China Threatens US With Warships To Protest Pact
China has condemned a new nuclear submarine pact between Britain, the United States, and Australia shows “a Cold War mentality” and warned it could send warships to Hawaii.
Britain
Japan Warns China With Largest Military Drills In Decades
Japan’s army has begun its largest exercises in decades after warning China it will defend disputed islands that Tokyo views as Japanese territory.
France is furious at Australia’s submarine deal with US and UK
France has reacted angrily to Australia’s announcement Wednesday that it will be working with the US and the UK to acquire nuclear-powered submarines for use by the Australian navy, the Washington Times reports.
US, Britain, and Australia Ink Defense Pact To Counter China
The United States, Britain, and Australia announced a special security pact Wednesday, just hours after the European Union’s chief hinted at setting up an EU army operating outside the U.S.-led NATO military alliance.
EU Chief Hints At European Army
The European Union’s chief suggested Wednesday that the EU should soon have its own army after the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Taliban Co-Founder Disappears Amid Reported Split
The co-founder of Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban has disappeared from public view after a reported internal row over the Islamist group’s new government.
Iran One Month Away Of Nuclear Weapon
Iran has reportedly come within a month of having enough material to fuel a single nuclear weapon, adding to pressure on U.S President Joe Biden to renew the 2015 nuclear deal.
Britain Reverses Course on ‘Vaccine Passports’ for Nightclubs, But Vaccination Program For Minors is Expected
Britain’s Health Ministry announced Sunday that it would reverse its decision to require ‘vaccine passports’ for Britons entering nightclubs and bars.
Scores Of Americans, Foreigners Leave Afghanistan
Some 200 people, including about 30 Americans, left war-ravaged Afghanistan Thursday on one of the first international commercial flights since last month. The Qatar Airways flight to Doha with onboard men, women, and children marked the reopening of the Kabul airport after it was damaged after the Taliban captured the capital.
National insurance rise sets UK on path to record tax level
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s plan to hike payroll taxes to raise billions in funding for health and social care will raise Britain’s tax burden to its highest ever level, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies.
Belarus Dissidents Sentenced To Lengthy Jail Terms
In a significant warning to dissidents, a court in Belarus on Monday sentenced two leading opposition activists to lengthy prison terms.
President Biden Declares End Of US Presence In Afghanistan; Many Terrified (Video)
U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed the end of America’s two decades of military presence in Afghanistan, long after Islamist Taliban fighters with U.S.-supplied camouflage uniforms and M4 rifles already celebrated their victory.
Islamic State Involved In Kabul Airport Suicide Attacks; 15 Killed
The Islamic State group was involved in twin suicide bombings targeting crowds outside Kabul’s airport, killing more than a dozen people, U.S. and Russian officials said Thursday.
Britain Fails To Convince US To Stay In Afghanistan Beyond August 31
In a significant concession to Afghanistan’s new Islamist Taliban rulers, the U.S. said Tuesday it would not extend the deadline for evacuations beyond August 31.
Taliban Warns US To Leave Afghanistan; Deadly Shootings Erupt
Deadly shootings erupted Monday in Kabul as the Islamist Taliban group warned that delaying an American presence beyond an August 31 deadline would “provoke a reaction.”
Russia Warns West Not To Intervene In Afghanistan
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned the West not to interfere in Afghanistan after the fall of Kabul, amid signs that China and Russia are increasing their footprint there. The authoritarian leader said Western nations “must stop the irresponsible policy of imposing foreign values from abroad.”
Britain, France, Germany Voice ‘Grave Concern’ Over Iran’s Uranium Enrichment
Britain, France, and Germany — three of the signatories of a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers — have expressed serious concern over the UN’s nuclear watchdog reporting that Tehran has produced uranium metal and stepped up production of weapons-grade enriched uranium in violation of the deal.
‘Taliban To Respect Women’s Right, But Introduces Sharia’
Afghanistan’s Islamist militant Taliban group pledged Monday that it would “respect the rights of women” if they respect its strict interpretation of Islam. “They can work and have education within Islamic law,” said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid during his group’s first press conference since taking control over Afghanistan.
Taliban Executions As Militants Capture Kabul (Video)
Minority Christians and supporters of the U.S.-led military coalition such as translators were among Afghans facing executions after the Islamist militant Taliban group took control over Afghanistan.
Britain Police Say Gunman Killed 5 People In Six Minutes
British police have revealed the identity of a gunman saying Jake Davison killed five people, including a young girl, in Plymouth late Thursday.