends departure from 'forever war' in Afghanistan × The 2,000-acre Sierra-at-Tahoe's staff spent days preparing to defend the resort, which lies west of South Lake Tahoe, from the wildfire. It was rapidly advancing in the region. They created defensible space around buildings, sealed air ducts to keep out embers and repurposed water hydrants, which were normally used to make snow, to douse buildings with water when the blaze may reach the property, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Also Read | UN report: Despite a decline in deaths from weather-related events, the economic cost rises John Rice, resort manager, told Chronicle, “It came in from the west side, almost a bullseye right towards us, this big wall of fire.” Before reaching the Lake Tahoe basin on Monday, the wildfires bore down on the resort on Sunday evening. The hydrants were used to spray the buildings to save them. The fire crews also used the snow-making machines to douse the ground later.

Snow-making machines help fight raging wildfires at US ski resort

US troops left Afghanistan after 20 years of war. Now, Afghans are left to fend for themselves in a nation ruled by the Taliban.

Afghans left to fend for themselves after Taliban seizes Afghanistan

In what is being described as an unprecedented ruling, a county judge in US’ Illinois state has prohibited a mother from visiting her 11-year-old son, who lives with her estranged husband, because she refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Cook County judge James Shapiro said Rebecca Firlit, 39, could not see the boy again until she had taken the jab.

“I’ve had adverse reactions to vaccines in the past and was advised not to get vaccinated by my doctor. It poses a risk,” Firlit told ta local media about the virtual court hearing, which took place earlier this month.

“I was confused because it was just supposed to be about expenses and child support. One of the first things he asked me when I got on the Zoom call was whether or not I was vaccinated, which threw me off because I asked him what it had to do with the hearing.”

“He said: I am the judge, and I make the decisions for your case.”

Firlit’s lawyer Annette Fernholz said she and her ex-husband have been divorced for seven years and that her former husband did not seek a ruling on the vaccination issue.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-throwing-porn-collection-judge-orders-couple-to-pay-30441-to-son-in-us-408965">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-throwing-porn-collection-judge-orders-couple-to-pay-30441-to-son-in-us-408965">For throwing porn collection, judge orders couple to pay $30,441 to son in US</a>

“The trial court clearly exceeded its authority in suspending the mother’s parenting time when the issue before the court was child support,” Fernholz said in a statement.

“The mother did not know her parenting time was being discussed when she went to Zoom court. The judge deprived her of notice and a full hearing on the issue,” he added

The father’s attorney, Jeffery M&nbsp;Leving, said he supported the judge’s decision. “There are children who have died because of COVID,” he told The Washington Post

Meanwhile, Filirt’s lawyer said they have filed a legal challenge to the state appellate court.

(With inputs from agencies)

In what is being described as an unprecedented ruling, a county judge in US’ Illinois state has prohibited a mother from visiting her 11-year-old son, who lives with her estranged husband, because she refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

In what is being described as an unprecedented ruling, a county judge in US’ Illinois state has prohibited a mother from visiting her 11-year-old son, who lives with her estranged husband, because she refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Cook County judge James Shapiro said Rebecca Firlit, 39, could not see the boy again until she had taken the jab. “I’ve had adverse reactions to vaccines in the past and was advised not to get vaccinated by my doctor. It poses a risk,” Firlit told ta local media about the virtual court hearing, which took place earlier this month. “I was confused because it was just supposed to be about expenses and child support. One of the first things he asked me when I got on the Zoom call was whether or not I was vaccinated, which threw me off because I asked him what it had to do with the hearing.” “He said: I am the judge, and I make the decisions for your case.” Firlit’s lawyer Annette Fernholz said she and her ex-husband have been divorced for seven years and that her former husband did not seek a ruling on the vaccination issue. Also read | For throwing porn collection, judge orders couple to pay $30,441 to son in US “The trial court clearly exceeded its authority in suspending the mother’s parenting time when the issue before the court was child support,” Fernholz said in a statement. “The mother did not know her parenting time was being discussed when she went to Zoom court. The judge deprived her of notice and a full hearing on the issue,” he added The father’s attorney, Jeffery M Leving, said he supported the judge’s decision. “There are children who have died because of COVID,” he told The Washington Post Meanwhile, Filirt’s lawyer said they have filed a legal challenge to the state appellate court. (With inputs from agencies)

US judge revokes mother’s custody of son after she refused to take Covid vaccine

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

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

After completing the US troops pullout from Afghanistan, the Pentagon said on Tuesday that it will continue to conduct drone strikes against the Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K) and other terrorist groups operating in the country.

The US military had earlier carried out drone strikes against an ISIS-K planner after the group claimed responsibility of the recent deadly Kabul Airport suicide bombing, which killed at least 169 Afghans and 13 US service members.&nbsp;

Watch | Biden: Afghanistan cost the US $300 million a day for two decades

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Pentagon press secretary John Kirby told Fox News, “We have the capability from an over the horizon perspective of ensuring our national security interests are protected and defended.”&nbsp; &nbsp;

"And what I would tell you, without getting into hypotheticals or speculating about future operations, we're going to continue to maintain those capabilities and use them if and when we need to," the official added. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Al Qaeda, the terror group at the heart of the 20-year US war in Afghanistan, "congratulated" the Taliban for "defeating the Americans". It was the 9/11 terror attacks of 2001 orchestrated by Osama bin Laden that led to the invasion of Afghanistan by the US, and the killing of the al Qaeda chief in 2011 in Pakistan. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/we-expect-us-to-reopen-embassy-in-kabul-have-trade-relations-taliban-409822" hreflang="en">We expect US to reopen embassy in Kabul, have trade relations: Taliban</a>

Even as Taliban promises to be different this time, there are signs of terrorist organisations aligning themselves with the new de facto rulers of Afghanistan, with al Qaeda setting its sights on India's Kashmir in a 'congratulatory letter'. &nbsp;

In a letter made available on social media, the group said it is the "third time that the Afghan nation within a span of less than two centuries has successfully expelled an invading force." &nbsp;

Significantly, it also mentioned Kashmir. &nbsp;

"Liberate the Levant, Somalia, Yemen, Kashmir and the rest of the Islamic lands" from the "clutches of the enemy", it exhorted the Taliban. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After completing the US troops pullout from Afghanistan, the Pentagon said on Tuesday that it will continue to conduct drone strikes against the Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K) and other terrorist groups operating in the country.

After completing the US troops pullout from Afghanistan, the Pentagon said on Tuesday that it will continue to conduct drone strikes against the Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K) and other terrorist groups operating in the country. The US military had earlier carried out drone strikes against an ISIS-K planner after the group claimed responsibility of the recent deadly Kabul Airport suicide bombing, which killed at least 169 Afghans and 13 US service members. Watch | Biden: Afghanistan cost the US $300 million a day for two decades × Pentagon press secretary John Kirby told Fox News, “We have the capability from an over the horizon perspective of ensuring our national security interests are protected and defended.” "And what I would tell you, without getting into hypotheticals or speculating about future operations, we're going to continue to maintain those capabilities and use them if and when we need to," the official added. Meanwhile, Al Qaeda, the terror group at the heart of the 20-year US war in Afghanistan, "congratulated" the Taliban for "defeating the Americans". It was the 9/11 terror attacks of 2001 orchestrated by Osama bin Laden that led to the invasion of Afghanistan by the US, and the killing of the al Qaeda chief in 2011 in Pakistan. Also Read | We expect US to reopen embassy in Kabul, have trade relations: Taliban Even as Taliban promises to be different this time, there are signs of terrorist organisations aligning themselves with the new de facto rulers of Afghanistan, with al Qaeda setting its sights on India's Kashmir in a 'congratulatory letter'. In a letter made available on social media, the group said it is the "third time that the Afghan nation within a span of less than two centuries has successfully expelled an invading force." Significantly, it also mentioned Kashmir. "Liberate the Levant, Somalia, Yemen, Kashmir and the rest of the Islamic lands" from the "clutches of the enemy", it exhorted the Taliban. (With inputs from agencies)

Drone strikes to continue in Afghanistan when needed, says Pentagon

September 1 is seen as the new dawn in Afghanistan. 20 years of US invasion have officially ended and the Taliban's rule has begun. Will Afghans accept 'new normal' and resume life under the Taliban? Anas Mallick brings you more.

New dawn in Afghanistan: Start of a new era for Afghans under the Taliban

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

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

US President Joe Biden said, on Wednesday, that US military personnel enabled the 'extraordinary success of the mission' in Afghanistan. He said thousands of troops and diplomats "risked their lives" to get people on board planes and out of Afghanistan. Joe Biden declared today at a White House press briefing that he would not continue a "forever war" or a "forever exit" by delaying the withdrawal deadline, which had already passed. The president went on to say that the August 31 deadline was set to "save American lives," rather than being an "arbitrary deadline."

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

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

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

During his first address after troops pull out, President Joe Biden said that US military personnel enabled the 'extraordinary success of the mission' in Afghanistan. He said thousands of troops and diplomats "risked their lives" to get people on board planes and out of Afghanistan.

Biden delivers remark after military withdrawal, says America's Afghan war comes to an end

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

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

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