The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Wednesday that it may impose higher penalties for automakers failing to meet fuel efficiency requirements in recent years. This is a decision that could cost the industry hundreds of millions of dollars or more.

NHTSA to impose higher penalties for automakers failing to meet fuel efficiency requirements in US

In an op-ed published Wednesday in The Washington Post, Ahmad Massoud said "America can still be a great arsenal of democracy" by supporting his fighters.&nbsp;

The son of Afghanistan’s most famed anti-Taliban fighter says he has the forces to mount an effective resistance, but called on the United States to supply arms and ammunition to his militia.&nbsp;

In an op-ed published Wednesday in The Washington Post, Ahmad Massoud said “America can still be a great arsenal of democracy" by supporting his fighters.&nbsp;

“I write from the Panjshir Valley today, ready to follow in my father’s footsteps, with mujahideen fighters who are prepared to once again take on the Taliban," he said.&nbsp;

His father Ahmad Shah Massoud, known as the Lion of Panjshir, led the strongest resistance against the Taliban from his stronghold in the valley northeast of Kabul until his assassination in 2001.&nbsp;

Famed for its natural defences, the redoubt tucked into the Hindu Kush mountains never fell to the Taliban during the civil war of the 1990s, nor was it conquered by the Soviets a decade earlier, and is now Afghanistan’s last remaining holdout.&nbsp;

Hoping to follow in his “father’s footsteps", Massoud said he has been joined by former members of the country’s special forces and soldiers from the Afghan army “disgusted by the surrender of their commanders".&nbsp;

Social media images show Afghanistan’s defiant vice president Amrullah Saleh meeting with Massoud, and the duo appear to be assembling the first pieces of a guerrilla movement to take on the Taliban.&nbsp;

“But we need more weapons, more ammunition and more supplies," Massoud said.&nbsp;

‘Ground zero’

Tens of thousands of people have tried to flee Afghanistan since the hardline Islamist militants swept into the capital on Sunday, completing a stunning rout of government forces and ending two decades of war.&nbsp;

Nearly 6,000 people — including US citizens and Afghans — have been evacuated by the US military, with the government urging the Taliban to allow safe passage for people to flee.&nbsp;

Massoud said the Taliban poses a threat beyond Afghanistan’s borders.&nbsp;

“Under Taliban control, Afghanistan will without doubt become ground zero of radical Islamist terrorism; plots against democracies will be hatched here once again."&nbsp; 
Massoud said his fighters are ready for the coming conflict, but need American assistance.&nbsp;

Since their takeover, the Taliban have been showing off the huge stash of weapons, equipment and munitions they have seized from Afghan forces — most of it supplied by the United States.&nbsp; 
Social media images showed Taliban fighters carrying M4 and M18 assault rifles, M24 sniper weapons, and driving around in the iconic US Humvees.&nbsp; 
The seizures have heightened criticism of President Joe Biden’s hasty withdrawal.&nbsp;

Massoud said that, after 20 years, the US and Afghanistan have shared “ideals and struggles" and he asked Washington to continue supporting the “cause of freedom" rather than abandon Afghans to the Taliban.&nbsp;

“You are our only remaining hope," he said.

In an op-ed published Wednesday in The Washington Post, Ahmad Massoud said "America can still be a great arsenal of democracy" by supporting his fighters. The son of Afghanistan’s most famed anti-Taliban fighter says he has the forces to mount an effective resistance, but called on the United States to supply arms and ammunition to his militia.

In an op-ed published Wednesday in The Washington Post, Ahmad Massoud said "America can still be a great arsenal of democracy" by supporting his fighters. The son of Afghanistan’s most famed anti-Taliban fighter says he has the forces to mount an effective resistance, but called on the United States to supply arms and ammunition to his militia. In an op-ed published Wednesday in The Washington Post, Ahmad Massoud said “America can still be a great arsenal of democracy" by supporting his fighters. “I write from the Panjshir Valley today, ready to follow in my father’s footsteps, with mujahideen fighters who are prepared to once again take on the Taliban," he said. His father Ahmad Shah Massoud, known as the Lion of Panjshir, led the strongest resistance against the Taliban from his stronghold in the valley northeast of Kabul until his assassination in 2001. Famed for its natural defences, the redoubt tucked into the Hindu Kush mountains never fell to the Taliban during the civil war of the 1990s, nor was it conquered by the Soviets a decade earlier, and is now Afghanistan’s last remaining holdout. Hoping to follow in his “father’s footsteps", Massoud said he has been joined by former members of the country’s special forces and soldiers from the Afghan army “disgusted by the surrender of their commanders". Social media images show Afghanistan’s defiant vice president Amrullah Saleh meeting with Massoud, and the duo appear to be assembling the first pieces of a guerrilla movement to take on the Taliban. “But we need more weapons, more ammunition and more supplies," Massoud said. ‘Ground zero’ Tens of thousands of people have tried to flee Afghanistan since the hardline Islamist militants swept into the capital on Sunday, completing a stunning rout of government forces and ending two decades of war. Nearly 6,000 people — including US citizens and Afghans — have been evacuated by the US military, with the government urging the Taliban to allow safe passage for people to flee. Massoud said the Taliban poses a threat beyond Afghanistan’s borders. “Under Taliban control, Afghanistan will without doubt become ground zero of radical Islamist terrorism; plots against democracies will be hatched here once again." Massoud said his fighters are ready for the coming conflict, but need American assistance. Since their takeover, the Taliban have been showing off the huge stash of weapons, equipment and munitions they have seized from Afghan forces — most of it supplied by the United States. Social media images showed Taliban fighters carrying M4 and M18 assault rifles, M24 sniper weapons, and driving around in the iconic US Humvees. The seizures have heightened criticism of President Joe Biden’s hasty withdrawal. Massoud said that, after 20 years, the US and Afghanistan have shared “ideals and struggles" and he asked Washington to continue supporting the “cause of freedom" rather than abandon Afghans to the Taliban. “You are our only remaining hope," he said.

'Disgusted by surrender': Killed anti-Taliban fighter's son asks US for weapons

The chief scientist of the World Health Organization, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, has warned of “even more dire situations” worldwide if high-income countries start administering vaccine boosters ahead of poorer countries without vaccines.

At a news conference in Geneva, she said, "We believe clearly that the data does not indicate that boosters are needed".

The WHO has repeatedly called for vaccine equity and “solidarity” among countries. Dr. Michael Ryan, the WHO’s emergencies chief, said, “If we think about this in terms of an analogy, we’re planning to hand out extra life jackets to people who already have life jackets, while we’re leaving other people to drown without a single life jacket.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-warns-may-act-against-governors-opposing-school-mask-mandates-406712">Also read |&nbsp;Biden warns may act against governors opposing school mask mandates</a>

As per WHO director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, 10 countries have administered 75 per cent of all vaccine supply, while low-income countries have vaccinated “barely 2 per cent of their people.” He said, "vaccine injustice is a shame on all humanity."

This comes as the US said that it plans to make COVID-19 vaccine booster shots widely available September 20 onwards.&nbsp;

The decision has been taken given rise in infections due to Delta variant and also due to the data indicating diminishing protection from vaccines over time.

The officials are prepared to give third shot to Americans who completed their inoculation at least 8 months ago.&nbsp;

The booster shots initially will focus upon healthcare workers, nursing home residents and older people, among the first groups to be vaccinated in late 2020 and early 2021, top US health officials said in a joint statement.

The chief scientist of the World Health Organization, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, has warned of “even more dire situations” worldwide if high-income countries start administering vaccine boosters ahead of poorer countries without vaccines.

The chief scientist of the World Health Organization, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, has warned of “even more dire situations” worldwide if high-income countries start administering vaccine boosters ahead of poorer countries without vaccines. At a news conference in Geneva, she said, "We believe clearly that the data does not indicate that boosters are needed". The WHO has repeatedly called for vaccine equity and “solidarity” among countries. Dr. Michael Ryan, the WHO’s emergencies chief, said, “If we think about this in terms of an analogy, we’re planning to hand out extra life jackets to people who already have life jackets, while we’re leaving other people to drown without a single life jacket.” Also read | Biden warns may act against governors opposing school mask mandates As per WHO director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, 10 countries have administered 75 per cent of all vaccine supply, while low-income countries have vaccinated “barely 2 per cent of their people.” He said, "vaccine injustice is a shame on all humanity." This comes as the US said that it plans to make COVID-19 vaccine booster shots widely available September 20 onwards. The decision has been taken given rise in infections due to Delta variant and also due to the data indicating diminishing protection from vaccines over time. The officials are prepared to give third shot to Americans who completed their inoculation at least 8 months ago. The booster shots initially will focus upon healthcare workers, nursing home residents and older people, among the first groups to be vaccinated in late 2020 and early 2021, top US health officials said in a joint statement.

WHO warns against booster shots while US plans to make them available September onwards

Tropical storm&nbsp;Grace&nbsp;strengthened into a&nbsp;hurricane&nbsp;on Wednesday as it barreled toward&nbsp;Mexico's&nbsp;Caribbean&nbsp;coast, grounding flights and threatening to bring strong winds, flash flooding and large waves.

A&nbsp;hurricane&nbsp;warning was in effect for a string of beach resorts,&nbsp;including Cancun, on&nbsp;Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, the US National&nbsp;Hurricane&nbsp;Center (NHC) in Miami said.

At least 124 flights to or from Cancun were canceled, the city's mayor, Mara Lezama, said on Twitter.

At 0000 GMT, the Category One&nbsp;hurricane,&nbsp;the lowest on the five-level Saffir-Simpson scale, was packing maximum sustained winds of 80 miles&nbsp;per hour, according to the NHC.

It was located 170 miles east of the Mexican town of Tulum and expected to make landfall early Thursday, having already drenched earthquake-stricken Haiti, the NHC said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-poses-a-greater-threat-new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-defends-lockdown-call-406553">Also read |&nbsp;'Delta poses a greater threat': New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern defends lockdown call</a>

The storm was then expected to cross the southwest Gulf of&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;before lashing the eastern states of Veracruz and Tamaulipas.

Grace&nbsp;was "expected to bring strong winds and a dangerous storm surge" to parts of the Yucatan, according to the NHC.

"Heavy rainfall from&nbsp;Grace&nbsp;will likely result in areas of flash and urban flooding, and will also be capable of producing mudslides," it said.

The storm surge will be accompanied by "large and destructive waves" near the&nbsp;coast, the NHC warned.

Businesses on&nbsp;Mexico's Riviera Maya boarded up windows, while fishermen and tour operators hauled their boats onto land and tourists soaked up the final hours in the sun.

At supermarkets in Cancun, some residents stocked up on food in preparation for the storm's arrival, although the authorities called on people to avoid panic buying.

"We don't know what it will be like," said 41-year-old housewife Hortencia Rodriguez.

"With Wilma we didn't prepare and we were hit hard," she said, referring to a Category 5&nbsp;hurricane&nbsp;that pummeled Cancun in 2005.

Authorities in&nbsp;Mexico's southeastern state of Quintana Roo set up 85 shelters for people who needed refuge from the storm.

Tropical storm Grace strengthened into a hurricane on Wednesday as it barreled toward Mexico's Caribbean coast, grounding flights and threatening to bring strong winds, flash flooding and large waves.

Tropical storm Grace strengthened into a hurricane on Wednesday as it barreled toward Mexico's Caribbean coast, grounding flights and threatening to bring strong winds, flash flooding and large waves. A hurricane warning was in effect for a string of beach resorts, including Cancun, on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami said. At least 124 flights to or from Cancun were canceled, the city's mayor, Mara Lezama, said on Twitter. At 0000 GMT, the Category One hurricane, the lowest on the five-level Saffir-Simpson scale, was packing maximum sustained winds of 80 miles per hour, according to the NHC. It was located 170 miles east of the Mexican town of Tulum and expected to make landfall early Thursday, having already drenched earthquake-stricken Haiti, the NHC said. Also read | 'Delta poses a greater threat': New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern defends lockdown call The storm was then expected to cross the southwest Gulf of Mexico before lashing the eastern states of Veracruz and Tamaulipas. Grace was "expected to bring strong winds and a dangerous storm surge" to parts of the Yucatan, according to the NHC. "Heavy rainfall from Grace will likely result in areas of flash and urban flooding, and will also be capable of producing mudslides," it said. The storm surge will be accompanied by "large and destructive waves" near the coast, the NHC warned. Businesses on Mexico's Riviera Maya boarded up windows, while fishermen and tour operators hauled their boats onto land and tourists soaked up the final hours in the sun. At supermarkets in Cancun, some residents stocked up on food in preparation for the storm's arrival, although the authorities called on people to avoid panic buying. "We don't know what it will be like," said 41-year-old housewife Hortencia Rodriguez. "With Wilma we didn't prepare and we were hit hard," she said, referring to a Category 5 hurricane that pummeled Cancun in 2005. Authorities in Mexico's southeastern state of Quintana Roo set up 85 shelters for people who needed refuge from the storm.

Mexico's Caribbean coast braces for Hurricane Grace

A&nbsp;wildfire&nbsp;that erupted outside&nbsp;California's&nbsp;state&nbsp;capital&nbsp;just a few days ago had exploded to cover 54,000 acres by Wednesday, an eight-fold increase in 24 hours.

At least two people had to be airlifted to hospital as the Caldor Fire tore through a small town around 80 kilometres (50 miles) from Sacramento.

Thousands of people have been told to seek safety, with the blaze raging uncontrolled through the Eldorado National Forest.

"Please, please heed the warnings, and then when you're asked to get out, get out," Fire Chief Thom Porter said, according to the Sacramento Bee newspaper.

"We need you out of the way so we can protect your homes from these fires."

In a stunning demonstration of the way these blazes transform, the Caldor Fire, which began on Saturday, grew from around 6,500 acres on Tuesday morning, fanned by strong winds and huge reserves of tinder-dry fuel.

The Caldor Fire is one of scores raging across the desiccated western United States, as man-made climate change alters weather patterns and brings chronic drought to the region.

On Wednesday, the Lake County Sheriff's Office issued evacuation orders for parts of the town of Lower Lake, including two schools and a mobile home park, after a&nbsp;new&nbsp;blaze erupted there.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-news-agency-targetted-by-police-amid-crackdown-406629">Also read |&nbsp;Belarus: News agency targetted by police amid crackdown</a>

"If you're in Lower Lake, you should probably get out of here," Sheriff Brian Martin said in a Facebook video.

"We've got some pretty sticky situations going on. This is a very, very serious event."

The Lake County News said firefighters had seen RVs ablaze, with reports that authorities were going door-to-door to urge people to flee the quickly developing Cache Fire.

Dixie Fire still burning

Further north, the huge Dixie Fire continued to burn.

It has now scorched more than 600,000 acres in the month since it started, and is the second biggest blaze in&nbsp;California's history.

Photos taken by an AFP journalist show towering flames consuming the trees along the side of a highway, as firefighters try to set containment lines.

In the town of Janesville, the burned out hulks of cars sit among the still-smoking undergrowth; elsewhere, mailboxes exposed to the ferocious heat of the flames have melted out of shape.

The acrid smoke created by wildfires sparked an air quality advisory Wednesday for residents in and around San Francisco.

Utility PG&amp;E on Tuesday began shutting off power supply to more than 50,000 customers.

The company, which has acknowledged that its equipment may have started the Dixie Fire, said the shut-offs were to avoid the danger of live lines falling on dry vegetation.

The last decade has seen a huge rise in the number of wildfires in the west of the United States.

Climate change linked to the burning of fossil fuels has made the region dryer and hotter for longer, creating ideal conditions for the blazes to rage.

A wildfire that erupted outside California's state capital just a few days ago had exploded to cover 54,000 acres by Wednesday, an eight-fold increase in 24 hours.

A wildfire that erupted outside California's state capital just a few days ago had exploded to cover 54,000 acres by Wednesday, an eight-fold increase in 24 hours. At least two people had to be airlifted to hospital as the Caldor Fire tore through a small town around 80 kilometres (50 miles) from Sacramento. Thousands of people have been told to seek safety, with the blaze raging uncontrolled through the Eldorado National Forest. "Please, please heed the warnings, and then when you're asked to get out, get out," Fire Chief Thom Porter said, according to the Sacramento Bee newspaper. "We need you out of the way so we can protect your homes from these fires." In a stunning demonstration of the way these blazes transform, the Caldor Fire, which began on Saturday, grew from around 6,500 acres on Tuesday morning, fanned by strong winds and huge reserves of tinder-dry fuel. The Caldor Fire is one of scores raging across the desiccated western United States, as man-made climate change alters weather patterns and brings chronic drought to the region. On Wednesday, the Lake County Sheriff's Office issued evacuation orders for parts of the town of Lower Lake, including two schools and a mobile home park, after a new blaze erupted there. Also read | Belarus: News agency targetted by police amid crackdown "If you're in Lower Lake, you should probably get out of here," Sheriff Brian Martin said in a Facebook video. "We've got some pretty sticky situations going on. This is a very, very serious event." The Lake County News said firefighters had seen RVs ablaze, with reports that authorities were going door-to-door to urge people to flee the quickly developing Cache Fire. Dixie Fire still burning Further north, the huge Dixie Fire continued to burn. It has now scorched more than 600,000 acres in the month since it started, and is the second biggest blaze in California's history. Photos taken by an AFP journalist show towering flames consuming the trees along the side of a highway, as firefighters try to set containment lines. In the town of Janesville, the burned out hulks of cars sit among the still-smoking undergrowth; elsewhere, mailboxes exposed to the ferocious heat of the flames have melted out of shape. The acrid smoke created by wildfires sparked an air quality advisory Wednesday for residents in and around San Francisco. Utility PG&E on Tuesday began shutting off power supply to more than 50,000 customers. The company, which has acknowledged that its equipment may have started the Dixie Fire, said the shut-offs were to avoid the danger of live lines falling on dry vegetation. The last decade has seen a huge rise in the number of wildfires in the west of the United States. Climate change linked to the burning of fossil fuels has made the region dryer and hotter for longer, creating ideal conditions for the blazes to rage.

New wildfire explodes near California state capital

Is US President Joe Biden's dream run over? His ratings have fallen to the lowest in 7 months. His Afghan policy is an unmitigated disaster. Terrorists from LeT, Jaish, ISIL & Al-Qaeda have entered Kabul to make it a base for their resurgence. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Joe Biden's ratings fall drastically

The US is witnessing an alarming spike in new Wuhan Virus cases. New infections have spiked by 700% since July. ICU units in 5 states are over 90% full. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas | COVID Pandemic: 5 US States could run out of ICU beds

President Joe Biden has said that the US military presence could extend beyond the August 31 deadline for the withdrawal so as to evacuate all Americans from Afghanistan.

Joe Biden says US troops could stay in Kabul beyond August 31

For Afghans living across the United States, the last few days have been full of panic and anxiety as they fear for the safety of their families back home. Most of them are blaming the US for this crisis.

Afghans living in US fear for their families' safety

With a new US school year beginning, President Joe Biden on Wednesday warned governors who oppose student mask requirements that they could face legal action for intimidating educators seeking to protect children against Covid-19.

In the latest political flashpoint over the coronavirus pandemic, Republican governors in Florida and Texas, two of the country's largest states, have rejected recommendations by health authorities to require that students wear masks when they return to the classroom.

Florida's Board of Education raised eyebrows when it voted this week to slap punishments on two school districts that instituted mask mandates in defiance of Governor Ron DeSantis.

Biden did not mention DeSantis by name, but his comments in a White House address appeared squarely aimed at the governor, who is believed to harbor presidential ambitions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/life-under-taliban-in-kabul-the-pakistan-connection-406584">Also read |&nbsp;Life under Taliban in Kabul &amp; the Pakistan connection</a>

"Unfortunately... some politicians are trying to turn public safety measures,&nbsp;that is, children wearing masks in school, into political disputes for their own political gain," Biden said. "They're setting a dangerous tone."

As a response, the president said he instructed Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona to use "legal action, if appropriate, against governors who are trying to block and intimidate local school officials and educators."

"If you aren't going to fight Covid-19, at least get out of the way of everyone else who's trying."

Biden also slammed protesters who have interrupted school board meetings, singling out angry parents in Tennessee who he said threatened doctors and nurses making the case for masking children in schools.

"The intimidation and threats we're seeing across the country are wrong. They're unacceptable," Biden said.

The United States is facing a resurgence of Covid-19 infections, as the Delta variant spreads.

Along with fierce opposition to mask mandates in certain quarters, the country's mass vaccination program also faces some resistance, particularly in politically conservative regions in the South and Midwest.

With a new US school year beginning, President Joe Biden on Wednesday warned governors who oppose student mask requirements that they could face legal action for intimidating educators seeking to protect children against Covid-19.

With a new US school year beginning, President Joe Biden on Wednesday warned governors who oppose student mask requirements that they could face legal action for intimidating educators seeking to protect children against Covid-19. In the latest political flashpoint over the coronavirus pandemic, Republican governors in Florida and Texas, two of the country's largest states, have rejected recommendations by health authorities to require that students wear masks when they return to the classroom. Florida's Board of Education raised eyebrows when it voted this week to slap punishments on two school districts that instituted mask mandates in defiance of Governor Ron DeSantis. Biden did not mention DeSantis by name, but his comments in a White House address appeared squarely aimed at the governor, who is believed to harbor presidential ambitions. Also read | Life under Taliban in Kabul & the Pakistan connection "Unfortunately... some politicians are trying to turn public safety measures, that is, children wearing masks in school, into political disputes for their own political gain," Biden said. "They're setting a dangerous tone." As a response, the president said he instructed Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona to use "legal action, if appropriate, against governors who are trying to block and intimidate local school officials and educators." "If you aren't going to fight Covid-19, at least get out of the way of everyone else who's trying." Biden also slammed protesters who have interrupted school board meetings, singling out angry parents in Tennessee who he said threatened doctors and nurses making the case for masking children in schools. "The intimidation and threats we're seeing across the country are wrong. They're unacceptable," Biden said. The United States is facing a resurgence of Covid-19 infections, as the Delta variant spreads. Along with fierce opposition to mask mandates in certain quarters, the country's mass vaccination program also faces some resistance, particularly in politically conservative regions in the South and Midwest.

Biden warns of action against governors opposing school mask mandates

President Joe Biden's approval rating dropped by 7 percentage points and hit its lowest level so far. According to the latest Rasmussen Reports survey, 45% of likely voters approve of the job Biden is doing and some 54% disapprove of Biden. This came after his decision on the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.

President Joe Biden's approval rating drops, hit its lowest level so far

An administration official revealed Tuesday that the US has blocked almost $9.5 billion in assets belonging to the Afghan central bank and halted cash shipments to the country in an effort to prevent a Taliban-led government from obtaining the funds.&nbsp;

According to the person, any central bank assets held by the Afghan government in the United States will not be available to the Taliban, which is still on the Treasury Department's sanctions list.&nbsp;

According to Afghan authorities, including the bank's acting governor, Ajmal Ahmady, who has fled Kabul, the majority of the assets are held outside of Afghanistan, potentially placing them beyond of reach of the Taliban militants.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-currency-drops-to-a-record-low-as-taliban-take-over-406361">Also read | Afghanistan's currency drops to a record low as Taliban take over</a> 
 
“Given that the Taliban are still on international sanction lists, it is expected (confirmed?) that such assets will be frozen and not accessible to Taliban,” Ahmady said in a Twitter thread on Wednesday.

“We can say the accessible funds to the Taliban are perhaps 0.1-0.2% of Afghanistan’s total international reserves. Not much,” he added.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
First, total DAB reserves were approximately $9.0 billion as of last week. 
 
But this does not mean that DAB held $9.0 billion physically in our vault. 
 
As per international standards, most assets are held in safe, liquid assets such as Treasuries and gold <a href="https://t.co/onpttXyTv7">https://t.co/onpttXyTv7</a>
— Ajmal Ahmady (@aahmady) <a href="https://twitter.com/aahmady/status/1427883011207467009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Taliban said on Saturday that the treasury, public facilities and government offices were the property of the nation and “should be strictly guarded.”

The most recent <a href="https://dab.gov.af/sites/default/files/2021-08/Monthly%20Financial%20statement%20%20for%20the%20month%20of%20Jawza%20%201400%20%28English%29%20%20.pdf">financial statement posted online </a>shows DAB holds total assets of about $10 billion, including $1.3 billion-worth of gold reserves and $362 million in foreign currency cash reserves, based on currency conversion rates on June 21, the date of the report. Ahmady estimated total reserves stood at $9 billion last week. 
 
The Taliban are unable to obtain cash due to US sanctions. According to two persons acquainted with the situation, the great bulk of DAB's assets are not now held in Afghanistan.

 
The US Treasury Department did not respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;

An administration official revealed Tuesday that the US has blocked almost $9.5 billion in assets belonging to the Afghan central bank and halted cash shipments to the country in an effort to prevent a Taliban-led government from obtaining the funds.

An administration official revealed Tuesday that the US has blocked almost $9.5 billion in assets belonging to the Afghan central bank and halted cash shipments to the country in an effort to prevent a Taliban-led government from obtaining the funds. According to the person, any central bank assets held by the Afghan government in the United States will not be available to the Taliban, which is still on the Treasury Department's sanctions list. According to Afghan authorities, including the bank's acting governor, Ajmal Ahmady, who has fled Kabul, the majority of the assets are held outside of Afghanistan, potentially placing them beyond of reach of the Taliban militants. Also read | Afghanistan's currency drops to a record low as Taliban take over “Given that the Taliban are still on international sanction lists, it is expected (confirmed?) that such assets will be frozen and not accessible to Taliban,” Ahmady said in a Twitter thread on Wednesday. “We can say the accessible funds to the Taliban are perhaps 0.1-0.2% of Afghanistan’s total international reserves. Not much,” he added. First, total DAB reserves were approximately $9.0 billion as of last week. But this does not mean that DAB held $9.0 billion physically in our vault. As per international standards, most assets are held in safe, liquid assets such as Treasuries and gold https://t.co/onpttXyTv7 — Ajmal Ahmady (@aahmady) August 18, 2021 × The Taliban said on Saturday that the treasury, public facilities and government offices were the property of the nation and “should be strictly guarded.” The most recent financial statement posted online shows DAB holds total assets of about $10 billion, including $1.3 billion-worth of gold reserves and $362 million in foreign currency cash reserves, based on currency conversion rates on June 21, the date of the report. Ahmady estimated total reserves stood at $9 billion last week. The Taliban are unable to obtain cash due to US sanctions. According to two persons acquainted with the situation, the great bulk of DAB's assets are not now held in Afghanistan. The US Treasury Department did not respond to a request for comment.

US chokes Taliban funds, freezes $9.5 billion of Afghan central bank

US officials say that they are in contact with Taliban and that they are making sure that flight operations in Kabul remain safe.

US officials say that they are making sure that flight operations in Kabul remain safe

California is the world's largest producer of Almonds, but this year the industry is struggling to fulfill the basic domestic demand amid a historic drought. Almonds are California's top agricultural export.

California: Climate change is threatening world's largest Almond producer

Members of the US&nbsp;Congress, including many of President Joe Biden's fellow Democrats, said on Tuesday they were increasingly frustrated with events in Afghanistan, vowing to investigate what went wrong. 
 
"The events of recent days have been the culmination of a series of mistakes made by Republican and Democratic administrations over the past 20 years," Senator Bob Menendez, Democratic chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement. 
 
"We are now witnessing the horrifying result of many years of policy and intelligence failures," Menendez said. 
 
Menendez said his committee would hold a hearing on US&nbsp;policy towards Afghanistan, including negotiations between former Republican President Donald Trump's administration and the Taliban and the Biden's administration's execution of the withdrawal. 
 
Committee Republicans said they wanted Secretary of State Antony Blinken to testify, "to understand why the State Department was so ill prepared for the contingencies unfolding before us," according to a letter sent to Menendez. 
 
"Updates from the State Department have been inconsistent, lacked important detail, and not be responsive to Members and the American people," the Republicans wrote. 
 
The date of the hearing was not immediately announced. 
 
Senator Mark Warner, the Democratic Intelligence Committee chairman, had said on Monday he intended to work with other committees "to ask tough but necessary questions" about why the United States was not better prepared for the collapse of the Afghan government. 
 
Republicans continued their harsh criticism of Biden's policies. 
 
"The security and humanitarian crisis now unfolding in Afghanistan could have been avoided if you had done any planning," Republicans on the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee wrote in a letter to the White House on Tuesday.

Members of the US Congress, including many of President Joe Biden's fellow Democrats, said on Tuesday they were increasingly frustrated with events in Afghanistan, vowing to investigate what went wrong.

Members of the US Congress, including many of President Joe Biden's fellow Democrats, said on Tuesday they were increasingly frustrated with events in Afghanistan, vowing to investigate what went wrong. "The events of recent days have been the culmination of a series of mistakes made by Republican and Democratic administrations over the past 20 years," Senator Bob Menendez, Democratic chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement. "We are now witnessing the horrifying result of many years of policy and intelligence failures," Menendez said. Menendez said his committee would hold a hearing on US policy towards Afghanistan, including negotiations between former Republican President Donald Trump's administration and the Taliban and the Biden's administration's execution of the withdrawal. Committee Republicans said they wanted Secretary of State Antony Blinken to testify, "to understand why the State Department was so ill prepared for the contingencies unfolding before us," according to a letter sent to Menendez. "Updates from the State Department have been inconsistent, lacked important detail, and not be responsive to Members and the American people," the Republicans wrote. The date of the hearing was not immediately announced. Senator Mark Warner, the Democratic Intelligence Committee chairman, had said on Monday he intended to work with other committees "to ask tough but necessary questions" about why the United States was not better prepared for the collapse of the Afghan government. Republicans continued their harsh criticism of Biden's policies. "The security and humanitarian crisis now unfolding in Afghanistan could have been avoided if you had done any planning," Republicans on the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee wrote in a letter to the White House on Tuesday.

US lawmakers to probe Biden administration over Afghanistan

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A defiant Joe Biden defended his decision to hastily pull out American troops from Afghanistan. The US president shifted blame to the Afghan leadership, saying there is no right time to withdraw. Molly Gambhir tells you what Biden got wrong in his speech.

Gravitas: Biden defends pull-out, blames Afghan army

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

Trump calls on Biden to resign over unfolding crisis in Afghanistan

The lightning advance of the Taliban in retaking the country has led Afghan Americans, former generals and leading statesmen to blame President Joe Biden for a hasty US withdrawal. Former US President Donald Trump has also criticized Biden's actions.

Backlash grows against US President Joe Biden for withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan

Acknowledging Afghan government collapsed more quickly than expected, US President Joe Biden suggested in a much-awaited televised address from the White House that they lacked will to stand up to the Taliban.&nbsp;

After several days of silence on the momentous developments, Biden said, "The truth is, this did unfold more quickly than we had anticipated."&nbsp;

Putting the blame squarely with Afghan military and civilian leadership, Biden said, "We gave them every tool they could need. We provided close air support. What we could not provide is the will to fight for their future."&nbsp;

Biden added, "So what’s happened? Afghanistan political leaders gave up and fled the country. The Afghan military collapsed, sometimes without trying to fight."&nbsp;

The US troops should not be fighting or dying in a war that Afghan forces are not willing to fight for themselves, said the president.&nbsp;

"We spent over a trillion dollars. We trained and equipped an Afghan military force of some 300,000 strong. Incredibly well equipped. A force larger in size than the militaries of many of our NATO allies," he emphasised. &nbsp;

"I am president of the United States of America and the buck stops with me," Biden said.&nbsp;

The president also passed scathing criticism on now-ousted Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, who he said ignored his advice on greater unity among leaders and the pursuit of a diplomatic solution.&nbsp;

Commenting on the scenes of mayhem unfolding in Kabul, Biden said he was "deeply saddened" and promised to "speak out" on the rights of women under Taliban rule.&nbsp;

The US president is facing a torrent of criticism over the chaotic end to two decades of US-led military intervention.&nbsp;

Insisting he did not regret pulling out US troops, Biden said, "I stand squarely behind my decision. After 20 years, I've learned the hard way that there was never a good time to withdraw US forces."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Acknowledging Afghan government collapsed more quickly than expected, US President Joe Biden suggested in a much-awaited televised address from the White House that they lacked will to stand up to the Taliban.

Acknowledging Afghan government collapsed more quickly than expected, US President Joe Biden suggested in a much-awaited televised address from the White House that they lacked will to stand up to the Taliban. After several days of silence on the momentous developments, Biden said, "The truth is, this did unfold more quickly than we had anticipated." Putting the blame squarely with Afghan military and civilian leadership, Biden said, "We gave them every tool they could need. We provided close air support. What we could not provide is the will to fight for their future." Biden added, "So what’s happened? Afghanistan political leaders gave up and fled the country. The Afghan military collapsed, sometimes without trying to fight." The US troops should not be fighting or dying in a war that Afghan forces are not willing to fight for themselves, said the president. "We spent over a trillion dollars. We trained and equipped an Afghan military force of some 300,000 strong. Incredibly well equipped. A force larger in size than the militaries of many of our NATO allies," he emphasised. "I am president of the United States of America and the buck stops with me," Biden said. The president also passed scathing criticism on now-ousted Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, who he said ignored his advice on greater unity among leaders and the pursuit of a diplomatic solution. Commenting on the scenes of mayhem unfolding in Kabul, Biden said he was "deeply saddened" and promised to "speak out" on the rights of women under Taliban rule. The US president is facing a torrent of criticism over the chaotic end to two decades of US-led military intervention. Insisting he did not regret pulling out US troops, Biden said, "I stand squarely behind my decision. After 20 years, I've learned the hard way that there was never a good time to withdraw US forces." (With inputs from agencies)

US president Biden pins blame for Afghanistan debacle on Ghani govt 

Kabul has fallen and most of Afghanistan is under the Taliban's control. Thousands of Afghans are making desperate attempts to leave the country. Top Afghan leaders have also fled. However, the big question is where is Ashraf Ghani? Earlier reports mentioned that Ghani had left for Tajikistan following the Taliban's capture of Kabul.

Reports: Tajikistan refused permission to Ashraf Ghani's aircraft

The United States insists that the mission in Afghanistan was a success, even after the Taliban's blitz to Kabul. Did the US downplay the threat of Taliban invasion? Or was it disconnected from the ground reality? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: America's capitulation hands Kabul to Taliban

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