Aug 28th 2021
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Have taken control of Afghanistan, the Taliban urged women to stay home, ostensibly for their own safety. America and other countries advised their citizens not to drive to Kabul airport because of the imminent threat of a terrorist attack. The Taliban warned that there would be “consequences” if American troops stayed beyond the August 31 evacuation deadline. Ashraf Ghani, the former president of Afghanistan, has appeared in the United Arab Emirates. A group of fighters in the Panjshir Valley continued to resist the new regime. See here and here.
The World Bank has suspended the financing of Afghanistan, among other things, out of concern that the Taliban could interfere in development projects that are on women. The IMF has already stopped making payments to the country. America and other countries have frozen almost all of Afghanistan’s $ 9 billion in foreign exchange reserves. Experts warn of an impending economic crash.
Ismail Sabri Yaakob was sworn in as Malaysia Prime Minister after the resignation of the infamous Muhyiddin Yassin. Mr Ismail Sabri comes from the same circle of politicians who supported the previous government that mishandled the pandemic. He was chosen by the King of Malaysia, who wants to put him in a vote of confidence in parliament.
The ruling parties of Japan and Taiwan ready to hold their very first security talks on August 27 to discuss the military threat posed by China. The talks are between parties, not between governments, because Japan and Taiwan do not have diplomatic relations.
In an unexpected step China Parliament delayed the imposition of a requirement that Hong Kong maintain an anti-sanctions law. The law, passed in June, penalizes companies that comply with sanctions against Chinese companies or officials.
Joe Biden nominated Nicholas Burns for his Ambassador to China. Mr. Burns was appointed to the State Department during the George W. Bush presidency and is a former American ambassador to NATO. Mr Biden also nominated Rahm Emanuel, Barack Obama’s chief of staff, as ambassador to Japan.
The US Supreme Court overturned Mr Biden’s decision to allow the admission Asylum seekers on the Mexican border with the United States while their cases are being heard. Mr Biden had suspended an order from Donald Trump instructing asylum seekers to wait in Mexico. The court said the order must be reinstated as Mr Biden’s action was likely “arbitrary and capricious”.
Kathy Hochul was sworn in as governor of New York State, following Andrew Cuomo’s resignation for alleged sexual harassment.
The House of Representatives passed a resolution of $ 3.5 trillion budget with a provision that avoids a filibuster in the Senate spending plan debate. Before the vote, the democratic leadership in the House of Representatives was faced with a mini-revolt by the moderate party, which was appeased with the assurance that an infrastructure measure with cross-party support would be voted on before September 27.
At least 20 people died when floods swept rural areas to the west Tennessee. Floods also killed at least 20 people in Venezuela.
The left government in Bolivia accused Jeanine Áñez, a former interim president, of “genocide”. The far-fetched charge relates to the deaths of 20 protesters, some of whom were supporters of the current government, in clashes with police in 2019. She has been in jail since April for planning a coup against Evo Morales, her predecessor as president and was recently hospitalized for high blood pressure and attempted to harm himself.
After Justin Trudeau announced an early election, Canada Prime Minister, faced a double blow from tightened polls and a barrage of criticism for slow response to the evacuation of Canadian interpreters from Afghanistan. Polls suggest Mr Trudeau’s Liberal Party will narrowly win the September 20th election. But some are within the margin of error, and Conservatives have criticized him for holding the vote while the country faces a fourth wave of Covid-19. Inflation can hurt his party too.
An appeals court in Kenya upheld a High Court decision blocking a constitutional amendment endorsed by President Uhuru Kenyatta. The program would have created dozens of new constituencies and several new posts, such as a prime minister. Many saw this as an attempt by Mr. Kenyatta to make it difficult for his estranged deputy, William Ruto, to succeed him next year.
Hissène Habré, who ruled Chad from 1982 to 1990 died of Covid-19. He was serving a life sentence in Senegal for crimes against humanity. Thousands of people were executed, tortured or imprisoned under his regime. Look here.
Tunisia President Kais Saied extended his parliamentary suspension until further notice and expressed concern about the future of the only real democracy in the Arab world. Last month, Mr Saied sacked the prime minister and took executive power, actions his opponents labeled a coup. But the president, who was elected with a promise to eradicate corruption, has broad support.
Coronavirus briefs
The American Food and Drug Administration gave full approval for that Pfizer vaccinationthat was previously used as part of an emergency permit. The decision will encourage public and private bodies considering hiring the jab.
The Department of Defense was one of the first to respond, saying it would prevail vaccination Mandates on his troops. New York City has decided that all employees who work in schools must have at least one chance by September 27th.
Taiwan started vaccinating people with a vaccine developed by Medigen, a Taiwanese pharmaceutical company. Critics say the vaccine’s emergency approval was rushed.
In view of another wave of Covid 19 despite the high vaccination rate Israel extended its booster shot program to over 30s. There is evidence that the extra dose may contain infections.
This article appeared in the section Die Welt this week of the print edition under the heading “Politics this week”.
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