#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40006257

U.S., Britain, Australia announce new security partnership

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In a joint statement, the three governments said the partnership, called “AUKUS,” will help “significantly deepen cooperation on a range of security and defense capabilities.” The first initiative under AUKUS will be delivering a nuclear-powered submarine fleet for Australia.

The United States, Britain and Australia announced on Wednesday the creation of a new trilateral security partnership.

U.S. President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the announcement during a virtual event.

In a joint statement, the three governments said the partnership, called “AUKUS,” will help “significantly deepen cooperation on a range of security and defense capabilities.”

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The first initiative under AUKUS will be delivering a nuclear-powered submarine fleet for Australia and the three countries will spend as many as 18 months discussing how this capability will be delivered, according to the statement.

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Australia intends to build the submarines in Adelaide, a coastal city in the country’s south, in cooperation with Britain and the United States, Morrison said in his remarks.

“Australia is not seeking to acquire nuclear weapons or establish a civil nuclear capability,” he said, vowing to meet all of its nuclear non-proliferation obligations.

Biden and Johnson said the nuclear-powered submarines that Australia wants to acquire are conventionally armed, noting that their countries will also be fully in line with their non-proliferation obligations.

A senior administration official told reporters on Wednesday that AUKUS “is not aimed or about any one country,” claiming that “it’s about advancing our strategic interests, upholding the international rules-based order, and promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.”

Published : September 17, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40006255

Israels COVID-19 tally tops 1.2 mln

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Though over 64 percent of its population has received at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot, Israel has experienced a resurgence in the infections since June mainly due to the fast spread of the Delta variant.

Israel’s Ministry of Health on Thursday reported 8,586 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the tally of infections in the country to 1,208,144.

The ministry also reported 21 new deaths from the virus, taking the death toll in the country to 7,465, while the number of patients in serious condition increased from 650 to 654, the ministry said.

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The total recoveries from the virus climbed to 1,117,027, after 10,880 newly recovered cases were recorded, while active cases decreased to 83,652, it added.

Israeli students wearing masks are seen in a classroom on the first day of new school year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, in the central Israeli city of Modiin, Sept. 1, 2021.

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The number of people who have received the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in Israel stood at over 6.05 million, or 64.4 percent of its total population, while over 5.56 million have taken two doses and over 2.98 million have got three jabs, according to the ministry.

An Israeli woman receives her third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the Clalit Healthcare Maintenance Organization in Jerusalem, Aug. 24, 2021.
 

Published : September 17, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40006253

Maryland Zoo is one of 70 U.S. facilities vaccinating wild animals against the coronavirus

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Pull back that fur and stick out that paw.

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore said Tuesday that it plans to vaccinate some of its animals this fall against the coronavirus. The vaccine shots will be administered to more than 30 animals, including chimpanzees, North American river otters, an Amur leopard, cheetahs, lions, bobcats, lemurs and one American badger named Makoda with razor-sharp claws.

No animals at the Maryland Zoo have gotten covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, since the pandemic started more than a year ago. But the vaccine will “add another layer of protection for the animals in our care,” Ellen Bronson, senior director of animal health, conservation and research at the Maryland Zoo, said in a statement.

The Maryland Zoo is one of 70 zoos, sanctuaries and conservatories in the United States getting the coronavirus vaccine donated from Zoetis, a publicly traded drug company headquartered in Parsippany, N.J. Zoetis makes medicines and vaccines for livestock and pets. It was previously a subsidiary of the huge pharmaceutical company Pfizer before it spun off and became a separate entity.

At the National Zoo in the District, a spokeswoman said Tuesday that its veterinarians have plans to use vaccines from Zoetis – depending on their availability – this fall for some of its animals at its facility in Northwest Washington and at its sister location, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Virginia.

Maryland Zoo officials said Makoda, a badger shown here doing a training exercise, will get a coronavirus vaccine this fall. MUST CREDIT: Maryland Zoo

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Maryland Zoo officials said the vaccine will be rolled out for “species that have been proven to be susceptible to covid-19,” starting with great apes and big cats, as they’ve been found to be at higher risk of contracting the coronavirus.

Exactly how do you give a shot to a busy chimp or a lion or a cheetah?

Carefully and by training it.

Bronson said “many of these animals are trained to participate in their own health care, meaning they willingly work with the animal care team and veterinary technicians to receive injections.” She said sometimes animals will even “allow blood to be drawn” and have ultrasounds done when they’re awake.

By training the animals, she said, it avoids experts having to use anesthesia for minor procedures.

John Flanders Jr., an associate veterinarian at the Maryland Zoo, said most of the animals getting the vaccine have been trained to take injections voluntarily, and for those who may need to be anesthetized, it will be done when they have their regular annual exams.

“Chimps are trained to lean up against the mesh and hold their shoulder there while a needle is injected,” Flanders said. Even the cheetahs, the leopard and bobcats are trained to put forward their shoulder or a hip to get a shot.

The animals will need two coronavirus vaccine doses, several weeks apart, experts said. Once the animals are vaccinated at the Maryland Zoo, Bronson said, they’ll be closely monitored for any side effects.

Zoetis said it has given more than 11,000 doses of its coronavirus vaccines for animals to zoos and other animal care facilities in 27 states in the country. Its vaccine can be used in roughly 100 mammal species, experts said. The company’s vaccine is authorized for use on a case-by-case basis by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state veterinarians, said a company spokeswoman.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the coronavirus can infect mammals. There have been several cases of animals at zoos getting sick, and many experts said they typically got the virus after being in close contact with humans who had it. Animal experts have been most worried about orangutans, gorillas and chimpanzees catching the coronavirus because they are susceptible to many illnesses that affect humans, and a simple cold can be deadly for them.

Across the country, some zoos have started to vaccinate their animals against the coronavirus.

Last week, officials at the Zoo Atlanta said some of their gorillas tested positive for the coronavirus, and they have plans to vaccinate them once they’re better.

Over the summer, tigers, mountain lions, ferrets and bears at the Oakland Zoo were given the coronavirus vaccine from Zoetis. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Zoo said that some of its great apes got an experimental vaccine from Zoetis after some of its gorillas tested positive for the virus.

Some of the other animals that have tested positive for the coronavirus include two tigers at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo in Indiana, two tigers at Norfolk’s Virginia Zoo, three snow leopards at the Louisville Zoo in Kentucky, and four tigers and three African lions at New York’s Bronx Zoo.

Some pets such as dogs, cats and ferrets have also been infected.

Zoetis officials said their experts started working on a coronavirus vaccine for animals in February 2020 after they first heard about dogs getting infected with the virus in Hong Kong.

Christina Lood, a spokeswoman for Zoetis, said the company has not heard of any “significant adverse reactions” in animals that have received the coronavirus vaccine.

“We all want to make sure we protect our animal friends and this is one way we can keep them safe from covid,” Lood said.

Published : September 17, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40006254

3rd largest school district in U.S. reports 245 COVID-19 cases, over 5,400 close contacts in 2 weeks of classes

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Among the 245 confirmed cases reported from Aug. 29 to Sept. 11, 155 were students and 90 were adults, media said, citing data released by Chicago Public Schools.

Chicago Public Schools (CPS), the third largest school district in the United States, reported 245 COVID-19 cases and more than 5,400 close contacts of the infected in the first two weeks of classes, local media said Wednesday.

Among the 245 confirmed cases reported from Aug. 29 to Sept. 11, 155 were students and 90 were adults, said daily newspaper the Chicago Tribune, citing data released by CPS.

In the first week of classes, CPS posted the number of COVID-19 cases, people in quarantine and quarantine pods — small class sizes with an average of 15 students. In the second week, it posted instead the number of COVID-19 cases and close contacts — those coming within 6 feet (around 1.8 meters) of an infected person for at least 15 minutes in a 24-hour period.

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The Chicago Teachers Union doubted that CPS had provided a complete count of cases and close contacts on its tracker.

The district has repeatedly missed its own deadline to provide free COVID-19 tests for the 9,400 students and 6,200 staff members who have signed up for the weekly testing program. It initially planned to set up testing districtwide by Sept. 1, then postponed the date to Sept. 15.

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CPS said it expects to offer nasal swabs at 170 schools this week, far fewer than the 500-plus district-run schools.

It is unclear how many people have been quarantined since the start of classes, as those fully vaccinated as well as asymptomatic cases are not being directed to quarantine for the standard 14-day period. Besides, children aged under 12 are not eligible for COVID-19 vaccines.

Some parents are urging CPS to allow all students to participate in remote synchronous learning, not just those enrolled in the district’s Virtual Academy that are “medically fragile,” or those under quarantine for either testing positive or being close contacts.

Students arrive for the first day of full attendance at Phillip Rogers Elementary School in Chicago, on Aug. 30, 2021.

Published : September 17, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40006229

Capitan Petchyindee Academy to Mehdi Zatout: I don’t think he’s that dangerous

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It’s a delicate line to walk between respecting an opponent and being confident of victory. But for reigning ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Capitan Petchyindee Academy, that line is one he’s willing to tread against his next opponent.

Capitan makes the first defense of his World Title against former WBC Muay Thai World Champion Medhi “Diamond Heart” Zatout in the co-main event of ONE: REVOLUTION, scheduled to broadcast live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Friday, 24 September.
 
The Thai superstar says that although he respects Zatout as a legitimate challenger to his throne, he doesn’t believe the Algerian striker is “that dangerous.”

“I’ve watched many of his fight videos. I think he’s a tough guy to deal with because he has [a lot of] experience in Muay Thai, and he’s also a good technical fighter,” Capitan told ONE Championship.

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“[However], I don’t think I’m at a disadvantage. I know my weaknesses well from the last fight, and I know how to improve, so this shouldn’t be a problem.”
 
Capitan is fresh off a title-winning performance at ONE: UNBREAKABLE in January, where he defeated former champion Alaverdi Ramazanov to capture the coveted belt. Ramazanov is Zatout’s teammate at the prestigious Venum Training Camp in Pattaya, so Capitan is familiar with the style that camp employs.

Capitan Petchyindee Academy

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That being said, the 28-year-old titlist knows what to expect with Zatout when he meets him in the Circle.
 
“His strength is experience. I have to read his movements carefully and watch out for his punches, too. He has powerful and sharp punches. If I’m not careful enough, I might get knocked out,” Capitan said.
 
“But he also has a weakness. As for what I learned from his past fights, I noticed that he runs out of gas quickly. He always struggled at the end of the fight. He couldn’t fight for long. Maybe it’s because of his age. So, I’ll make good use of this point. I’m younger than him, so I can use my youth and strength to beat him.”

ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Capitan Petchyindee Academy
 
Now the king of kickboxing in the 65.8-kilogram division, Capitan knows he’s at the top of the food chain in a shark tank of competitors. Everyone he goes up against will be after his belt, and so the Thai warrior made sure he continues to upgrade his skills where necessary.
 
He plans to showcase his many improvements beginning with the Zatout bout.
 
“I don’t think he’s that dangerous, but I won’t underestimate his experiences. To fight with him, I should need more brain than brawn. I need to focus more on his game plan and counter wisely in order not to fall into his game,” Capitan said.
 
“I’ve undergone a special training program to improve my kicking force. We do the training to increase the muscles of both legs, which makes my kicks more functional and powerful. And we have special equipment that can measure my kicking speed and power. Now, I see that my leg muscles are stronger, and I can kick much harder.”
 
Any potential challengers, watch out.

ONE: REVOLUTION broadcasts live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Friday, 24 September.
 
ONE: REVOLUTION broadcasts live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Friday, 24 September.
 
In the main event, reigning ONE Lightweight World Champion Christian “The Warrior” Lee defends his world title against #3-ranked lightweight contender Ok Rae Yoon.

Published : September 16, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40006227

U.S. condemns DPRK missile launches, calls for dialogue

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State Department spokesperson said the United States condemns the DPRK missile launches, while noting that Washington is still committed to a diplomatic approach to Pyongyang to pursue the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

The United States on Wednesday condemned ballistic missile launches by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), calling on Pyongyang to engage in meaningful dialogue with Washington.

State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters in a briefing that the United States condemns the DPRK missile launches, noting “these missile launches are in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions … they pose a threat to the DPRK’s neighbors and other members of the international community.”

In the meantime, Price said Washington is still committed to a diplomatic approach to Pyongyang to pursue the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

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“We call on the DPRK to engage in a meaningful and substantive dialogue with us,” he added. “We’ve been very clear in the messages that we have conveyed to the DPRK that we stand ready to engage in that dialogue.”

Price also reaffirmed that U.S. commitment to regional allies is ironclad.

The Biden administration has repeatedly suggested that it seeks to engage with Pyongyang over the denuclearization issue but showed no willingness to ease sanctions.

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Published : September 16, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40006226

Vaccination efforts geared up in U.S. as COVID-19 kills 1 in 500 Americans

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COVID-19 deaths and cases in the United States have climbed to levels not seen since last winter, wiping out months of progress and potentially bolstering President Bidens argument for sweeping new vaccination requirements, media reported.

The federal government of the United States is commanding a strong gear for its COVID-19 vaccination efforts with new vaccine approval planned and extra pressure exerted on the country’s top businesses and incoming immigrants, as the pandemic has killed roughly one in every 500 Americans.

U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to meet on Wednesday with executives from companies including Walt Disney Co., Microsoft Corp. and Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. to advance his COVID-19 vaccination requirements for the private sector.

The White House meeting comes after a plan Biden announced last week designed to bring the pandemic under control, which includes vaccine requirements affecting roughly 100 million workers. Attendees are expected to discuss how they are expanding requirements at their companies and institutions and how mandates have driven up vaccinations among employees.

ANOTHER GRIM MILESTONE

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According to Johns Hopkins University data, as of Tuesday night, 663,913 people in the United States have died of COVID-19. Per the U.S. Census Bureau, the country’s population as of April 2020 was 331.4 million.

This meant that roughly “one in 500 Americans have died from coronavirus since the nation’s first reported infection,” “another grim milestone in its fight against the devastating COVID-19 pandemic,” reported CNN on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, according to The New York Times, the 7-day average of confirmed cases of the pandemic stood at 152,177 nationwide on Tuesday, with its 14-day change striking a 5-percent fall. COVID-19-related deaths were 1,888 on Tuesday, with the 14-day change realizing a 50-percent rise.

A U.S. national flag and flowers are seen at a cemetery in New York, the United States, July 29, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

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COVID-19 deaths and cases in the United States have climbed to levels not seen since last winter, wiping out months of progress and potentially bolstering President Biden’s argument for sweeping new vaccination requirements, reported ABC late Tuesday.

Fifty four percent of U.S. adults said the worst of the outbreak is still to come, despite widespread vaccination efforts, according to a Pew Research Center report based on a survey of 10,348 U.S. adults conducted from Aug. 23 to 29, which was released on Wednesday.

VACCINES FOR SMALL CHILDREN

Pfizer and BioNTech plan to file for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emergency authorization in November for their COVID-19 vaccine for children younger than 5, Pfizer Chief Financial Officer Frank D’Amelio said on Tuesday.

The company expects to have data for the 5 to 11 age group by the end of September, while data for the even younger group is expected later in October, D’Amelio added.

The FDA is under pressure to authorize a vaccine for children younger than 12, as many parents say they are anxious to get their children vaccinated as schools reopen and the highly contagious delta variant continues to spread.

Studies for the Pfizer vaccine in children ages 5 to 11 are ready for review, according to the FDA. Pediatrician Pia Fenimore in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, said that meant the vaccine could be ready sooner than expected, possibly in mid- to late October.

“A lot of people were willing to volunteer their child for these studies, so we were able to get the numbers of children in these studies faster than we thought we would,” NBC on Tuesday quoted her as saying.

Children go out with their teachers in San Francisco, California, the United States, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Dong Xudong/Xinhua)

MORE VACCINATIONS

The above-mentioned Pew report also found that 73 percent of those aged 18 and older say they’ve received at least one dose of a vaccine for COVID-19. About a quarter of adults say they have not received a vaccine.

Some of the lowest vaccination rates are seen among those with no health insurance and white evangelical Protestants (57 percent each) as well as among Republicans and Republican leaners (60 percent), per the report.

In another development, the United States will require new immigrants to be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus as part of its routine medical examination, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on Tuesday.

The measure goes into effect on Oct. 1. Most people applying to become a permanent resident in the United States are required to receive the immigration medical examination “to show they are free from any conditions that would render them inadmissible under the health-related grounds,” according to USCIS.

The coronavirus vaccination requirement follows updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USCIS said. Exceptions to the requirement will be allowed for medical conditions, if there is a lack of vaccine supply or if the vaccine is “not age-appropriate” for the immigration applicant, USCIS said. Religious or “moral convictions” exemptions may be requested on a case-by-case basis.

People walk past a mobile COVID-19 testing site on a street in New York, the United States, on July 20, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

Published : September 16, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40006224

Afghanistan to have regular army soon: army chief of staff

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“Afghanistan will have a regular, disciplined and strong army in near future to defend and protect the country,” said Talibans army chief of staff Qari Fasihuddin.

Afghanistan would soon have a regular army to defend the country, Taliban’s army chief of staff Qari Fasihuddin has said.

“Afghanistan would have a regular, disciplined and strong army in near future to defend and protect the country and consultations in this field continue,” Fasihuddin was quoted as saying by Afghan radio service Salam Watandar.

Fasihuddin, in his address to a gathering in Kabul on Wednesday, said the members of the proposed army would be well-trained and disciplined to defend and protect Afghanistan, according to the media outlet’s report.

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The Taliban captured the capital Kabul on Aug. 15 and announced the formation of a caretaker government on Sept. 7 to rule Afghanistan but without regular police and army.

A member of Taliban stands guard at the former Khost Protection Force (KPF) military center in Khost city, eastern Afghanistan, Sept. 15, 2021.

Published : September 16, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40006222

Asia Album: One day in Afghanistans capital, southern province of Kandahar

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Have a look at Afghan capital city Kabul after the Talibans takeover on Aug. 15 and the southern Kandahar province, one of the most war-torn regions in the country over the past 20 years.

Vendors push their handcarts on a street in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, Sept. 15, 2021. (Photo by Kabir/Xinhua)

Vendors push their handcarts on a street in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, Sept. 15, 2021. 

A man decorates a vehicle for a wedding party on a street in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, Sept. 15, 2021. (Photo by Kabir/Xinhua)

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A man decorates a vehicle for a wedding party on a street in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, Sept. 15, 2021. (Photo by Kabir/Xinhua)

Vendors sell shoes on a street in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, Sept. 15, 2021. (Photo by Kabir/Xinhua)

Vendors sell shoes on a street in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, Sept. 15, 2021. (Photo by Kabir/Xinhua)

An Afghan man drinks tea in Kandahar city, southern Afghanistan, Sept. 14, 2021. (Photo by Sanaullah Seiam/Xinhua)

An Afghan man drinks tea in Kandahar city, southern Afghanistan, Sept. 14, 2021. (Photo by Sanaullah Seiam/Xinhua)

An Afghan vendor sells food for consumers in Kandahar city, southern Afghanistan, Sept. 14, 2021. (Photo by Sanaullah Seiam/Xinhua)

An Afghan vendor sells food for consumers in Kandahar city, southern Afghanistan, Sept. 14, 2021. (Photo by Sanaullah Seiam/Xinhua)

An Afghan vendor waits for consumers in Kandahar city, southern Afghanistan, Sept. 14, 2021. (Photo by Sanaullah Seiam/Xinhua)

An Afghan vendor waits for consumers in Kandahar city, southern Afghanistan, Sept. 14, 2021. (Photo by Sanaullah Seiam/Xinhua)

Published : September 16, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/international/40006220

Afghans long for better life as Taliban government manages to run country with calls for international aid

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While the security situation in Afghanistan has remained stable since the Taliban takeover in mid-August, the Central Asian country is now facing economic and humanitarian challenges, with its people longing for better life and the Taliban new government calling for international assistance.

— “The war is over, and insecurity and fighting are not a concern among the Afghans anymore,” said Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid.

— “The people of Afghanistan still need assistance and cooperation from the world,” said Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting foreign minister of the new Taliban government.

“WAR OVER”

There has been no major security incident or armed clashes since Aug. 15 when Taliban took over 33 of the country’s 34 provinces, except a deadly suicide bomb blast and ensuing shooting outside the Kabul International Airport, which killed over 170 Afghan civilians and 13 U.S. soldiers, and wounded nearly 200 others.

On Sept. 6, the Taliban announced that its fighters had completely captured Panjshir, the only province that had remained out of Taliban’s control, days after sporadic clashes were reported in the mountainous province.

There were no civilian casualties during the fighting in Panjshir, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said, adding that electricity and internet service would resume in the province soon.

No major clashes have been reported in Panjshir since then, although the so-called National Resistance Front of Afghanistan led by Ahmad Massoud, the son of former anti-Taliban leader Ahmad Shah Massoud, has denied the Taliban’s claim of capturing Panjshir.

“The war is over, and insecurity and fighting are not a concern among the Afghans anymore,” Mujahid said.

Afghanistan would soon have a regular army to defend the country, Taliban’s army chief of staff Qari Fasihuddin said Wednesday.

“Afghanistan would have a regular, disciplined and strong army in near future to defend and protect the country and consultations in this field continue,” Fasihuddin said at a gathering in Kabul, adding members of the proposed army would be well-trained and disciplined to defend and protect Afghanistan.

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Enamullah Samangani from the Taliban cultural commission said that some police officers from the former administration will soon return to work under the Taliban authorities for restoring order in Kabul and other big cities.

The Taliban military forces will quit cities, he told the local TV channel TOLO news Wednesday.

“Taliban militants have no high presence in Kabul … security and safety in city is fine, all car theft groups, street robbers and criminal gangs disappeared,” Kabul resident Mohammad Yama, 28, told Xinhua Tuesday.

Afghans push their handcarts on a street in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, Sept.15, 2021.

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ECNOMIC WOES
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has warned that 97 percent of Afghans could fall below the poverty line by mid-2022 unless the country’s political and economic challenges are addressed promptly.

According to a UNDP report recently released, the latest developments and uncertainties have severely affected people’s life in the country.

Shops, markets and business hubs reopened late last month. Although no shortage of food, medicines or daily necessities has hit the capital Kabul and other provinces, many people cannot afford to buy food and essential items for their daily life.

In recent days, government offices in Kabul and the country’s 34 provinces partially resumed operations but the banking service has not yet returned to normal, with thousands of customers waiting in long lines to withdraw their savings.

“The reports of freezing of Afghanistan’s central bank assets by the United States as well as the announced halt of funds by the World Bank have added to our concerns,” Mohammad Mansour from northern Kunduz province told Xinhua.

About 5,000 small factories in industrial parks across the country still remained closed due in part to lack of resources.

On Aug. 28, the Afghan central bank issued an order to all banks setting a weekly limit of withdrawals of 200 U.S. dollars or 20,000 afghani for a customer.

Photo taken on Sept.15, 2021 shows the former Khost Protection Force (KPF) military center in Khost city, eastern Afghanistan.

WOMEN’S CONCERNS
On Sept. 7, The Taliban leadership announced the formation of a caretaker government led by acting Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund.

Several ministries of the interim government have urged their previous employees to return to work before Sept. 17, but with the female staff waiting for further notice. Female doctors and women working in the health ministry and female teachers at girls’ primary schools have already returned to their work.

Karima Malikzada, a female government employee from the eastern Logar province, said, “the new government should … allow men and women to rejoin their offices and their salaries must be paid, we have no other resources to afford daily life.”

She told Xinhua that she thought the Afghan people would trust the Taliban if the latter could honor its promises for women, many of whom have to work to support their children.

On Sunday, Abdul Baqi Haqqani, acting minister of higher education, said that female students can attend higher education institutions and universities but in gender-separated classes.

“All government-run universities will reopen soon, possibly within a week. Higher education authorities are working on regulations as students will return to their classes,” Haqqani told reporters.

The acting minister noted that the Islamic dress was necessary for the female students to attend classes.

Afghan girls pose for photos during a break at a local school in Mazar-i-Sharif, capital of Balkh province, Afghanistan, Sept. 14, 2021.

HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently said the possibility of a complete economic collapse in Afghanistan was “serious” and highlighted an urgent need for funding support at a high-level ministerial meeting on Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation in Geneva on Monday.

On Tuesday, the UN appealed to countries that together pledged 1.2 billion U.S. dollars in relief for Afghanistan to take action quickly.

Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesperson for Guterres, said the pledges in humanitarian and development aid announced at the Monday meeting included funding for the flash appeal for Afghanistan and a regional response.

“The United Nations and humanitarian partners, including national and international nongovernmental organizations, can move quickly to turn funds into food, health care and protection for Afghan children, women and men in need,” Dujarric added.

A convoy with aid from the UN refugee agency UNHCR reached the eastern Nangarhar province, the spokesperson said. “This is the second convoy of relief items that have entered Afghanistan through the Torkham Border Crossing since Aug. 15.”

Seasonal food assistance from the World Food Programme (WFP) continues with one month’s worth of food for previously assessed vulnerable families, he said.

On Tuesday, in response, Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting foreign minister of the new Taliban government, said, “We are thankful for recent announcement of 1 billion U.S. dollars pledged in Geneva.”

“The people of Afghanistan still need assistance and cooperation from the world,” Muttaqi told reporters while calling on countries to continue “assisting Afghans in fields of education, health, refugees, and the struggle against the drought” as before without associating “humanitarian issues with the political issues.”

He also urged foreign aid workers to return to help the country, saying, “Security and safety will be ensured for all aid workers.”

An Afghan vendor waits for customers in Kandahar city, southern Afghanistan, Sept. 14, 2021.

Published : September 16, 2021