The United States should extend the May 1 deadline for pulling all its troops from Afghanistan, and make force cuts contingent on progress in peace talks as well as by the Taliban in reducing violence and containing al Qaeda, a bipartisan report to Congress said on Wednesday.
A May deadline is fast approaching for the U.S. to withdraw all troops from Afghanistan, but a bipartisan report delivered to Congress on Wednesday says that would be too early.
The U.S. agreed to pull its troops from Afghanistan by May 1 in a 2020 agreement with the Taliban.
However, the Afghanistan Study Group says a military drawback should be contingent on peace talks.
U.S. officials say the Taliban has maintained ties with al Qaeda and talks have stalled.
The Taliban denies the affiliation and has threatened to resume attacks on foreign forces if they remain in Afghanistan past the May 1 deadline.
This new report, however, warns withdrawing all U.S. troops could lead to civil war, destabilize the region, and reinvigorate al Qaeda.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price responded on Wednesday, saying negotiations with the Afghan government are ongoing.
He said, “No decisions about our force posture have been made.
We are committed, as I said, to supporting the diplomatic process.
And we're committed to ensuring that Afghanistan never again provides a base for terrorist attacks against the United States, our partners or our interests." Report co-chair and Retired Marine General Joseph Dunford told reporters the study has been shared with the Biden White House.
Former President Donald Trump ordered a drawback of U.S. soldiers by last month, even as violence in Afghanistan surged.
Some lawmakers, like GOP Senator Lindsey Graham, took issue with Trump’s decision.
In a statement, he praised the Wednesday report, saying, “We took our eye off Afghanistan, and that can never happen again.”
Severe flooding in Afghanistan, triggered by seasonal rains, has claimed 33 lives and injured 27 in three days, according to a Taliban spokesperson. Flash floods hit Kabul and multiple provinces, damaging over 600 homes, killing about 200 livestock, and impacting 800 hectares of farmland and 85 kilometers of roads.
#Afghanistan #Afghanistanfloods #Afghanistanflashfloods #Afghanistannews #Taliban #Afghanistannews #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
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Eight civilians, including women and children, tragically perished in air strikes by the Pakistani military near the Afghan border. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated, with retaliatory strikes following attacks on Pakistani troops. The Taliban government condemned the strikes as a violation of sovereignty, while border regions remain volatile due to militant activities. Diplomatic efforts are urgently needed to prevent further casualties.
#Pakistan #Afghanistan #Taliban #PakistanAirstrikes #Airstrikes #Paktika #Khost #TalibanPakistantensions #AsifAliZardari #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
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Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the crucial US aid package for Ukraine sends "sends a powerful signal" that his country "will not be the second Afghanistan". Sky News
United States President Joe Biden says he is “considering” a request from Australia to drop the prosecution of Julian Assange. The WikiLeaks founder has been indicted on 17 espionage charges and one charge of computer misuse over his website’s publication of classified U.S. documents relating to the Afghanistan and Iraq wars almost 15 years ago. The Australian national was taken to Belmarsh prison in London five years ago, after being dragged out of the Ecuadorian embassy, where he stayed while fighting against being taken to the US. Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
The ancient city of Mathura finds itself at the center of a high-stakes political contest as Uttar Pradesh gears up for the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections on April 26. The fate of several prominent faces, including actor Hema Malini, hangs in the balance, adding an air of intrigue to the electoral fray.
Malini, the BJP's candidate from Mathura, is seeking a third consecutive term, banking on her star power and the party's development agenda to woo voters.
However, the opposition has mounted a formidable challenge, with the Congress fielding Mukesh Dhangar. Pankaj Mishra Reports on the mood of the city.
#LokSabhaElections #LokSabhaElections2024 #ElectionswithOneindia #GeneralElections2024 #LSElections24 #IndianGeneralElection #ElectionPhase2 #BJPvsCongress #INDIAlliance #NarendraModi #RahulGandhi #ModivsRahul #Oneindia
Amid the speculations that Congress might field him from the Hamirpur parliamentary seat against BJP’s Anurag Thakur, the deputy chief minister Mukesh.. IndiaTimes
BJP's Kerala challenge, Modi's Congress attack, Lok Sabha polls for 89 seats, key leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Shashi Tharoor, Uddhav Thackeray, and heatwave.. IndiaTimes
Congress aims to win over 13 seats in Rajasthan, countering BJP's divisive strategies. Dotasra criticizes Modi's lies and vindicates Rahul Gandhi's stance on.. IndiaTimes
Congress dissociated itself from chairman of Indian Overseas Congress Sam Pitroda's comments on inheritance tax and said his remarks were being sensationalised.. IndiaTimes
Donald Trump may go to jail in his hush money case -- but even before that, he may get locked up over a gag order ... something the Secret Service is ready for,.. TMZ.com
Congress Sends Biden a Bill , That Could Ban TikTok.
Included within Congress' $95 billion national security package is a provision that could
lead to TikTok being banned in America.
Included within Congress' $95 billion national security package is a provision that could
lead to TikTok being banned in America.
However, the ban would take place
after the 2024 election, NBC News reports. .
This means that TikTok could still be used by candidates seeking the nation's highest
office who want to reach younger voters.
This means that TikTok could still be used by candidates seeking the nation's highest
office who want to reach younger voters.
The new bill gives TikTok parent company ByteDance nine months to sell the
platform or be banned in the U.S.
A one-time, 90-day extension can
be granted by the president.
Without an extension, the earliest a ban
could be implemented is January 2025.
Some Democrats say that ByteDance would rather sell TikTok than be banned in America.
TikTok ain’t going away. There is
no more capitalistic entity than
an organization controlled by
the Chinese Communist Party.
They’re going to sell it, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., a member of the
Armed Services Committee, via NBC News.
Young people will go on their
TikTok tomorrow and they’ll still
have it. And then the day after
that, they’ll still have it. And the
day after that, they’ll still have it.
If you like it, you’re going to keep it, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., a member of the
Armed Services Committee, via NBC News.
Donald Trump issued a statement seeking to
exploit the development for his own political gain.
Just so everyone knows, especially the
young people, Crooked Joe Biden is
responsible for banning TikTok. He is the one
pushing it to close … Young people, and lots of others, must remember this on November 5th, ELECTION DAY, when they vote!, Donald Trump, via Truth Social
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso met with ex-President Donald Trump at Trump Tower, emphasizing the enduring significance of the US-Japan alliance amid Indo-Pacific security challenges. Trump praised Japan's defense efforts. These diplomatic exchanges coincide with Trump's legal proceedings and his active engagement with other global leaders.
#DonaldTrump #donaldtrumplatestnews #donaldtrumpnews #donaldtrump2024 #TaroAso #JapanUS #ShinzoAbe #Worldnews #news #Oneinda #Oneindia news
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US State Department warns businesses of potential sanctions risks regarding deals with Iran following Iran's engagement with Pakistan. Recent US sanctions target entities aiding Pakistan's ballistic missile program, including Chinese companies. The Pentagon reaffirms positive relations with Pakistan, emphasizing its importance as a regional security partner.
#Biden #JoeBiden #VedantPatel #USSanctions #Sanctionlist #Pakistannews #Irannews #Worldnews #news #Oneinda #Oneindia news
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US State Department reports human rights abuses in Manipur post-ethnic conflict. Modi condemns. Report notes violence between Kuki and Meitei groups, UN urging.. IndiaTimes
US Vetoes Resolution , to Grant Palestine , Full UN Membership.
On April 18, the United States vetoed a United Nations
resolution that would have allowed Palestine
to become a full United Nations member. .
Associated Press reports that the
widely-supported resolution was backed
by 12 of 15 Security Council members. .
The United Kingdom and Switzerland
both abstained from the vote,
while the U.S. opposed the measure.
AP reports that Palestine's broad support reflects the
growing international concern for Palestinians facing
a humanitarian crisis amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
AP reports that Palestine's broad support reflects the
growing international concern for Palestinians facing
a humanitarian crisis amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
The resolution would have made Palestine
the 194th member of the United Nations. .
Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood stressed to the
Security Council that the U.S. veto of the resolution... .
... “does not reflect opposition to Palestinian statehood
but instead is an acknowledgment that it will only
come from direct negotiations between the parties.”.
Similarly, deputy State Department
spokesman Vedant Patel said that the U.S. has...
... “been very clear consistently that premature actions
in New York — even with the best intentions — will
not achieve statehood for the Palestinian people.”.
In response to the failed vote, Palestinian U.N.
Ambassador Riyad Mansour told the council that
the decision would not deter the Palestinian people.
The fact that this resolution did not
pass will not break our will and it
will not defeat our determination, Riyad Mansour, Palestinian U.N. Ambassador, via Associated Press.
We will not stop in our effort.
The state of Palestine is inevitable.
It is real. Perhaps they see it as
far away, but we see it as near, Riyad Mansour, Palestinian U.N. Ambassador, via Associated Press
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Following India's protest over US comments on Arvind Kejriwal's arrest, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated Washington's stance on fair legal processes. He emphasized transparency and timeliness in both Kejriwal's case and the freezing of Congress party bank accounts.
#ArvindKejriwal #Kejriwal #MatthewMiller #EDArrest #CongressParty #BankAccounts #Indianews #USIndia #Biden #PMModi #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
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On Wednesday, the government convened a 40-minute meeting with the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission from the United States, who was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs' office located in Delhi's South Block. While specific details of the meeting have not been disclosed, it follows a statement by a US State Department spokesperson the previous day. The spokesperson mentioned that the department is actively monitoring reports concerning the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and urged New Delhi to ensure a fair and expeditious legal process for the detained Aam Aadmi Party leader.
#ArvindKejriwal #USKejriwalArrest #USReactsToKejriwalArrest #MegaRally #INDIABlocRally #KejriwalArrestOppositionRally #OppositionRallyKejriwalArrest #HighCourtChallenge #ImmediateRelease #KejriwalArrest #LegalAction #DelhiHighCourt #LegalBattle #EnforcementDirectorate #UrgentHearing #LegalJustice #AAPLeader
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Tennessee Passes Bill , Allowing Teachers to Carry Guns.
The Tennessee House of Representatives passed the bill by a vote of 68-28 on April 23, CBS News reports.
The legislation would grant some teachers
and staff the right to carry concealed
handguns at public schools.
The bill will now be sent to Republican
Gov. Bill Lee to either sign or veto. .
If signed into law, the legislation would represent the largest expansion of gun access in Tennessee since the deadly shooting at
The Covenant School in Nashville last year.
Teachers and staff carrying guns would only be known to administrators and police.
Teachers and staff carrying guns would only be known to administrators and police.
Other teachers and students' parents
would not be privy to the information. .
If a school worker wants to carry a handgun, they'd have to have a "permit and written authorization from the school's principal and local law enforcement," CBS News reports. .
If a school worker wants to carry a handgun, they'd have to have a "permit and written authorization from the school's principal and local law enforcement," CBS News reports. .
School districts would need
to grant permission as well.
A background check and 40 hours of training would also be mandatory.
However, school staff would be prohibited from carrying their guns during events at stadiums, gymnasiums or auditoriums. .
Protesters shouted
"Blood on your hands" after
the bill was passed by the
House on April 23
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Senate Passes $95 Billion , Foreign Aid Package.
On April 23, the U.S. Senate voted
79-18 to approve foreign aid for Ukraine,
Israel and Taiwan, 'The Guardian' reports. .
Today the Senate sends a unified
message to the entire world:
America will always defend
democracy in its hour of need, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
Make no mistake, America will deliver
on its promise to act like a leader on the
world stage, to hold the line against
autocratic thugs like Vladimir Putin. , Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine,
$26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan.
The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine,
$26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan.
The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine,
$26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan.
A provision to ban TikTok
after the election if ByteDance refuses
to sell the platform is also included.
The legislation will now head to President Biden, who told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on
April 23 that he will "move quickly" to provide aid.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised House Speaker Mike Johnson, .
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised House Speaker Mike Johnson, .
with whom he worked "hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder to get this bill done.".
A lot of people inside and
outside the Congress wanted this
package to fail. But today those in
Congress who stand on the side of
democracy are winning the day, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell also issued a statement.
Today’s action is overdue, but our work
does not end here. Trust in American
resolve is not rebuilt overnight. Expanding
and restocking the arsenal of democracy
doesn’t just happen by magic, Senate Majority Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Title IX Regulations Add Protections , for Transgender Students.
Title IX prohibits "sex-based discrimination at government-funded schools," 'The Hill' reports. .
On April 19, the Biden administration revealed the last of its changes to the federal civil rights law. .
The new regulations expand how sex discrimination is defined, now including
sexual orientation and gender identity. .
These final regulations build on the
legacy of Title IX by clarifying that
all our nation’s students can access
schools that are safe, welcoming,
and respect their rights. , Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, via statement.
The update also reinstates "protections for student survivors of sexual assault and harassment" which were changed under President Trump, 'The Hill' reports.
Catherine Lhamon, the Education Department’s assistant secretary for civil rights, .
says the new rules will help schools
respond to "all sex discrimination,
not limited to sexual harassment.".
Biden's final changes to Title IX
are sure to be condemned by Republicans
who view transgender protections as failing
to protect cisgender women and girls.
The new changes will take effect Aug. 1.
The Biden administration has not yet finalized an additional rule pertaining to sports eligibility. .
Since 2021, 24 states have passed laws prohibiting transgender student-athletes from playing on
sports teams that align with their gender identity
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
House Republican leaders have lambasted President Joe Biden for his perceived inaction in enforcing existing measures against Iran. Representative Steve Scalise, the No. 2 House Republican, voiced concerns over the administration's policies allegedly facilitating Iran's oil sales, which fund terrorism. The Biden administration faces mounting pressure to deter future attacks without exacerbating regional tensions or antagonising China, a major buyer of Iranian oil.
#Biden #BidenSanctions #BidenIraq #AlSudani #BidenGaffee #USnews #Politics #IsraelIran #IranAttacksIsrael #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
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Biden Cancels Over $7 Billion in Student Debt , for More Than 277,000 Borrowers.
On April 12, President Joe Biden said that over 277,000 borrowers in more than
40 states will have $7.4 billion in student
loan debt wiped out, 'The Hill' reports. .
To date, the Biden administration has canceled $153 billion in student loan debt. .
From day one of my administration,
I promised to fight to ensure higher
education is a ticket to the middle class,
not a barrier to opportunity. , President Joe Biden, via statement.
I will never stop working to cancel
student debt – no matter how
many times Republican elected
officials try to stop us, President Joe Biden, via statement.
'The Hill' reports that Biden's loan forgiveness has largely been aimed at helping
"public service workers, those on IDR plans," .
people who've been defrauded by educational institutions and those with disabilities. .
Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, issued a statement in response to Biden's actions. .
The administration is tone deaf.
There’s no other way to put it, Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
We know that instead of doing its
job the administration focused
time, energy, and resources on
its illegal student loan scheme. , Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
And that has been frustrating, especially
since it has jeopardized the academic
journey of millions of students, Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
But what is absolutely maddening is
that the administration is STILL not
doing its job and instead focusing on
its student loan shenanigans. , Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, , “We know what Republicans are going to do; we can’t
stop them from that. But it’s also not going to stop the president from acting and taking action, like he is today.”
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Congressman Michael McCaul, the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, tells CNN’s Dana Bash that President Biden needs to keep US troops in Afghanistan to prevent the Taliban from..
International troops plan to stay in Afghanistan beyond the May deadline envisaged by the insurgent Taliban's deal with the United States, four senior NATO officials said. The move could escalate..