Latest News
Barack Obama nominates Gen. Joseph Dunford as joint chief of staff
US president, Barack Obama on Tuesday nominated General Joseph Dunford for the chairman of the joint chief of staff.
While announcing the nominee, Obama said that Dunford is “one of the most admired officers in our military” and a “proven leader of our joint forces”.
According to Guardian, Dunford, 59, has served as commandant of the marine corps since October, and if confirmed by the Senate will succeed army general Martin Dempsey, who plans to retire. Dempsey leaves a slew of challenges for Dunford to inherit, including the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, the air campaign against Isis in the Middle East, and the encroaching military influences of Russia and China in eastern Europe and Asia respectively.
“I know Joe, I trust him,” Obama said. “He’s already proven his ability to give me his unvarnished military advice based on his experience on the ground.”
Before assuming command of the marine corps, Dunford led American forces and the international coalition in Afghanistan from February 2013 to August 2014, and worked with Obama as US troops pulled out of the country. The US plans to reduce its forces in Afghanistan to 5,500 “non-combat” troops by the end of 2015, down fromalmost 100,000 in 2010.
Dunford also has a reputation for a keen sense of strategy and an understanding of modern warfare, with Obama saying he is “one of our military’s most highly regarded strategic thinkers”. In addition to his 38 years of experience, Dunford has degrees from St Michael’s College, Georgetown University and Tufts University.
Obama also nominated air force general Paul Selva, the head of the military’s transportation command, to serve as vice-chairman, replacing current vice-chairman James Winnefeld. A former cargo and aerial tanker pilot, Selva is a relative rarity among air force chiefs who predominantly served as fighter and bomber pilots. From 2008 to 2011 he was assistant to the chairman and top military adviser to then secretary of state Hillary Clinton.
Both generals would serve for a two-year term, seeing Obama through the end of his presidency; like Dempsey, most generals serve two terms.
Latest News
Afghan community in California condemns Pakistani strikes amid growing global protests
The gathering in California follows a series of protests held last week by Afghan communities in Europe, highlighting growing concern among the diaspora over the deteriorating security situation.
Members of the Afghan diaspora in the United States have joined a widening wave of international condemnation over recent Pakistani military strikes on Afghan territory, as tensions along the disputed Durand Line continue to escalate.
A group of Afghan citizens in Sacramento gathered this week to denounce the attacks, describing them as a violation of sovereignty and a threat to civilian lives. Participants issued a formal resolution calling on the international community to investigate the strikes and hold those responsible accountable.
Speakers at the event warned that continued military action risks deepening instability in the region, urging global leaders to take the situation seriously and push for measures to prevent further escalation.
The gathering in California follows a series of protests held last week by Afghan communities in Europe, highlighting growing concern among the diaspora over the deteriorating security situation.
In London, hundreds of demonstrators marched through central streets, chanting slogans against the strikes and calling for urgent international intervention.
Protesters pointed to rising civilian casualties in eastern Afghanistan and warned that repeated shelling along the Durand Line could further destabilize already fragile local communities.
Meanwhile, in Oslo, members of the Afghan community gathered outside the Norwegian Parliament to voice similar concerns. Organizers said a formal resolution was submitted to national authorities, as well as to the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, urging immediate steps to halt the violence and ensure civilian protection.
The demonstrations come amid renewed tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where cross-Durand Line clashes and artillery exchanges have periodically flared. Analysts warn that without sustained diplomatic engagement, the situation risks escalating into a broader security crisis with far-reaching regional implications.
International Sports
IPL 2026: Lucknow hold nerve in final over to defeat Sunrisers
The match went down to the wire, with Sunriser’s bowlers applying pressure in the death overs through tight lines and clever variations.
Lucknow Super Giants edged out Sunrisers Hyderabad in a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter on Sunday, completing a tense run chase in the final over to register a crucial early-season win.
Batting first, Sunrisers posted a competitive total built around a fluent innings from Heinrich Klaasen, who once again demonstrated his ability to accelerate in the middle overs. He found support from the top order, helping the hosts set what looked like a defendable target on a surface offering some assistance to bowlers.
In response, Lucknow’s chase was steady rather than explosive. Early wickets threatened to derail their innings, but captain Rishabh Pant played a composed and calculated knock, anchoring the innings while rotating strike effectively.
Nicholas Pooran provided a late surge with some aggressive hitting, shifting momentum back in Lucknow’s favour.
The match went down to the wire, with Sunriser’s bowlers applying pressure in the death overs through tight lines and clever variations. However, Lucknow kept their composure, finding the boundaries when needed to cross the line with just one delivery remaining.
The win gives Lucknow Super Giants valuable momentum in the opening phase of the tournament, while Sunrisers Hyderabad will take positives from their batting performance but look to tighten their execution at the death.
Focus now moves to Monday’s fixture which sees Kolkata Knight Riders face Punjab Kings in what is expected to be a high-tempo contest.
Kolkata’s strength lies in their all-round depth, with power hitters and a varied bowling attack capable of adapting to different conditions. Punjab Kings, on the other hand, will be banking on their explosive top order and improved bowling unit to deliver a more complete performance.
Both teams are still shaping their combinations, making this an important match for building rhythm and consistency as the league stage progresses.
Fans across Afghanistan can follow every moment of the IPL live on Ariana Television Network, which holds exclusive broadcast rights for the tournament.
Viewers are also encouraged to stay connected via the social media platforms of Ariana Television and Ariana News for updated match schedules, live coverage details, highlights, and breaking IPL news throughout the season.
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