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US lawmakers view Afghanistan ‘dissent’ cable, dispute continuesUS lawmakers view Afghanistan ‘dissent’ cable, dispute continues

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The leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday privately viewed a classified cable related to the August 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, as the panel’s Republican chairperson and State Department grapple over providing access to the document.

Representatives Michael McCaul, the panel’s Republican chair, and Gregory Meeks, its top Democrat, viewed the cable at the State Department after McCaul last week said he had accepted an invitation to do so and would pause attempts to enforce a subpoena to obtain it.

McCaul said afterward he would speak to Meeks and committee members from both parties to discuss the next course of action if State does not agree to let all 51 members view the cable, as the subpoena requested.

McCaul said he was grateful he and Meeks were allowed to view the cable. “However, every member on our committee should be granted this same access,” McCaul said in a statement.

Meeks said in a statement afterward that a briefing provided to committee members and summary of the cable faithfully reflected its contents.

McCaul is investigating the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Republicans, and some Democrats, say there has never been a full accounting of the chaotic operation, in which 13 U.S. service members were killed at Kabul’s airport.

He has for months been seeking the “dissent channel” cable sent in July 2021 that a Wall Street Journal article in August 2021 said warned top officials of the potential collapse of Kabul soon after the withdrawal of U.S. troops. The channel allows State Department officials to air concerns to supervisors.

“I can say the dissenters were right – and the administration should have listened,” McCaul said.

Making the cable available for McCaul and Meeks’ private review was “extraordinary accommodation” on behalf of the State Department, spokesperson Matthew Miller said.

“We believe that ought to satisfy our obligation to provide them with the information that they need. But we will continue to engage with them” about the issue, he said.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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World

US, Iran and mediators make push for 45-day ceasefire, Axios reports

The ceasefire could be extended if additional time was required ​for talks, the report said.

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The U.S., Iran and a group of ​regional mediators are discussing the terms ‌for a potential 45-day ceasefire that could lead to a permanent end to the war, Axios ​reported on Sunday, citing four U.S., ​Israeli and regional sources with knowledge ⁠of the talks.

Reuters could not immediately verify ​the report. The White House and the U.S. ​State Department did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.

The mediators are discussing the terms ​of a two-phased deal, the report ​said, adding that the first phase would be a ‌potential ⁠45-day ceasefire during which a permanent end to the war would be negotiated.

The second phase would be an agreement on ​ending the war, ​the ⁠report said.

The ceasefire could be extended if additional time was required ​for talks, the report said.

U.S. ​President ⁠Donald Trump told the Wall Street Journal on Sunday his deadline for Iran to ⁠open ​the Strait of Hormuz ​or face attacks on critical infrastructure is Tuesday evening.

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