Latest News
Biden says ME more ‘stable, secure’; critic points out ‘shambolic’ withdrawal
US President Joe Biden claimed in a Saturday Washington Post Op-Ed that the Middle East is more “stable and secure” than when he took office.
“The Middle East I’ll be visiting is more stable and secure than the one my administration inherited 18 months ago,” Biden wrote.
His comments come despite the decision to withdraw American troops from Afghanistan, which was followed by the collapse of the former government and take over by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA).
But in response to his comments, K.T. McFarland, deputy national security adviser to former president Donald Trump spoke with Fox News Digital in response to Biden’s op-ed, calling America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan “shambolic.”
“Our shambolic withdrawal from Afghanistan has turned out to be the turning point in America’s position in the world. Ever since, our friends no longer trust us, and our adversaries no longer fear us,” McFarland said.
“Biden inherited a Middle East that had just concluded an historic peace agreement between Israel and Sunni Arab nations. Iran was economically devastated because of sanctions and low oil prices. The maximum pressure campaign on Iran was working – they would have soon had no choice but to stop their support of terrorist movements, and cease their nuclear weapons program and sue for peace on our terms. ISIS was defeated, its butcher leaders dead.”
McFarland also said that Biden will soon find that the Middle East has “moved on.”
“The Arabs and Israelis continue to build momentum of the Abraham Accords, despite Biden’s best efforts to sabotage it. Iran will have deliverable nuclear weapons by the end of Biden’s term. The Saudis, whom Biden has publicly disavowed, will have little incentive to get him out of the oil shortages he has created,” McFarland says.
On July 8, 2021, almost two months before the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan took control of Afghanistan, Biden said that an IEA takeover of the country wasn’t likely.
Biden however mentioned Afghanistan once in the Op-Ed, but did not discuss the withdrawal of American troops from the country.
Biden’s Op-Ed comes less than a week before his first trip to Saudi Arabia since becoming President.
The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of Afghanistan has signed a 30-year agreement with a private company to extract marble in Daikundi province.
Under the contract, the company will invest AFN 283 million in exploring and mining marble at the “Mesh-Uliya” site, spanning 16.74 square kilometers in central Daikundi.
Hedayatullah Badri, Minister of Mines and Petroleum, stated that the marble will be processed domestically before being exported abroad. He added that the Mesh-Uliya project is expected to create around 200 jobs, and the company is committed to supporting local communities through social initiatives.
Economic experts highlight that such investments, especially those focusing on domestic processing, are crucial for job creation, boosting exports, and strengthening the national economy. Analysts further note that the project will improve local infrastructure, expand social services, and enhance the economic and social well-being of Daikundi residents.
Since the return of the Islamic Emirate to power, efforts to develop Afghanistan’s mining sector have intensified, with multiple contracts signed in areas including cement, copper, iron, and lapis lazuli, involving both domestic and international companies.
A passenger bus veered off the Salang Highway before dawn on Sunday, leaving five people dead and 44 others injured, the Ministry of Public Works said.
According to the ministry, the incident occurred at around 2:00 a.m. in the Shawol area of North Salang when a passenger bus deviated from the main road due to the driver’s negligence.
Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works, said five passengers were killed and 44 others sustained injuries. He added that personnel from the Salang Maintenance and Protection Directorate promptly arrived at the scene and transferred the injured to the Khunjān clinic for medical treatment.
The Ministry of Public Works has urged drivers and passengers traveling on the Salang Highway to strictly follow the instructions of on-duty teams, observe traffic regulations, and carry warm clothing, food supplies, and snow chains to prevent similar incidents.
The ministry also noted that heavy snowfall and stormy weather have led to the temporary closure of the highway, while road maintenance teams are continuing snow-clearing operations.
Latest News
Major fire in Mandawi Kabul market contained, extensive losses prevented
Local shopkeepers said the fire broke out around 4 a.m.
The Ministry of Interior reported that personnel from the General Directorate of Firefighting and Emergency Response successfully prevented the further spread of a fire at Mandawi market on Kabul early Sunday morning.
Abdul Mateen Qani, spokesperson for the ministry, said that the fire destroyed 10 storage facilities and 8 shops. He added that initial losses are estimated at around $700,000, but timely action by firefighting personnel saved property worth approximately $2.2 million.
Qani explained that the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit. He praised the rapid and effective containment operations, which prevented more extensive damage.
Local shopkeepers said the fire broke out around 4 a.m.
Tahawol: CSTO’s security concerns over Afghanistan
Saar: UNAMA’s activities in Afghanistan reviewed
Pakistan’s kinno exports falter as tensions with Afghanistan continue
Afghanistan and Kuwait draw 4-4 in friendly futsal match
Afghanistan signs 30-year deal for marble mining in Daikundi
Afghanistan economy under pressure as Pakistan shocks reshape trade flows
Gaza death toll tops 70,000, health ministry says
India set to establish pharmaceutical factories in Afghanistan: MoIC
Afghanistan offers tax breaks, free land to attract Indian investors
Iran rerouting more oil to China through Indonesia to dodge US sanctions
Tahawol: CSTO’s security concerns over Afghanistan
Saar: UNAMA’s activities in Afghanistan reviewed
Tahawol: Iran’s pledges to facilitate trade with Afghanistan discussed
Saar: Discussion on severe tensions between Kabul and Islamabad
Tawsia: India’s enthusiasm for investing in Afghanistan discussed
-
International Sports5 days agoIPL 2026: Teams take shape after auction as franchises balance star power and depth
-
International Sports4 days agoILT20: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders end Desert Vipers’ unbeaten run in dramatic one-run win
-
Latest News2 days agoAfghan border forces prevent illegal entry of hundreds into Iran
-
Regional5 days agoPakistan’s military chief Asim Munir in spotlight over Trump’s Gaza plan
-
Business4 days agoMahirood Customs leads Iran’s exports to Afghanistan
-
Latest News2 days agoPakistan summons Afghan diplomat over deadly attack in North Waziristan
-
World5 days agoTrump adds seven countries, including Syria, to full travel ban list
-
Latest News4 days agoAfghanistan, Kyrgyzstan discuss expanding trade and economic cooperation