Latest News
Bolton’s book says Trump opposed continuing US military presence – Afghanistan
The US President Donald Trump was opposed to continuing military presence in Afghanistan, the US former National Security Adviser John Bolton wrote in his book.
Bolton highlighted Trump’s commitment to his campaign promises and mismanagement of economic and security aid as reasons for his opposition.
The book What Happened in the Room, written by John Bolten, a former White House security adviser, has caused a stir in the United States and a number of other countries. In two chapters of a total of fourteen pages, the book deals with events in Afghanistan, including narrations of the White House through Trump and other high-ranking officials, including the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, and Special Representative for Afghanistan.
“Trump opposed a continuing US military presence in Afghanistan for two related reasons: first, he had campaigned to“end the endless wars” in faraway places; and second, the sustained mishandling of economic and security assistance, inflaming his instinct against so much frivolous spending in federal programs,” wrote Bolton.
In another part of the book, Mr. Bolton writes that on November 8 this year, the White House met with Trump, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, the National Security Adviser, the CIA Director, and the Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
“We’re being beaten, and they know they’re beating us,” wrote Bolton quoting Trump. “Then he was off, raging against the statutorily mandated Afghanistan Inspector General, whose reports repeatedly documented wasted tax dollars but also provided amazingly accurate information about the war that any other government would have kept private.
Trump said, “I think he’s right, but I think it’s a disgrace he can make such things public.”
US President Donald Trump announced the release of his dissertation with the publication of this book but failed to prevent its publication.
A 20-year-old Afghan migrant has been arrested in Germany over the alleged sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl inside a school toilet in the city of Koblenz.
According to prosecutors, the incident occurred on April 28 after the suspect and another man allegedly entered the school premises. Investigators say the suspect cornered the girl in the restroom while a second 19-year-old man allegedly restrained her during the attack.
The girl reportedly told her older sister about the incident two days later. Her family then located the suspect at a nearby residence and informed police.
German authorities arrested the suspect on May 4. He remains in pre-trial detention and has been charged with committing sexual acts against a child on school grounds.
The Koblenz prosecutor’s office confirmed the suspect’s Afghan nationality to German broadcaster SWR. Prosecutors also stated that the man had previously been under investigation in another alleged sexual offence case. He had earlier been fined for possessing a blank-firing pistol without a licence.
Police said the second suspect is still being investigated as a suspected accomplice and remains at large.
Authorities have not yet clarified how the two men allegedly gained access to the school property.
Matiul Haq Khalis, Director General of Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA), left for Baku on Friday at the head of an official delegation to participate in the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), a major international gathering focused on sustainable urban development and environmental challenges.
The forum, organized by UN-Habitat, is scheduled to take place from May 17 to 22 in the Azerbaijani capital under the theme “Housing for All: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities.”
According to Afghan officials, the delegation will participate in a series of technical meetings and discussions on climate change, environmental protection in urban areas, sustainable development, waste management, green cities, air pollution control and strengthening urban resilience.
The World Urban Forum is regarded as one of the world’s leading platforms on urbanization and environmental policy, bringing together government officials, mayors, international organizations, climate experts and development institutions from across the globe.
On the sidelines of the event, Khalis and accompanying officials are also expected to meet with representatives of international organizations, donor agencies and foreign governments to discuss environmental cooperation, technical support and future joint initiatives.
Afghanistan’s environmental authority described participation in the forum as an important opportunity to expand international engagement, exchange experiences and seek practical solutions to the country’s growing environmental and urban challenges.
The visit comes as Afghanistan faces increasing concerns over climate-related risks, rapid urbanization, air pollution and environmental degradation, issues that officials say require broader regional and international cooperation.
Brad Cooper, the head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), told a U.S. Senate committee on Thursday that Afghanistan remains a major focus for Washington in terms of terrorist activity and regional security threats.
Speaking during a hearing before lawmakers, Cooper said Afghanistan continues to be “on the forefront” of U.S. monitoring efforts regarding militant groups.
“Afghanistan remains on the forefront of what we are watching in terms of terrorist activity,” he told the committee.
The CENTCOM commander added that the United States is working closely with regional partners to contain and suppress potential threats emerging from Afghanistan.
The remarks come as U.S. officials continue to express concerns over the presence of militant groups in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of American forces from the country in 2021.
The Islamic Emirate, however, has denied presence of militant groups in Afghanistan, emphasizing that it will not allow Afghan soil to be used against any other country.
Iran has ‘no trust’ in US, will negotiate only if it is serious, Araqchi says
Afghan migrant arrested over alleged assault of schoolgirl in Germany
Israel to sue New York Times over article on rape of Palestinian detainees, Netanyahu says
NEPA chief to attend UN urban forum in Azerbaijan
US CENTCOM chief says Afghanistan remains key terrorism concern
New Afghanistan-China transport corridor launched via Turkmenistan
Bayat Power extends gas supply deal with Afghan Gas
Germany to launch online visa system for Afghan study and work applicants in Pakistan
Afghanistan moves toward self-sufficiency in car battery production
Airspace transit fees generate revenue for Afghanistan as flight routes shift
Saar: Problems of Afghan refugees in Iran discussed
Tahawol: Donald Trump’s trip to China discussed
Saar: Hopes for easing tensions between Kabul-Islamabad discussed
Tahawol: China’s optimism on Kabul–Islamabad talks discussed
Saar: IEA high-ranking delegation’s visit to Kazan discussed
-
Business2 days agoAfghanistan signs $46 million deal to develop standard laboratory complexes
-
Latest News4 days agoJapan announces MEXT scholarships for Afghan students for 2027 academic year
-
Latest News3 days agoIran allegedly relocates aircraft to Pakistan and Afghanistan amid US strike fears: CBS Reports
-
Business4 days agoAriana Afghan Airlines lowers cargo rates on Kabul–Delhi route to boost exports
-
Latest News4 days agoAfghanistan seeks closer trade cooperation with Uzbekistan
-
Regional4 days agoTrump rejects Iran’s response to US peace proposal as ‘unacceptable’
-
Latest News3 days agoUN warns hunger crisis in Afghanistan deepening, women and children most affected
-
Latest News4 days agoPakistan ambassador urges Afghan authorities to act against militant threats