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<p>The White House has set new guidelines for cabinet notifications following Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin's secret hospitalisation was not disclosed for days to&nbsp;President Joe Biden and his top aides.</p>

<p>According to a report by the news agency Associated Press early Saturday (Jan 27), the new guidelines include half-a-dozen instructions for Cabinet agencies to follow when there is a “delegation of authority,” or when secretaries temporarily transfer their authority to a deputy when unreachable due to medical issues, travel or other reasons.</p>

<h2><strong>What did the White House say</strong></h2>

<p>In a memo to the Cabinet, White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients said, "Through your submissions, you demonstrated your commitment to notifying the White House in the event of a delegation – and upon assumption of a delegation, establishing contact with the White House."</p>

<p>Zients pointed out that some existing guidelines among agencies differed because of various laws, regulations, and executive orders. But through this process we are assured that all agencies have a set of standard protocols they must follow in the event of a delegation of authority, the memo said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-makes-first-appearance-since-secret-hospitalisation-682926">US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin makes first appearance since secret hospitalisation</a></strong></p>

<p>With the new guidelines, Cabinet agencies must notify the White House Office of Cabinet Affairs and Zients’ office when they’re anticipating a delegation of authority and again when the delegation happens, the report said.</p>

<p>It added that once the interim leader assumed authority, that person must contact his or her primary counterpart at the White House and the agency must follow any other notifications that are required under law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The memo further stated that agencies should ensure that authority is transferred when a Cabinet official is “travelling to areas with limited or no access to communication, undergoing hospitalization or a medical procedure requiring general anaesthesia, or otherwise in a circumstance when he or she may be unreachable.”</p>

<h2><strong>Austin to make full recovery</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this month, the Pentagon had said that Austin had a prostatectomy to treat prostate cancer on Dec 22 last year, for which he underwent general anaesthesia at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The White House was not informed about the procedure, and Austin, 70, transferred some of his authority to US Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks.</p>

<p>On Jan 1 this year, Austin returned to the medical centre after being in severe pain and was admitted to intensive care. Here too, he transferred some authority to Hicks, who was on vacation in Puerto Rico.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Lloyd Austin called to testify about hospitalisation before Congress</strong></p>

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<p>Hicks was not informed why she was having authorities delegated to her. The White House was not informed about Austin's hospitalisation until Jan 4, and President Biden did not learn of the 70-year-old's cancer diagnosis until Jan 9.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Republican lawmakers called for Austin to be sacked from the top Pentagon post. Meanwhile, a statement by the Pentagon said that Austin is likely to make a full recovery from prostate cancer and his prognosis is "excellent."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The White House has set new guidelines for cabinet notifications following Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin's secret hospitalisation was not disclosed for days to President Joe Biden and his top aides.

The White House has set new guidelines for cabinet notifications following Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin's secret hospitalisation was not disclosed for days to President Joe Biden and his top aides. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press early Saturday (Jan 27), the new guidelines include half-a-dozen instructions for Cabinet agencies to follow when there is a “delegation of authority,” or when secretaries temporarily transfer their authority to a deputy when unreachable due to medical issues, travel or other reasons. What did the White House say In a memo to the Cabinet, White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients said, "Through your submissions, you demonstrated your commitment to notifying the White House in the event of a delegation – and upon assumption of a delegation, establishing contact with the White House." Zients pointed out that some existing guidelines among agencies differed because of various laws, regulations, and executive orders. But through this process we are assured that all agencies have a set of standard protocols they must follow in the event of a delegation of authority, the memo said. Also read | US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin makes first appearance since secret hospitalisation With the new guidelines, Cabinet agencies must notify the White House Office of Cabinet Affairs and Zients’ office when they’re anticipating a delegation of authority and again when the delegation happens, the report said. It added that once the interim leader assumed authority, that person must contact his or her primary counterpart at the White House and the agency must follow any other notifications that are required under law. The memo further stated that agencies should ensure that authority is transferred when a Cabinet official is “travelling to areas with limited or no access to communication, undergoing hospitalization or a medical procedure requiring general anaesthesia, or otherwise in a circumstance when he or she may be unreachable.” Austin to make full recovery Earlier this month, the Pentagon had said that Austin had a prostatectomy to treat prostate cancer on Dec 22 last year, for which he underwent general anaesthesia at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The White House was not informed about the procedure, and Austin, 70, transferred some of his authority to US Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. On Jan 1 this year, Austin returned to the medical centre after being in severe pain and was admitted to intensive care. Here too, he transferred some authority to Hicks, who was on vacation in Puerto Rico. Also watch | Lloyd Austin called to testify about hospitalisation before Congress × Hicks was not informed why she was having authorities delegated to her. The White House was not informed about Austin's hospitalisation until Jan 4, and President Biden did not learn of the 70-year-old's cancer diagnosis until Jan 9. Republican lawmakers called for Austin to be sacked from the top Pentagon post. Meanwhile, a statement by the Pentagon said that Austin is likely to make a full recovery from prostate cancer and his prognosis is "excellent." (With inputs from agencies)

US sets new guidelines for Cabinet notifications following Pentagon chief's secret hospitalisation

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The World Court on Friday ordered Israel to take action to prevent acts of genocide as it wages war against Hamas militants in Gaza, and do more to help civilians, but it stopped short of calling for an immediate ceasefire as requested by South Africa. To know more watch this interview with Glenn Diesen, Professor of International Relations, University of South-Eastern Norway.

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<p>International Holocaust Remembrance Day is marked annually on January 27,&nbsp;designated by the United Nations to honour the 6 million Jews and other minorities killed by Adolf Hitler-led Nazi Germany during the Second&nbsp;World War.</p>

<p>On this day in 1945, Soviet troops liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp where over 1.1 million people, primarily Jews, were killed.</p>

<h2><strong>Why Holocaust Remembrance Day is significant?</strong></h2>

<p>Established in 2005 by the UN General Assembly, the day serves to remember all Holocaust victims and promote global education to prevent future genocides.</p>

<p>According to the United Nations, approximately 245,000 Holocaust survivors remain worldwide, with nearly half residing in Israel.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-pays-private-visit-to-auschwitz-speaks-on-antisemitism-682591">Elon Musk pays private visit to Auschwitz, speaks on antisemitism</a></strong></p>

<p>Observances include lighting candles, reading victims' names, and learning about Holocaust history.</p>

<p>While this is a global remembrance, countries like Israel also have specific days, such as Yom HaShoah on May 5 and 6.</p>

<h2><strong>Holocaust remembrance amid Israel-Hamas war</strong></h2>

<p>The recent October 7 Hamas attack, resulting in about 1,200 Jewish deaths, has drawn comparisons to the Holocaust. But the comparisons soon began to precipitate as Israel's military response led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US President Joe Biden condemned the Oct 7 attack and outlined measures to combat rising antisemitism, referring to the 2023 National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism.</p>

<p>In Washington, the US Holocaust Memorial Museum hosted events, including reading victims' names and engaging with survivors. The United Nations also held a Holocaust Memorial Ceremony, where survivors shared testimonies. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged solidarity against hate.</p>

<p>Israeli Representative to the UN, Gilad Erdan said:&nbsp;"Today is not only a day of remembrance; this day was designated to also prevent future acts of genocide — to internalise the lessons of the Holocaust."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Holocaust Remembrance Day: Remembering the 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust</strong></p>

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<p>South Africa recently brought a charge of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice over its actions in Gaza. The court ruled that Israel must prevent genocide but did not order an immediate halt to its offensive.</p>

<p>Israel, in response to the October 7 attack, launched an offensive against Hamas in Gaza, resulting in over 26,000 Palestinian deaths. Israeli leaders reject accusations of genocide, asserting their actions target Hamas, not civilians.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


International Holocaust Remembrance Day is marked annually on January 27, designated by the United Nations to honour the 6 million Jews and other minorities killed by Adolf Hitler-led Nazi Germany during the Second World War.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is marked annually on January 27, designated by the United Nations to honour the 6 million Jews and other minorities killed by Adolf Hitler-led Nazi Germany during the Second World War. On this day in 1945, Soviet troops liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp where over 1.1 million people, primarily Jews, were killed. Why Holocaust Remembrance Day is significant? Established in 2005 by the UN General Assembly, the day serves to remember all Holocaust victims and promote global education to prevent future genocides. According to the United Nations, approximately 245,000 Holocaust survivors remain worldwide, with nearly half residing in Israel. Also read | Elon Musk pays private visit to Auschwitz, speaks on antisemitism Observances include lighting candles, reading victims' names, and learning about Holocaust history. While this is a global remembrance, countries like Israel also have specific days, such as Yom HaShoah on May 5 and 6. Holocaust remembrance amid Israel-Hamas war The recent October 7 Hamas attack, resulting in about 1,200 Jewish deaths, has drawn comparisons to the Holocaust. But the comparisons soon began to precipitate as Israel's military response led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza. US President Joe Biden condemned the Oct 7 attack and outlined measures to combat rising antisemitism, referring to the 2023 National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism. In Washington, the US Holocaust Memorial Museum hosted events, including reading victims' names and engaging with survivors. The United Nations also held a Holocaust Memorial Ceremony, where survivors shared testimonies. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged solidarity against hate. Israeli Representative to the UN, Gilad Erdan said: "Today is not only a day of remembrance; this day was designated to also prevent future acts of genocide — to internalise the lessons of the Holocaust." Also watch | Holocaust Remembrance Day: Remembering the 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust × South Africa recently brought a charge of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice over its actions in Gaza. The court ruled that Israel must prevent genocide but did not order an immediate halt to its offensive. Israel, in response to the October 7 attack, launched an offensive against Hamas in Gaza, resulting in over 26,000 Palestinian deaths. Israeli leaders reject accusations of genocide, asserting their actions target Hamas, not civilians. (With inputs from agencies)

Holocaust Remembrance Day: World recalls Hitler’s tyranny amid Israel-Hamas war

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<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidhvUSB5REirRm" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Israel has intensified its ongoing offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, despite the <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-un-court-orders-israel-to-take-steps-to-prevent-genocide-in-gaza-report-back-in-a-month-683996">International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering the Benjamin Netanyahu administration</a></strong> to prevent genocidal acts in its war with the Palestinian militant group. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Saturday (Jan 27), overnight strikes were reported on Khan Younis, the current epicentre of Israel's assault on Gaza.</p>

<p>The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said some of the dead and wounded had been taken to the city's barely functioning Al-Amal hospital. Fierce fighting between the Israeli military and Hamas militants has raged for days around Khan Younis, forcing tens of thousands to flee further south to Rafah on the border with Egypt.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-live-unsc-to-meet-next-week-after-icjs-gaza-ruling-684133"><strong>Click here to follow all updates on the Middle East crisis</strong></a></p>

<p>The Palestinian Red Crescent Society also said that Israeli tanks were targeting Al-Amal hospital and it was under siege with heavy gunfire. Thousands of civilians remained trapped in southern Gaza as fighting intensified.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The ICJ ruling</strong></h2>

<p>On Friday, the ICJ, the top court of the United Nations (UN), said that Israel must prevent genocidal acts in its conflict with Hamas and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel must facilitate "urgently needed" humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory, the ICJ said.</p>

<p>However, it stopped short of calling for an end to the fighting. The genocide case against Israel at the ICJ was brought by South Africa. A long vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, South Africa accused Israel of breaching the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, set up after World War II and the Holocaust.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-israeli-intelligence-chiefs-to-meet-qatar-officials-to-discuss-second-gaza-hostage-deal-report-683891">US, Israeli intelligence chiefs to meet Qatar officials to discuss second Gaza hostage deal: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the case as "outrageous" while Hamas hailed the court's ruling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the ruling, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said it had sacked several employees accused by Israel of involvement in Hamas' Oct 7, 2023 attack. The United States in response said it had suspended additional funding to the agency.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Reactions to ICJ ruling on Israel's war in Gaza</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) denied Israel's charges it had colluded with Hamas by ignoring Israeli evidence of the group's "military use" of Gaza hospitals.</p>

<h2><strong>Death toll in Gaza crosses 26,000</strong></h2>

<p>The health ministry in the Gaza Strip said on Friday that the death toll in the war-torn region climbed to 26,083. A total of 183 people were killed in the last 24 hours, the ministry said, adding, 64,487 people have been wounded.</p>

<p>Hamas' Oct 7 attack on Israel killed 1,140 people, official figures showed. Hamas militants also seized about 250 hostages and Israel says around 132 of them remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 28 dead captives.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel has intensified its ongoing offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, despite the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering the Benjamin Netanyahu administration to prevent genocidal acts in its war with the Palestinian militant group.

Israel has intensified its ongoing offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, despite the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering the Benjamin Netanyahu administration to prevent genocidal acts in its war with the Palestinian militant group. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Saturday (Jan 27), overnight strikes were reported on Khan Younis, the current epicentre of Israel's assault on Gaza. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said some of the dead and wounded had been taken to the city's barely functioning Al-Amal hospital. Fierce fighting between the Israeli military and Hamas militants has raged for days around Khan Younis, forcing tens of thousands to flee further south to Rafah on the border with Egypt. Click here to follow all updates on the Middle East crisis The Palestinian Red Crescent Society also said that Israeli tanks were targeting Al-Amal hospital and it was under siege with heavy gunfire. Thousands of civilians remained trapped in southern Gaza as fighting intensified. The ICJ ruling On Friday, the ICJ, the top court of the United Nations (UN), said that Israel must prevent genocidal acts in its conflict with Hamas and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel must facilitate "urgently needed" humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory, the ICJ said. However, it stopped short of calling for an end to the fighting. The genocide case against Israel at the ICJ was brought by South Africa. A long vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, South Africa accused Israel of breaching the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, set up after World War II and the Holocaust. Also read | US, Israeli intelligence chiefs to meet Qatar officials to discuss second Gaza hostage deal: Report Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the case as "outrageous" while Hamas hailed the court's ruling. Following the ruling, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said it had sacked several employees accused by Israel of involvement in Hamas' Oct 7, 2023 attack. The United States in response said it had suspended additional funding to the agency. Also watch | Reactions to ICJ ruling on Israel's war in Gaza × Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) denied Israel's charges it had colluded with Hamas by ignoring Israeli evidence of the group's "military use" of Gaza hospitals. Death toll in Gaza crosses 26,000 The health ministry in the Gaza Strip said on Friday that the death toll in the war-torn region climbed to 26,083. A total of 183 people were killed in the last 24 hours, the ministry said, adding, 64,487 people have been wounded. Hamas' Oct 7 attack on Israel killed 1,140 people, official figures showed. Hamas militants also seized about 250 hostages and Israel says around 132 of them remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 28 dead captives. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli offensive intensifies in Gaza despite ICJ ruling

<p>The convicted murderer Kenneth Eugene Smith became the first man in the United States to be executed using nitrogen gas. The execution, which took place at Alabama's Holman Prison, deviated from the traditional lethal injection method and sparked condemnation from human rights activists, and the United Nations.</p>

<p>Now it has emerged that dozens of death row prisoners in Alabama may soon face the nitrogen gas route for their execution.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-alabama-makes-history-with-first-execution-using-nitrogen-gas-683713">Alabama death row inmate Kenneth Smith executed with nitrogen gas, in a first for US</a></strong></p>

<p>The 58-year-old Smith, who spent over three decades on death row for the 1988 murder-for-hire of a pastor's wife, faced a 22-minute execution that drew criticism for its apparent brutality.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Witnesses, including his spiritual adviser Reverend Jeff Hood, described the scene as a 'horror show'.&nbsp;Hood said that even prison staff couldn't conceal their shock at the distressing display, with audible gasps from onlookers as Smith struggled to breathe.</p>

<h2><strong>Nitrogen gas execution: Dozens of&nbsp;death row prisoners may follow the route</strong></h2>

<p>According to Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, what happened with Kenneth Eugene Smith "was textbook" form of execution when done with Nitrogen gas.</p>

<p>“As of last night, nitrogen hypoxia as a means of execution is no longer an untested method. It is a proven one. It’s the method that Kenneth Smith ultimately chose, along with 43 other death row inmates in our state,” Marshall was quoted as saying by CNN.</p>

<p>"I now suspect many states will follow."</p>

<p>The attorney general in a purported message to other US states, said: "Alabama has done it, and now so can you," Marshall said. "And we stand ready to assist you in implementing this method in your states."</p>

<h2><strong>US nitrogen gas execution: What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>Reverend Hood recounted the prison authorities' assurances that the nitrogen hypoxia execution would be nearly instantaneous, quick, easy, and painless.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But&nbsp;the reality unfolded quite differently. "What we saw last night was minutes, minutes, and minutes of a horror show," Hood was quoted as saying by the New York Post.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US: Alabama, third US state to authorise use of nitrogen for execution</strong></p>

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<p>Smith's contorted movements during the execution were likened to a "fish out of water, flapping over and over again," creating a lasting impact on those who witnessed the event.</p>

<p>The White House expressed deep concern over the execution, stating it was "deeply troubled" by the unfolding events.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UN human rights chief Volker Turk, the European Union, and various civil liberties groups also raised alarms about the method employed in Smith's execution, referring to it as an "untested human experiment."</p>

<p>The nitrogen hypoxia execution marks a significant departure from the conventional lethal injection method, forcing the prisoner to breathe nitrogen instead of oxygen through a respirator mask.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is the bottomline?</strong></h2>

<p>The international community's condemnation suggests that the execution method will likely face further scrutiny, reigniting the ongoing debate surrounding the ethics of capital punishment in the United States.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The convicted murderer Kenneth Eugene Smith became the first man in the United States to be executed using nitrogen gas. The execution, which took place at Alabama's Holman Prison, deviated from the traditional lethal injection method and sparked condemnation from human rights activists, and the United Nations.

The convicted murderer Kenneth Eugene Smith became the first man in the United States to be executed using nitrogen gas. The execution, which took place at Alabama's Holman Prison, deviated from the traditional lethal injection method and sparked condemnation from human rights activists, and the United Nations. Now it has emerged that dozens of death row prisoners in Alabama may soon face the nitrogen gas route for their execution. Also read | Alabama death row inmate Kenneth Smith executed with nitrogen gas, in a first for US The 58-year-old Smith, who spent over three decades on death row for the 1988 murder-for-hire of a pastor's wife, faced a 22-minute execution that drew criticism for its apparent brutality. Witnesses, including his spiritual adviser Reverend Jeff Hood, described the scene as a 'horror show'. Hood said that even prison staff couldn't conceal their shock at the distressing display, with audible gasps from onlookers as Smith struggled to breathe. Nitrogen gas execution: Dozens of death row prisoners may follow the route According to Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, what happened with Kenneth Eugene Smith "was textbook" form of execution when done with Nitrogen gas. “As of last night, nitrogen hypoxia as a means of execution is no longer an untested method. It is a proven one. It’s the method that Kenneth Smith ultimately chose, along with 43 other death row inmates in our state,” Marshall was quoted as saying by CNN. "I now suspect many states will follow." The attorney general in a purported message to other US states, said: "Alabama has done it, and now so can you," Marshall said. "And we stand ready to assist you in implementing this method in your states." US nitrogen gas execution: What happened? Reverend Hood recounted the prison authorities' assurances that the nitrogen hypoxia execution would be nearly instantaneous, quick, easy, and painless. But the reality unfolded quite differently. "What we saw last night was minutes, minutes, and minutes of a horror show," Hood was quoted as saying by the New York Post. Also watch | US: Alabama, third US state to authorise use of nitrogen for execution × Smith's contorted movements during the execution were likened to a "fish out of water, flapping over and over again," creating a lasting impact on those who witnessed the event. The White House expressed deep concern over the execution, stating it was "deeply troubled" by the unfolding events. UN human rights chief Volker Turk, the European Union, and various civil liberties groups also raised alarms about the method employed in Smith's execution, referring to it as an "untested human experiment." The nitrogen hypoxia execution marks a significant departure from the conventional lethal injection method, forcing the prisoner to breathe nitrogen instead of oxygen through a respirator mask. What is the bottomline? The international community's condemnation suggests that the execution method will likely face further scrutiny, reigniting the ongoing debate surrounding the ethics of capital punishment in the United States. (With inputs from agencies)

Alabama Nitrogen Gas execution: More states to follow lethal route for death sentence

Nearly 3,000 migrants are sleeping in tents in an island park near New York where people camping in the cold are among the latest temporary inhabitants of Randall's Island. It is New York's largest shelter for Asylum Seekers that now struggles to make space for incoming immigrants.

New York struggles to house rising numbers of immigrants

<p>Afghanistan's&nbsp;Taliban government has completed&nbsp;the country's first road link with China, extending the country's previous democratically-elected government's aim for&nbsp;increased connectivity and trade with its eastern neighbour.</p>

<p>However, analysts predict that Beijing is likely to approach the situation cautiously amid security threats posed by terrorists and separatists in its restive Xinjiang province.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The newly constructed 50 km (31 mile) Little Pamir Road in Badakhshan province, built with an estimated cost of 370 million Afghanis (US$5.07 million), was initially conceived by the former US-backed government to attract Chinese investment in Afghanistan's mining resources.</p>

<p><b>Also watch |&nbsp;China seeks to profile Afghanistan citizens?</b></p>

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<p>Construction of the road began in May 2021 but was suspended shortly. The Taliban regained control of the country three months later after the United States completed its military withdrawal.</p>

<p>According to Mohammad Ayub Khalid, the Taliban governor of Badakhshan, the 5-meter-wide road was completed around January 15.</p>

<p>Khalid stated that asphalt work would commence shortly.</p>

<p>While specific details about the road's location were not disclosed, local sources cited by the <em>South China Morning Post</em> suggest it extends to the Chinese border via the Wakhjir Pass in the Wakhan Corridor, a challenging mountainous region.</p>

<h2><strong>Taliban's extending strategic outreach to Afghanistan's neighbours</strong></h2>

<p>The former Afghan government envisioned this road as a link to China's extensive network, aiming to boost commerce, imports, exports, and cross-border transit.</p>

<p>The Taliban, however, sees it as a potential strategic corridor connecting Afghanistan not only with China but also with Pakistan and Tajikistan.</p>

<p>Despite the symbolic importance for the Taliban, experts cited by&nbsp;the media&nbsp;believe the road holds little economic interest for Beijing.</p>

<p>Zhu Yongbiao, a professor at Lanzhou University, told the <em>South China Morning Post</em>&nbsp;that the project primarily serves as a demonstration of the Taliban's governance capabilities, lacking practical access and economic value.</p>

<h2><strong>Taliban-China ties: Focus on Beijing's security concerns</strong></h2>

<p>Security concerns play a pivotal role in China's cautious approach to the Taliban, particularly in the Wakhjir Pass, widely deemed&nbsp;a major counterterrorism front line between Afghan militants and China's Xinjiang region.</p>

<p>China, worried about terrorism spilling into Xinjiang, has refrained from establishing customs facilities in the area and has only deployed border guards along the pass.</p>

<p>The East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), a separatist group founded by Uygur militants, further complicates the situation.</p>

<p>With an estimated 500 fighters in northern Afghanistan, primarily in Badakhshan province, ETIM has been linked to violent attacks in Xinjiang.</p>

<p>China has consistently urged the Taliban to intensify efforts against terrorism while expressing intentions to enhance trade ties with Afghanistan.</p>

<p>Despite hosting senior Taliban officials and establishing diplomatic relations, China remains cautious about the potential security risks associated with opening up the Wakhan Corridor.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Afghanistan's Taliban government has completed the country's first road link with China, extending the country's previous democratically-elected government's aim for increased connectivity and trade with its eastern neighbour.

Afghanistan's Taliban government has completed the country's first road link with China, extending the country's previous democratically-elected government's aim for increased connectivity and trade with its eastern neighbour. However, analysts predict that Beijing is likely to approach the situation cautiously amid security threats posed by terrorists and separatists in its restive Xinjiang province. The newly constructed 50 km (31 mile) Little Pamir Road in Badakhshan province, built with an estimated cost of 370 million Afghanis (US$5.07 million), was initially conceived by the former US-backed government to attract Chinese investment in Afghanistan's mining resources. Also watch | China seeks to profile Afghanistan citizens? × Construction of the road began in May 2021 but was suspended shortly. The Taliban regained control of the country three months later after the United States completed its military withdrawal. According to Mohammad Ayub Khalid, the Taliban governor of Badakhshan, the 5-meter-wide road was completed around January 15. Khalid stated that asphalt work would commence shortly. While specific details about the road's location were not disclosed, local sources cited by the South China Morning Post suggest it extends to the Chinese border via the Wakhjir Pass in the Wakhan Corridor, a challenging mountainous region. Taliban's extending strategic outreach to Afghanistan's neighbours The former Afghan government envisioned this road as a link to China's extensive network, aiming to boost commerce, imports, exports, and cross-border transit. The Taliban, however, sees it as a potential strategic corridor connecting Afghanistan not only with China but also with Pakistan and Tajikistan. Despite the symbolic importance for the Taliban, experts cited by the media believe the road holds little economic interest for Beijing. Zhu Yongbiao, a professor at Lanzhou University, told the South China Morning Post that the project primarily serves as a demonstration of the Taliban's governance capabilities, lacking practical access and economic value. Taliban-China ties: Focus on Beijing's security concerns Security concerns play a pivotal role in China's cautious approach to the Taliban, particularly in the Wakhjir Pass, widely deemed a major counterterrorism front line between Afghan militants and China's Xinjiang region. China, worried about terrorism spilling into Xinjiang, has refrained from establishing customs facilities in the area and has only deployed border guards along the pass. The East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), a separatist group founded by Uygur militants, further complicates the situation. With an estimated 500 fighters in northern Afghanistan, primarily in Badakhshan province, ETIM has been linked to violent attacks in Xinjiang. China has consistently urged the Taliban to intensify efforts against terrorism while expressing intentions to enhance trade ties with Afghanistan. Despite hosting senior Taliban officials and establishing diplomatic relations, China remains cautious about the potential security risks associated with opening up the Wakhan Corridor. (With inputs from agencies)

China fails to strike connectivity goal with Taliban amid security threats in Xinjiang: Report

Russia-Ukraine war | 82 clashes reported between Russia & Ukraine in 24 hours

The visiting French president Emmanuel Macron after attending the Republic Day celebration headed to Delhi's Nizamuddin Dargah. The 700-year-old Shrine is a symbol of Sufi culture in India as we look at visuals of Macron enjoying Qawaali.

French President Macron enjoys Qawwali at Nizamuddin Dargah, Delhi

Survey hints at electoral troubles for Tories in United Kingdom. Watch the video to know more.

Survey hints at electoral troubles for Tories

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